METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING TACTILE SENSATIONS

• US 20030122779A1
• Filed: 11/01/2002
• Published: 07/03/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Original Assignee: Immersion Corporation
• Inventors: Vassallo, Steven P., Martin, Kenneth M., Jasso, Alexander, Goldenberg, Alex S., Tierling, Kollin
• Granted Patent: US 7,336,260 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1662 Details related to the integrated keyboard
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/169 the I/O peripheral being an integrated pointing device, e.g. trackball in the palm rest area, mini-joystick integrated between keyboard keys, touch pads or touch stripes G06F1/1643 takes precedence; constructional details of pointing devices G06F3/033
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/014 Force feedback applied to GUI
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0233 Character input methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/041 Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 21/001 Teaching or communicating with blind persons G09B21/02 - G09B21/06 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 21/003 using tactile presentation of the information, e.g. Braille displays
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/85 characterised by tactile feedback features
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/004 Collapsible dome or bubble
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/05 electromechanical
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/052 piezoelectric
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/23 Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof by improving visibility H04M1/22

Abstract

Abstract of Disclosure

Products and processes for providing tactile sensations to input devices or electronic devices are provided. Input devices include mechanical input devices (such as, for example, mechanical switches) and non-mechanical input devices (such as, for example, touchpads). Tactile feedback is provided by using an actuator or other means in communication with the input device or electronic device. A controller may be employed to receive signals from the input devices and control the actuator. Tactile feedback to an input device or electronic device may be provided in response to one or more events or situations. Such an event or situation may be any one designated. Examples of such events and situations include the level of pressure placed on an input device; the availability or lack of availability of a function associated with an input device; and the function, menu, or mode of operation associated with an input device"s activation. A variety of feedback types and combinations may be selected.

Claims

1. A computer-readable medium having instructions, the instructions including instructions that cause a processor to:

detect a first pressure on a first input device;

provide a first tactile sensation to the first input device;

detect a second pressure on the first input device, the second pressure greater than the first pressure; and

provide a second tactile sensation to the first input device.

2. The computer-readable medium of claim 1 further comprising stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

detect a third pressure on the first input device, the third pressure greater than the second pressure; and

provide a third tactile sensation to the first input device.

3. The computer-readable medium of claim 2 further comprising stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

detect a fourth pressure on the first input device, the fourth pressure greater than the third pressure; and

provide a fourth tactile sensation to the first input device.

4. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, the first tactile sensation different from the second tactile sensation.

5. The computer-readable medium of claim 1 further comprising stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to provide the first tactile sensation to a second input device.

6. The computer-readable medium of claim 5 further comprising stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to provide the second tactile sensation to the second input device.

7. The computer-readable medium of claim 1 further comprising stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

detect a third pressure on a second input device; and

provide a third tactile sensation to the second input device.

8. The computer-readable medium of claim 7, the third tactile sensation different from the first tactile sensation.

9. The computer-readable medium of claim 7 further comprising stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

detect a fourth pressure on the second input device, the fourth pressure greater than the third pressure; and

provide a fourth tactile sensation to the second input device.

10. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, the first tactile sensation different from the second tactile sensation.

11. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, the first tactile sensation comprising a different frequency than the second tactile sensation.

12. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, the first input device comprising a button on a mobile telephone.

13. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, the first input device comprising a soft-key on a touchpad.

14. The computer-readable medium of claim 2 further comprising stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

upon detecting the first pressure, provide a first signal indicating a first alphanumeric character;

upon detecting the second pressure, provide a second signal indicating a second alphanumeric character; and

upon detecting the third pressure, provide a third signal indicating a third alphanumeric character.

15. The computer-readable medium of claim 14 further comprising stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

upon detecting the first pressure, display the first alphanumeric character;

upon detecting the second pressure, display the second alphanumeric character; and

upon detecting the third pressure, display the third alphanumeric character.

16. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, the second pressure on the first input device comprising a continuous rise in pressure from the first pressure.

44. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein determining the first pressure on the first input device comprises receiving a first input signal.

45. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein providing the first tactile sensation to the first input device comprises transmitting a first controller output signal to an actuator in communication with the first input device.

17. A computer-readable medium having stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

detect a first pressure on a first input device comprising requesting a function; and

provide a first tactile sensation to the first input device indicating initiation of the function.

18. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, the function comprising initiation of a menu.

19. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, the menu comprising a first sub-menu, and the computer-readable medium further having stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

provide a second tactile sensation indicating initiation of the first sub-menu.

20. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, the menu comprising a second sub-menu, and the computer-readable medium further having stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

provide a third tactile sensation indicating initiation of the second sub-menu.

21. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, the first tactile sensation different than the second tactile sensation.

22. The computer-readable medium of claim 21, the second tactile sensation different than the third tactile sensation.

23. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, the function comprising an operation mode.

24. The computer-readable medium of claim 23, the operation mode comprising at least one of the following:

instant messaging, electronic mail, voice mail, game, and missed calls.

25. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, the first tactile sensation indicating a structure of the menu.

26. The computer-readable medium of claim 25, the menu comprising at least one sub-menu.

27. The computer-readable medium of claim 26, the first tactile sensation further indicating the number of sub-menus comprising the menu.

28. A computer-readable medium having stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

detect a first pressure at a first location on a touchpad;

upon detecting the first pressure, provide a first tactile sensation to the touchpad;

detect a second pressure at a second location on a touchpad;

upon detecting the second pressure, provide a second tactile sensation to the touchpad, the first tactile sensation having a different waveform than the second tactile sensation.

29. The computer-readable medium of claim 28, the first tactile sensation further having a different magnitude than the second tactile sensation.

30. The computer-readable medium of claim 28, the first tactile sensation further having a different frequency than the second tactile sensation.

31. The computer-readable medium of claim 28 having stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

detect a third pressure on the touchpad comprising requesting a function;

determine that the function is unavailable; and

upon determining that the function is unavailable, provide a third tactile sensation to the touchpad.

32. The computer-readable medium of claim 28 having stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

detect a third pressure on the touchpad;

determine that the third pressure comprises an ambiguous input;

upon determining that the third pressure comprises the ambiguous input, provide a third tactile sensation to the touchpad.

33. A computer-readable medium having stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

detect a first pressure at a first location on a touchpad;

upon detecting the first pressure, provide a first tactile sensation to the touchpad;

detect a second pressure at a second location on a touchpad;

upon detecting the second pressure, provide a second tactile sensation to the touchpad, the first tactile sensation having a different wave form than the second tactile sensation.

34. The computer-readable medium of claim 33, the first tactile sensation further having a different magnitude than the second tactile sensation.

35. The computer-readable medium of claim 33, the first tactile sensation further having a different frequency than the second tactile sensation.

36. The computer-readable medium of claim 33 having stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

detect a third pressure on the touchpad comprising requesting a function;

determine that the function is unavailable; and

upon determining that the function is unavailable, provide a third tactile sensation to the touchpad.

37. The computer-readable medium of claim 33 having stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

detect a third pressure on the touchpad;

determine that the third pressure comprises an ambiguous input;

upon determining that the third pressure comprises the ambiguous input, provide a third tactile sensation to the touchpad.

38. A computer-readable medium having stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

detect a first pressure on a first input device comprising requesting a function;

determine that the function is unavailable; and

upon determining that the function is unavailable, provide a first tactile sensation to the first input device.

39. The computer-readable medium of claim 38 having stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

determine that the function is available; and

upon determining that the function is available, provide a second tactile sensation to the first input device, the second tactile sensation different from the first tactile sensation.

40. The computer-readable medium of claim 39, the second tactile sensation comprising a different frequency than the first haptic feedback.

41. A computer-readable medium having stored instructions, the stored instructions including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

detect a first pressure on a first input device;

determine that the first pressure comprises an ambiguous input;

upon determining that the first pressure comprises the ambiguous input, provide a first tactile sensation to the first input device.

42. The computer-readable medium of claim 41, wherein determining that the first pressure comprises an ambiguous input further comprises detecting a second pressure on a second input device.

43. The computer-readable medium of claim 42, wherein determining that the first pressure comprises an ambiguous input further comprises detecting the first pressure on the first input device approximately simultaneous to the second pressure on the second input device.

46. An input device, comprising:

a means for determining pressure; and

an actuator in communication with the means for determining pressure and capable of creating at least three distinct tactile sensations in response to at least three corresponding pressure input signals from the means for determining pressure.

47. The input device of claim 46, wherein one of the at least three corresponding pressure input signals indicates a rest state.

48. The input device of claim 46, further comprising a controller in communication with the means for determining pressure and with the actuator, the controller configured to cause the actuator to create the at least three distinct tactile sensations in response to at least three corresponding pressure input signals from the means for determining pressure.

49. The input device of claim 48, further comprises a second actuator in communication with the controller.

50. The input device of claim 46, wherein the input device comprises at lest one of an analog switch, a force sensing resistor, a strain gauge based sensor, a capacitative touch switch, and a touchpad.

