User Interface Impact Actuator

• US 20090313542A1
• Filed: 06/12/2008
• Published: 12/17/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Original Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Inventors: Cruz-Hernandez, Juan Manuel, Grant, Danny A.
• Granted Patent: US 9,733,704 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: G06F 3/0412 Digitisers structurally integrated in a display
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0416 Control or interface arrangements specially adapted for digitisers

Abstract

A system generates a haptic effect that simulates a mechanical button. The system receives a signal that indicates that a user has contacted a user interface of the system. The system includes an impact actuator. In response to the signal, a moving element of the impact actuator contacts the user interface, which generates the haptic effect.

Claims

1. A method of generating a haptic effect comprising:

receiving a first signal that indicates that a user has contacted a user interface; and

in response to the first signal, contacting the user interface with a moving element of an actuator.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the user interface is a touchscreen.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating a haptic effect signal that is applied to the actuator.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the haptic effect signal comprises a driving pulse.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a piezo bender.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the moving element is a rubber mallet coupled to the piezo bender.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the contacting is intermittent.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the contacting is for a predetermined time duration.

9. A device comprising:

a user interface;

a processor coupled to the user interface; and

an actuator coupled to the processor, wherein the actuator comprises a moving element that is adapted to contact the user interface when the actuator receives a haptic effect signal from the processor.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the user interface is a touchscreen.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the haptic effect signal comprises a driving pulse.

12. The device of claim 9, wherein the actuator comprises a piezo bender.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the moving element is a rubber mallet coupled to the piezo bender.

14. The device of claim 9, wherein the contact is intermittent.

15. The device of claim 9, wherein the contact is for a predetermined time duration.

16. The device of claim 9, wherein the actuator comprises a relay.

17. The device of claim 9, wherein the actuator comprises a shape memory alloy.

18. The device of claim 9, wherein the actuator comprises a direct current motor having an arm.

19. An impact actuator comprising:

a piezo bender; and

a rubber mallet coupled to the piezo bender.

20. A method of generating a haptic effect comprising:

receiving a first signal that indicates that a user has initiated a function via a user interface; and

in response to the first signal, contacting the user interface with a moving element of an actuator.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the user interface is a touchscreen and the function is initiated by contacting the touchscreen.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the user interface is a mouse and the function is initiated by moving the mouse.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the user interface is a joystick and the function is initiated by moving the joystick.