Stylus with shear force feedback

Touch-based input devices, such as a stylus, can provide feedback in the form of shear forces applied to the user. A stylus can produce shear forces that act on a user to provide unique tactile sensations. For example, a shear device can be included at a grip region of a stylus to provide shear sensations at the user's hands (e.g., fingers). The shear forces can be unaligned forces that urge one part of the user's hand in one direction and another part of the user's hand in an opposite direction or that tend to maintain the other part of the user's hand in a stationary location.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present description relates generally to hand-held devices, and, more particularly, to styluses.

BACKGROUND

A variety of handheld devices exist for detecting input from a user during use. For example, a stylus can be utilized to provide input by contacting a touch panel of an electronic device. The touch panel may include a touch sensitive surface that, in response to detecting a touch event, generates a signal that can be processed and utilized by other components of the electronic device. A display component of the electronic device may display textual and/or graphical display elements representing selectable virtual buttons or icons, and the touch sensitive surface may allow a user to navigate the content displayed on the display screen. Typically, a user can move one or more input devices, such as a stylus, across the touch panel in a pattern that the device translates into an input command.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some electronic devices that include a display surface and/or a touch panel receive tactile input from a user and also provide haptic feedback to a user. For example, one or more vibration devices located under a touch panel of an electronic device can provide haptic feedback to a user by way of vibrations when the user is touching the touch screen. Such vibrations can be utilized to convey a variety of different information to a user, such as information regarding one or more touch inputs that a user has provided, alerts, or status of the electronic device or one or more applications executing thereupon.

Haptic feedback provided via devices with a display surface and/or a touch panel may not convey information adequately to a user when a stylus or other touch-based input device is utilized. In such a case, the user may not be directly touching the surface of the device that provides haptic feedback. As such, the user may not perceive the haptic feedback provided on the surface. Additionally, some existing styluses may provide haptic feedback generally across an entirety of the device (e.g., stylus). Such configurations may be limited in the type of sensation provided to the user and may require greater power consumption than more targeted types of feedback.

In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, improved styluses can produce shear forces that act on a user to provide unique tactile sensations. For example, a shear device can be included at a grip region of a stylus to provide shear sensations at the user's hand (e.g., fingers). The shear forces can be unaligned forces that urge one part of the user's hand in one direction and another part of the user's hand in an opposite direction or that tend to maintain the other part of the user's hand in a stationary location. The sensation can be targeted directly to the user's hand, rather than generally across the entire stylus. Shear forces can be used with a virtual reality, augmented reality, or mixed reality system to simulate tactile sensations of interacting with physical objects even when no such objects are present.

A touch-based input device in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein can include any device that is held, worn, or contacted by a user for providing input and/or receiving feedback. The touch-based input device can be used alone or in conjunction with another device. For example,FIG. 1illustrates a system1including a stylus100and an external device90having a surface50, according to some embodiments of the subject technology. The stylus100can be held by a user10and operate as a touch-based input device for use with the external device90.

The surface50of the external device90can include a display surface and/or a touch panel for interacting with the stylus100when contacted thereby. The external device90utilizes the display to render images to convey information to the user. The display can be configured to show text, colors, line drawings, photographs, animations, video, and the like. The surface50of the external device90can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to, a multi-touch and/or multi-force sensing touchscreen that uses liquid crystal display technology, light-emitting diode technology, organic light-emitting display technology, organic electroluminescence technology, electronic ink, or another type of display technology or combination of display technology types.

The stylus100can include a tip190for contacting the surface50. Such contact can be detected by the external device90and/or the stylus100. For example, the stylus100can include one or more sensors that detect when the tip190contacts and applies pressure to the surface50. Such sensors can include one or more contact sensors, capacitive sensors, touch sensors, cameras, piezoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, electric field sensors, photodiodes, and/or other sensors operable to detect contact with the surface50. Such sensors can optionally operate cooperatively with the external device90to detect contact with the surface50.

