Handheld computer interface with haptic feedback

• US 8,542,105 B2
• Filed: 11/24/2009
• Issued: 09/24/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/24/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Original Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Inventors: Grant, Danny A., Ramsay, Erin, Birnbaum, David M., Bartel, Hendrik, Cruz-Hernandez, Juan Manuel, Heubel, Robert W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel
• Assistant Examiner(s): Adnan, Muhammad
• Application Number:
  US12/624,577
• Publication Number:
  US 20110121953A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,400 Days
• Field of Search: 340/407.1, 340/407.2, 345/156, 345173-179, 715700-702
• US Class Current: 340/407.1
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/812 Ball games, e.g. soccer or baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1037 being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel

Abstract

Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating an impact and/or surface haptic effect for a handheld computer interface such as a video game controller. For example, the handheld computer interface may include a handle coupled to an impact actuator. The impact actuator includes a movable mass and an end stop. The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect. A smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material rather than the handle. The handle may be coupled to an end piece having a shape that simulates an object such as a tennis racket, golf club, or other object.

Claims

1. A handheld computer interface comprising:

a handle; and

an impact actuator coupled to the handle, wherein the impact actuator comprises a movable mass and an end stop, wherein the impact actuator is adapted to receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the movable mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect,

wherein the end stop is adapted to be movably inserted into a travel path of the movable mass, and

wherein the movable mass rotates greater than 360°

before contacting the end stop.

2. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, wherein the movable mass contacts the end stop through a bumper coupled to the mass.

3. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, wherein the end stop is coupled to a first bumper having first impact properties and a second bumper having second impact properties.

4. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, further comprising:

an end piece coupled to the handle, the end piece having a shape that simulates an object.

5. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, further comprising:

a smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect, wherein the smart material is coupled to a surface of the handle, thereby directly imparting the surface haptic effect substantially from the smart material rather than the handle.

6. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, wherein the movable mass moves in response to a user-generated motion of the handheld computer interface, thereby supplementing the haptic effect caused by the impact actuator.

7. A handheld computer interface comprising;

a housing; and

a reflex component coupled to the housing, wherein the reflex component is configured to cause a first haptic effect to the housing in response to a user-generated force on the handheld computer interface, wherein the reflex component comprises a movable mass disposed within a cavity of the housing, wherein the user-generated force causes the movable mass to move linearly within the cavity from a resting position towards an end of the cavity, and wherein the first haptic effect is caused by the movable mass striking a bump projecting from an inner surface of the housing into the cavity.

8. The handheld computer interface of claim 7, further comprising an actuator coupled to the housing, wherein the actuator is configured to impart a second haptic effect to the housing.

9. The handheld computer interface of claim 8, wherein the actuator comprises at least one coil surrounding the movable mass, wherein the movable mass is magnetic and the coil is adapted to be energized in response to receiving a haptic effect signal to move the mass along the guide shaft, wherein the actuator supplements the user-generate force.

10. The handheld computer interface of claim 8, further comprising:

a sensor configured to output sensor information that describes a force of the handheld computer interface, wherein the actuator varies the second haptic effect based on the sensor information.

11. The handheld computer interface of claim 10, wherein the sensor information describes one or more forces imparted on or by the reflex component.

12. The handheld computer interface of claim 10, wherein the sensor information describes a motion of the handheld computer interface.

13. The handheld computer interface of claim 7, further comprising a bumper coupled to the end of the cavity such that the movable mass contacts the bumper to cause a second haptic effect.