Method and apparatus for informing a user through haptic signals

• US 8,954,115 B2
• Filed: 04/28/2011
• Issued: 02/10/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
• Original Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
• Inventors: Tanioka, Hideaki
• Primary Examiner(s): DOAN, PHUOC HUU
• Application Number:
  US13/096,360
• Publication Number:
  US 20120276956A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,384 Days
• Field of Search: 455/567, 455/414.1, 455/414.2, 455/414.3, 715/205, 715/764
• US Class Current: 455/566
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/575 Means for retrieving and displaying personal data about calling party
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72436 for text messaging, e.g. short messaging services [SMS] or e-mails
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72469 for operating the device by selecting functions from two or more displayed items, e.g. menus or icons
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 19/047 Vibrating means for incoming calls
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/22 including a touch pad, a touch sensor or a touch detector
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/02 Calling substations, e.g. by ringing selective calling H04Q

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a computing device is provided that includes a receiver and a signal generator. The receiver may be configured to receive a user query for information regarding a received call or message. The user query may include a physical act performed on the computing device. The signal generator may be configured to generate a haptic signal indicating a response to the user query for the information regarding the call or message.

Claims

1. A mobile communication device comprising:

a touchscreen configured to receive a swipe indicating a user query for the source of a received call or message;

a ringer configured to generate an audible signal in response to the mobile communication device receiving the call or message, the mobile communication device operable to silence the ringer; and

a signal generator configured to generate a vibration with a first intensity corresponding to a first classification of the source of the received call or message, and a vibration with a second intensity corresponding to a second classification of the source of the received call or message.