DEVICE FEEDBACK AND INPUT VIA HEATING AND COOLING
First Claim
1. A method for providing input to a device, the method comprising:
- detecting a temperature change in a thermoelectric device of a thermoelectric display; and
utilizing the temperature change as an input to the device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A thermoelectric display including an array of thermoelectric devices is used to provide output to a user in the form of thermal feedback. The thermal feedback may be used to provide navigation cues to the user to enable eyes-free navigation. The thermal feedback may be used to provide target acquisition cues to enable the user to accurately target a contact point on a touchscreen. The thermal feedback may be used to convey an emotive aspect of a message to the user. The thermal feedback may be used to identify to the user a caller associated with an incoming call. The thermoelectric display may be, alternatively or additionally, used to provide input to another device, such as a mobile device to which the thermoelectric display is operatively coupled.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for providing input to a device, the method comprising:
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detecting a temperature change in a thermoelectric device of a thermoelectric display; and utilizing the temperature change as an input to the device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for conveying information to a user via thermal feedback, the method comprising:
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in response to an event, receiving, at a thermoelectric display comprising an array of thermoelectric devices, instructions to change a temperature of a thermoelectric device of the array of thermoelectric devices to convey information associated with the event to a user; and in response to receiving the instructions, changing the temperature of the thermoelectric device of the array of thermoelectric devices thereby providing thermal feedback to the user, the thermal feedback being indicative of the information associated with the event. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A mobile device comprising:
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a thermoelectric display comprising an array of thermoelectric devices; a processor in communication with the thermoelectric display; and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory comprising instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause an electric current to be applied to a thermoelectric device of the array of thermoelectric devices, thereby causing the thermoelectric device to undergo a temperature change and, as a result, provide thermal feedback to a user. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification