Haptic modules with independently controllable vertical and horizontal mass movements

• US 9,396,629 B1
• Filed: 02/21/2014
• Issued: 07/19/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Weber, Douglas
• Primary Examiner(s): Tweel, Jr., John A
• Application Number:
  US14/186,888
• Time in Patent Office: 879 Days
• Field of Search: 340/407.1, 345/156, 310/321
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 2205/0076 using shape memory alloys
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1684 Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
• 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

Electronic devices and methods for creating various haptic effects. In one example, an electronic device may include a first haptic module for creating a first haptic effect, the first haptic module having a first weight member that selectively moves in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the first haptic module; a second haptic module for creating a second haptic effect, the second haptic module having a second weight member that selectively moves in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the second haptic module; and a processor for controlling the first and second haptic modules. In one example, the processor selectively activates either the first haptic module or the second haptic module based on one or more events or conditions, such as the current orientation or position of the electronic device.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising:

a planar surface;

a first haptic module for creating a first haptic effect, the first haptic module having a first weight member that selectively moves in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to the planar surface;

a second haptic module for creating a second haptic effect, the second haptic module having a second weight member that selectively moves in a substantially parallel direction relative to the planar surface; and

a processor for controlling the first and second haptic modules.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first haptic module includes a frame member, a weight member positioned within the frame member, and an actuator wire coupled with the weight member and the frame member.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the actuator wire is formed from a shape memory alloy.

4. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein when the actuator wire receives an electrical current, the actuator wire shortens, thereby moving the first weight member in the perpendicular direction from a first position to a second position.

5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein when the electrical current decreases, the actuator wire returns to an original length and the first weight member moves in the perpendicular direction to return to the first position.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second haptic module includes a frame member, a weight member positioned within the frame member, and an actuator wire coupled with the weight member and the frame member, wherein the frame member defines one or more slots that guide movement of the weight member within the frame member.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the weight member has a pin and the actuator wire is routed around a portion of the pin.

8. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein when the actuator wire receives an electrical current, the actuator wire shortens, thereby moving the second weight member in the parallel direction from a first position to a second position.

9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein when the electrical current decreases, the actuator wire returns to an original length and the second weight member moves in the parallel direction to return to the first position.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor selectively activates either the first haptic module or the second haptic module based on one or more events.

11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the one or more events include an orientation of the electronic device.

22. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the planar surface is defined by a display screen.

12. An electronic device, comprising:

a haptic module for creating a haptic effect, the haptic module having a frame, a weight member positioned within the frame, and an actuator wire coupled between the weight member and the frame, wherein when the actuator wire receives an electrical signal, the actuator wire shortens thereby moving the weight member within the frame to create the haptic effect; and

a processor for controlling the haptic module.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the haptic module is configured so that the weight member moves in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the frame.

14. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the haptic module is configured so that the weight member moves in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the frame.

15. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the actuator wire is formed from a shape memory alloy.

16. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the processor selectively activates the haptic module based on one or more events.

17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the one or more events include an orientation of the electronic device.

18. A method of creating a haptic feedback effect in an electronic device, comprising:

determining an orientation of the electronic device; and

responsive to the determining operation, activating either a first haptic module to create a first haptic feedback effect or activating a second haptic module to create a second haptic feedback effect;

wherein

the first haptic module is configured to move a first weight member in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to a planar surface of the electronic device to create the first haptic feedback effect; and

the second haptic module is configured to move a second weight member in a substantially parallel direction relative to the planar surface of the electronic device to create the second haptic feedback effect.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein if the determining operation determines that the orientation of the electronic device is substantially horizontal, then the activation operation activates the first haptic module to create the first haptic feedback effect.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein if the determining operation determines that the orientation of the electronic device is substantially vertical, then the activation operation activates the second haptic module to create the second haptic feedback effect.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the planar surface is defined by a display screen.