Haptic input devices
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A haptic feedback touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that provides position information to a computer based on a location of user contact. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position information, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user. The actuator can move the touchpad laterally, or a separate surface member can be actuated. A flat E-core actuator, piezoelectric actuator, or other types of actuators can be used to provide forces. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.
-
Citations
92 Claims
-
1-58. -58. (cancelled).
-
59. An apparatus, comprising:
-
a substantially-planar contact surface;
a piezoelectric member including a metal diaphragm disposed between the substantially-planar contact surface and a ground; and
a spacer having a mass disposed between the substantially-planar contact surface and the ground and adjacent to the metal diaphragm, the mass of the spacer configured to cause the piezoelectric actuator to oscillate at a predetermined frequency to provide haptic feedback. - View Dependent Claims (60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74)
-
-
75. An apparatus, comprising:
-
a substantially-planar contact surface;
a piezoelectric member coupled to the substantially-planar contact surface; and
a spring element configured to couple the substantially-planar contact surface to a ground, a spring constant of the spring element configured to cause the piezoelectric actuator to oscillate at a predetermined frequency to provide haptic feedback. - View Dependent Claims (76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84)
-
-
85. An apparatus, comprising:
-
a ferromagnetic element having a center pole disposed between two side poles, the center pole being associated with a coil;
at least one magnet configured to be in magnetic communication with the center pole and the side poles;
a substantially-planar contact surface coupled to the at least one magnet; and
a coupling means disposed between the substantially-planar contact surface and the ferromagnetic element, the coupling means configured to facilitate a relative motion between the substantially-planar contact surface along with the at least one magnet and the ferromagnetic element when the coil carries a current. - View Dependent Claims (86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92)
-
Specification