Synchronized Vibration Actuators for Directional Haptic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration devices lack the ability to define the directionality of vibratory forces, making it difficult to provide directional haptic sensations, especially in applications where visual cues are absent, and existing asymmetric vibrators are complex, costly, or have limited controllability.
Innovation Solution
A vibration device comprising a mounting platform with multiple low-cost linear resonant actuators arranged in a parallel configuration, controlled to generate combined sinusoidal vibration waveforms that emulate a virtual actuator with enhanced amplitude response or torque, allowing for directional haptic cues and legacy effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single ERM or LRA is used to produce vibration alerts, then the device can be felt while inside a person's pocket, but the ability to define directionality of vibratory forces is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vibration generation function into multiple independent actuators (at least two ERMs or LRAs) arranged in specific spatial configurations. Each actuator can be controlled independently to generate vibration forces in different directions, allowing the system to synthesize directional haptic cues by coordinating the operation of multiple segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-axis vibration (one dimension) to multi-axis vibration by arranging actuators in three-dimensional space with different orientations. This spatial arrangement enables the system to generate vibration forces in multiple directions simultaneously, adding dimensional control to the haptic output.
2Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetric vibrators are used to generate directional haptic cues, then directionality can be achieved, but the device becomes complex, costly, or has limited controllability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple standard, low-cost vibration actuators (ERMs or LRAs) to achieve the functionality of a single complex asymmetric actuator. By merging the capabilities of multiple identical or similar actuators through coordinated control, the system synthesizes directional haptic effects without requiring complex individual actuator designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universal, commercially available vibration actuators (ERMs and LRAs) that can serve multiple functions. The same type of actuator can generate both omnidirectional vibration alerts and directional haptic cues depending on its configuration and control strategy, eliminating the need for specialized asymmetric actuators.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vibration actuators are used to create directional haptic sensations, then directionality can be defined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different functional roles to different actuators based on their spatial positions and orientations. Each actuator is configured to contribute specifically to certain directional components of the haptic output, with local control strategies that optimize the contribution of each actuator to the overall directional effect.
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 the creation of a wide range of haptic effects, including directional cues, with improved controllability and power efficiency, using low-cost actuators to simulate high-performance vibration, suitable for various applications such as game controllers and assistive devices.
Implementation Method 1
Each LRA includes a moving mass, a voice coil, and a permanent magnet. The voice coil and permanent magnet are arranged coaxially with the axis of vibration. The voice coil is coupled to the moving mass and is operable to generate a sinusoidal vibration force along the axis of vibration.
Implementation Method 2
The controller is coupled to each of the plurality of actuators. The controller is configured to (1) control each actuator to generate a sinusoidal vibration force of a frequency, f1, onto the mounting platform, and (2) control amplitudes and phases of the sinusoidal vibration force from each actuator to generate a combined vibration waveform onto the mounting platform.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a Synchronized Array of Vibration Actuators in a Network Topology providing synchronized arrays of low-cost, readily available vibration actuators to emulate superlative single actuators and bring together sets of these emulated high-performance actuators to create a broad range of desired control effects. Such actuator arrays may operate in both spatial and temporal modes, creating haptic effects that relate to the user via their position and orientation in space. The spatial mode may create h-pulses or the amplitude of a vibrational effect may change based on position of the device. The temporal mode may create vibrational effects that interact with the user to create an awareness of time. Additionally modes include performance, bandwidth, magnitude and reliability modes. The different control modalities may be combined together into a single vector control space, which spans the haptic capabilities of sets and/or subsets of actuators.