Handheld computer interface with haptic feedback

• US 9,227,137 B2
• Filed: 09/23/2013
• Issued: 01/05/2016
• 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., Cruz-Hernandez, Juan Manuel, Heubel, Robert W., Bartel, Hendrik
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown, Vernal
• Assistant Examiner(s): Adnan, Muhammad
• Application Number:
  US14/034,001
• Publication Number:
  US 20140022065A1
• Time in Patent Office: 834 Days
• Field of Search: 340/407.1, 340/407.2
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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;

an impact actuator coupled to the handle, wherein the impact actuator comprises,

a movable mass,

an end stop,

a guide shaft coupled to the mass, and

at least one coil surrounding the mass,

wherein the mass is magnetic and the coil is adapted to be energized to move the mass along the guide shaft, and

at least one retractable brake that is retractably coupled to the handle such that in an extended position of the retractable brake the mass impacts the retractable brake and in a retracted position of the retractable brake the mass does not impact the retractable brake,

wherein the impact actuator is adapted to receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect, wherein the mass moves linearly within the handle.

2. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, wherein the guide shaft has a first end, and the end stop comprises a bumper at the first end.

3. The handheld computer interface of claim 1, wherein the end stop comprises the retractable brake contacting the mass.

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. A handheld computer interface comprising:

a housing, wherein the housing comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a linkage portion coupled at one end thereof to the first portion and at a second end thereof to the second portion such that the linkage portion movably couples the first portion and the second portion together; and

an actuator coupled to the housing, wherein the actuator is configured to impart a first haptic effect to the housing,

wherein the linkage portion of the housing is configured to allow the first portion and the second portion to impact each other in response to a user-generated force to cause a second haptic effect, wherein the second haptic effect is different than the first haptic effect.