The stylus100can support handling and operation by a user. In particular, the stylus100can receive inputs from a user at a location of the user's grip.FIG. 2illustrates a stylus100, according to some embodiments of the subject technology. According to some embodiments, for example as illustrated inFIG. 2, the stylus100can include a housing110that provides an outermost cover along at least a portion of the length of the stylus100. A user can grip the stylus100at a user grip region104during use of the stylus100. The user grip region104can be located at a natural grip location, so that the user can receive tactile (e.g., shear) feedback at the same location that is grasped during normal use of the stylus100. For example, the user grip region104can be located an outer surface of the housing110. The user grip region104can be near the tip190of the stylus100. For example, the location of the user grip region104can be a distance from the tip190that is less than a half, a third, or a quarter of the total length of the stylus100. At the user grip region104, components of the stylus100can be positioned to provide tactile (e.g., shear-based) feedback to the user. For example, the user grip region104can include a portion of the housing110. As shown inFIG. 2, the stylus100can include a shear device150located at or defining at least a part of the user grip region104. The shear device150can include components that extend along a length of the stylus100within the user grip region104.

As used herein, shear forces include unaligned forces that urge one part of the user's hand (e.g., finger) in one direction and another part of the user's hand in an opposite direction. Shear forces also include forces that urge one part of the user's hand (e.g., finger) in one direction while another part of the user's hand is maintained in a stationary location. As such, shear forces can involve relative movement, even if one of the components is stationary. Shear forces can be lateral, such as forces across or parallel to a surface receiving the force, rather than forces perpendicular to the surface. It will be recognized that only a component of a force may be across or parallel to a given surface, while a given force may have contributing components in other directions.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 4, the shear device150can include parts that move relative to each other to provide shear forces to a user gripping the stylus100.

The housing110can include multiple bridge segments112that are distributed about a longitudinal axis of the stylus100. Between circumferentially adjacent pairs of bridge segments112, one or more sliding elements120can be provided. As used herein, reference to “circumference” or “circumferentially” relates to a periphery of a cross-section of an object, whether the cross-section forms a circle or another shape. The bridge segments112and the sliding elements120can, together, define an outer periphery of the user grip region104of the stylus100. As such, the bridge segments112and the sliding elements120can both present outwardly facing surfaces that can be grasped by a user.

As shown inFIG. 3, the bridge segments112and the sliding elements120can be arranged in an alternating pattern about the perimeter (e.g., circumference) of the user grip region104. Each bridge segment112can be surrounded on sides thereof by a pair of sliding elements120. Each sliding element120can be surrounded on sides thereof by a pair of bridge segments112. Additionally or alternatively, multiple sliding elements120can be circumferentially adjacent to each other. Circumferentially adjacent sliding elements120can be configured to move in the same direction or different (e.g., opposite) directions, as discussed further herein.

The sliding elements120and the bridge segments112can define an outwardly facing external surface of the user grip region104of the stylus100. As shown inFIG. 3, an outer periphery of the user grip region104is defined by both the bridge segments112and the sliding elements120. The total area of the user grip region104can be divided between the bridge segments112and the sliding elements120. For example, the sliding elements120can define 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the total area of the user grip region104. By further example, the bridge segments112can define 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the total area of the user grip region104. The contribution of each can be determined by the size, distribution, and number of sliding elements120and bridge segments112. For example, the sliding elements120and bridge segments112can be present in the same or different numbers. The sliding elements120and bridge segments112can have the same or different sizes in one or more dimensions (e.g., length, width, arc length, etc.). While one example of a user grip region104is shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, it will be appreciated that variations can be provided. For example, any number of bridge segments112and sliding elements120can be provided. For example, the user grip region104can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more than 12 bridge segments112and/or sliding elements120.

As shown inFIG. 4, each of the sliding elements120can be positioned within an opening114of the housing110. Each of the openings114can provide a space within which the corresponding sliding element120can move. For example, the openings114can be larger in at least one dimension (e.g., parallel to the longitudinal axis102) than the corresponding sliding element120. This allows a space in which the sliding element120can move, for example in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis102. It will be understood that the sliding elements120can move in any direction permitted by the corresponding opening114.

