Piezoelectric Stylus Haptics for Fast Surface Texture Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pen-shaped input and output devices for virtual and augmented reality applications have long response and decay times, limiting the realistic haptic experience of surface profiles, and often require multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
A pen-shaped device equipped with a piezoelectric actuator that allows for rapid response and decay times, enabling the generation of haptic signals across a broad frequency range, and can function as both an input and output device, with optional sensors for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a linear actuator with voice coils is used, then the device structure is simple, but the response time is long and decay time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear actuator with voice coils (electromagnetic system) with a piezoelectric actuator (piezoelectric system). The piezoelectric actuator uses piezoelectric ceramics that deform in response to applied voltage, eliminating the need for voice coils, permanent magnets, and complex electromagnetic mechanisms. This substitution achieves significantly faster response time (less than 10 microseconds) and shorter decay time while maintaining compact structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to scan surface profiles, then the measurement precision is improved, but the 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). When used as a sensor, the piezoelectric actuator detects surface irregularities through mechanical contact during scanning, converting mechanical deformation into electrical signals. This eliminates the need for separate sensor components while maintaining the ability to scan and reproduce surface profiles accurately.
3Speed
If a piezoelectric actuator is used, then the response time is rapid and decay time is rapid, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the piezoelectric actuator design, including using multilayer piezoelectric components with specific layer thicknesses and configurations. By optimizing parameters such as the number of piezoelectric layers, electrode patterns, and material composition, the system achieves rapid response and decay times while managing manufacturing precision requirements through standardized component designs.
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
The device provides a realistic haptic experience of surface textures by varying vibration frequencies and amplitudes, and can operate as a sensor to scan and reproduce surface profiles, reducing the need for additional sensors and enhancing user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator unit which has a piezoelectric actuator... The piezoelectric actuator can be stimulated into vibrations with frequencies from a broad frequency range
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 that has a piezoelectric actuator, wherein the device is a pen-shaped input and/or output device, wherein the pen-shaped input and/or output is configured to use the piezoelectric actuator as a sensor, wherein the piezoelectric actuator is configured to generate a voltage as a result of an actuation of the pen-shaped input and/or output device, and wherein the pen-shaped input and/or output device has a second electronics circuit configured to detect the voltage generated by the piezoelectric actuator and store a characteristic value for the voltage generated.