Single-Actuator Audio Haptics for Frequency-Controlled Touch Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio and haptic output systems in electronic devices require separate actuators due to different frequency bands, leading to increased cost, complexity, and potential actuator damage from inter-part collisions.
Innovation Solution
An audio haptic output apparatus that uses a single actuator to combine audio and haptic signals by controlling frequency characteristics, preventing actuator damage and reducing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuators are used for audio and haptic functions, then each function can be optimized for its specific frequency domain, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the audio actuator and haptic actuator into a single integrated actuator that can perform both audio output and haptic feedback functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuators, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to optimize performance for both functions through unified design and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator is designed with multi-functionality to serve both audio and haptic purposes. By making the actuator universal, it can operate in different frequency domains and provide both sound output and vibration feedback, thereby reducing the number of components needed in the system.
2Power
If a haptic actuator is used for audio output, then low-frequency vibration can be enhanced, but inter-part collision and actuator damage occur due to large vibration displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the actuator's operating parameters based on the desired output function. When audio output is required, the actuator operates in a mode that limits vibration displacement to prevent mechanical damage. When haptic feedback is needed, the actuator can operate at higher vibration levels. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize vibration power while preventing actuator damage through real-time parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and duty cycle based on the required function. For audio output, parameters are adjusted to maintain safe vibration levels. For haptic feedback, parameters are optimized for vibration strength. This parameter adaptation enables the actuator to deliver high vibration power when needed while preventing damage through controlled operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If an audio actuator is used for haptic output, then audio quality can be maintained, but vibration power is insufficient for effective haptic feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated actuator implements dynamic operation modes that switch between audio-optimized and haptic-optimized performance characteristics. When audio quality is the priority, the actuator operates with parameters that preserve sound fidelity. When haptic feedback is required, the system activates a different operational mode that maximizes vibration power output, thereby achieving both high audio quality and effective haptic feedback through the same actuator.
4Ease of operation
If separate drive systems are implemented for haptic and audio, then each function can be independently controlled, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate drive systems for haptic and audio into a single integrated drive system. This unified drive system maintains the capability for independent control of each function through software-based signal processing and control algorithms, while eliminating redundant hardware components. The integrated approach reduces cost and system complexity while preserving independent controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical separation of drive systems with electronic/software-based control differentiation. Instead of using separate physical drive systems, the system uses a single drive system with electronically controlled signal processing that can independently generate and control audio signals and haptic signals. This substitution of mechanical complexity with electronic control achieves independent function control while reducing overall system complexity.
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 high-quality audio and haptic output with enhanced reliability and lifespan, while reducing system complexity and cost, and allowing for more design freedom without separate speaker holes.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator which outputs at least one of an audio and a haptic based on an output signal of the speaker amplifier
Implementation Method 2
due to resonance frequency characteristics of the actuator, the haptic and the audio are generally used by configuring a separate system
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an audio haptic output apparatus and a home appliance include: a touch panel; a memory storing a plurality of effect data corresponding to a plurality of touch inputs; a processor calling the effect data matched with the touch input through the touch panel from the memory, and generating an audio signal; a speaker amplifier amplifying and outputting a signal based on the audio signal; and an actuator outputting at least one of an audio and a haptic based on the output signal of the speaker amplifier, and the processor or the speaker amplifier converts and outputs the frequency characteristics of the audio signal when the effect data matched with the touch input through the touch panel includes audio data.