Movement of the sliding elements120can be facilitated by an actuator140, such as a motor. The actuator140can be configured to provide movement of the sliding elements120within corresponding openings114. The actuator140can be connected to one, some, and/or all of the sliding elements120. Accordingly, the actuator140can move the sliding elements120separately or in unison. Additional actuators140can be provided to independently move the sliding elements120. Additionally or alternatively, the sliding elements120can be connected to any given actuator140in a manner that allows the sliding elements120to move differently from each other. For example, at least some of the sliding elements120can be connected to one or more actuators140by drivetrain components, such as gears, clutches, and/or transmissions, to facilitate independent or simultaneous movement of the sliding elements120based on operation of the one or more actuators140. Accordingly, the sliding elements120can be moved in a direction together relative to bridge segments112so that outer surfaces of the sliding elements120slide laterally past outer surfaces of the bridge segments112. Additionally or alternatively, the sliding elements120can be moved in different directions relative to each other so that outer surfaces of the sliding elements120slide laterally past each other.

One or more of the sliding elements120can include a base portion122and a protruding portion124. The base portion122can be flush with a circumferentially and/or longitudinally (e.g., axially) adjacent portion of a bridge segment112or another portion of the housing110. When contacted by a user, the user may not tactilely sense a difference between the base portion122and the adjacent bridge segment112while the sliding element120is at rest. The protruding portions124of the sliding elements120can be proud of the base portion122, an adjacent bridge segment112, and/or another portion of the housing110. The protruding portions124provide features for engaging the user and providing tactile feedback upon movement of the sliding elements120. The protruding portions124can be provided in any number or arrangement. For example, the protruding portions124can be distributed longitudinally along the sliding elements120, for example in a row. Multiple protruding portions124can be distributed in different rows along the corresponding sliding element120. The protruding portions124can be evenly or unevenly distributed. Different sliding elements120can have the same or different pattern of protruding portions124. The protruding portions124can have the same or different sizes (e.g., width, height) and/or shapes. Additionally or alternatively, it will be understood that protruding portions can be provided on the bridge segments112of the stylus100.

Engagement features of the user grip region104provide an increased coefficient of friction (e.g., relative to a flat or smooth surface). For example, the sliding elements120and/or the bridge segments112can engage the user's fingers while moving so that shear forces are transmitted to the user rather than sliding under and past the user's fingers.

In user, the user grasps the user grip region104of the stylus100. Portions of a given finger will contact at least one bridge segment112and at least one sliding element120, based on the size, distribution, and number of bridge segments112and sliding elements120. As the bridge segments112and/or sliding elements120move in different directions relative to each other, shear forces are transmitted to the user. Specifically, different portions of the user grip region104(e.g., bridge segments112and sliding elements120) engage different portions of a given finger and apply forces in different (e.g., opposite) directions. The sensation experienced by the user is that of shear forces applied to the finger(s).

As shown inFIG. 3, the bridge segments112in the sliding elements120can be evenly distributed about a perimeter of the user grip region104. For example, the user grip region104can present radial and/or bilateral symmetry.

It will be appreciated that various alterations can be made to the above-described design while maintaining the operation and/or user experience. For example, the housing110of the stylus100can have one of a variety of cross-sectional shapes and sizes. Where the housing110inFIG. 3has a round outer and inner cross-sectional shape to provide a generally cylindrical shape, it will be understood that the housing110of the stylus100can have one or more of a variety of shapes, such as a non-circular cross-sectional shape and/or a cross-sectional shape including a curved portion and a flat portion. Such a flat portion can be used to stabilize the stylus100against another surface, such as a working surface, an electronic device, and/or a charging station.

As shown inFIG. 5, the stylus100can include components that support handling and operation by a user. Inputs can be provided by a user at one or more components of the stylus100, and feedback, including shear forces, can be provided to the user.

