Touch input is on the rise in the automotive market with accelerating moves toward integration and multifunctionality of controls traditionally operated by switches or dials. Even outside the realms of car navigation and audio, use of touch control is expected to keep growing, not only as a design consideration, but also in view of the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).<\/p>\n
Over the past couple of years, the use of touchscreens for HVAC, IVI etc has made control more complex. There is currently growing demand for vibrational feedback, which allows more intuitive control and does not require any shift of gaze. The technology is being watched as a means of delivering greater reassurance and safety while driving. An example is incorporation into the car\u2019s warning systems \u2013 including lane departure warnings and vehicle proximity alerts that warn the driver of approaching cars \u2013 of vibrations in the steering wheel or the driver\u2019s seat. Such features are better at conveying a current situation. <\/p>\n
Responding to these market needs, Alps Alpine has developed an addition to its lineup of Haptic Reactor models, which have been used extensively in gaming and virtual reality equipment. The Heavy Type produces an excitation force of 15G (at 100g), or five times the existing Alps Alpine product. Sample shipments will begin in October 2020, destined primarily for the automotive market. Alps Alpine is eyeing a January 2021 start to mass production.<\/p>\n
The Haptic Reactor Heavy type is for installation behind the front panel of car navigation or other systems. Earlier vibration devices have had many issues, including the need for bigger dimensions and a booster circuit to generate the power required to cause a heavy relatively object such as a display, to vibrate. Alps Alpine developed the Haptic Reactor Heavy Type to address these issues. Using a different internal structure to Alps Alpine\u2019s existing Hybrid Tough Type and only one resonance point, the Heavy Type achieves a 15G excitation force at a low frequency (130Hz). A small input voltage of 7V means there is no need for a booster circuit, contributing to greater freedom in end product design.<\/p>\n
The product has a mounting tab and harness connector for greater installation ease. The specifications allow easy incorporation not only behind displays but across the vehicle cabin, such as in the steering wheel, seats and door trims. The device works with specific driver ICs from Cirrus Logic, Dongwoon Anatech, or Dialog Semiconductor to generate vibration patterns matching the particular conditions and requirements of end product manufacturers.<\/p>\n