Tactile Presentation Device Electrostatic Current Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tactile sense presentation devices can only provide limited tactile sensations using either electrostatic force or electric current stimulation, failing to offer a comprehensive range of tactile experiences.

Innovation Solution

A tactile sense presentation device with both electrostatic and electric current stimulation capabilities, utilizing a combination of first and second electrodes arranged on the same or different planes, allowing for simultaneous presentation of tactile senses through temporally changing voltages and currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If only electrostatic force is used for tactile stimulation, then the device structure is simple, but the available tactile senses are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailable tactile sensesVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electrostatic force stimulation and electric current stimulation into a single tactile presentation device. The electrostatic stimulation unit and electric current stimulation unit are integrated to work together, allowing the device to provide diverse tactile senses by merging two different stimulation mechanisms into one unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tactile presentation device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both electrostatic stimulation capability and electric current stimulation capability. This allows the device to adapt to different tactile presentation needs and provide various types of tactile feedback, making it universally applicable for different tactile sensing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electric current stimulation is added to electrostatic force stimulation, then elaborate tactile senses can be presented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile sense varietyVSAvoidelectrode arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode system is segmented into two distinct types: first electrodes for electrostatic stimulation and second electrodes for electric current stimulation. This segmentation allows each electrode type to be optimized for its specific function while working together within the same device, managing complexity through functional separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent arranges electrodes on multiple planes - first electrodes on one plane and second electrodes on another plane. This dimensional arrangement allows both stimulation types to coexist without interference, utilizing spatial separation to manage device complexity while maintaining versatile tactile capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If both electrostatic and electric current operations are performed in parallel, then tactile presentation efficiency is improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile presentation efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous and simultaneous operation of both electrostatic and electric current stimulation in parallel. This continuous parallel operation maximizes tactile presentation efficiency by eliminating sequential delays, allowing both stimulation mechanisms to work concurrently without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 elaborate tactile sensations by combining electrostatic and electric current stimulation without diminishing the effectiveness of either method, providing a richer tactile experience.

Implementation Method 1

applying temporally changing first voltages to a part of the plurality of first electrodes to generate electric fields which are changed by the part of the plurality of first electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

applying temporally changing first electric currents to a part of the plurality of second electrodes to cause the electric currents to flow from the part of the plurality of second electrodes to second electrodes which are different from the part of the plurality of second electrodes via electric conductors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric current: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9383822B2Method for presenting tactile sensation and device therefor

Publication Date: 2016.07.05 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A tactile sense presentation method includes arranging a plurality of first electrodes covered with an insulating film on a plane; arranging a plurality of second electrodes on a plane with tops exposed to outside; and performing a first operation in parallel with a second operation. The first operation is for applying temporally changing first voltages to a part of the plurality of first electrodes to generate electric fields which are changed by the part of the plurality of first electrodes. The second operation is for applying temporally changing first electric currents to a part of the plurality of second electrodes to cause the electric currents to flow from the part of the plurality of second electrodes to second electrodes which are different from the part of the plurality of second electrodes via electric conductors.