Devices and Methods for Creating Haptic Effects

• US 20160216764A1
• Filed: 09/29/2013
• Published: 07/28/2016
• 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
• Granted Patent: US 10,126,817 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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, wherein the mechanism includes a material portion that releases mechanical energy when temporarily bent from a first position to a second position, and wherein the mechanism includes a conductor that changes shape in response to an electrical signal applied thereto, the conductor connected with the material portion; and

a controller electronically coupled with the mechanism to selectively activate the mechanism.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein 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.

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

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

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

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the material portion has an arcuate portion that stores mechanical energy therein.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the conductor is attached to a perimeter of the material portion.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the conductor is positioned about an edge of the material portion.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the conductor is positioned about the perimeter of the material and has a variable length of a first length to a shorter second length in response to the electrical signal being applied thereto.

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

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a dampener positioned adjacent to the mechanism.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the dampener is configured to provide varying levels of dampening.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller provides an electrical current to the mechanism, and the mechanism responds to the electrical current by activating the haptic pop effect.

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

providing a mechanism selectable between a first state and a second state in response to an electrical signal, the first state with mechanical energy stored therein, and the second state wherein said mechanical energy is released 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.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the electrical signal is a current.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

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

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

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

and bonding the Nitinol wire to the metal material.

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

a mechanism configured to produce a haptic pop effect, wherein the mechanism includes a material portion that releases mechanical energy when bent from a first position to a second position, and wherein the mechanism includes a Nitinol wire connected with the material portion; 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 creating the haptic pop effect.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the material portion is dome shaped.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the material portion is metal.