Tactile Feedback Actuator with Variable Amplitude and Frequency Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tactile sense feedback technologies require accurate finger placement on a vibrating touch screen to control contact and non-contact time, which is impractical due to the limited vibration amplitude of piezoelectric actuators, making it impossible to adjust frictional force effectively.

Innovation Solution

A tactile sense presentation apparatus with a movable body and an actuator unit driven by a signal generation unit that produces vibrations with varying amplitudes and frequencies, allowing for the presentation of frictional force without the need for finger non-contact time, using multiple actuators to move in different directions and synchronize or desynchronize peak values to generate varied frictional forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a piezoelectric actuator is used to generate vibration on the touch screen, then the vibration frequency can be controlled, but the vibration amplitude is limited to several micrometers, making it impossible for the user to adjust contact time effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration frequencyVSAvoiduser ability to adjust contact time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the vibration amplitude parameter from micrometer level to millimeter level, making the vibration visible and touchable. This allows users to easily control contact time by feeling the vibration and adjusting their finger placement, resolving the contradiction between frequency control and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the vibration generation function from the touch detection function. The vibration actuator and touch screen are distinct components, allowing independent optimization of vibration amplitude and touch sensitivity, enabling users to control contact time without affecting frequency precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the vibration amplitude is increased to allow user control of contact time, then ease of operation improves, but the precision of tactile feedback decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser ability to control contact timeVSAvoidtactile feedback precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic vibration waves with controlled frequencies and amplitudes. The periodic nature allows users to sense the rhythm and control contact timing, while the precision of the periodic waveform maintains accurate tactile feedback. The regular oscillation pattern provides both ease of control and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuators are used to generate vibrations in different directions, then the variety of tactile senses increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariety of tactile sensesVSAvoidnumber of actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes each actuator multi-functional by controlling it to produce vibrations in multiple directions sequentially or simultaneously. Each actuator can generate vibrations along its own axis and perpendicular axes, providing diverse tactile feedback without requiring separate actuators for each direction, thus reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 presentation of various tactile senses with controlled frictional forces along multiple axes, enhancing user experience by providing a practical means to feel frictional forces without requiring precise finger placement or non-contact time.

Implementation Method 1

the actuator unit generates a vibration having within a vibration period a plurality of different amplitudes and a plurality of different frequencies or an amplitude and a plurality of different frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

presenting, to the user, a tactile sense with a frictional force between the movable body and the body (e.g., finger) of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The signal generation unit is configured to supply a driving signal to the actuator unit, the driving signal generating a vibration on the actuator unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentEP3611597B1Tactile sense presentation device, signal generating device, tactile sense presentation system, and tactile sense presentation method

Publication Date: 2023.06.07 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

[Solving Means] A tactile sense presentation apparatus includes a movable body, an actuator unit, and a signal generation unit. The actuator unit is connected to the movable body. The signal generation unit is configured to supply a driving signal to the actuator unit, the driving signal generating a vibration on the actuator unit, the vibration having within a period at least one of a plurality of different amplitudes and a plurality of different frequencies.