Haptic feedback device
Technical Field
The invention relates to a haptic feedback device comprising at least one actuator.
Background
The primary interactive surfaces of the mobile device are equipped with touch-sensitive input electronics such as buttons, strips, pads, and other surfaces scattered around the periphery of the device, such as power and volume controls. The back and sides of most devices and the corresponding protective sleeves are inert surfaces that do not interact with the hands of the user holding the device, but rather interact through a touch screen.
Being able to interact with the back and sides of the device or accessory will reduce clutter and obstruction of visual elements by the hand. Touch sensitive inputs on the back and sides of the device should not be confused with conventional handling or squeezing of the device. Advances in haptic technology have supported the development of such interactive spaces by allowing the user to perceive haptic information to be enhanced. Nevertheless, providing haptic feedback with sufficient high definition to enable a user to detect an accurate position without visual cues remains a challenge.
Furthermore, current actuator technology is not able to provide continuous feedback without adverse resonance effects and is limited to discrete pulses of so-called active edge feedback. Active edge technology utilizes multiple actuators distributed across the device. This allows the haptic device to be used as a display of haptic notifications alone or to use a graphical user interface to enhance interaction and provide haptic feedback dynamically at different resolutions and speeds. However, this increases power consumption, requires more complex control techniques, and increases the risk of manufacturing errors due to the precise machinery involved in the assembly.
Disclosure of Invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a haptic feedback device. The above and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Other implementations are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a haptic feedback device, wherein the device comprises at least one haptic signal generating element extending in a main plane, at least one actuator coupled to the haptic signal generating element for moving a region of the haptic signal generating element in a direction perpendicular to the main plane by generating a transverse wave, the transverse wave propagating from the region along a longitudinal axis of the haptic signal generating element.
The solution described contributes to the displacement of an actuator along the length or area of an element by letting a transverse wave pass through said length or area. This can minimize the number of actuators, create additional free space and reduce power consumption. Further, by separating actuation (force generation) and haptic stimulation, high definition multi-point haptic feedback, increased signal control, increased haptic signal transmission efficiency, and constructive interference between multiple signals can be achieved.
In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the haptic signal generating element extends in at least one direction such that the transverse wave may propagate in that direction.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the displacement is generated at a frequency that allows for efficient vibration generation based on human sensitivity.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the haptic signal generation element comprises at least one seismic mass element. Such a configuration allows for a high fidelity haptic mode while still minimizing the number of actuators, power consumption, and simplifying control thereof.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the haptic signal generation element comprises a plurality of seismic mass elements distributed along the longitudinal axis of the haptic signal generation element, each seismic mass element being separated from an adjacent seismic mass element by a gap. By providing a plurality of masses, the transverse wave is allowed to propagate sequentially through individual displacements of each mass. The propagation of the transverse wave concentrates the user's attention on a specific area of skin contact.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the seismic mass elements have the same shape, preferably one of spherical, cylindrical, ellipsoidal, polyhedral or free-form.
In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the haptic feedback device further comprises a connection element for interconnecting adjacent seismic mass elements of one haptic signal generation element, the connection element being an elastic element extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the haptic signal generation element or an adjacent seismic mass element for interconnecting adjacent haptic signal generation elements, the connection element being an elastic element extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the haptic signal generation element and coplanar with the main plane. The connecting element limits displacement of the seismic mass element and helps normalize the transfer of mechanical energy along the haptic signal generating element, attenuation being predictable.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the connection elements facilitate propagation of the transverse wave from one seismic mass element to an adjacent seismic mass element.
In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the connection element extends collinearly with the haptic signal generation element, contributing to the most efficient propagation of the transverse wave.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the connection element comprises a smart material, preferably one of an electro-mechanical polymer-metal composite or alloy, an electro-active material, a photo-active material, a temperature active material and a magnetically active material, so that the mechanical properties of the haptic feedback device are easier to adjust and control.
In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the haptic feedback device further includes at least one spacer element for limiting a displacement of the seismic mass element with respect to an adjacent seismic mass element of the same haptic signal generation element and/or limiting a displacement of the seismic mass element with respect to an adjacent seismic mass element of the adjacent haptic signal generation element.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the spacing element is a resilient element extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the haptic signal generating element and non-coplanar with the main plane.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the spacer elements are used to interconnect adjacent seismic mass elements of adjacent haptic signal generation elements. This helps the transverse wave propagate in multiple directions.
