System and method for providing rotational haptic feedback

• US 8,125,453 B2
• Filed: 10/20/2003
• Issued: 02/28/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/20/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Original Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Inventors: Shahoian, Erik J., Jasso, Alexander
• Primary Examiner(s): Shalwala, Bipin
• Assistant Examiner(s): HOLTON, STEVEN E
• Application Number:
  US10/689,130
• Publication Number:
  US 20040178989A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,053 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156, 345/157, 345173-178
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/014 Force feedback applied to GUI
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03547 Touch pads, in which fingers can move on a surface

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing haptic cues to a touch-sensitive input device having a rotary degree of freedom are described. One system described comprises a touch sensitive input device is configured to move in a rotary degree of freedom. The system further comprises an actuator configured to produce a rotational force on the touch-sensitive input device. In one such system, the actuator comprises an electromagnetic core configured to produce force on a magnet affixed to the touch-sensitive input device. In another such system, a motor provides the rotational force.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a bushing;

a button carrier disposed around the bushing, the button carrier defining a slot;

a touch-sensitive input device coupled to the bushing and the button carrier, the bushing configured to support and isolate the touch-sensitive input device and to allow the touch-sensitive input device to move in a rotary degree of freedom;

an actuator configured to induce rotation of the touch-sensitive input device; and

a pin coupled to the touch-sensitive input device, the pin configured to engage with the slot such that rotation of the touch-sensitive input device is limited by movement of the pin within the slot.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive input device comprises a touchpad.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the touchpad comprises a generally circular touchpad.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive input device further comprises a magnet, and wherein the actuator comprises a magnetic core.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the magnetic core comprises an E-core.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises:

a motor; and

a drive belt driven by said motor and configured to produce the rotational force on the touch-sensitive input device.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the motor further comprises a pair of end stops to limit the rotation of the motor.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises:

a motor; and

an eccentric rotating mass configured to impart a vibration on the touch-sensitive input device.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises:

a motor; and

a flexure driven by said motor and configured to produce the rotational force on the touch-sensitive input device.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the flexure comprises brass.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the actuator is grounded to the housing.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a processor configured to receive an output signal from the touch-sensitive input device and generate an input signal operable to cause the actuator to produce the rotational force.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to self center based on a reluctance torque.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive input device defines a hole in its center and wherein the bushing is inserted into the hole from the underside of the touch-sensitive input device.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the slot has a length of approximately 2 millimeters.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the button carrier comprises a button.