Multi-Electrode Touch Device for 3D Haptic Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch devices lack the capability to provide comprehensive haptic feedback in multiple directions, limiting the immersive user experience by only offering feedback in a single plane or through vibration.
Innovation Solution
A touch device comprising a substrate with first electrodes for touch sensing, second electrodes for electrostatic haptic feedback parallel to the surface, and third electrodes for electroactive polymer-based feedback along the normal vector, controlled by a circuit to provide simultaneous haptic feedback in X, Y, and Z directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vibration motors or single-plane haptic mechanisms are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the haptic feedback capability is limited to single direction or plane
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system is segmented into three independent electrode groups (first, second, and third electrodes) disposed at different orientations on the substrate. Each electrode group independently provides haptic feedback in a specific direction, enabling multi-directional feedback capability while maintaining modular system architecture that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-plane or linear haptic feedback to three-dimensional haptic feedback by adding electrodes disposed at different spatial orientations. The third electrodes provide feedback along the normal vector direction, adding the Z-dimension to the X-Y plane feedback from second electrodes, thus enabling comprehensive 3D haptic feedback.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrode types are added to provide multi-directional haptic feedback, then comprehensive haptic feedback in X, Y, and Z directions is achieved, but the device structure and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed with universal functionality to manage all three electrode groups through a unified control architecture. It can selectively activate first, second, or third electrodes based on touch position and desired feedback direction, providing multi-directional haptic feedback through a single multi-functional control unit rather than separate control circuits for each electrode type.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically selects which electrode group to activate based on real-time touch position detection and the desired haptic feedback direction. This dynamic control strategy enables the system to provide appropriate haptic feedback in different directions (X, Y, or Z) as needed, rather than requiring all electrodes to be constantly active or fixed in specific configurations.
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 a richer user experience by providing haptic feedback in multiple directions, enhancing interaction with electronic devices through precise control of touch position and signal transmission to electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
The control circuit is configured to sense at least one touch position based on a first signal from the first electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The control circuit is configured to transmit at least one second signal to at least one of the second electrodes based on the touch position, such that the second electrodes provide a first haptic feedback which is parallel to a top surface of the substrate
Implementation Method 3
the third electrodes are electroactive polymers electrodes... The control circuit is configured to transmit a third signal to one of the third electrodes based on the touch position, such that the third electrodes provide a second haptic feedback which is along with a normal vector of the top surface of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A touch device includes a substrate, multiple first electrodes, multiple second electrodes, multiple third electrodes, and a control circuit. The control circuit senses a touch position based on a first signal from the first electrodes. The control circuit transmits a second signal to the second electrodes based on the touch position, such that the second electrodes provide a first haptic feedback which is parallel to a top surface of the substrate. The control circuit also transmits a third signal to the third electrodes based on the touch position, such that the third electrodes provide a second haptic feedback along with a normal vector of the top surface of the substrate.