Haptic stylus utilizing an electroactive polymer

• US 7,679,611 B2
• Filed: 03/31/2009
• Issued: 03/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/2000
• Status: Expired

• Current Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Original Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Inventors: Schena, Bruce M.
• Primary Examiner(s): OSORIO, RICARDO
• Application Number:
  US12/415,781
• Publication Number:
  US 20090184923A1
• Time in Patent Office: 350 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156, 345/157, 345/184, 341/34, 341/35
• US Class Current: 345/184
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 7/007 Indication of measured value by tactile means
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 2009/04766 providing feel, e.g. indexing means, means to create counterforce
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 9/047 the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks for switches H01H25/04
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/013 Force feedback applied to a game
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/015 Force feedback applied to a joystick
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 Pens or stylus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03547 Touch pads, in which fingers can move on a surface
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts

Abstract

Haptic feedback interface devices using electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators to provide haptic sensations. A haptic feedback interface device is in communication with a host computer and includes a sensor device that detects the manipulation of the interface device by the user and an electroactive polymer actuator responsive to input signals and operative to output a force to the user caused by motion of the actuator. The output force provides a haptic sensation to the user. In an embodiment, a stylus including a body having a first end and a second end opposite from the first end, a moveable member coupled to the body and capable of being in contact with a user'"'"'s hand; and an electro active polymer actuator coupled to the moveable member, wherein the electroactive polymer moves the moveable member from a first position to a second position with respect to the body upon being activated.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a wheel configured to be rotated about a shaft, the wheel having an outer surface adapted to be in contact with a user'"'"'s finger to rotate the wheel about the shaft; and

an electroactive polymer positioned within the wheel, the electroactive polymer having a mass coupled thereto, wherein the electroactive polymer is configured to move the mass between a first position and a second position to produce a haptic effect upon being activated.

2. An apparatus comprising:

a wheel configured to be rotated about a shaft; and

a plurality of electroactive polymers positioned along a circumference of the wheel and adapted to be in contact with a user'"'"'s finger to rotate the wheel about the shaft;

the electroactive polymer configured to move between a first position and a second position to produce a haptic effect upon being activated.

3. A method comprising:

sensing rotation of a wheel about a shaft in response to a user operating the wheel on its outer surface, the wheel having an electroactive polymer positioned within the wheel and having a mass coupled thereto; and

activating the electroactive polymer to move the mass between a first position and a second position to impart a haptic effect to the wheel.

4. A method comprising:

sensing rotation of a wheel about a shaft in response to a user operating the wheel on its outer surface, the wheel having an electroactive polymer positioned along a circumference of the wheel; and

activating the electroactive polymer by applying a current thereto, wherein the electroactive polymer moves between a first position and a second position to impart a haptic effect to the user.