Devices and methods for creating haptic effects

• US 10,126,817 B2
• Filed: 09/29/2013
• Issued: 11/13/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Morrell, John B., Kessler, Patrick, Moussette, Camille
• Primary Examiner(s): Wilson, Brian
• Application Number:
  US15/025,277
• Publication Number:
  US 20160216764A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,871 Days
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 6/00 Tactile signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems

Abstract

In an embodiment for use with a portable device, a haptic feedback system creates a haptic pop effect and the system may include a mechanism configured to produce a haptic pop effect and a controller electronically coupled with the mechanism to selectively activate the mechanism. In one example, the mechanism has a first normal state having mechanical energy stored therein, and a second state wherein said mechanical energy is released, thereby creating the haptic pop effect. The mechanism may include a material portion configured as a dome-shaped or arcuate diaphragm and made of metal that stores mechanical energy therein. A conductor such as a Nitinol wire may be positioned about and bonded to the perimeter of the material, and has a variable length of a first length to a shorter second length in response to the signal being applied to the mechanism. In this manner, the controller provides an electrical signal to the mechanism, and the mechanism responds to the electrical signal by activating the haptic pop effect. This effect is felt by the user of the electronic device.

Claims

1. A haptic feedback system for a portable device, comprising:

a mechanism, configured to produce a haptic pop effect, comprising;

a material portion that releases mechanical energy when temporarily bent from a first position to a second position, the material portion comprising one or more discrete protrusions at a perimeter of the material portion; and

a conductor that changes shape in response to an electrical signal applied thereto, the conductor connected with the material portion at the one or more discrete protrusions; and

a controller electronically coupled with the conductor to selectively provide the electrical signal to the conductor to cause the mechanism to produce the haptic pop effect.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the mechanism has a first normal state having said mechanical energy stored therein, and a second state wherein said mechanical energy is released, thereby producing the haptic pop effect.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the material portion is configured as a dome-shaped diaphragm.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the conductor comprises a Nitinol wire bonded to the one or more discrete protrusions.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the material portion is made of metal.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the material portion has a generally flat profile with a generally circular shape.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the conductor includes Nitinol material.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the conductor has a variable length of a first length to a shorter second length in response to the electrical signal being applied thereto.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a dampener positioned adjacent to the mechanism;

wherein,

the dampener comprises a bladder of ferro-fluid having a viscosity controlled by a magnetic field; and

the magnetic field is regulated by the controller.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the one or more discrete protrusions comprise a rim at the perimeter of the material portion; and

the conductor is attached to the material portion at the rim.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the one or more discrete protrusions comprise a set of tines at the perimeter of the material portion; and

the conductor is attached to the material portion at each tine in the set of tines.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a touchscreen;

wherein,

the mechanism is positioned proximate to the touchscreen, within the portable device, and configured to deliver the haptic pop effect to the touchscreen.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein:

the mechanism is a first mechanism in a set of multiple haptic pop mechanisms comprising an additional set of the elements included in the first mechanism; and

the set of multiple haptic pop mechanisms are positioned at various locations within the portable device.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a button;

wherein,

the mechanism is positioned proximate to the button, within the portable device, and configured to deliver the haptic pop effect to the button.

15. A method of providing haptic feedback in an electronic device, the method comprising:

providing a mechanism selectable between a first state and a second state in response to an electrical signal applied to the mechanism at a set of one or more discrete protrusions at a perimeter of the mechanism, wherein the first state of the mechanism stores mechanical energy, and a transition of the mechanism from the first state to the second state releases the stored mechanical energy to produce a haptic pop effect;

detecting a request for producing the haptic pop effect; and

providing the electrical signal to the mechanism;

whereby in response to the electrical signal, the mechanism transitions into the second state thereby producing the haptic pop effect.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the electrical signal comprises a current.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the mechanism comprises:

providing a metal material configured with a dome-like portion;

wherein,

the set of one or more discrete protrusions are at the perimeter of the dome-like portion.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the mechanism comprises:

providing a Nitinol wire, wherein the Nitinol wire is coupled with the electrical signal; and

bonding the Nitinol wire to the set of one or more discrete protrusions.

19. A haptic feedback system for a portable device, comprising:

a mechanism, configured to produce a haptic pop effect, comprising;

a material portion that releases mechanical energy when bent from a first position to a second position, the material portion comprising one or more discrete protrusions at a perimeter of the material portion; and

a Nitinol wire connected with the material portion at the one or more discrete protrusions; and

a controller electronically coupled with the Nitinol wire to selectively activate the mechanism, wherein when the controller applies an electrical signal to the Nitinol wire, the Nitinol wire exerts a bending force on the material portion to bend the material portion to the second position, thereby producing the haptic pop effect.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the material portion is dome shaped.