51. The input device of claim 46, further comprising a second means for determining pressure.

52. The input device of claim 51, the second means for determining pressure in communication with the first actuator.

53. The input device of claim 51, further comprising a second actuator.

54. The input device of claim 53, the second means for determining pressure in communication with the second actuator.

55. The input device of claim 46, further comprising a plurality of means for determining pressure.

56. The input device of claim 46, further comprising a second actuator.

57. The input device of claim 46, further comprising a plurality of actuators.

58. The input device of claim 46, the first actuator comprising at least one of a piezo-electric actuator, a voice coil, a moving magnet actuator, eccentric rotating mass, and a flexure coupled to a motor.

59. The input device of claim 46, the means for determining pressure comprising a pressure-sensitive touchpad.

60. The input device of claim 59, further comprising a display panel in communication with the pressure-sensitive touchpad, the display panel configured to display at least one softkey.

61. The input device of claim 60, further comprising a pressure analyzer configured to calculate the pressure applied to the at least one softkey.

62. The input device of claim 61, the pressure analyzer configured to calculate the pressure applied to the at least one softkey based at least in part on an amount of area of the softkey receiving contact.

63. A mobile phone comprising the input device of claim 46.

64. The input device of claim 46, the first actuator configured to produce a distinct tactile sensation upon a function failure.

65. The input device of claim 64, the function failure indicating a function unavailability.

66. An apparatus comprising:

at least one input device comprising;

a first position, corresponding to a first input signal; and

a second position, corresponding to a second input signal;

the input device moveable from the first position to the second position upon application of a sufficient amount of pressure to the input device;

at least one actuator in communication with the input device to output tactile sensations to the input device; and

at least one controller in communication with the input device to detect the first input signal and the second input signal and in communication with the actuator to cause the actuator to create a first tactile sensation in response to detection of the first input signal and to create a second tactile sensation in response to detection of the second input signal.

67. The apparatus of claim 66, the input device comprising at least one of an analog switch, a force sensing resistor, a strain gauge based sensor, a capacitative touch switch, and a touchpad.

68. The apparatus of claim 66, the at least one input device comprising a plurality of input devices, and the at least one actuator comprising a plurality of actuators, each actuator coupled to a distinct input device.

69. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the actuator comprises at least one of a piezo-electric actuator, a voice coil, a moving magnet actuator, and a flexure coupled to a motor.

70. The apparatus of claim 66, the input device comprising a pressure-sensitive touchpad, and the apparatus further comprising:

a display panel capable of displaying computer software generated graphics, the display panel in communication with the pressure-sensitive touchpad to receive the tactile sensations there from; and

at least one software generated button disposed on the display panel.

71. The apparatus of claim 66, the touchpad comprising a pressure calculator to measure the distinct amount of pressure.

72. The apparatus of claim 66, further comprising:

an object to select one of the buttons by pressing a location of the display panel corresponding to that button; and

a pressure calculator to calculate the distinct amount of pressure based upon an amount of area of the object in contact with the display panel.

73. The apparatus of claim 66, the apparatus comprising at least one of a mobile telephone, a personal computer and a hand-held computing device.

74. An apparatus comprising:

an input device to communicate an input signal to an electronic device, the input device having multiple positions;

at least one actuator in communication with the input device to output a plurality of distinct tactile sensations to the input device; and

at least one controller in communication with the input device to receive the input signal and to detect the position of the input device and in communication with the actuator to produce the distinct tactile sensations corresponding to the received input signal and the detected position of the input device.

75. The apparatus of claim 74, the actuator capable of varying the magnitude of the produced tactile sensation in accordance with the detected position of the input device.

76. The apparatus of claim 74, further comprising a plurality of input devices, each input device capable of communicating a unique input signal to the electronic device and having multiple positions, the actuator capable of producing the distinct tactile sensation corresponding to both the received input signal and the detected position of the associated input device.

77. The apparatus of claim 74, the input device associated with the selection of at least one function of the apparatus, and the actuator further produces a function failure notification tactile sensation upon receipt of the input signal associated with the function and notification of failure of that function.

78. A mobile phone comprising the apparatus of claim 76.

79. The mobile phone of claim 78, comprising a keypad comprising the plurality of input devices.

80. The mobile phone of claim 78, the at least one actuator comprising a plurality of actuators, each actuator coupled to a separate input device.

81. The mobile phone of claim 78, comprising select keys associated with function input signals to activate a predetermined mobile phone function, the actuator to produce the tactile sensation associated with each mobile phone function upon receipt of the associated function input signal.

82. The mobile phone of claim 81, the actuator to produce a function failure notification tactile sensation upon receipt of a function input signal and notification of failure of that function.