Dynamic tapping force feedback for mobile devices

Dynamic force feedback is provided in a device to alert a user about a message received on the device from a remote user and to convey content, context, or a type of the message. Producing dynamic force feedback may include activating a motion induction device, which accelerates and decelerates a mass to create tapping within the device. The amplitude and frequency of the tapping may be configured to produce sequences of taps to alert the user about different types, contexts, or content of received messages. Additionally, multiple motion induction devices may be included in a device to produce dynamic force feedback along multiple dimensions. Multiple dimension dynamic force feedback may be used in providing geographical directions to a user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to motion induction, and more particularly, to motion induction in wireless devices.

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices, such as audio players and cellular phones, often include vibration devices for providing the user feedback about conditions on the wireless device. For example, a cellular phone may vibrate when an incoming call is ringing. Vibration motors are conventionally rotating eccentric mass motors in which a mass is rotated about a fixed point. Vibration motors typically draw large current during operation, which is undesirable for battery powered mobile devices. Additionally, vibration motors have haptic bandwidth. Mobile devices may have several kinds of feedback to provide the user such as, for example, low battery and incoming call. The limited bandwidth of vibration motors inhibits mobile devices from providing different alerts to the user through the vibration motor.

Thus, there is a need for a low power notification device for providing dynamic feedback to users of mobile devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes determining a type, a content, and/or a context of a message received from a remote user to convey to a local user of a device. The method also includes providing dynamic force feedback in a first direction to the local user depending on the type, the content or the context of the message.

In another aspect, a method includes determining a type, a content, and/or a context of a message to convey to a user of a device. The method also includes providing dynamic force feedback in a first direction to the user depending on the type, the content or the context of the message. The dynamic force feedback provides a direction to geographically guide the user.

In another aspect, a device has a first motion induction device having a mass; and a controller. The controller is configured to operate the mass of the first motion induction device to provide dynamic force feedback in the device. The dynamic force feedback conveys a type, a content, and/or a context of a message received from a remote user.

In yet another aspect, a device has means for inducing motion and means for operating. The operating means is for operating the motion inducing means to provide dynamic force feedback in the device. The dynamic force feedback conveys a type, a content, and/or a context of a message received from a remote user.

In a further aspect, a computer readable medium tangibly stores a computer program. The medium includes a messaging code segment that determines a type, a content, and/or a context of a message received from a remote user to convey to a local user of a device. The medium also includes a force feedback code segment that instructs dynamic force feedback along a first direction to the local user depending on the type, the content, and/or the context of the received message.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a handheld device100incorporating force induction techniques of the present disclosure. InFIG. 1, the handheld device100is shown as a mobile phone. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a handheld device of the present disclosure need not be a mobile phone, and may generally be any type of handheld device, e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal navigation device, smart phone, etc. Such alternative exemplary embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

According to the present disclosure, the handheld device100is configurable to generate a force impulse that is tactilely and/or kinesthetically perceptible to a user (not shown inFIG. 1) of the handheld device100. Such physical impulses may be useful when other visual or audible indications are less effective due to, e.g., physical restrictions of the environment, or physical impairments of the user. InFIG. 1, the handheld device100may generate, e.g., one or more sharp physical impulses110, or “knocks,” to the left side of the handheld device100that are tactilely perceptible to a user. Similarly, the handheld device may generate similar knocks120to the right side of the handheld device100. In an exemplary embodiment, a left knock110may signal the left direction to the user of the handheld device100, while a right knock120may signal the direction to the right. In alternative exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that directional impulses to the right, top, bottom, front, back, or any local portion of the handheld device100may be similarly generated and felt by the user.

FIG. 1Aillustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in a handheld personal navigational device100A according to the present disclosure. NoteFIG. 1Ais shown for illustrative purposes only, and is not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure to navigational devices. InFIG. 1A, the device100A is configured as a personal navigational device that determines a target location specified by the user101A relative to a present location of the user101A. It will be appreciated that the determination of present and target locations by a navigational device is known in the art, and may utilize, e.g., satellite signals from the global positioning system (GPS). To guide the user101A to the target location, the device100A may generate one or more knocks or directional impulses to a side of the device100A, as illustrated by120A inFIG. 1A. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 1A, the knocks120A are generated to the left side of the device100A to indicate that the user should proceed to the left to reach a target location.

FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary embodiment200of a mechanism for generating tactilely perceptible physical impulses using force induction techniques according to the present disclosure. InFIG. 2, a chassis201is provided on which the components of the mechanism200may be mounted. The chassis201may be, e.g., a physical chassis of a handheld device100as shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, the chassis201may in turn be mounted on a separate chassis of the handheld device100.

The chassis201is coupled to a fixed mechanical support210, which is shown as a hollow tube inFIG. 2. The tube210is hollow along an ordinate axis250(also denoted herein as a “first axis”). A magnetic element220having a north pole (N) and a south pole (S) may be present inside the tube210. In an exemplary embodiment, the inside of the tube210may include a vacuum, and the magnetic element220may be constrained to move along the axis250. InFIG. 2, the variable x may describe the net lateral displacement of the center of the magnetic element220relative to a center of the tube210along the axis250, with the center of the tube210corresponding to x=0. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the ordinate axis250is shown for descriptive purposes only, and is not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the center of the ordinate axis may reference any arbitrary point on the tube210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the interior of the tube210may be lined with a low-friction material, e.g., PTFE or “Teflon,” or lined with a lubricant. Wound around the tube210are one or more sets of electrically conducting wound coils, three coils240,241,242of which are shown in cross-section inFIG. 2. Description of the first coil240is given hereinbelow; it will be appreciated that similar description may apply to coils241,242, and any other number of coils in alternative exemplary embodiments.

The first coil240is wound at least once, and preferably many times, around the tube210. First240.1and second240.2ends of the first coil240are coupled to a current control block218. Current flow is shown inFIG. 2with240(a) representing current flow into the plane of the cross section, and240(b) representing current flow out of the plane of the cross section. Block218controls the current flowing through the first coil240. Coils241and242similarly have ends coupled to block218, and may support current generated by block218. Block218is in turn coupled to an energy source215. The energy source215may supply the energy to generate current through any of the coils240,241,242through the current control block218. In certain exemplary embodiments, the energy source215may also store energy generated from the coils240,241,242, e.g., as further described with reference toFIG. 5hereinbelow.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3Cillustrate exemplary current, displacement, and velocity profiles, respectively, for the mechanism200ofFIG. 2. In particular,FIG. 3Aillustrates a plot of current through one or more of the coils240,241,242versus time (t), showing the progression of time from left to right along the horizontal axis. It will be appreciated that as current, force, and acceleration are expected to be proportional to one another, they are shown on a single vertical axis for simplicity. InFIGS. 3B and 3C, the displacement and velocity, respectively, of the magnetic element220are plotted versus time (t), assuming the corresponding current is as shown inFIG. 3A. It will be appreciated thatFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3Care shown for illustrative purposes only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure to any particular current, displacement or velocity profiles shown.

Arbitrarily fixing t=t1as corresponding to an “initial” time, it can be seen fromFIG. 3Bthat the magnetic element220is initially positioned at x=x1, which lies to the left of the center x=0 of the tube210. Furthermore,FIG. 3Cshows that the magnetic element220is initially moving with negative velocity (i.e., in the negative x direction, or to the left of the tube with reference toFIG. 2) at time t=t1.

Referring to the current profile inFIG. 3A, from time t=t1to t=t5, a positive current is present in the coil, and may be generated by the current control block218. It will be appreciated that a net current through the coil as exists between t=t1and t=t5will generate a magnetic field in the tube210, which thereby generates a force and corresponding positive acceleration on the magnetic element220. Consequently, the velocity of the magnetic element220is seen to increase inFIG. 3C, while the displacement of the magnetic element220is shown to change as shown inFIG. 3B. In particular, inFIG. 3B, the magnetic element220is seen to travel from x=x1at t=t1to a leftmost extreme of x=x3at t=t3, whereupon the magnetic element220reverses direction and begins traveling in the positive x direction starting at t=t3, and continues to accelerate in the positive x direction until t=t5. During the time t=t1to t=t5, the magnetic element220may be understood as accelerating in the positive x direction in response to the positive current in the coil.

From time t=t5to t=t8, a current of opposite polariy is applied, e.g., as commanded by the current control block218. This change in current will be accompanied by a corresponding change in the magnetic field present in the tube210. Responsive thereto, the magnetic element220is seen to experience negative acceleration inFIG. 3Cfrom t=t5to t=t8, while continuing to move right from x=x1, to a rightmost extreme of x=x7at t=t7inFIG. 3B. At t=t7, the magnetic element220reverses direction and begins traveling in the negative x direction due to the continued force being applied in the negative x direction. From t=t7to t=t8, the magnetic element continues moving in the negative x direction until it once again returns to x=x1at t=t8.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the magnitude of the negative acceleration from t=t6to t=t8is less than the magnitude of acceleration from t=t2to t=t4, thereby causing the user to feel a net directional impulse in the positive x direction. In general, it will be appreciated that such a directional impulse will be produced if the maximum acceleration of the magnetic element in one direction is greater than the maximum acceleration of the magnetic element in the other direction. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the waveform from t=t1to t=t8inFIG. 3Amay be considered to form a single cycle, and may be repeated over multiple cycles to produce a periodic series of directional impulses if desired.

While an exemplary current profile for only one of the coils240,241, and242is shown inFIG. 3A, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a composite current profile may be generated by simultaneously controlling independent current profiles of all of the coils240,241, and242for the mechanism200. For example, multiple coils may be distributed along the axis of the tube210as shown inFIG. 2A, and independently switched in sequence to allow finer control of the displacement profile of the magnetic element220over the axis of the tube210. It will be further appreciated that in alternative exemplary embodiments, fewer or more than the three coils shown inFIG. 2may readily be accommodated. Such alternative exemplary embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

FromFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, it will be appreciated that by actively controlling the current profile over a specific time interval, the displacement profile of the magnetic element220may be correspondingly controlled over such time interval. Conversely, changes in the displacement of the magnetic element220not due to active current control (e.g., movement of the magnetic element220due to user movement, jostling, etc.) may induce currents in the coil or coils according to Faraday's law of induction. In an exemplary embodiment, current in the coil(s) generated by movement of the magnetic element220due to such other physical forces may be harvested for energy, as further described hereinbelow.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4Cillustrate alternative exemplary current, displacement, and velocity profiles for the mechanism200ofFIG. 2. Again, it will be appreciated thatFIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4Care shown for illustrative purposes only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure to any particular current and/or displacement profiles shown.

InFIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, from time t=T1′ to t=T2′, current through the coil shown is actively controlled by the current control block218, and current generated by the magnetic element220due to other forces is assumed to be negligible. This time interval is also denoted as an “active” interval. During the active interval, variations in the displacement profile of the magnetic element220as shown inFIG. 4Bare largely caused by the active generation of current by the current control block218.

From time t=T2′ to t=T3′, current through the coil shown is not actively controlled by the current control block218, and other forces on the magnetic element220are assumed to cause the variations in coil current shown. This time interval is also denoted as a “passive” interval. During the passive interval, the current profile of the magnetic element220as shown inFIG. 4Ais caused by variations in the displacement profile of the magnetic element220as shown inFIG. 4B.

In an exemplary embodiment, variations in the coil current during the passive interval may be harvested for energy using, e.g., a harvesting mechanism in the current control block218such as further described with reference toFIG. 5.

FIG. 5illustrates exemplary embodiments of a current control block218.1and energy source215.1that can both generate a desired current profile during active intervals, as well as harvest energy from current during passive intervals.

InFIG. 5, the block218.1includes a dual-terminal switching element501that selectively couples the ends240.1and240.2of a coil240to either an active current generation block510during active intervals, or to a harvesting circuit520during passive intervals. It will be appreciated that the harvesting circuit520may be configured to harvest electrical energy from the kinetic energy of the magnetic element220during passive intervals, and charge the re-chargeable energy source215.1with the harvested electrical energy. While the switching element501is shown as switching only ends240.1and240.2for the first coil240, it will be appreciated that a switching element may also readily accommodate additional coils241,242, as well as other coils not explicitly shown, according to the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated that the symbol denoting the switching element501inFIG. 5is used only to illustrate the function of the switching element501, and is not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure to any particular implementation of a switching element. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of ways in which such a switching element may be implemented, e.g., mechanically, or electronically using transistors and/or other circuit elements, etc. Such exemplary embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

The active current generation block510includes a logic control unit512for generating a digital representation512aof a desired current profile for the coil240during active intervals. The digital representation512ais coupled to a variable current control block514, which may convert the digital representation512aof the desired current to an analog current514a, which is subsequently provided to the coil240. During active intervals, power is drawn from the re-chargeable energy source215.1through circuitry controlled by the variable current control block514to drive the coil240with the analog current514a.

In an exemplary embodiment, the variable current control block514may be implemented using, e.g., a pulse-width modulation circuit for generating a current whose short-term average value corresponds to the desired current. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the variable current control block514may also include, e.g., a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are a plurality of techniques for generating an analog current according to a digitally specified profile, and such exemplary embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

During passive intervals, the harvesting circuit520harvests electrical energy from the coil. InFIG. 5, the charging circuit is shown as including a rectifier522that rectifies current from the coil240to generate an output voltage. In an exemplary embodiment, the rectifier522may be a bi-directional rectifier known in the art capable of rectifying both positive and negative currents. The output voltage522amay be used to charge the energy source215.1. Thus during passive intervals, energy is supplied to the re-chargeable energy source215.1. The energy source215.1may be any re-chargeable energy source known in the art, e.g., a re-chargeable battery, a capacitor, etc.

It will be appreciated that in alternative exemplary embodiments, the harvesting circuit520may be implemented using any structures known to one of ordinary skill in the art to perform the functions described. For example, the harvesting circuit520may alternatively include a voltage up-converter known in the art to generate an output voltage for the energy source215.1. Such alternative exemplary embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

It will further be appreciated that the re-chargeable energy source215.1may also be used to supply energy to modules of a handheld device100other than the mechanism200for generating directional force impulses. In an exemplary embodiment wherein the current control block218.1and re-chargeable energy source215.1are utilized in the force impulse generation mechanism200, the mechanism200provides the benefits of both directional impulse generation as well as energy harvesting, which may advantageously extend the overall battery life of the handheld device100.

NoteFIG. 5is shown for illustrative purposes only, and is not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure to any particular implementations of the blocks shown. For example, in alternative exemplary embodiments, a mechanism200need not incorporate energy harvesting capabilities of the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 5. Such alternative exemplary embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A and 6Billustrate exemplary embodiments of methods according to the present disclosure.

InFIG. 6A, at block610A, the method600A includes generating a current in at least one coil surrounding a fixed support. In an exemplary embodiment, the support is coupled to a magnetic element movable along a first axis of the support. The current may cause the magnetic element to move along the first axis such that, over at least one cycle, the maximum acceleration of the magnetic element in one direction along the first axis is greater than the maximum acceleration of the magnetic element in the other direction along the first axis.

At block620A, the method includes harvesting energy from the at least one coil when not generating current in the at least one coil.

At block630A, the method includes storing the harvested energy in a re-chargeable energy source.

InFIG. 6B, at block610B, the method600B includes, during an active interval, generating a current in at least one coil surrounding a fixed support. In an exemplary embodiment, the support is coupled to a magnetic element movable along a first axis of the support, and the current causes the magnetic element to move along the first axis.

At block620B, during a passive interval, the method includes harvesting energy from the at least one coil and storing the harvested energy in a re-chargeable energy source.

FIG. 7illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment700of a mechanism for generating directional impulses according to the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 7, one or more auxiliary magnets720,730may be provided at the ends of the tube210. For example, the auxiliary magnet720may be physically fixed at one end of the tube210, and the auxiliary magnet730may be physically fixed at the other end. The polarity of the auxiliary magnet720may be chosen such that it repels the closer end of the magnetic element220, and similarly for auxiliary magnet730. For example, the north pole (N) of the auxiliary magnet720is oriented toward the north pole (N) of the magnetic element220, while the south pole (S) of the auxiliary magnet730is oriented toward the south pole (S) of the magnetic element220. In this manner, whenever the magnetic element220approaches the auxiliary magnet720, a repulsive force will be generated between the magnets220and720that will push the magnetic element220back towards its initial position.

FIG. 7further illustrates that one or more biasing springs710a,710bmay be provided. One end of the biasing spring710ais attached to the magnetic element220, while another end is attached to one end of the tube, e.g., to one end of the magnet730. Similarly, one end of the biasing spring710bis attached to the magnetic element220, while another end is attached to another end of the tube, e.g., to one end of the magnet720. It will be appreciated that the biasing springs710a,710bmay generate forces to pull and push the magnetic element220back to an initial position whenever it is displaced.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a single magnet may be provided at the center of the tube210to bias the magnetic element220towards the center. For example, a ring magnet may be wrapped around the circumference of the tube210near its center (e.g., x=0 according toFIG. 2). Such alternative exemplary embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

By providing one or more biasing springs and/or one or more auxiliary magnets as described inFIG. 7, the mechanism700may require the current control block218to generate less current in the coils240,241, and242to bring the magnet back to its initial position, thus reducing power consumption and/or the complexity of the control method.

It will be appreciated that in certain exemplary embodiments, the one or more auxiliary magnets need not be employed in conjunction with the one or more biasing springs, and either feature can be incorporated independently of the others. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the magnetic element220may specifically incorporate a non-magnetic mass (not shown) to increase the total mass of the magnetic element220, such that the directional force impulse generated may be more clearly felt by the user. For example, such non-magnetic mass may be a battery of the handheld device100. In alternative exemplary embodiments, more than one magnetic element220may also be incorporated. Such alternative exemplary embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

The motion induction techniques and mechanisms described above may be employed in, for example, mobile devices.FIG. 8Ais a drawing illustrating a mobile device for providing dynamic feedback according to one embodiment. A mobile device800includes a display802and an input device804. According to one embodiment, the mobile device800is a cellular phone and the input device804is a keypad. The input device804may also be a tracking pad, a track ball, cursor keys, or other input devices. Additionally, the display802may be touch sensitive.

The mobile device800includes a motion induction device810. According to one embodiment, the motion induction device810includes a mass812, which is accelerated within the motion induction device810to generate motion. The mass812may tap an object (not shown) in the motion induction device810. According to one embodiment, the mass812is between approximately 1/16 to ½ ounce. Depending on the material of the object and the mass812, noise may be made. For example, if the mass812is a magnet and the object is metallic, an audible sound is created when the mass812taps the object.

According to one embodiment, a setting is available in the mobile device800to control the acceleration of the mass812. For example, the motion induction device810may be configured to accelerate the mass812to tap an object. If the motion induction device810is configured for silent mode, the mass812may be accelerated and decelerated to prevent tapping an object.

In one embodiment, the motion induction device810is controlled by the mobile device800to convey context, content, or type of messages received to a user of the mobile device800. The received messages may include, for example, short text messaging (SMS) service messages, multimedia messaging service (MMS) messages, e-mail messages, voice mail messages, messages about missed calls, and messages including directions for navigation. For example, the mobile device800may control the motion induction device810to notify the user of different contexts of messages by providing dynamic force feedback. For example, a tapping frequency may be varied from approximately 0 to 25 Hertz. According to one embodiment as an alert becomes more urgent, the tapping frequency increases. For example, when an incoming call arrives at the mobile device800, a first ring is at 5 Hz, a second ring is at 10 Hz, and a third ring is at 15 Hz.

Additionally, the amplitude of tapping by the motion induction device810may be varied by the mobile device800. For example, the acceleration of the mass812by the motion induction device810may be increased or decreased. According to one embodiment, as an alert become more urgent the tapping amplitude increases.

The mobile device800may control the motion induction device810to convey information to the user. For example, the motion induction device810may be controlled to tap different sequences of messages to the user. According to one embodiment, a tapping sequence is defined to identify an incoming caller (or group of incoming callers) without the user viewing the display802. For example, a five tap sequence may indicate a family member is calling and a three tap sequence may indicate a co-worker is calling. According to another embodiment, a tapping sequence is defined to identify a message type received at the mobile device800. For example, when a short message service (SMS) message is received, the motion induction device810is activated to perform two short taps followed by a long tap, but when an email message is received the motion induction device810is activated to perform two long taps followed by a short tap.

The mobile device800may control the motion induction device810to convey content to the user. For example, the motion induction device810may be controlled to tap different sequences, different amplitudes, or different frequencies to convey a received message. According to one embodiment, a sequence of short taps with low amplitude may be a message indicating “arrived at destination safely.” Alternatively, a sequence of long taps with large amplitude may be a message indicating “lost, need directions.” These messages may be sent, for example, from a child to a parent to ease the parent's mind. Conveying the information without the parent viewing the display802increases convenience for the parent.

The dynamic feedback provided by the motion induction device810provides information to the user without the user looking at the display802. A wide variety of information may be conveyed by the motion induction device such as, for example, incoming call, caller id, caller group, incoming message, message type, low battery, calendar reminder, music player notifications, and position location (e.g. GPS) direction. Each of these alerts and additional alerts may be configured through software on the mobile device800through interactions with the display802and the input device804. Additionally, the motion induction device810may consume a limited amount of power to perform acceleration of the mass812.

Dynamic force feedback in the mobile device800may be applied in multiple dimensions.FIG. 8Bis a drawing illustrating a mobile device for providing dynamic feedback in multiple directions according to one embodiment. The mobile device800may also include a second motion induction device820having a mass822. The motion induction device820may be identical to or different from the motion induction device810. According to one embodiment, the motion induction device820is oriented at approximately a 90 degree angle with the motion induction device810. In this arrangement, the mobile device800may provide dynamic feedback to the user in multiple dimensions. Although only two motion induction devices are illustrated, the mobile device800may include additional induction devices.

The mobile device800may be configured to provide different alerts along different directions of the mobile device800. For example, a user may be notified of an incoming email message with two horizontal taps, and the user may be notified of an incoming text message with two vertical taps. According to one embodiment, the multiple dimension dynamic force feedback guides the user by providing force feedback oriented in geographical directions. According to another embodiment, the mobile device800activates both motion induction devices810,820to provide dynamic force feedback. For example, in navigation a user may be directed up and left by activating both motion induction devices810,820.

The mobile device800may be configured to provide tapping dynamic feedback through the motion induction device810and the motion induction device820depending on an environment in which the mobile device800is located.FIG. 8Cis a drawing illustrating a mobile device for providing dynamic feedback and sensing the environment around the mobile device according to one embodiment. The mobile device800includes a sensor830such as, for example, an accelerometer, compass, inclinometer, camera, heat sensor, touch sensor, proximity sensor, or pressure sensor. According to one embodiment, the sensor830is an accelerometer for determining the orientation of the mobile device800. The sensor830may provide other information to the mobile device800when selecting dynamic feedback to provide to the user. According to another embodiment, the sensor830is a compass for determining the geographical orientation of the user when providing dynamic feedback for directional guidance. According to another embodiment, the sensor830is a thermometer for determining if the mobile device800has been placed in a user's pocket. The thermometer may provide the mobile device800with information about which side of the mobile device is facing the user. According to another embodiment, the sensor830is a proximity sensor for detecting whether the user is in proximity with the mobile device800. For example, when the mobile device800is being held close to a user's ear, an amplitude of the motion induction devices810,820may be reduced.

FIG. 9Ais a flow chart illustrating operation of a mobile device for providing dynamic feedback in multiple dimensions according to one embodiment. At block905an event occurs causing the mobile device800to alert the user. The mobile device800may be configured, through software, with specific events that cause the user to be alerted through dynamic force feedback. At block910the mobile device800queries the sensor830to determine the orientation of the mobile device800. If the mobile device is oriented approximately horizontal, the mobile device800proceeds to block915to provide dynamic feedback through the motion induction device810. If the mobile device is oriented approximately vertical, the mobile device800proceeds to block920to provide dynamic feedback through the motion induction device820.

