Piezoelectric Pen Haptics for Fast Texture Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld tools for virtual and augmented reality applications have slow response times and long decay times, limiting the ability to realistically reproduce surface profiles haptically, and often require multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
A pen-shaped input and output device utilizing a piezoelectric actuator with rapid response and decay times, capable of generating vibrations across a broad frequency range, allowing for realistic haptic simulations of different textures, and optionally incorporating sensors for scanning and control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a linear actuator with voice coils is used, then the handheld tool can generate haptic signals, but the response time and decay time become long, limiting realistic surface profile reproduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the voice coil actuator (electromagnetic system) with a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator uses the piezoelectric effect to convert electrical signals directly into mechanical displacement, eliminating the need for electromagnetic fields and coils. This substitution enables much faster response times and decay times while maintaining the ability to generate accurate haptic signals for surface profile reproduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the actuator system by switching from electromagnetic actuation to piezoelectric actuation. This parameter change results in dramatically improved response characteristics (faster rise time and decay time) while maintaining the stroke length and force output necessary for realistic haptic feedback in virtual and augmented reality applications.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to improve scanning capability, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the piezoelectric actuator multi-functional by enabling it to operate both as an actuator (generating haptic feedback) and as a sensor (detecting surface profiles). The piezoelectric material can generate electrical charge in response to mechanical stress (piezoelectric effect), allowing it to function as a force sensor or acceleration sensor. This eliminates the need for separate sensor components while maintaining measurement precision for surface profile detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the actuator and sensor functions into a single piezoelectric component. By combining these two previously separate functions into one element, the device complexity is reduced (fewer components) while the measurement precision is maintained through the inherent sensing capability of the piezoelectric material.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables realistic haptic feedback with rapid vibration response and decay, simulating various surface textures, and can function as both an input and output device without additional sensors, offering energy-efficient operation and miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator unit which has a piezoelectric actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A pen-shaped input and/or output device and a method for generating a haptic signal are disclosed. In an embodiment a device includes an actuator unit comprising a piezoelectric actuator, wherein the device is a pen-shaped input and/or output device, and wherein the pen-shaped input and/or output device is configured to determine an acceleration based on voltages recorded by the piezoelectric actuator.