SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOW POWER HAPTIC FEEDBACK

• US 20090284498A1
• Filed: 07/27/2009
• Published: 11/19/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Original Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Inventors: Hayward, Vincent
• Granted Patent: US 8,619,031 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/184
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2003/008 with a haptic or a tactile feedback controlled by electrical means, e.g. a motor or magnetofriction

Abstract

Systems and methods for low power consumption haptic feedback are described. In one described system, a device comprises a manipulandum and a haptic effect generator in communication with the manipulandum. The actuator is operable to provide a first haptic profile associated with a first mechanical configuration and a second haptic profile associated with a second mechanical configuration. The device also comprises an actuator in communication with the haptic effect generator, which is operable to switch the haptic effect generator between the first haptic profile and the second haptic profile.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a manipulandum comprising a manipulandum surface, a portion of the manipulandum surface defining a hole;

a pin configured to move through the hole from a first position at or below the surface to a second position above the surface; and

an actuator in communication with the pin and operable to move the pin between the first position and the second position.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a spring affixed to the pin.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the manipulandum surface defines a plurality of holes, and the pin comprises a plurality of pins.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the manipulandum comprises a button.

5. A device comprising:

a haptic effect generator operable to provide a first haptic profile associated with a first mechanical configuration and a second haptic profile associated with a second mechanical configuration; and

an actuator in communication with the haptic effect generator and operable to switch the haptic effect generator between the first haptic profile and the second haptic profile, wherein the actuator comprises a member formed of shape memory alloy.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the haptic effect generator comprises a brake.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the brake comprises a single part shoe brake.

8. The device of claim 6, further comprising a screw operable to vary a friction exerted by the brake.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the actuator comprises a DC motor operable to turn the screw.

10. The device of claim 5, wherein the haptic effect generator is operable to alter a surface of the manipulandum.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the haptic effect generator comprises a pin positioned below the surface of the manipulandum.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the haptic effect generator further comprises a slider operable to project the pin above the surface of the manipulandum.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the actuator comprises a solenoid.

14. The device of claim 10, further comprising a membrane proximate to the surface of the manipulandum.