Haptic pads for use with user-interface devices

• US 20040164971A1
• Filed: 02/20/2003
• Published: 08/26/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Original Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Inventors: Rosenberg, Louis B., Hayward, Vincent, Alarcon, Ramon
• Granted Patent: US 7,336,266 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/179
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03547 Touch pads, in which fingers can move on a surface

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to haptic devices for use with a variety of computer/video interface devices. Such haptic devices can work in conjunction with and thereby provide “haptic augmentations” to otherwise conventional user-interface devices, including a variety of computer mice known in the art, irrespective of their types and manufactures. Such haptic devices can also be used to convey information to a user by way of haptic sensations.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a contact surface; and

an actuator coupled to the contact surface, the actuator configured to receive a control signal and output a haptic effect to the contact surface, the control signal being responsive to an input from a user-interface device physically distinct from and removably coupled to the contact surface.

2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the user-interface device is disposed on and manipulable therefrom the contact surface.

3. An apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein the haptic effect imparts tactile sensations to a user manipulating the user-interface device on the contact surface.

4. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one compliant element coupled to the contact surface, the compliant element configured to mechanically isolate the contact surface such that the haptic effect is maximized.

5. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a circuitry coupled to the contact surface, the circuitry configured to send the control signal to the actuator.

6. An apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein the control signal is generated by a processor in response to the input from the user-interface device, and transmitted to the circuitry.

7. An apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein a processor instructs the circuitry to generate the control signal, in response to the input from the user-interface device.

8. An apparatus as recited in claim 7 wherein the circuitry further includes a local processor.

9. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the user-interface device comprises one of a mouse, a touch panel, a joystick, a trackball, a stylus, a keyboard, a direction pad, a gamepad, a steering wheel, a knob, a graphical tablet, a remote control, and a medical instrument.

10. An apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the contact surface is included in a pad.

11. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein the pad is configured such that the haptic effect is optimized at a particular location on the contact surface.

12. An apparatus, comprising:

a support, including a base member;

a contact surface, pivotally coupled to the support; and

an actuator, disposed between the base member and the contact surface, the actuator configured to receive a control signal and output a haptic effect to the contact surface.

13. An apparatus as recited in claim 12 wherein the control signal is responsive to an input from a user-interface device removably coupled to the contact surface.

14. An apparatus as recited in claim 12 wherein the control signal is responsive to an internal event generated by a processor.

15. An apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein the internal event includes one of an alert for an incoming message, a schedule-reminder, a sound effect, and a visual effect.

16. An apparatus as recited in claim 12 wherein the contact surface is pivotally coupled to the base member.

17. An apparatus, comprising:

a first member, including a contact surface;

a second member; and

an electroactive polymer, disposed between the first and second members, the electroactive polymer configured to deform in a direction substantially perpendicular to the contact surface under application of a control signal from the first and second members, the control signal being responsive to an input from a user-interface device removably coupled to the contact surface.

18. An apparatus as recited in claim 17 further comprising a circuitry coupled to the first and second members, configured to provide the control signal.

19. An apparatus as recited in claim 18 wherein the control signal is generated by a processor in response to the input from the user-interface device, and transmitted to the circuitry.

20. An apparatus as recited in claim 18 wherein a processor instructs the circuitry to generate the control signal, in response to the input from the user-interface device.

21. An apparatus as recited in claim 20 wherein the circuitry further includes a local processor.

22. An apparatus as recited in claim 18 wherein the circuitry is further configured to detect an electric signal output from the electroactive polymer, in response to a pressure exerted by the user-interface device in the direction substantially perpendicular to the contact surface.

23. An apparatus as recited in claim 17 wherein the first and second members each include an electrically conductive material.

24. An apparatus as recited in claim 23 wherein the conductive material includes a predetermined spatial pattern.

25. An apparatus as recited in claim 17 wherein the user-interface device includes a computer mouse, manipulable from the contact surface.

26. An apparatus, comprising:

a contact surface, adapted for hand use; and

an actuator coupled to the contact surface, the actuator configured to receive a control signal generated by a processor responsive to an internal event, and output a haptic effect to the contact surface.

27. An apparatus as recited in claim 26 wherein the internal event includes an alert for one of an incoming email and a text message.

28. An apparatus as recited in claim 26 wherein the internal event includes a schedule-reminder.

29. An apparatus as recited in claim 26 wherein the internal event includes a sound effect.

30. An apparatus as recited in claim 26 wherein the internal event includes a visual effect.

31. An apparatus as recited in claim 26 wherein the processor is included in a computer.

32. An apparatus as recited in claim 26 further comprising at least one compliant element coupled to the contact surface, configured to mechanically isolate the contact surface such that the haptic effect is maximized.

33. An apparatus as recited in claim 26 wherein the haptic effect is optimized at a particular location on the contact surface.