System and Method for Providing Passive Haptic Feedback

• US 20080036736A1
• Filed: 10/24/2007
• Published: 02/14/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Original Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Inventors: Shahoian, Erik, Jasso, Alex, Anastas, George
• Granted Patent: US 9,274,600 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/014 Force feedback applied to GUI
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing passive haptic feedback are described. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an actuator for bringing a manipulandum and braking surface into contact and thereby providing a resistance. The manipulandum includes scroll wheels, scroll drums, linear sliders and similar user input devices. The actuator may be, for example, electromagnetic or piezo-electric. An embodiment of the present invention may include a processor in communication with the actuator for providing the haptic effects.

Claims

1. An input device, comprising:

a central core having a first end coupled to a first lead, a second end coupled to a second lead, and a winding;

a manipulandum slidably coupled to the central core and comprising a third lead, the third lead configured to contact the winding;

a braking surface; and

an electromagnet configured to cause the braking surface to contact the manipulandum when the electromagnet is activated to cause a haptic effect.

2. The input device of claim 16, wherein movement of the manipulandum along the core causes the third lead to move along the winding, causing a change in resistance between the third lead and the first lead.

3. The input device of claim 16, wherein the braking surface comprises a rectangular shape.

4. The input device of claim 16, wherein the electromagnet is configured to repel the braking surface.

5. A handheld device comprising the input device of claim 16.

6. The handheld device of claim 5, wherein the handheld device comprises a cell phone or a PDA.

7. A method comprising:

receiving a sensor signal indicating a movement of a manipulandum slidably coupled to a central core;

transmitting an actuator signal to an actuator, the actuator comprising an electromagnet; and

causing a braking surface to contact the manipulandum to output a haptic effect.

8. A computer-readable medium comprising program code, the program code comprising:

program code for receiving a sensor signal indicating a movement of a manipulandum slidably coupled to a central core;

program code for transmitting an actuator signal to an actuator, the actuator comprising an electromagnet; and

program code for causing a braking surface to contact the manipulandum to output a haptic effect.