Tactile Feedback Apparatus Synchronizing Vibration with Pressing Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile feedback apparatuses are limited in their ability to reproduce a diverse range of tactile sensations, primarily only simulating surface roughness like smooth or rough skin.
Innovation Solution
A tactile feedback apparatus that includes a pressable portion, a detection unit to detect external forces, a vibration actuator to apply vibrations, a storage unit for waveform information, and a control unit that synchronizes the vibration actuator with the detected forces to provide specific tactile sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vibration is applied to reproduce tactile sensations, then the diversity of tactile sensations is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores pre-defined waveform information in a storage unit before actual operation. The control unit retrieves appropriate waveforms from storage based on detected pressing conditions, eliminating the need for real-time complex calculations and reducing control system complexity while maintaining diverse tactile sensation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit continuously monitors external forces and pressing portion positions, providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust vibration timing and intensity based on actual user interaction, achieving diverse tactile sensations through adaptive control rather than complex predetermined logic.
2Manufacturing precision
If vibration is applied at specific points in time during pressing action, then the accuracy of tactile sensation reproduction is improved, but the precision of timing control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit provides real-time feedback on external forces and pressing portion positions to the control unit. This feedback enables precise timing control by continuously monitoring actual pressing conditions and adjusting vibration timing accordingly, achieving accurate tactile sensation reproduction without requiring complex predetermined timing sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores pre-calculated waveform information in advance, allowing the control unit to quickly retrieve and apply appropriate vibrations based on detected pressing conditions. This preliminary preparation reduces the computational burden during real-time operation, enabling precise timing control while maintaining system responsiveness.
3Reliability
If the vibration actuator is attached directly to the pressing portion, then the transmission efficiency of vibration is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into separate functional modules: a wearable device containing the vibration actuator and a pressing device with the pressable portion. These modules can be independently manufactured and then combined through attachment, improving vibration transmission efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through modular assembly rather than requiring complex integrated design.
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 configuration allows for the reproduction of a wider range of tactile sensations, including sensations that feel harder, granular, or sticky, which cannot be replicated by existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration actuator that applies vibration to the pressing portion
Implementation Method 2
a detection unit that detects an external force acting on the pressable portion
Data Source
AI summary
A tactile feedback apparatus includes a pressable portion on which a pressing action is performed by a pressing portion, a detection unit that detects an external force acting on the pressable portion or detects a position of the pressing portion with respect to the pressable portion, a vibration actuator that applies vibration to the pressing portion, a storage unit that stores waveform information for driving the vibration actuator so as to provide the pressing portion with a specific tactile sensation, and a control unit that causes the vibration actuator to vibrate based on the waveform information at a specific point in time in the pressing action. The specific point in time is based on the external force or the position detected by the detection unit.