In another possible implementation form of the first aspect, at least one of the connecting element and the spacing element has a predetermined spring coefficient and a predetermined damping coefficient, facilitating the element being configured in any suitable way to generate a specific frequency and amplitude of the transverse wave, etc. Furthermore, this allows high fidelity stimulation of the user's skin at specific designated locations while suppressing transverse waves, i.e. vibration signals, in the surrounding interface surface.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the actuator is coupled to the at least one seismic mass element of the haptic signal generating element by a contact coupling or a non-contact coupling, increasing the flexibility of the haptic feedback device.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the contact coupling comprises a mechanical link, optionally comprising a hydraulic connection or an ultrasonic connection.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the non-contact coupling comprises a magnetic or magnetic field connection, optionally comprising a pressure or pneumatic connection.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the linear actuator is an electromagnetic actuator or a piezoelectric actuator.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the haptic feedback device comprises a first actuator and a second actuator coupled to the at least one haptic signal generating element, the first actuator generating a first transverse wave propagating along the haptic signal generating element in a first propagation direction,
The second actuator generates a second transverse wave propagating along the haptic signal generating element in a second propagation direction, wherein the second propagation direction is opposite to the first propagation direction such that the first transverse wave and the second transverse wave constructively interfere.
In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the haptic feedback device comprises a plurality of actuators and a plurality of haptic signal generating elements, wherein each actuator is coupled to at least one haptic signal generating element, each haptic signal generating element is coupled to at least one actuator. This contributes to the most flexible configuration of the haptic feedback device.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a haptic device comprising a haptic feedback arrangement according to the above and a volume of material for haptic contact with a user of the haptic display device, the haptic signal generating elements of the haptic feedback arrangement being at least partially embedded in the volume of material such that the longitudinal axis of each haptic signal generating element is coplanar with a major plane of the volume of material such that propagation of transverse waves along the longitudinal axis of the haptic signal generating element displaces the volume of material in a direction perpendicular to the major plane.
The solution facilitates the displacement of a user contact surface along the length or area of an actuator by letting a transverse wave pass through said length or area. This helps to minimize the number of components, to help with additional free space within the device and/or size reduction of the device, and to reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, the tactile signal generating element is carried and supported by the volume of material.
In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the connection element of the haptic feedback device is configured to interconnect the seismic mass element of the haptic signal generation element with the material volume. This limits the displacement of the seismic mass element and helps to normalize the transfer of mechanical energy, attenuation being predictable.
In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the spacing element of the haptic feedback device is used to limit displacement of the seismic mass element of the haptic signal generating element relative to the volume of material. By limiting the displacement range, the material volume is not damaged by too great a displacement.
In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the gaps separating adjacent seismic mass elements of the haptic signal generating element are filled with a material of the material volume.
In another possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the haptic device is one of a VR haptic headset, a wearable device, a smart phone, a tablet computer or a notebook computer.
In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the material volume is one of a casing of the electronic device, a fabric of the haptic garment, or a material of the steering wheel cover.
In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the material volume comprises a polymeric material, facilitating the tactile feedback device being covered by the material volume and facilitating a durable and thin tactile device.
This and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described below.
Drawings
In the following detailed portion of the invention, aspects, embodiments and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a haptic feedback device provided by one embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 2a and 2b are partial side views of two haptic feedback devices provided by two embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 3a and 3b are cross-sectional side views of two haptic feedback devices provided by two embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a haptic feedback device provided in one embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 5a and 5b are schematic diagrams of the spring and damping functions of the connecting and spacer elements of the haptic feedback device provided by embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a haptic feedback device provided in one embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 7a and 7b are schematic top views of haptic signal generating elements provided by embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of a haptic signal generating element provided by an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the haptic signal generating element is disposed in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional grid of material;
FIGS. 9 a-11 b are cross-sectional top and side views of an embodiment of a haptic device provided by an embodiment of the invention;
fig. 12a to 12e are schematic views of a haptic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description
Fig. 9a to 12e show an embodiment of a haptic device 8 comprising a haptic feedback arrangement 1, which will be described in more detail below, and a volume of material 9 for haptic contact with a user of the haptic device 8.