A force sensor192can be operated to detect user inputs at the tip190of the stylus100. The force sensor192can interact with both the tip190and the housing110to detect relative motion of the tip190and the housing110. For example, the force sensor192can be operated to detect when the tip190is contacting a surface, such as the surface of the external device90. The detection can be based on movement of the tip190relative to the housing110. Accordingly, the force sensor192can be directly or indirectly connected to both the tip190and the housing110to detect relative motion there between. The force sensor192can include a component that converts mechanical motion of the tip190into an electric signal. The force sensor192can include one or more contact sensors, capacitive sensors, touch sensors, strain gauges, cameras, piezoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, photodiodes, and/or other sensors. The force sensor192can detect both the presence and magnitude of a force.

In use, a user may manipulate the stylus100and apply a force to a surface of the external device90. A corresponding reaction force may be transferred through the tip190of the stylus100connected to an electromechanical coupling and to the force sensor192of the stylus100. The force sensor192, or a portion thereof, may deform in response which may be measured and used to estimate the applied force. The force sensor192can be used to produce a non-binary output that corresponds to the applied force. For example, the force sensor192can be used to produce an output that represents a magnitude that varies in accordance with a variable amount of applied force.

As further shown inFIG. 5, the stylus100can include an accelerometer170, a gyroscope172, and/or a compass174. During use, the accelerometer170can track and record acceleration of the stylus100. Acceleration can be measured in a three-dimensional (x, y, and z) coordinate system. For example, the accelerometer170can have at least three components that each measure acceleration in one of three mutually orthogonal axes. By combining the measurements of all components, acceleration in the three-dimensional coordinate system can be determined. The accelerometer170can be configured to measure and record acceleration at several points in time during a sampling period. For example, the measurements can be taken at regular intervals of time. Other components of the stylus100, such as the gyroscope172and/or the compass174, can be used to measure orientation of the stylus100. The movement (e.g., translational movement and/or rotational movement) of the stylus (e.g., tip190) can be calculated based, at least in part, on the measurements of the accelerometer170, the gyroscope172, and/or the compass174. The stylus100can also include other components, such as a GPS receiver, that can be used to measure or calculate the position, velocity, and/or acceleration of the stylus100.

Additionally or alternatively, the stylus100can provide position and orientation detection while operating in concert with another device, such as external device90. For example, the stylus100can be observed by a measurement component of the external device90. For example, the measurement component can optically or otherwise observe the stylus100to determine its position and/or orientation in space relative to the external device90. The stylus100can include one or more features that allow the external device90to interpret the position, distance, orientation, and/or movement of the stylus100.

As further shown inFIG. 5, the stylus100can include a haptic device178for providing haptic feedback to a user. The haptic device178can be separate from the shear device150described herein. The haptic device178can provide haptic feedback with tactile sensations to the user. The haptic device178can be implemented as any suitable device configured to provide force feedback, vibratory feedback, tactile sensations, and the like. For example, in one embodiment, the haptic device178may be implemented as a linear actuator configured to provide a punctuated haptic feedback, such as a tap or a knock. The haptic device178can be provided in concert with shear forces provided by the shear device150.

As further shown inFIG. 5, the stylus100can include a controller160and a non-transitory storage medium162. The non-transitory storage medium162can include, for example, a magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium, magneto-optical storage medium, read-only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable memory, flash memory, or combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, the controller160can execute one or more instructions stored in the non-transitory storage medium162to perform one or more functions.

As further shown inFIG. 5, the stylus100can include a power source164, such as one or more batteries and/or power management units. The stylus100can include components for charging the power source164. Alternatively or in combination, the stylus100can include wireless charging capabilities for charging the power source164. According to some embodiments, the stylus100can include components for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. For example, the stylus100can include a piezoelectric device and/or a coil and magnetic components for generating electrical power upon mechanical movement thereof.

As further shown inFIG. 5, the stylus100can include a communication component166for communicating with the external device90and/or another device. The communication component166can include one or more wired or wireless components, WiFi components, near field communication components, Bluetooth components, and/or other communication components. The communication component166can include one or more transmission elements, such as one or more antennas. Alternatively or in combination, the communication component166can include an interface for a wired connection to the external device90and/or another device.

The stylus100can include other components including, but not limited to, displays, sensors, switches (e.g., dome switches), buttons, voice coils, and/or other components. The stylus100can detect environmental conditions and/or other aspects of the operating environment of the stylus100with an environmental sensor such as an ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, temperature sensor, barometric pressure sensor, moisture sensor, and the like. The stylus100can detect biological characteristics of the user manipulating the stylus with a biosensor that detects skin temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, blood oxygenation level, blood volume estimates, blood pressure, or a combination thereof. The stylus100can quantify or estimate a property of an object nearby or otherwise external to the stylus100with a utility sensor such as magnetic field sensors, electric field sensors, color meters, acoustic impedance sensors, pH level sensor, material detection sensor, and so on. Such data may be used to adjust or update the operation of the stylus100and/or may communicate such data to the external device90to adjust or update the operation thereof.

The external device90can also include components that facilitate operation of the stylus100. For example, the external device90can include one or more of a processor, a memory, a power supply, one or more sensors, one or more communication interfaces, one or more data connectors, one or more power connectors, one or more input/output devices, such as a speaker, a rotary input device, a microphone, an on/off button, a mute button, a biometric sensor, a camera, a force and/or touch sensitive trackpad, and so on. In some embodiments, a communication interface of the external device90facilitates electronic communications between the external device90and the stylus100.

Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 7, the stylus100can be used to provide feedback during use in free space. For example, the stylus100can simulate tactile sensations that correspond to a user experience in a mixed reality system. A mixed reality system providing a visual display or other output to a user can also provide tactile feedback with the shear device150of the stylus100. The feedback can be based on operation of the stylus100in an augmented reality system, an augmented virtuality system, and/or a virtual environment.

As shown inFIG. 6, the stylus100can be operated by a user10in a manner that moves the stylus100through space. Each point in space corresponds to a point within a virtual environment of a mixed reality system. A region198of space can correspond to a region of the virtual environment. For example, a virtual object can be rendered in the virtual environment and displayed or otherwise output for reference by the user. The display can include a headset, a head-up display, and/or an optical head-mounted display in communication with the stylus100(e.g., directly or via an intervening device). A surface, volume, interior, or other portion of the virtual object can correspond to the location of the region198in space. Accordingly, when the stylus100is moved to the region198in space, it is understood by the user to be positioned at the virtual object in the virtual environment.

While the stylus100is moved in free space, it does not readily experience the resistance to movement that would be encountered upon contact with a real object. For example, if the stylus100were moved in a first direction against a real object, a force in a second direction, opposite the first direction, would be transmitted to the stylus and felt by the user. Despite the lack of a real object, the stylus100can simulate contact based on the virtual object. For example, when the stylus100is moved to the region198in space, corresponding to a region of the virtual environment in which the virtual object is located, the shear device150can be operated to provide shear forces. In particular, where the stylus100is moved in a first direction toward, against, and/or through the region198, the sliding elements120of the shear device150are moved in a second direction, opposite the first direction, relative to the bridge segments112. The shear force experience by the user simulates the force (e.g., resistance) that would be encountered by contact with a real object.

The force can be managed according to movement of the stylus100. Movement of the sliding elements120can be performed based on the location, speed, acceleration, and/or other features of the stylus100. Movement of the sliding elements120can be based on the location, speed, acceleration, and/or other features of the stylus100with respect to the region198and/or the object in the virtual environment. For example, as the stylus100moves past the region198, the sliding elements120can continue to move accordingly and increase the magnitude of the shear force applied to the user. By further example, as the stylus100reverses away from the region198, the sliding elements120can reverse direction to an initial position and relieve the shear force applied to the user.

Referring now toFIGS. 8 and 9, the stylus can include a shear device that provides shear forces that are rotational in nature. As shown inFIG. 8, the housing110can include multiple bridge segments212that are distributed along a longitudinal (e.g., axial) length of the stylus100. Between axially adjacent pairs of bridge segments212, one or more sliding elements220can be provided. The bridge segments212and the sliding elements220can, together, define an outer periphery of the user grip region104of the stylus100. As such, the bridge segments212and the sliding elements220can both present outwardly facing surfaces that can be grasped by a user.

