Tactile Feedback Device Using Electrostatic and Piezoelectric Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tactile sensation reproduction devices on touch screens face challenges in providing realistic feedback for multiple surface properties of visual objects, as they often lack comprehensive tactile perception due to limitations in the range and dimension of tactile feedback force, particularly in combining contour, texture, and roughness attributes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that generate tactile sensations based on contour, texture, and roughness attributes using a combination of electrostatic force, air squeeze-film effect, and mechanical vibration, by converting color information into relevant attribute data to determine driving signal parameters for each feedback mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single tactile feedback mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the dynamic range and dimension of tactile feedback force are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three different tactile feedback mechanisms (electrostatic force, air squeeze-film, and mechanical vibration) into a single integrated system. Each mechanism addresses different aspects of tactile perception: electrostatic force for contour perception, air squeeze-film for texture perception, and mechanical vibration for roughness perception. This merging allows the device to provide comprehensive tactile feedback for multiple surface properties simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and tactile feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile feedback device is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated system. It can perceive and reproduce contour, texture, and roughness attributes of visual objects simultaneously, making it universally applicable to various tactile sensation reproduction scenarios. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to different tactile feedback requirements without needing separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tactile feedback mechanisms are combined, then the dynamic range and dimension of tactile feedback force are extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile feedback system is segmented into three independent functional modules: electrostatic force generation, air squeeze-film generation, and mechanical vibration generation. Each module can be independently controlled and optimized based on the specific tactile attribute being reproduced. This segmentation allows the complex multi-mechanism system to be managed as separate, manageable components, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive tactile feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the contribution of each tactile feedback mechanism based on the real-time requirements of the visual object being reproduced. The control system selectively activates and modulates the intensity of electrostatic force, air squeeze-film, and mechanical vibration components according to the contour, texture, and roughness attributes detected. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to provide appropriate tactile feedback with minimal complexity for each specific scenario.
3Reliability
If comprehensive tactile attributes are reproduced, then the reality of tactile sensation reproduction is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the visual object's surface properties by detecting contour, texture, and roughness attributes before generating tactile feedback. This preliminary action allows the control system to pre-process the visual information and determine the appropriate combination and intensity of tactile feedback mechanisms needed, simplifying the real-time processing requirements during actual tactile reproduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor and adjust the tactile feedback output based on the detected surface properties and the actual tactile sensation produced. This feedback loop ensures that the comprehensive tactile attributes (contour, texture, roughness) are accurately reproduced while allowing the system to optimize processing efficiency by learning from previous reproductions and adjusting processing parameters accordingly.
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
This approach enhances the reality and richness of tactile sensation reproduction by extending the dynamic range and dimension of tactile feedback, allowing simultaneous perception of multiple surface properties, thereby improving the interactive experience.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic force element for generating an electrostatic force
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric element for generating an air squeeze-film effect
Data Source
AI summary
A tactile sensation providing method and device. The tactile sensation providing method includes: generating a first tactile sensation based on information of a contour attribute of a visual object; generating a second tactile sensation based on information of a texture attribute of the visual object; and generating a third tactile sensation based on information of a roughness attribute of the visual object.