The haptic device may be a haptic display device, such as the VR haptic headset shown in fig. 12b, the wearable device shown in fig. 12a, the smart phone, tablet or notebook shown in fig. 9a and 9 b. Furthermore, the haptic device 1 may not be provided in the display apparatus but in the material volume 9, the material volume 9 also serving as or forming the material of the housing of any of the electronic apparatuses shown in fig. 10a to 11b, the fabric of the haptic garment shown in fig. 12d and 12e or the steering wheel cover shown in fig. 12 c. The material volume 9 may comprise a polymeric material.
Fig. 1 to 4 show an embodiment of the above-described haptic feedback device 1. The device 1 comprises at least one haptic signal generating element 2 extending in a main plane P1, and at least one actuator 3 coupled to the haptic signal generating element 2. As shown in fig. 1, 6 and 9a to 12e, each haptic signal generating element 2 may be coupled to two actuators 3.
Each actuator 3 is adapted to move the area of the tactile signal generating element 2 in a direction D1 perpendicular to the main plane P1 by generating a tactile signal in the form of a transversal wave, as shown in fig. 1. The transverse wave propagates from this region and along the longitudinal axis A1 of the haptic signal generating element 2. The displacement region may correspond to a region of the haptic signal generating element 2 coupled to the actuator 3. The actuator 3 may be an electromagnetic actuator or a piezoelectric actuator.
The haptic signal generating element 2 may comprise at least one seismic mass element 4. The seismic mass elements 4 may have the same shape and may be spherical in shape, cylindrical as shown in fig. 1 to 6 and 9a to 12e, ellipsoidal as shown in fig. 7a, or polyhedral, free-form as shown in fig. 7 b.
The haptic signal generating element 2 may have an elongated shape as shown in fig. 1 to 4 and 6 to 12 e. The elongated shape may be achieved by a plurality of sequentially arranged seismic mass elements 4, the seismic mass elements 4 being distributed along the longitudinal axis A1 of the haptic signal generating element 2.
The seismic mass elements 4 may be closely arranged adjacent to each other, preferably interconnected, as shown in fig. 7 b. Each seismic mass element 4 may also be separated from adjacent seismic mass elements 4 by a gap 5, as shown in fig. 3a, 3b, 7a and 8. The gaps 5 separating adjacent seismic mass elements 4 of the haptic signal generating element 2 may be filled with material of the material volume 9.
As shown in fig. 3b and 6, a connecting element 6 may be provided to interconnect adjacent seismic mass elements 4 of one haptic signal generating element 2. The connection element 6 facilitates propagation of transverse waves from the above-mentioned region of the tactile signal generating element 2 and from one seismic mass element 4 to an adjacent seismic mass element 4 along the longitudinal axis A1 of the tactile signal generating element 2. When the transverse wave reaches each seismic mass element 4, each seismic mass element 4 is displaced sequentially in the direction D1, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1.
The connection element 6 is flexible and may be a resilient element extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis A1 of the tactile signal generating element 2. The connection element 6 may also extend co-linearly with the haptic signal generating element 2. Furthermore, one or more connection elements 6 may be used to interconnect adjacent seismic mass elements 4 of adjacent haptic signal generation elements 2 (not shown), the connection elements 6 being elastic elements extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 of the haptic signal generation element 2 and coplanar with the main plane P1.
The haptic elements 6 may also be used to interconnect the seismic mass element 4 with the volume of material 9.
The connection element 6 may comprise a smart material, i.e. a material that senses and reacts or stimulates to an environmental condition and signals mechanically, chemically, electrically or magnetically. The smart material may be any suitable material, preferably one of an electromechanical polymer-metal composite or alloy, an electroactive material, a photoactive material, a temperature active material, and a magnetically active material. The smart material facilitates easy adjustment and control of the mechanical properties of the haptic feedback device.
The haptic feedback device 1 may further comprise at least one spacer element 10, wherein said spacer element 10 is used to limit the displacement of the seismic mass element 4 relative to an adjacent seismic mass element 4 of the same haptic signal generating element 2, as shown in fig. 3a and 3 b. Accordingly, the spacer element 10 may be used to limit the displacement of the seismic mass element 4 relative to the seismic mass element 4 of an adjacent haptic signal generating element 2. The spacer elements 10 may also be used to interconnect adjacent seismic mass elements 4 of adjacent haptic signal generation elements 2. Furthermore, the spacer element 10 may be used to limit the displacement of the seismic mass element 4 relative to the material volume 9.
