User interface impact actuator
First Claim
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1. A method of generating a haptic effect simulating a mechanical button, the method comprising:
- sensing a position and magnitude of at least one touch input on a touchscreen of a user interface;
generating a haptic effect signal based on the touch input with a processor, the haptic effect signal including a driving pulse for an impact actuator having a moving element;
applying the driving pulse to the impact actuator to cause the moving element to contact the touchscreen and initiate a haptic effect;
maintaining the contact between the moving element and the touchscreen for a predetermined time duration to dampen the haptic effect based on the maintained contact between the moving element and the touchscreen; and
discontinuing contact between the moving element and the touchscreen after the predetermined time duration,wherein the haptic effect is a vibration waveform resulting from the contact between the moving element and the touchscreen, andwherein the vibration waveform consists of a single cycle sine wave that includes one up cycle and one down cycle to simulate the mechanical button.
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Abstract
A system generates a haptic effect that simulates a mechanical button. The system receives a signal that indicates that a user has contacted a user interface of the system. The system includes an impact actuator. In response to the signal, a moving element of the impact actuator contacts the user interface, which generates the haptic effect.
36 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method of generating a haptic effect simulating a mechanical button, the method comprising:
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sensing a position and magnitude of at least one touch input on a touchscreen of a user interface; generating a haptic effect signal based on the touch input with a processor, the haptic effect signal including a driving pulse for an impact actuator having a moving element; applying the driving pulse to the impact actuator to cause the moving element to contact the touchscreen and initiate a haptic effect; maintaining the contact between the moving element and the touchscreen for a predetermined time duration to dampen the haptic effect based on the maintained contact between the moving element and the touchscreen; and discontinuing contact between the moving element and the touchscreen after the predetermined time duration, wherein the haptic effect is a vibration waveform resulting from the contact between the moving element and the touchscreen, and wherein the vibration waveform consists of a single cycle sine wave that includes one up cycle and one down cycle to simulate the mechanical button. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A device comprising:
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a housing; a user interface supported by the housing, the user interface comprising a touchscreen configured to sense a position and magnitude of at least one touch input on the touchscreen; a processor coupled to the user interface and configured to generate a haptic effect signal based on the touch input, the haptic effect signal including a driving pulse; and an impact actuator coupled to the processor and configured to receive the driving pulse generated by the processor, wherein the impact actuator comprises a moving element configured to contact the touchscreen and initiate a haptic effect simulating a mechanical button upon receipt of the driving pulse; wherein the moving element is further configured to maintain the contact with the touchscreen for a predetermined time duration to dampen the haptic effect based on the maintained contact with the touchscreen; wherein the moving element is further configured to discontinue the contact with the touchscreen after the predetermined time duration; wherein the haptic effect is a vibration waveform resulting from the contact between the moving element and the touchscreen; and wherein the vibration waveform consists of a single cycle sine wave which includes one up cycle and one down cycle to simulate the mechanical button. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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7. A device comprising:
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a housing; a user interface supported by the housing, the user interface comprising a touchscreen configured to sense a position and magnitude of at least one touch input on the touchscreen; a processor coupled to the user interface and configured to generate a haptic effect signal based on the touch input, the haptic effect signal including a driving pulse; and an impact actuator coupled to the processor and configured to receive the driving pulse generated by the processor, wherein the impact actuator comprises a moving element configured to contact the touchscreen and initiate a haptic effect simulating a mechanical button upon receipt of the driving pulse; wherein the moving element is further configured to maintain the contact with the touchscreen for a predetermined time duration to dampen the haptic effect based on the maintained contact with the touchscreen; wherein the moving element is further configured to discontinue the contact with the touchscreen after the predetermined time duration; wherein the haptic effect is a vibration waveform resulting from the contact between the moving element and the touchscreen; and wherein the impact actuator comprises a piezo bender, and the moving element is coupled to an end of the piezo bender and is configured to strike the touch screen to initiate the haptic effect.
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Specification