Haptic interface for laptop computers and other portable devices
First Claim
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a substantially-planar contact surface;
a processor configured to receive a first signal associated with a position on the contact surface and to output a second signal associated with the first signal; and
an actuator configured to receive the second signal from the processor, the actuator operable to move the contact surface in a direction substantially parallel to the contact surface based at least in part on the second signal, wherein the actuator comprises a rotary actuator coupled to the contact surface via a linkage, the linkage configured to convert a rotary force output by the actuator to a linear force, the linear force operable to cause the contact surface to move in the direction substantially parallel to the contact surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A haptic feedback touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that provides position information to a computer based on a location of user contact. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position information, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user. The actuator can move the touchpad laterally, or a separate surface member can be actuated. A flat E-core actuator, piezoelectric actuator, or other types of actuators can be used to provide forces. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a substantially-planar contact surface;
a processor configured to receive a first signal associated with a position on the contact surface and to output a second signal associated with the first signal; and
an actuator configured to receive the second signal from the processor, the actuator operable to move the contact surface in a direction substantially parallel to the contact surface based at least in part on the second signal, wherein the actuator comprises a rotary actuator coupled to the contact surface via a linkage, the linkage configured to convert a rotary force output by the actuator to a linear force, the linear force operable to cause the contact surface to move in the direction substantially parallel to the contact surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. An apparatus, comprising:
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a substantially-planar contact surface;
a processor configured to receive a first signal associated with a position on the contact surface and to output a second signal associated with the first signal; and
an actuator configured to receive the second signal from the processor, the actuator operable to move the contact surface in a direction substantially parallel to the contact surface based at least in part on the second signal, wherein the actuator is a first actuator, and the direction substantially parallel to the contact surface is a first direction, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a second actuator configured to move the contact surface in a second direction substantially parallel to the contact surface. - View Dependent Claims (5)
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6. An apparatus, comprising:
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a substantially-planar contact surface;
a sensor in communication with the contact surface, the sensor configured to output a first signal associated with a position on the contact surface; and
an actuator configured to receive a second signal associated with the first signal, the actuator operable to move the contact surface in a direction substantially parallel to the contact surface based at least in part on the second signal, wherein the actuator comprises a rotary actuator coupled to the contact surface via a linkage, the linkage configured to convert a rotary force output by the actuator to a linear force, the linear force causing the contact surface to move in the direction substantially parallel to the contact surface. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. An apparatus, comprising:
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a substantially-planar contact surface;
a sensor in communication with the contact surface, the sensor configured to output a first signal associated with a position on the contact surface; and
an actuator configured to receive a second signal associated with the first signal, the actuator operable to move the contact surface in a direction substantially parallel to the contact surface based at least in part on the second signal, wherein the actuator is a first actuator, and the direction substantially parallel to the contact surface is a first direction, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a second actuator, the second actuator configured to move the contact surface in a second direction substantially parallel to the contact surface. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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11. An apparatus, comprising:
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a substantially-planar contact surface;
a sensor in communication with the contact surface, the sensor configured to output a first signal associated with a position on the contact surface;
an actuator configured to receive a second signal associated with the first signal, and to output a rotary force based at least in part on the second signal; and
a flexure coupled to the actuator, the flexure configured to convert the rotary force output by the actuator to a linear force, the linear force operable to cause the contact surface to move. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification