Patent Description:
The present disclosure generally relates providing haptic output for an electronic device. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to using a haptic structure for providing localized haptic output for an electronic device.

Electronic devices are commonplace in today's society. Example electronic devices include cell phones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants, and the like. Some of these electronic devices include a haptic actuator that provides haptic output to a user. The haptic output may be provided by an actuator that utilizes a vibratory motor or an oscillating motor. However, these vibratory motors typically vibrate the entire electronic device and are not able to provide a haptic output at a specific area. <CIT> discloses a haptic button providing various stimulations to a user according to a current application and a haptic device using the same. The haptic button includes an electro-active polymer having a flat shape, a pair of electrodes contacting two sides of the electro-active polymer, an electric circuit applying a predetermined voltage to the pair of electrodes, and a sensor sensing a button input from a user, wherein stimulation provided from the electro-active polymer to the user is changed by changing a waveform of the voltage according to a current application status. <CIT> discloses a keyboard that includes a plurality of non-actuating keys defined in a cover portion of the keyboard, a plurality of force-producing mechanisms coupled to a substrate underneath and adjacent the cover portion. The force-producing mechanisms may be positioned on suspended portions of the substrate that are mechanically isolated and arranged on the substrate to substantially correspond to a layout of the plurality of non-actuating keys. The force-producing mechanisms may be individually actuated to deflect the suspended portions of the substrate underneath the cover portion to create a tactile sensation for a user's finger that is local to a particular key. <CIT> discloses an electronic device that includes an actuator configured to move in a first direction. The electronic device also includes a substrate coupled to the actuator. When the actuator moves in the first direction, the substrate or a portion of the substrate, by virtue of being coupled to the actuator, moves in a second direction. <CIT> discloses a portable electronic device that includes a touch-sensitive display and a piezoelectric actuator arranged to provide tactile feedback to the touch-sensitive display in response to an actuation signal. A pad is disposed in alignment with a force sensor such that depression of the touch-sensitive display causes the force sensor to generate a force signal.

Preferred advantageous embodiments thereof are defined by the features of the dependent claims. Disclosed herein is a haptic structure for providing localized haptic output and tactile sensations for an electronic device. In some embodiments, the haptic structure includes a beam structure or other deflection mechanism that is machined from or within a surface or some other component (e.g., a housing component) of the electronic device. The beam structure is coupled to a piezoelectric element and is configured to deflect in different directions, depending on the current, voltage or other input signal that is applied to the piezoelectric element. As the beam structure deflects, a surface of the electronic device may also deflect; this causes a haptic output that creates a tactile sensation. In some embodiments, the haptic output may be provided to an input surface (e.g., a surface, structure, or the like designed to receive an input from a user).

More specifically, described herein is an electronic device having an input surface including a haptic structure. The electronic device, may include: an input surface; a haptic structure operably connected to the input surface and comprising: a substrate defining a beam structure; a spacer coupled to a first side of the beam structure; and a piezoelectric element coupled to a second side of the beam structure; wherein the piezoelectric element is configured to deflect the beam structure in a first direction to provide a first haptic output in response to a first input signal applied to the piezoelectric element; and the piezoelectric element is configured to deflect the beam structure in a second direction to provide a second haptic output in response to a second input signal applied to the piezoelectric element.

Also described is a haptic structure for an electronic device. The haptic structure includes a surface defining a first deflection mechanism and a second deflection mechanism; a first actuation element coupled to the first deflection mechanism; a second actuation element coupled to the second deflection mechanism; and a substrate coupled to the first deflection mechanism and the second deflection mechanism; wherein the substrate is operable to deflect in response to of one or both of the first and second deflection mechanisms deflecting.

The present disclosure also describes an electronic device having an input surface and a haptic structure provided below the input surface. The haptic structure is operable to selectively provide haptic output at different locations on the input surface. The haptic structure includes a first beam structure formed at a first location beneath the input surface, a first spacer coupled to the first beam structure and a first portion of the input surface, and a first piezoelectric element coupled the first beam structure. The first piezoelectric element is operable to cause the first beam structure and the first portion of the input surface to deflect in response to a first received input. The haptic structure also includes a second beam structure formed at a second location beneath the input surface, a second spacer coupled to the second beam structure and a second portion of the input surface, and a second piezoelectric element. The second piezoelectric element is coupled the second beam structure and is operable to cause the second beam structure and the second portion of the input surface to deflect in response to a second received input.