The spacing element 10 is a resilient element extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 of the tactile signal generating element 2 and non-coplanar with the main plane P1. One spacer element 10 may be provided in each gap 5 as shown in fig. 5a or in a selected number of gaps 5 as shown in fig. 3 b.
At least one of the connecting element 6 and the spacer element 10 may have a predetermined spring coefficient and a predetermined damping coefficient, as shown in fig. 5a and 5 b. The spring coefficient and damping coefficient can be selected together with the material of the material volume 9 in order to adjust the wave propagation as desired.
The actuator 3 may be coupled to one or more seismic mass elements 4 of the haptic signal generating element 2 by a contact coupling 7a as schematically shown in fig. 2a or a non-contact coupling 7b as schematically shown in fig. 2 b.
The contact coupling 7a may comprise a mechanical link. The mechanical linkage, through which the actuator 3 generates a fluid wave or ultrasonic wave, may comprise a hydraulic or ultrasonic connection, which propagates to the haptic signal generating element 2.
The non-contact coupling 7b may comprise a magnetic connection or a magnetic field connection. The magnetic or magnetic field connection may comprise a pressure connection or a pneumatic connection, the actuator 3 generating a pressure wave or pulse traveling through an air gap between the actuator and the tactile signal generating element 2.
As shown in fig. 10a to 12e, the haptic feedback device 1 may include a plurality of actuators 3 and a plurality of haptic signal generating elements 2. Each actuator 3 may be coupled to at least one haptic signal generating element 2, and each haptic signal generating element 2 may be coupled to at least one actuator 3. By synchronizing the actuation times or/and phases of the individual actuators 3, or delaying the actuation of the individual actuators 3 relative to the other actuators 3, a constructive interference between transverse waves can be achieved at any desired area along the haptic signal generating element.
The haptic feedback device 1 may comprise a first actuator 3 and a second actuator 3 coupled to the at least one haptic signal generating element 2, as shown in fig. 6. The first actuator 3 generates a first transverse wave propagating along the tactile signal generating element 2 in a first propagation direction D2. Accordingly, the second actuator 3 generates a second transverse wave propagating along the haptic signal generating element 2 in the second propagation direction D3. The second propagation direction D3 is opposite to the first propagation direction D2, so that the first and second transverse waves can constructively interfere and strengthen the signal, i.e. increase the amplitude of the transverse waves at least at the local interference maxima.
As shown in fig. 12b, each haptic signal generating element 2 may be coupled to only 1 actuator 3.
As shown in fig. 9 a-10 b and 12 a-12 e, each haptic signal generating element 2 may be coupled to a first actuator 3 and a second actuator 3, the first actuator 3 and the second actuator 3 being approximately at each end of the haptic signal generating element 2. The tactile signal generating element 2 may extend in parallel through the material volume 9.
As shown in fig. 11a, 11b, 12d and 12e, the tactile signal generating elements 2 may also extend at an angle to each other such that the material volume 9 is still covered, but there are fewer tactile signal generating elements 2, for example by using diagonally extending tactile signal generating elements 2. With this structure, each actuator 3 can be connected to several tactile signal generating elements 2, and the number of necessary actuators 3 is reduced.
The tactile signal generating elements 2 of the tactile feedback device 1 may be at least partially embedded in the material volume 9 such that the longitudinal axis A1 of each tactile signal generating element 2 is coplanar with the main plane P2 of the material volume 9, as shown in fig. 1 to 4 and 9 b.
The tactile signal generating elements 2 of the tactile feedback device 1 may also be arranged in the vicinity of the material volume 9 such that the longitudinal axis A1 of each tactile signal generating element 2 is parallel but not coplanar with the main plane P2 of the material volume 9, as shown in fig. 10b and 11 b.
Propagation of the transverse wave along the longitudinal axis A1 of the tactile signal generating element 2 produces displacement of the volume of material 9 in a direction D1 perpendicular to the main plane P2.
The haptic device 8 may also include a haptic microcontroller wireless interface with a master controller and a driver, a power supply for a battery (not shown), and the like.
Various aspects and implementations have been described herein in connection with various embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality of elements or steps. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.
The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) should be read together with the specification, and should be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. Since the particular drawings are presented to the reader, the terms "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," "upward" and "downward" as used in the specification, as well as adjectives and derivatives of the words (e.g., "horizontal," "rightward," "upward," etc.), refer to the directions of the structures shown only. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the direction of a surface relative to its axis of extension or axis of rotation, as the case may be.