Sound Wave Touch Interface with Actuator Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound wave-based touch recognition interfaces face challenges in providing convenient, safe, and sufficient tactile feedback, particularly for blind control and pain reduction during use, as they require strong touches and lack distinct physical feedback.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating an auditory user interface (AUI) pad that generates sound waves, a sound wave recognition member to convert these waves into electrical signals, and an actuator member that deforms in response to these signals, allowing for local deformation of the pad and varying vibration characteristics to enhance tactile differentiation and reduce impact pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sound wave recognition is used for touch interface, then touchless control is enabled, but strong touch is required causing pain to user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the deformable pad with actuator member) between the user and the sound wave recognition system. When the user touches the pad, the intermediary converts the mechanical touch into pad deformation that directly influences sound wave generation, eliminating the need for strong impacts while maintaining control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical impact-based sound wave generation with a system where pad deformation (mechanical) is converted to electrical signals, which then control actuator members to generate sound waves. This substitution reduces the mechanical force required from the user
2Ease of operation
If smooth touch pad surface is used, then user comfort is improved, but blind control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific deformation zones on the otherwise smooth pad surface. The actuator member creates localized changes in pad topology that provide tactile cues only where needed, maintaining overall surface smoothness while enabling blind control through localized tactile differentiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mechanical vibration through the actuator member to create tactile feedback on the pad surface. The vibration provides sensory information to the user's finger, enabling blind control while maintaining a smooth surface that does not require direct visual confirmation
3Loss of information
If actuator member deformation is added, then tactile feedback is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pad serves multiple functions: it acts as both the user interface surface for touch input and the sound wave generation surface. The actuator member simultaneously creates tactile feedback and modulates sound wave characteristics, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing 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
The system improves user convenience and safety by enabling blind control through tactile sensation, reducing impact pain, and providing distinct physical feedback, allowing users to accurately input instructions without visual confirmation.
Implementation Method 1
a sound wave recognition member (30) configured to convert the sound wave transferred from the AUI pad (10) into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
an actuator member (20) attached to one side of the AUI pad (10) and configured to be deformed in response to the electrical signal converted by the sound wave recognition member (30)
Implementation Method 3
an auditory user interface (AUI) pad (10) configured to transfer a sound wave
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a sound wave-based touch recognition interface includes: an auditory user interface (AUI) pad configured to transfer a sound wave, a sound wave recognition member configured to convert the sound wave transferred from the AUI pad into an electrical signal, and an actuator member attached to one side of the AUI pad and configured to be deformed in response to the electrical signal converted by the sound wave recognition member.