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

The embodiments described herein are directed to providing global haptic output and localized haptic output on a surface an electronic device. As used herein, the term "global haptic output" means that the haptic structure provides haptic output, and so tactile sensations, on an entire surface of the electronic device in or under which the haptic structure is located. Likewise, the term "localized haptic output" means that the haptic structure provides haptic output on a portion of the surface of the electronic device in or under which the haptic structure is located. The surface may be an input surface configured to accept a user input, for example.

The haptic output provided by the haptic structure may be a discrete output or a continuous output. For example, the haptic structure may provide a discrete haptic output to simulate a key or button actuation. In other implementations, the haptic structure may provide a continuous output such as a vibration. The vibration may be used to simulate a texture as a user moves an input mechanism (e.g., a stylus, finger, or the like) over an input surface of the electronic device.

In addition to the specific examples given above, the haptic structure may provide localized haptic output or global haptic output in response to any number of events associated with the electronic device. Such events include, but are not limited to, an event associated with an application that is executing on the electronic device, a button or key press, rotation of a dial, crown or knob, an alarm, a displayed image, an incoming or outgoing electronic message, an incoming or outgoing telephone call, and the like.

Further, although an electronic device is specifically mentioned and shown in the figures, the haptic structure described herein may be included in various electronic devices, mechanical devices, electromechanical devices and so on. For example, the haptic structure may be included on a stylus, a mouse, a knob, a steering wheel, a dashboard, a band for a wearable electronic device, a wearable deice (such as a watch), gloves, glasses and other wearable devices, and so on.

Unlike conventional haptic actuators that utilize vibratory or oscillating motors, the haptic structure of the present disclosure includes one or more beam structures or deflection mechanisms. The beam structures may be formed from or within a substrate, input surface, or other portion of the device. For example, the beam structure may be defined by first and second apertures in a substrate or surface of the electronic device. The apertures are typically (although not necessarily) parallel and spaced apart from one another. In some implementations, the apertures are arranged such that opposing ends of the beam structure are fixed with respect to the substrate or surface. In some embodiments, the apertures may be tapered, angled with respect to one another, curved or otherwise non-linear, and so on, rather than parallel apertures.

Sample substrates include exterior surfaces of an electronic device, support structures within an electronic device, plates or the like within an electronic device, and so on. The substrate is generally the structure on or from which haptic actuators are formed, while the "surface" is the structure through which haptic outputs are transmitted. In some embodiments the substrate and surface may be the same. For example, one or more haptic actuators may be formed from or on one side of a material while a user interacts with a second side of the material. Thus, the material may serve as both surface and substrate.

In the embodiments described herein, a beam structure having fixed opposing ends is referred to as a "fixed beam structure. " In another embodiment, the beam structure may have one end that is fixed with respect to the substrate while the other end is not. In the embodiments described herein, the beam structure having one fixed end is referred to as a "cantilevered beam structure.

As will be described below, each of the beam structures described herein include a piezoelectric element that causes the beam structure to deflect. The direction of deflection is dependent on a received input signal. For example, the beam structure may deflect in a first direction in response to a first received input signal and may deflect in a second direction in response to a second received input signal. Each received input signal may individually be a voltage signal, a current signal or any other suitable input signal.

In some embodiments, the beam structure may be coupled to a surface. As the beam structure deflects, the surface, or portions of the surface, may also deflect or bend. For example, if the beam structure deflects in an upward direction, the surface also deflects in the upward direction. Likewise, if the beam structure deflects in a downward direction, the surface also deflects in the downward direction. Deflection of the beam structure and/or the surface causes the haptic output and corresponding tactile sensation.

For example, the beam structure may be flat when in its nominal state. As an input signal is applied to the piezoelectric element, the beam structure may bow convexly or concavely. When a surface is coupled to the beam structure, the deflection of the beam structure causes the surface to deflect or otherwise move. Movement of the surface in this manner provides a haptic output that can be felt by a person touching the surface. A surface may thus act as both an input surface and output surface, insofar as it may receive user input and provide haptic output.

