Tactile Presentation Device Standing Wave Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile presentation devices struggle to provide targeted tactile feedback on touch panels, as they often activate feedback in unintended areas, especially when multiple fingers are used to select options and background areas simultaneously, leading to confusion in user interface operations.
Innovation Solution
A tactile presentation device with a vibration generator and supporting components that form a standing wave on the touch panel, allowing for controlled tactile feedback by adjusting the frequency to selectively present vibrations at specific touch positions, distinguishing between option and background areas through node and antinode manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tactile feedback is provided across the entire touch panel surface, then users can perceive operation acceptance, but it becomes impossible to distinguish between option areas and background areas when multiple fingers are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating standing waves with specific node and antinode positions on the touch panel. The vibration generator produces vibrations that form stationary patterns where antinodes (high vibration) are positioned only in option areas while nodes (low vibration) are positioned in background areas. This allows different regions of the panel to have different tactile characteristics simultaneously, enabling users to distinguish between selectable options and non-selectable background areas through tactile feedback alone.
2Measurement precision
If the vibration generator is positioned to provide feedback at specific locations, then targeted tactile feedback is achieved, but controlling the vibration distribution across different areas becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration principles by employing a vibration generator that produces carrier waves which reflect off the panel boundaries to form standing waves. By controlling the vibration frequency to match the natural resonant frequencies of the panel, the system creates stable standing wave patterns with fixed node and antinode positions. This approach simplifies the control system because the panel's physical dimensions and boundary conditions naturally determine the vibration distribution, eliminating the need for complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by detecting which areas of the touch panel are being touched and dynamically adjusting the vibration generator's operation accordingly. When a finger touches an option area (antinode position), tactile feedback is activated; when touching background areas (node positions), feedback remains inactive. This feedback mechanism allows the system to provide context-appropriate tactile responses while maintaining simple vibration control through standing wave patterns.
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 precise tactile feedback to specific fingers touching the panel, enhancing user interface operations by clearly differentiating between selection and non-selection areas, even when multiple fingers are involved, thereby improving user experience and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The driving control device makes only the vibration generator vibrate to form a standing wave in an area including the target area between the vibration generator and the first end
Implementation Method 2
A first vibration reflection rate at the first end for a carrier wave from the vibration generator is negative. A second vibration reflection rate for the carrier wave from the vibration generator at a second end of the panel that is opposing to the first end across the vibration generator is greater than the first vibration reflection rate
Data Source
AI summary
A tactile presentation device includes a panel, a first supporting member that secures and supports a first end of the panel, a vibration generator disposed at a position facing the first supporting member across a target area to be touched by a user on the panel, and a driving control device that provides the vibration generator with a driving signal. The driving control device makes only the vibration generator vibrate to form a standing wave in an area including the target area between the vibration generator and the first end. A first vibration reflection rate at the first end for a carrier wave from the vibration generator is negative. A second vibration reflection rate for the carrier wave from the vibration generator at a second end of the panel that is opposing to the first end across the vibration generator is greater than the first vibration reflection rate.