Peripheral Haptic Actuator Control Using Travel Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic feedback systems for peripheral devices lack effective control mechanisms for user input elements, leading to suboptimal user interaction and feedback during actuation and release transitions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling user input elements in peripheral devices by determining travel distances and generating haptic signals based on predefined thresholds, allowing for precise actuation and release feedback through haptic actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If haptic feedback is provided during user input element actuation and release, then user interaction quality is improved, but the control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback control is segmented into distinct phases: actuation phase (when travel distance exceeds actuation threshold) and release phase (when travel distance exceeds release threshold). Each phase has its own threshold criteria and haptic signal generation rules, allowing independent optimization of feedback for each transition type without requiring a monolithic complex control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in travel distance measurement and threshold comparison to control haptic feedback generation. By monitoring the travel distance parameter and comparing it against predefined actuation and release thresholds, the system automatically triggers appropriate haptic signals, transforming a complex control problem into a parameter-based decision process.
2Loss of information
If differentiated haptic feedback is generated for actuation and release transitions, then user perception of states is improved, but the signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single threshold and trying to differentiate feedback types through complex signal modulation, the patent inverts the approach by using separate thresholds for actuation and release phases. This inversion simplifies the signal processing logic while maintaining differentiated feedback, as each threshold independently governs its respective phase transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by generating distinct haptic signals in response to detected travel distance thresholds. The feedback mechanism uses the travel distance measurement as input and produces differentiated haptic output based on whether the threshold exceedance occurs during actuation or release, creating a closed-loop perception system that enhances user state awareness.
3Manufacturing precision
If travel distance thresholds are used to control haptic signals, then actuation precision is improved, but the measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a simplified travel distance measurement approach. By using a single linear travel distance parameter and comparing it against thresholds, the system achieves precise actuation control without requiring multiple sensors or complex mechanical measurement infrastructure, substituting a simple measurement model for a potentially complex physical measurement system.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided methods and apparatus of controlling a user input element of a peripheral device. To reach that aim, a first travel distance (TD1) associated with a first move (41) of the user input element according to an actuation direction is determined. An actuation signal and a first haptic signal are generated when the first travel distance (TD1) exceeds a first distance (ΔT0). A second travel distance (TD2) associated with a second move (42) of the user input element according to a release direction is determined. A release signal and a second haptic signal are generated when the second travel distance (TD2) exceeds a second distance (ΔR).