In some embodiments, a haptic structure may include a single beam structure having a single piezoelectric element. In other cases, the beam structure may have two or more piezoelectric elements. In still other cases, the haptic structure may include two or more beam structures, and each beam structure may have a single piezoelectric element or multiple piezoelectric elements. In addition, a haptic structure may include fixed beam structures and cantilevered beam structures, either of which may be associated with a piezoelectric element(s).

The beam structures may be positioned at different areas or regions. For example, one or more cantilevered beam structures may be positioned on a peripheral portion of the haptic structure while one or more fixed beam structures may be positioned on an inner portion of the haptic structure. Each of the beam structures may be actuated simultaneously, substantially simultaneously and/or sequentially in order to provide different types of haptic output.

For example, a first input signal may be provided to the piezoelectric element of a first beam structure at a first time to cause the first beam structure to provide a first haptic output at a first location. A second input signal may be provided to the piezoelectric element of a second beam structure at the same time or at a different time to cause the second beam structure to provide a second haptic output at a second location.

In some embodiments, the beam structures may be integrated within a housing, or a portion of the housing, of the electronic device. For example, if the electronic device includes a keyboard, a touchpad or other such input mechanism, the haptic structure may be integrated into the keyboard (e.g., a top case of the keyboard) or the touchpad. In other implementations, the haptic structure may be integrated within a display of an electronic device.

The haptic structure may also be used in conjunction with a force-sensing element. For example, the haptic structure and a force-sensing element may be incorporated into a single electronic device. Thus, the force-sensing element may be operative to detect force input received on an input surface of the electronic device and the haptic structure may provide haptic output on the input surface of the electronic device. In other implementations, the piezoelectric element may be configured to determine an amount of force provided on the input surface of the electronic device.

<FIG> illustrates an example electronic device <NUM> that may incorporate a haptic structure <NUM> according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The haptic structure <NUM> may provide a haptic output for the electronic device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be a laptop computing device. In other implementations, the electronic device <NUM> may be a tablet computing device such as shown in <FIG>. Although <FIG> show different electronic devices <NUM>, like reference numerals are used to designate similar components. For example, each electronic device <NUM> may include a display. As such, reference numeral <NUM> is used to designate the display of each electronic device <NUM>.

Further, although specific electronic devices are shown in the figures and described below, the haptic structure described herein may be used with various electronic devices including, but not limited to, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, a time keeping device, a health monitoring device, a wearable electronic device, an input device (e.g., a stylus), a desktop computer, electronic glasses, and so on. Although various electronic devices are mentioned, the haptic structure <NUM> of the present disclosure may also be used in conjunction with other products and combined with various materials.

For example, the haptic structure <NUM> may be used on a band of wearable electronic device, a dashboard for an automobile, a steering wheel for an automobile, a housing of an electronic device, a keyboard and so on. Use of the haptic structure described herein may replace conventional rotary or linear actuators. As a result, the profile of the electronic device may be smaller and/or thinner.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a display <NUM>, a housing <NUM>, and one or more input mechanisms <NUM>. In some embodiments, the input mechanism <NUM> may be a touch-sensitive input device such as a trackpad, a keyboard, and so on. The display <NUM>, the housing <NUM>, and the one or more input mechanisms <NUM> may be coupled to a haptic structure <NUM> such that haptic output is provided directly on each component. For example, the haptic structure <NUM> may be provided underneath (or otherwise coupled to) the display <NUM>, including a cover glass that is part of the display <NUM>. Thus, when a beam structure or deflection mechanism of the haptic structure <NUM> is actuated, the display <NUM> (and, in some embodiments only the cover glass) also deflects to provide the haptic output.

In some embodiments, the display <NUM> may be a touch-sensitive display that detects and measures the location of a touch on an input surface of the display <NUM>. Thus, when a touch sensor detects the location of the touch, an electronic signal may drive one or more haptic structures <NUM> at the detected location, thereby generating haptic output at that location.

The touch sensor may be a capacitive-based touch sensor that is disposed relative to the display <NUM> or a display stack of the electronic device <NUM>. Although a capacitive-based touch sensor is disclosed, other sensors may be used.

The electronic device <NUM> may also include a force-sensing element that uses a force sensor to detect and measure the magnitude of force of a touch on a surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The surface may be, for example, the display <NUM>, a track pad, or some other input device or input surface, or may be a surface that is not designed or intended to accept input.

