Tactile Surface

• US 20100171715A1
• Filed: 10/15/2009
• Published: 07/08/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
• Inventors: Krumpelman, Douglas M., Huska, Andrew P., Peterson, Cody George
• Granted Patent: US 8,760,413 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0445 using two or more layers of sensing electrodes, e.g. using two layers of electrodes separated by a dielectric layer
• 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

Abstract

In one or more embodiments, a device includes a surface and an actuator mechanism operably associated with the surface. The actuator mechanism is configured to provide tactile feedback to a user responsive to an electrical signal. In at least some embodiments, the actuator mechanism comprises a pair of spaced-apart substrates each of which supports a conductive layer of material. A dielectric material and an adjacent air gap may be interposed between the substrates. Drive circuitry is operably connected to the spaced-apart substrates and is configured to drive the conductive layers of material with an electrical signal. This signal may be responsive to sensing a touch input on the surface or other appropriate event.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a housing configured to support a surface;

a surface supported by the housing;

an actuator mechanism operably associated with the surface, the actuator mechanism comprising a pair of spaced-apart substrates with conductive properties; and

drive circuitry operably connected to the spaced-apart substrates and configured to drive the substrates with an electrical signal to cause movement of at least one of the substrates relative to the other of the substrates effective to provide tactile feedback to a user.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a dielectric material interposed between the pair of spaced-apart substrates.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface comprises a touch sensitive surface.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface comprises a touch screen.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface comprises a touch pad.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface comprises a keyboard.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface comprises a touch sensitive control panel.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a display operably adjacent one of the spaced-apart substrates.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a hand-held device.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured for use in a vehicle.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator mechanism comprises a spring mechanism operably connected to at least one of the spaced-apart substrates.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the spaced-apart substrates are formed from a clear material.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one substrate is composed of a non-conductive material coated with a conductive layer.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein each substrate is coated with a conductive layer of material comprising indium tin oxide.

15. The device of claim 2, wherein the dielectric material comprises glass or plastic.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the drive circuitry is configured to utilize different drive profiles.

17. A material assembly comprising:

a first substrate with conductive properties;

a second substrate with conductive properties operably associated with the first substrate;

wherein at least one of the first or second substrates is configured to be driven with an electrical signal to cause movement of the first substrate relative to the second substrate effective to provide tactile feedback to a user.

18. The material assembly of claim 17, further comprising a dielectric material interposed between the first and second substrates.

19. The material assembly of claim 17, wherein the material assembly is configured to form part of a hand-held device.

20. The material assembly of claim 17, wherein the first and second substrates comprise a clear material.

21. The material assembly of claim 17 further comprising a spring mechanism interposed between the first and second substrates.

22. The material assembly of claim 17, wherein at least one substrate is composed of a non-conductive material coated with a conductive layer of material.

23. The material assembly of claim 22, wherein the conductive layer of material comprises a clear conductive material.

24. The material assembly of claim 22, wherein the conductive layer of material comprises indium tin oxide.

25. The material assembly of claim 18, wherein the dielectric material comprises glass or plastic.

26. The material assembly of claim 17 further comprising a housing supporting the material assembly.

27. The material assembly of claim 17 further comprising a housing supporting the material assembly, wherein the housing defines a hand-held device.

28. The material assembly of claim 17 further comprising a user input mechanism operably connected to the first substrate.

29. The material assembly of claim 17 further comprising a user input mechanism operably connected to the first substrate, wherein the user input mechanism comprises a touch screen.

30. The material assembly of claim 17 further comprising a user input mechanism operably connected to the first substrate, wherein the user input mechanism comprises a touchpad.

31. The material assembly of claim 17 further comprising a user input mechanism operably connected to the first substrate, wherein the user input mechanism comprises a key on a keyboard.

32. The material assembly of claim 17 further comprising a user input mechanism operably connected to the first substrate, wherein the user input mechanism comprises a touch sensitive control panel.

33. The material assembly of claim 17 further comprising a user input mechanism operably connected to the first substrate, wherein the user input mechanism comprises a knob.

34. A method comprising:

sensing a user input;

responsive to sensing the user input, applying an electrical signal to at least a substrate with conductive properties effective to move the substrate to provide tactile feedback responsive to said sensing.

35. The method of claim 34 further comprising after said sensing and before said applying, ascertaining an input location associated with the user input.

36. The method of claim 34 further comprising:

after said sensing and before said applying, ascertaining an input location associated with the user input; and

ascertaining a user interface element associated with the input location.

37. The method of claim 34 further comprising:

after said sensing and before said applying, ascertaining an input location associated with the user input;

ascertaining a user interface element associated with the input location; and

responsive to ascertaining the user interface element, selecting an electrical signal profile associated with the user interface element, wherein applying the electrical signal comprises applying the electrical signal profile.

38. The method of claim 34, wherein the device comprises a hand-held device.