Touchpad Haptic Feedback Closed-Loop Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Haptic feedback in touchpads of portable information handling systems is inconsistent due to environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and degrades over time, leading to uncertainty in input recognition and potential device failure.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop system using an accelerometer to monitor and adjust haptic feedback vibrations based on environmental conditions and device wear, ensuring consistent feedback and enabling remote diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If haptic feedback is generated using a piezoelectric device to provide physical feedback for touch inputs, then user feedback is improved, but consistency of haptic feedback deteriorates due to environmental factors and material wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where an accelerometer measures the actual haptic feedback generated by the piezoelectric device, and the measured values are compared against expected ranges to detect deviations caused by environmental factors or material wear, enabling continuous monitoring and adjustment of haptic performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in haptic feedback parameters (vibration amplitude, frequency) over time and across different environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), using these parameter variations to detect material degradation and adjust operating parameters to maintain consistent user experience
2Ease of operation
If separate buttons are used for touchpad input to provide physical feedback, then user feedback is improved, but device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the button function with the touchpad surface by implementing force detection capabilities directly in the touchpad, eliminating separate mechanical buttons while maintaining physical feedback through haptic actuation of the touchpad surface itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical button structures with a combination of force sensing technology and haptic feedback actuators, substituting mechanical movement with electronic detection and artificial haptic generation to reduce moving parts and potential failure points
3Device complexity
If force detection at touchpad surface is used to accept finger input, then device simplicity is improved, but haptic feedback consistency deteriorates due to material wear and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements closed-loop feedback by measuring actual haptic output with an accelerometer and comparing it against expected performance ranges, enabling the system to detect when material wear or environmental factors cause haptic degradation and trigger appropriate responses
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by continuously monitoring its own haptic output characteristics and automatically detecting when performance deviates from expected ranges, enabling self-identification of degradation without external intervention
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
Provides consistent haptic feedback over time and environmental changes, enhances diagnostic capabilities, and allows for remote identification of faulty devices.
Implementation Method 1
haptic actuator generates a finger click feel by vibrating the top surface based upon a specific type of touch or a specific force sensed by a force sensor
Implementation Method 2
An accelerometer included in a touch detection device, such as a touchpad, monitors vibrations generated by a haptic device
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system touchpad detects cursor inputs and finger inputs through a touch detection surface and/or a force detection surface and outputs a vibration from a haptic device when a finger input is detected. An accelerometer monitors vibrations of the haptic device generated in response to the finger input so that the vibration is adjusted to achieve a target vibration. The accelerometer filters detected vibrations to isolate the haptic device vibrations at a range around the target vibration.