Haptic Device for Pedestrian Navigation

• US 20140313021A1
• Filed: 04/17/2013
• Published: 10/23/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: Nokia Corporation
• Inventors: Radivojevic, Zoran, Beecher, Paul, Bower, Chris, Fahlgren, Anton
• Granted Patent: US 10,466,787 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/407.1
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3652 Guidance using non-audiovisual output, e.g. tactile, haptic or electric stimuli
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 6/00 Tactile signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems

Abstract

An apparatus comprises a first magnetic plate; a second magnetic plate oriented parallel no the first magnetic plate, magnetically coupled to the first magnetic plate, and slidable relative to the first magnetic plate; a dielectric material positioned between the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate; and a contact in communication with the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate through which a voltage is applied, the voltage generating a signal that is responsive to a task performed on a mobile device, the signal providing a haptic effect to the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate upon sliding of the first magnetic plate relative to the second magnetic plate.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a first magnetic plate;

a second magnetic plate oriented parallel to the first magnetic plate, magnetically coupled to the first magnetic plate, and slidable relative to the first magnetic plate;

a dielectric material positioned between the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate; and

a contact in communication with the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate through which a voltage is applied, the voltage generating a signal that is responsive to a task performed on a mobile device, the signal providing a haptic effect to the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate upon sliding of the first magnetic plate relative to the second magnetic plate.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic orate each comprise magnetic films disposed on polymer or glass sheets, the magnetic films being disposed on opposing faces of each respective plate.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the magnetic films each comprise dispersed magnetic dots or optically transparent magnetic films.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate each comprise a film of conductive material, the films of conductive material being disposed on surfaces of each respective plate that face the dielectric material.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the films of conductive material each comprise indium tin oxide, graphene, graphene oxide, or combinations of the foregoing materials.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising two resistor traces extending around the edge of the second plate through which the contact maintains communication between the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for the apparatus to communicate wirelessly with the mobile device.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is embodied in a keyring.

9. A method, comprising,

inputting destination data into a mobile device;

linking a haptic feedback device to the mobile device using a wireless connection;

adjusting the haptic feedback device;

determining whether a direction to the destination is correct based on haptic feedback provided from the haptic feedback device;

moving in the direction to the destination; and

reaching the destination.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein linking a haptic feedback device to the mobile device comprises selecting a wireless connectivity parameter on the mobile device to initiate a connection to circuitry of the haptic feedback device.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising correcting the direction to the destination based on the haptic feedback from the haptic feedback device.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising re-adjusting the haptic feedback device and correcting the direction to the destination.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising determining a distance to the destination in a distance determination step.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein adjusting the haptic feedback device comprises sliding a first Plate relative to a second plate to produce a voltage.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein sliding the first plate relative to the second plate to produce a voltage produces the haptic feedback.

16. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium, comprising one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of an apparatus, causes the apparatus to at least:

link a haptic feedback device to a mobile device using a wireless connection; and

provide haptic feedback from the haptic feedback device.