As shown inFIG. 9, the bridge segments212and the sliding elements220can be arranged in an alternating pattern along the length of the user grip region104. Each bridge segment212can be surrounded on sides thereof by a pair of sliding elements220. Each sliding element220can be surrounded on sides thereof by a pair of bridge segments212or another portion of the housing110. Additionally or alternatively, multiple sliding elements220can be axially adjacent to each other. Axially adjacent sliding elements220can be configured to move in the same direction or different (e.g., opposite) directions, as discussed further herein.

The sliding elements220and the bridge segments212can define an outwardly facing external surface of the user grip region104of the stylus100. As shown inFIG. 9, an outer periphery of the user grip region104is defined by both the bridge segments212and the sliding elements220. The total area of the user grip region104can be divided between the bridge segments212and the sliding elements220. For example, the sliding elements220can define 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the total area of the user grip region104. By further example, the bridge segments212can define 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the total area of the user grip region104. The contribution of each can be determined by the size, distribution, and number of sliding elements220and bridge segments212. For example, the sliding elements220and bridge segments212can be present in the same or different numbers. The sliding elements220and bridge segments212can have the same or different sizes in one or more dimensions (e.g., length, width, arc length, etc.). While one example of a user grip region104is shown inFIG. 9, it will be appreciated that variations can be provided. For example, any number of bridge segments212and sliding elements220can be provided. For example, the user grip region104can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more than 12 bridge segments212and/or sliding elements220.

Movement of the sliding elements220can be facilitated by an actuator240, such as a motor. The actuator240can be connected to one, some, and/or all of the sliding elements220. Accordingly, the actuator240can rotate the sliding elements220separately or in unison. Additional actuators240can be provided to independently move the sliding elements220. Additionally or alternatively, the sliding elements220can be connected to any given actuator240in a manner that allows the sliding elements220to move differently from each other. Accordingly, the sliding elements220can be moved in a direction together relative to bridge segments212so that outer surfaces of the sliding elements220slide laterally past outer surfaces of the bridge segments212. Additionally or alternatively, the sliding elements220can be moved in different directions relative to each other so that outer surfaces of the sliding elements220slide laterally past each other.

One or more of the sliding elements220can include a base portion222and a protruding portion224. The base portion222can be flush with a longitudinally (e.g., axially) adjacent portion of a bridge segment212or another portion of the housing110. When contacted by a user, the user may not tactilely sense a difference between the base portion222and the adjacent bridge segment212while the sliding element220is at rest. The protruding portions224of the sliding elements220can be proud of the base portion222, an adjacent bridge segment212, and/or another portion of the housing110. The protruding portions224provide features for engaging the user and providing tactile feedback upon rotation of the sliding elements220. The protruding portions224can be provided in any number or arrangement. For example, the protruding portions224can be distributed circumferentially along the sliding elements220, for example in a row. Multiple protruding portions224can be distributed in different rows along the corresponding sliding element220. The protruding portions224can be evenly or unevenly distributed. Different sliding elements220can have the same or different pattern of protruding portions224. The protruding portions224can have the same or different sizes (e.g., width, height) and/or shapes. Additionally or alternatively, it will be understood that protruding portions can be provided on the bridge segments212of the stylus100.

Engagement features of the user grip region104provide an increased coefficient of friction (e.g., relative to a flat or smooth surface). For example, the sliding elements220and/or the bridge segments212can engage the user's fingers while moving so that shear forces are transmitted to the user rather than sliding under and past the user's fingers.

In user, the user grasps the user grip region104of the stylus100. Portions of a given finger will contact at least one bridge segment212and at least one sliding element220, based on the size, distribution, and number of bridge segments212and sliding elements220. As the bridge segments212and/or sliding elements220rotate in different directions relative to each other, shear forces are transmitted to the user. Specifically, different portions of the user grip region104(e.g., bridge segments212and sliding elements220) engage different portions of a given finger and apply forces in different (e.g., opposite) directions. The sensation experienced by the user is that of shear forces applied to the finger(s).

