Haptic feedback using a keyboard device
First Claim
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a housing;
a keyboard device disposed in the housing; and
an actuator coupled to the housing;
the actuator configured to receive a control signal responsive to a key entry on the keyboard device and output a force to the housing that effects haptic feedback.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A low-cost haptic feedback keyboard device for providing haptic feedback to a user for enhancing interactions in a displayed environment provided by a computer. The haptic keyboard device can be a keyboard having multiple keys, or can be a wrist rest or other attachment coupled to a keyboard. The device includes a housing that is physically contacted by the user and rests on a support surface. An actuator is coupled to the housing and applies a force to the housing approximately along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface, where the force is transmitted to the user contacting the housing. In one embodiment, the force is an inertial force that is output by moving an inertial mass. The keyboard device can be used in conjunction with another haptic device, such as a mouse, trackball, or joystick.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a housing;
a keyboard device disposed in the housing; and
an actuator coupled to the housing;
the actuator configured to receive a control signal responsive to a key entry on the keyboard device and output a force to the housing that effects haptic feedback. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11)
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9. An apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein the host computer further operates to output an auxiliary control signal to the actuator that is related with an input from an auxiliary input device, the actuator outputting an auxiliary haptic feedback to the housing.
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10. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein the auxiliary input device comprises one of a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, and a touchpad.
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12. An apparatus, comprising:
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a processor;
a keyboard device, in communication with the processor; and
an actuator, coupled to the keyboard device;
the actuator configured to receive a control signal from the processor responsive to a key entry on the keyboard device and output a force to the actuator that effects haptic feedback. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification