Tactile Orientation Feedback for AR and Object Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack effective methods to provide tactile output sequences indicative of their orientation relative to an object, increasing cognitive burden on users and wasting processor and battery power on redundant user inputs.

Innovation Solution

Electronic devices generate tactile output sequences in response to detecting changes in orientation and distance relative to an object, adjusting tactile output characteristics based on orientation changes, and providing tactile outputs indicative of camera orientation in augmented reality planes or data sharing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If electronic devices provide visual or auditory feedback to indicate orientation relative to an object, then users can understand device orientation, but cognitive burden increases and user interaction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation informationVSAvoiduser interaction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual and auditory feedback systems with a tactile feedback system using haptic actuators. The haptic device generates tactile sensations (vibrations, pulses, or resistance changes) that directly communicate orientation information to the user through touch, eliminating the need for continuous visual monitoring or auditory processing while maintaining effective orientation indication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The tactile feedback system provides self-service by delivering orientation information directly through the user's sense of touch during natural device handling. The haptic feedback occurs automatically based on detected orientation changes, requiring no additional user attention or cognitive processing to interpret visual displays or audio signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If electronic devices continuously monitor orientation and generate tactile feedback, then user interaction efficiency improves, but processor power and battery power are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction efficiencyVSAvoidprocessor power

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic monitoring of device orientation using the accelerometer, checking orientation at defined intervals or triggered by significant motion events rather than continuously. Tactile feedback is generated periodically or event-driven based on orientation changes, reducing unnecessary processor cycles while maintaining effective feedback timing for user interaction efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback system dynamically adjusts its operation based on detected orientation changes and interaction context. The processor activates tactile feedback only when orientation changes cross predefined thresholds or during relevant interaction phases, optimizing the balance between interaction efficiency and energy consumption by avoiding constant monitoring and feedback generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If electronic devices provide detailed tactile feedback sequences, then user understanding of device orientation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation informationVSAvoidfeedback mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tactile feedback system segments orientation information into distinct, interpretable haptic patterns. Different tactile sensations (vibration frequencies, pulse patterns, or resistance levels) represent different orientation states or directions, allowing users to understand device orientation through simplified, segmented tactile cues rather than complex continuous feedback sequences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250356743A1Generating tactile output sequences associated with an object

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 APPLE INC

AI summary

In some embodiments, an electronic device generates a tactile output sequence in response to detecting that the electronic device is oriented within a range of orientations that changes as the distance between the electronic device and a respective object changes. In some embodiments, an electronic device changes one or more characteristics of a tactile output in response to detecting a change in the orientation of the electronic device relative to a respective object. In some embodiments, an electronic device generates tactile outputs with characteristics indicative of the orientation of a camera of the electronic device relative to one or more AR (augmented reality) planes. In some embodiments, an electronic device generates tactile outputs indicative of a data sharing process with a second electronic device.