As shown inFIG. 9, the bridge segments212in the sliding elements220can be evenly distributed along a length of the user grip region104. For example, the user grip region104can present radial and/or bilateral symmetry.

Referring now toFIGS. 10 and 11, the stylus100can be used to provide feedback during use in free space. As shown inFIG. 10, the stylus100can be operated by a user10in a manner that rotates the stylus100through space. While the stylus100is rotated in free space, it does not readily experience the resistance to movement that would be encountered upon rotation to apply torque to a real object. For example, if the stylus100were rotated in a first direction to apply torque to a real object, a torque in a second direction, opposite the first direction, would be transmitted to the stylus and felt by the user. Despite the lack of a real object, the stylus100can simulate such torque. For example, when the stylus100is rotated, the shear device250can be operated to provide shear forces. In particular, where the stylus100is rotated in a first direction (e.g., about its axis), the sliding elements220of the shear device250are moved in a second direction, opposite the first direction, relative to the bridge segments212. The shear force experience by the user simulates the force (e.g., resistance) that would be encountered by applying torque to a real object.

The shear force can be managed according to rotation of the stylus100. Rotation of the sliding elements220can be performed based on the angular position, speed, acceleration, and/or other features of the stylus100. For example, as the stylus100rotates past a given orientation (e.g., with respect to a virtual object), the sliding elements220can continue to move accordingly and increase the magnitude of the shear force applied to the user. By further example, as the stylus100reverses rotational direction, the sliding elements220can reverse direction to an initial position and relieve the shear force applied to the user.

The shear devices described herein can provide shear forces for one or more other purposes. According to some embodiments, the shear forces can notify the user based on a message, alert, or alarm. Such notifications can be accompanied by other feedback, including tactile, auditory, and/or visual feedback on the stylus100and/or the external device. According to some embodiments, the shear forces can provide confirmation that a user selection (e.g., made with the stylus100) has been received by the external device90. According to some embodiments, the shear forces can inform the user regarding status or operation of the external device90.

The shear devices can provide shear forces to a user based on usage with the external device90. For example, the tip190of the stylus100can be used to contact the surface50of the external device90. When the tip190of the stylus100is at particular positions and/or orientations with respect to the surface50, the shear devices can provide shear forces to indicate to the user information corresponding to the positions and/or orientations.

Operation of the shear devices of the stylus100can be performed in combination with the haptic device178of the stylus100. For example, shear forces and haptic feedback can be provided by the stylus100simultaneously and/or in sequence. Additionally or alternatively, operation of the shear devices of the stylus100can be performed in combination with a haptic feedback system of the external device90. For example, shear forces can be provided by the stylus100and haptic feedback provided by the external device90simultaneously and/or in sequence.

As discussed herein, improved styluses can produce shear forces that act on a user to provide unique tactile sensations. For example, a shear device can be included at a grip region of a stylus to provide shear sensations at the user's hand (e.g., fingers). The shear forces can be unaligned forces that urge one part of the user's hand in one direction and another part of the user's hand in an opposite direction or that tend to maintain the other part of the user's hand in a stationary location. The sensation can be targeted directly to the user's hand, rather than generally across the entire stylus. Shear forces can be used with a virtual reality, augmented reality, or mixed reality system to simulate tactile sensations of interacting with physical objects even when no such objects are present.

While some embodiments of input devices disclosed herein relate to styluses, it will be appreciated that the subject technology can encompass and be applied to other input devices. For example, an input device in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein can include a phone, a tablet computing device, a mobile computing device, a watch, a laptop computing device, a mouse, a game controller, a remote control, a digital media player, and/or any other electronic device. Further, the external device can be any device that interacts with a touch-based input device. For example, an external device in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein can include a tablet, a phone, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a wearable device, a mobile computing device, a tablet computing device, a display, a television, a phone, a digital media player, and/or any other electronic device.