Touch Sensor Haptic Feedback Calibration via Response Map
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors face challenges in delivering uniform and consistent haptic feedback across their surfaces due to interference from multiple haptic actuators, leading to non-uniform haptic output and varying perceived intensities.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a calibration system that applies a probe to access and record haptic waveforms across the touch sensor surface, generating a haptics response map to define vibration cycles for achieving target haptic intensities, and using constructive or destructive interference to amplify or attenuate haptic feedback as needed, ensuring uniform haptic response regardless of input location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple haptic actuators are used to provide haptic feedback across the touch sensor surface, then the coverage area and feedback capability are improved, but non-uniform haptic output and interference occur leading to varying perceived intensities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a haptics response map that stores location-specific vibration cycle parameters. Each location on the touch sensor surface has customized vibration characteristics (frequency, amplitude, duration) stored in the map, allowing the system to compensate for local variations and achieve uniform haptic perception across the entire surface despite using multiple actuators with different characteristics.
2Speed
If haptic actuators operate simultaneously across different locations, then response time is improved, but interference between actuators causes non-uniform haptic output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating and storing optimal vibration cycle parameters for each location in the haptics response map before actual use. During operation, the system simply retrieves and executes the pre-determined parameters for the touched location, enabling immediate consistent haptic feedback without real-time interference calculations between multiple actuators.
3Device complexity
If a single vibration cycle parameter is used for all locations, then device complexity is reduced, but haptic intensity varies across different locations on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by storing location-specific vibration cycle parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) in the haptics response map. Instead of using uniform parameters across all locations, the system retrieves and applies customized parameters for each touched location, compensating for variations in actuator characteristics and surface properties to achieve consistent haptic feedback.
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 method ensures consistent and targeted haptic feedback across the touch sensor surface, enhancing user experience by maintaining uniform haptic intensity and response quality.
Implementation Method 1
triggering a sequence of vibration cycles across a set of haptic actuators to oscillate the touch sensor surface
Implementation Method 2
using constructive or destructive interference to amplify or attenuate haptic feedback as needed
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a method for modifying haptic feedback response includes, during a set-up period: at a calibration system, applying a target selection force, to a target location on a surface of a touch sensor; at the touch sensor, triggering vibration cycles across haptic actuators to oscillate the touch sensor surface; capturing a haptic waveform representing oscillations at the first target location on the surface during the vibration cycles; interpreting a vibration cycle for the haptic actuators corresponding to a target haptic intensity at the target location based on the haptic waveform. The method also includes, during a deployment period, following the set-up period: detecting a force magnitude for a touch input applied proximal the target location on the surface; and in response to the force magnitude exceeding the target selection force, triggering the vibration cycle at the haptic actuators to oscillate the surface at the target haptic intensity.