Haptivity®

Haptivity^® is Kyocera’s virtual reality technology that allows the simulation of a mechanical knob and further haptic effects on any surface.

Markets

Automotive

The automotive market is asking for haptic solutions for about 5 years.

The operation of automotive touch panels without haptic feedback does not offer a „fool proof“ operation and is consequently distracting the driver as the input has to be verified with different senses.

The automotive industry strives to make the overall interior smoother and more homogeneous – and consequently replace mechanical switches but would like to keep the haptic feedback of those switches the driver is used to.

So far, haptic feedback systems used in the automotive market are all based on magnetic solutions – with respective drawbacks like constructions space, slow response, and limited functionality.

Industrial

The industrial HMI (Human Machine Interface) market is asking for haptic solutions for about 5 years, similar to the automotive HMI market.

Haptics are not only requested for use cases with the incorporation of a display, but also for the replacement of singular mechanical switches or even complete keyboards.
The implementation of haptics into industrial displays is challenging since there are specific requirements regarding dust- and waterproofness.

Outstanding features of Kyocera’s Haptivity^® technology

Simulation of a mechanical button on any surface (touchpad / touchscreen).
Actuators are multilayer piezos with very small outline dimensions (62 mm x 20 mm x 2.5 mm) and weight (5 g). In certain configurations the actuators can also be used as pressure sensors.
Haptic parameters of the simulated button (the subjectively perceived „click“) are controlled by S/W and are widely adjustable only by S/W.
Various design elements as sliders or rotators can be realised.
The technology is covered by more than 100 Kyocera patents.

Scheme of a multi-layer piezo

The number of layer lamination is shown as "8 layers," which is a typical example.
Common structure for uni-morph and bi-morph, therefore A-A' and B-B' are different.

Haptivity^® principle

In order to simulate a mechanical button, it is not sufficient to just apply a vibration to the surface that has been touched from the operator. It is absolutely essential to generate a distinctive surface vibration only after the operator has exceeded a certain pressure threshold – similar to a mechanical button.

Therefore, the device must comprise a component that is able to measure the applied pressure. In certain configurations this can be the actuator piezo itself (by utilising the reverse piezo-electric effect of the actuator functionality), but in general it should be a separate pressure sensing component.

After a pressure threshold has been exceeded (which is detected from the implemented controller), a single sine half wave of ~30 V is applied to the actuator piezos. According to the piezo-electric effect, the piezo(s) change the geometry. With a suitable mechanical device this piezo shrinkage is converted into a lateral movement which is coupled into the touch surface.

How to implement Haptivity^® into your device?

Key points

An efficient mechanical implementation of the piezo actuator(s) into the HMI.
A proper electrical driving of the piezo actuator.

Mechanical integration

The actuator / haptic block (schematically illustrated below, length about 6 cm) has to be attached tightly onto the device which has to be vibrated - ideally on the rear side - by screwing. The mounting position does not necessarily have to be centered at the device.

Development Kit

For an individual investigation and testing, Kyocera provides a Development Kit, containing actuators as well as a complete driving system with different driving features.

For details or an offer for the Haptivity^® Evaluation Kit, please contact Kyocera Automotive and Industrial Solutions GmbH.