Localized Haptic Feedback

• US 20080163051A1
• Filed: 12/29/2006
• Published: 07/03/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Original Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Inventors: Olien, Neil Thomas
• Granted Patent: US 7,973,769 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/702
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/85 characterised by tactile feedback features
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2003/008 with a haptic or a tactile feedback controlled by electrical means, e.g. a motor or magnetofriction
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/05 electromechanical
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/014 LED
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/018 Electroluminescent panel

Abstract

A surface for generating an isolated haptic feedback includes an isolated region having a perimeter and a gap surrounding the perimeter, with the gap separating the isolated region from the rest of the surface. The surface further includes a deformable sealing material that is filled within the gap.

Claims

1. A surface that generates a haptic feedback, said surface comprising:

an isolated region having a perimeter;

a gap surrounding the perimeter, said gap separating the isolated region from a remainder of the surface; and

a deformable sealing material filled within said gap.

2. The surface of claim 1, wherein the haptic feedback is generally localized within said isolated region.

3. The surface of claim 1, wherein said isolated region contacts an actuator during the haptic feedback.

4. The surface of claim 3, wherein the actuator is coupled outside of said isolated region.

5. The surface of claim 1, wherein the haptic feedback comprises a vibration of said isolated region.

6. The surface of claim 1, wherein said deformable sealing material is silicone.

7. The surface of claim 1, further comprising a luminescent layer coupled to said surface for illuminating said isolated region.

8. The surface of claim 7, wherein said isolated region is translucent.

9. The surface of claim 7, wherein said deformable sealing material is translucent.

10. The surface of claim 1, further comprising a film covering said isolated region and said gap.

11. A system for providing haptic feedback in response to a user input, said system comprising:

a surface comprising an isolated region having a perimeter, a gap surrounding the perimeter, and a deformable sealing material filled within said gap, and

an actuator coupled to said isolated region.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the haptic feedback is generally localized within said isolated region.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein said actuator is further coupled to an area that is outside of said isolated region.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein said actuator is an electromagnetic actuator.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the haptic feedback comprises a vibration of said isolated region.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein said deformable sealing material is silicone.

17. The system of claim 11, further comprising a luminescent layer coupled to said surface for illuminating said isolated region.

18. The system of claim 11, wherein said isolated region is translucent.

19. The system of claim 11, wherein said deformable sealing material is translucent.

20. The system of claim 11, wherein said gap separates the isolated region from a remainder of the surface.

21. A method of providing feedback for a haptic enabled location on a surface, said method comprising:

forming an isolated region on the surface by creating a perimeter gap in the surface and filling the gap with a deformable sealing material;

receiving an indication that the haptic enabled location is pressed; and

generating a haptic effect on the isolated region when the haptic enabled location is pressed.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said generating comprises contacting the isolated region with an actuator on a rear side of the surface.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising generating illumination at the haptic enabled location when the haptic enabled location is pressed.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the haptic effect indicates that a haptic enabled location press event has been recognized.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the haptic effect indicates that the haptic enabled location was pressed in error.