Additional information may be provided to the mobile device800for providing dynamic feedback to the user.FIG. 8Dis a drawing illustrating a mobile device for providing dynamic feedback and sensing pressure on the mobile device according to one embodiment. The mobile device800includes a pressure sensor832. According to one embodiment, the pressure sensor832determines how strongly a user is holding the mobile device800. The mobile device800may change the amplitude and/or frequency of tapping provided through the motion induction device810and the motion induction device820based on information from the pressure sensor832. For example, if a user is strongly gripping the mobile device800, the amplitude of tapping of the motion induction device810and the motion induction device820is increased.

FIG. 9Bis a flow chart illustrating operation of a mobile device for providing dynamic feedback, in another embodiment. At block925a type, a content, and/or a context of a message received from a remote user is determined to convey to a local user of a device. At block930dynamic force feedback is provided, depending on the type, the content or the context of the message.

Dynamic feedback may be provided in navigation devices.FIG. 10is a drawing illustrating a mobile device for providing dynamic feedback and directions according to one embodiment. A navigation device1000includes a display1002. The display1002may show visual directions or maps. According to one embodiment, the navigation device1000is a global positioning system (GPS) device.

The navigation device1000also includes a motion induction device1010including a mass1012and a motion induction device1020including a mass1022. According to one embodiment, the motion induction device1010is oriented approximately orthogonal to the motion induction device1020.

Directions may be entered into the navigation device1000through the display1002or downloaded to the navigation device1000. As directions are provided to the user, dynamic feedback may be provided through the motion induction devices1010,1020. For example, if the current direction to the user is to turn right, the motion induction device1010may tap right. Alternatively, if the current direction to the user is to turn left, the motion induction device1010may tap left. If the current direction to the user it to turn around, the motion induction device1020may tap down. According to one embodiment, the amplitude or frequency of the tapping provided by the motion induction devices1010,1020increases as the user approaches the location where the direction should be executed. For example, as a user approaches an intersection where the user should turn right, the tapping amplitude of the motion induction devices1010,1020increases.

According to one embodiment, the navigation device1000is used for pedestrian navigation. For example, a user walking through a city places the navigation device1000in their pocket after programming directions into the navigation device1000. As the user walks through the city the user receives tapping from the navigation device1000indicating which direction to walk. According to one embodiment, the navigation device1000includes a sensor for determining the orientation of the navigation device1000and activating the appropriate motion induction devices1010,1020. According to another embodiment, the navigation device1000determines an orientation from a position location receiver embedded in the navigation device1000.

Dynamic feedback may be useful for providing handicap assistance. For example, dynamic feedback from a navigation device1000may be used to guide the blind. According to one embodiment, the dynamic feedback is incorporated into a cane, a belt, or a wrist watch.

Providing dynamic feedback in mobile devices improves the user's experience by providing information to the user without the user viewing the display of the mobile device. For example, directions, call notification, caller id, and incoming message type may be conveyed to a user by a sequence of taps provided by motion induction devices. Additionally, tapping provided by the motion induction devices is a more natural and human-like method for getting the attention of the user. Thus, the tapping is more likely to direct the user's attention to the event occurring on the mobile device, as opposed to vibration.

FIG. 11shows an exemplary wireless communication system1100in which an embodiment of the disclosure may be advantageously employed. For purposes of illustration,FIG. 11shows three remote units1120,1130, and1150and two base stations1140. It will be recognized that wireless communication systems may have many more remote units and base stations. Remote units1120,1130, and1150include motion induction devices1125A,1125C, and1125B, respectively, which are embodiments as discussed above.FIG. 11shows forward link signals1180from the base stations1140and the remote units1120,1130, and1150and reverse link signals1190from the remote units1120,1130, and1150to base stations1140.

InFIG. 11, remote unit1120is shown as a mobile telephone, remote unit1130is shown as a portable computer, and remote unit1150is shown as a computer in a wireless local loop system. For example, the remote units may be cell phones, mobile phones, computers, set top boxes, music players, video players, entertainment units, hand-held personal communication systems (PCS) units, portable data units such as personal data assistants, or fixed location data units such as meter reading equipment. AlthoughFIG. 11illustrates remote units according to the teachings of the disclosure, the disclosure is not limited to these exemplary illustrated units. The disclosure may be suitably employed in any device which includes stacked ICs.