Handheld Computer Interface with Haptic Feedback

• US 20110121953A1
• Filed: 11/24/2009
• Published: 05/26/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/24/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Original Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Inventors: Ramsay, Erin, Bartel, Hendrik, Heubel, Robert W., Cruz-Hernandez, Juan Manuel, Birnbaum, David M., Grant, Danny A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,542,105 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/407.1
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/812 Ball games, e.g. soccer or baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1037 being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel

Abstract

Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating an impact and/or surface haptic effect for a handheld computer interface such as a video game controller. For example, the handheld computer interface may include a handle coupled to an impact actuator. The impact actuator includes a movable mass and an end stop. The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect. A smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material rather than the handle. The handle may be coupled to an end piece having a shape that simulates an object such as a tennis racket, golf club, or other object.

Claims

1. A handheld computer interface comprising:

a handle; and

an impact actuator coupled to the handle, wherein the impact actuator comprises a movable mass and an end stop,

wherein the impact actuator is adapted to receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect.

2. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, wherein the mass is coupled to a shaft of a motor and moves rotationally or linearly.

3. The handheld computer interface of claim 2, wherein the mass rotates less than 360°

before contacting the end stop.

4. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, wherein the mass contacts the end stop through a bumper coupled to the mass.

5. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, wherein the end stop is adapted to be movably inserted into a travel path of the mass.

6. The handheld computer interface of claim 5, wherein the end stop is coupled to a first bumper having first impact properties and a second bumper having second impact properties.

7. The handheld computer interface of claim 5, wherein the mass rotates greater than 360°

before contacting the end stop.

8. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, wherein the impact actuator further comprises:

a guide shaft coupled to the mass; and

at least one coil surrounding the mass,

wherein the mass is magnetic and the coil is adapted to be energized to move the mass along the guide shaft.

9. The handheld computer interface of claim 8, further comprising at least one retractable brake that is retractably coupled to the mass.

10. The handheld computer interface of claim 9, wherein the guide shaft has a first end, and the end stop comprises a bumper at the first end.

11. The handheld computer interface of claim 9, the end stop comprises the retractable brake contacting the mass.

12. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, further comprising:

an end piece coupled to the handle, the end piece having a shape that simulates an object.

13. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, further comprising:

a smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect, wherein the smart material is coupled to a surface of the handle, thereby directly imparting the surface haptic effect substantially from the smart material rather than the handle.

14. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, wherein the movable mass moves in response to a user-generated motion of the handheld computer interface, thereby supplementing the haptic effect caused by the impact actuator.

15. A handheld computer interface comprising:

a handle; and

a smart material adapted to receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause a surface haptic effect, wherein the smart material is coupled to a surface of the handle thereby directly imparting the surface haptic effect substantially from the smart material rather than the handle.

16. The handheld computer interface of claim 15, further comprising:

a cover portion coupled to the smart material, wherein the cover portion protects the smart material from the user and wherein the surface haptic effect is imparted substantially from the smart material through at least a portion of the cover portion.

17. A handheld computer interface comprising:

a body;

an actuator coupled to the body, wherein the actuator is configured to impart a first haptic effect to the body; and

a reflex component coupled to the housing, wherein the reflex component is configured to cause a second haptic effect to the housing in response to a user-generated force on the handheld computer interface,

wherein the second haptic effect supplements the first haptic effect, or the first haptic effect supplements the second haptic effect, or the first haptic effect is imparted substantially without the second haptic effect, or the second haptic effect is imparted substantially without the first haptic effect.

18. The handheld computer interface of claim 17, wherein the reflex component comprises a movable mass disposed inside a cavity within the housing, wherein the movable mass is configured to move in response to the user-generated force, thereby causing the second haptic effect.

19. The handheld computer interface of claim 17, wherein the reflex component comprises a spinning fan within the housing, wherein the spinning fan is configured to move in response to the user-generated force, thereby causing the second haptic effect.

20. The handheld computer interface of claim 17, wherein the reflex component comprises a linkage, wherein the linkage couples at least two portions of the housing with one another, wherein the linkage is configured to move the at least two portions in response to the user-generated force, thereby causing the second haptic effect.

21. The handheld computer interface of claim 17, wherein the reflex component comprises a flexible member, wherein the flexible member is configured provide a returning force, thereby causing the second haptic effect.

22. The handheld computer interface of claim 17, further comprising:

a sensor configured to output sensor information that describes a force of the handheld computer interface, wherein the actuator varies the first haptic effect based on the sensor information.

23. The handheld computer interface of claim 22, wherein the sensor information describes one or more forces imparted on or by the reflex component.

24. The handheld computer interface of claim 22, wherein the sensor information describes a motion of the handheld computer interface.