Touch Device Haptic Feedback via Dual-Peak Signal Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-sensitive devices lack effective simulation of keyboard switch haptic sensations, as they primarily provide tactile feedback for discrete touches without accurately replicating the dynamic response of a keyboard switch.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that generate a carrier wave signal modulated with a modulation envelope comprising two exponential functions with different decay rates, producing a closely spaced pair of peaks to simulate the haptic sensation of a keyboard switch by exciting the touch-sensitive surface with a force exciter, potentially combined with audio cues for enhanced feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple single impulse is generated to provide tactile feedback, then the device complexity is reduced, but the haptic sensation fails to accurately simulate keyboard switch feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The single impulse signal is segmented into a double impulse signal with two distinct peaks separated by a time interval. This segmentation creates a more complex signal structure that accurately simulates the characteristic haptic sensation of keyboard switch feedback, resolving the contradiction by accepting increased signal complexity to achieve reliable haptic simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal parameters are changed by introducing a double impulse structure with specific time intervals and amplitude ratios between the two peaks. This parameter modification transforms a simple tactile feedback signal into one that reliably simulates keyboard switch haptics, addressing the accuracy requirement while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Reliability
If a double impulse signal with complex modulation envelope is used to simulate keyboard switch haptics, then the haptic sensation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A modulation envelope function serves as an intermediary element that shapes the carrier signal into a double impulse waveform. This envelope function with two exponential terms acts as a mediator between the simple carrier signal and the complex double impulse output, enabling accurate haptic simulation through a structured approach that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal employs periodic modulation with a carrier wave that is modulated by the envelope function to produce the double impulse structure. This periodic action at the signal level creates the characteristic two-peak waveform needed for keyboard switch haptic simulation, achieving accuracy through structured periodic modulation rather than complex hardware.
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
The solution effectively simulates the haptic sensation of a keyboard switch by producing a pair of impulses with controlled timing and amplitude, improving user experience through more realistic tactile and auditory feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a force exciter or actuator coupled to the touch-sensitive surface... driving the exciter or actuator with the modulated carrier wave signal to excite the touch-sensitive surface
Implementation Method 2
modulating the carrier wave signal with a modulation envelope so that the modulated carrier wave signal has a closely spaced pair of peaks... to excite the touch-sensitive surface to provide a closely spaced pair of impulses
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A method of generating a keyboard switch haptic sensation in a coupled system comprising a touch-sensitive surface and a force exciter or actuator coupled to the touch-sensitive surface, the method comprising generating a carrier wave signal at frequencies within the frequency bandwidth of the coupled system, modulating the carrier wave signal with a modulation envelope so that the modulated carrier wave signal has a closely spaced pair of peaks, and driving the exciter or actuator with the modulated carrier wave signal to excite the touch-sensitive surface to provide a closely spaced pair of impulses whereby the keyboard switch haptic sensation is simulated to a user touching the touch-sensitive surface.