The haptic structure <NUM> of the present disclosure may be combined or otherwise integrated with the touch sensor or the force sensor and may provide both input and output capabilities. For example, the haptic structure <NUM> may provide haptic output at or near the location of any detected touch input. The haptic structure <NUM> may also provide various types of haptic output depending on the detected amount of force. In addition, the haptic structure may be used to detect a received amount of force such as will be described below.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> that encloses one or more components of the electronic device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may also be coupled to or may otherwise incorporate one or more haptic structures <NUM>. For example, one or more beam structures of the haptic structure <NUM> may formed within the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

The haptic structure <NUM> may also be used in conjunction with or be coupled to the input mechanism <NUM>. For example, one or more haptic structures <NUM> may be coupled to a trackpad and/or a force sensitive input device of an electronic device <NUM>.

The haptic structure <NUM> disclosed herein may also be used in place of the input mechanism <NUM>, or as an additional input mechanism. For example, a haptic structure <NUM> may be placed on, underneath or otherwise integrated with the housing <NUM>, a cover glass, and/or a display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> and be used to detect received input.

In one implementation, when a force is received at or near the location of the haptic structure <NUM>, the haptic structure <NUM> may generate a voltage or current that is measurable by an electronic component of the electronic device <NUM>. A processing element may sense this charge (or current) and accept it as an input. Such an input may be binary (e.g., counted as an input if the charge or current exceeds a threshold) or variable across a continuum (e.g., different generated charges/currents equate to different inputs or differences in a particular type of input).

To continue the example, the amount of current or voltage generated by the haptic structure <NUM> may vary based on the type of input received. For example, if an amount of current generated or detected is above a first threshold, it may indicate that a first type of touch input is received (e.g., a quick touch or press). If an amount of current generated or detected is above a second threshold, it may indicate that a second type of touch input is received (e.g., a long touch or press).

The haptic structure <NUM> may also work in conjunction with one or more force-sensing elements or one or more force sensors to determine an amount of force that is applied to an input surface (or other surface) of the electronic device <NUM>. In addition, the haptic structure <NUM> may be used to determine the location of the received input, and to determine one or more gestures associated with the received input. For example, if a haptic structure or a series of haptic structures detect touch input over a certain time period and over a certain distance on a surface of the electronic device <NUM>, a swipe gesture may be detected.

<FIG> illustrates an example haptic structure <NUM> for an electronic device in an inactive state. <FIG> illustrates the example haptic structure <NUM> of <FIG> in a first active state and <FIG> illustrates the example haptic structure <NUM> of <FIG> in a second active state. The haptic structure <NUM> may be used with the example electronic devices <NUM> shown and described above with respect to <FIG>.

The haptic structure <NUM> may include a deflection mechanism <NUM>. The haptic structure <NUM> may be referred to as a fixed beam structure as both ends of the deflection mechanism <NUM> are coupled to, formed within or are otherwise integrated with a surface (such as an input surface or, in some cases, a substrate) that makes up the haptic structure <NUM>. For example, the deflection mechanism <NUM> may be defined by two or more parallel apertures extending through by the substrate such as will be shown and described below.

The deflection mechanism <NUM> may be approximately <NUM>-<NUM> thick, approximately <NUM>-<NUM> wide and approximately <NUM> long although other dimensions may be used. In addition, a first portion of the deflection mechanism <NUM> may have a first dimension while a second portion of the deflection mechanism <NUM> has a second, different dimension. For example, a first portion of the deflection mechanism <NUM> may have a first thickness while a second portion of the deflection mechanism <NUM> may have a second thickness.

The haptic structure <NUM> also includes an actuation element <NUM>. The actuation element <NUM> may be coupled to a one side of the deflection mechanism <NUM>. In some implementations, the actuation element <NUM> is a piezoelectric material. In other implementations, the actuation element <NUM> may be any type of actuator that moves or that can be driven by an input signal (e.g., an electrical signal such as a current or voltage, light signal, or other input) to cause the deflection mechanism <NUM> to move or deflect along an axis.

For example, when a first input signal is applied to the actuation element <NUM>, the actuation element <NUM> may cause the deflection mechanism <NUM> to have a concave shape such as shown in <FIG>. When a second input signal is applied to the actuation element <NUM>, the actuation element may cause the deflection mechanism <NUM> to have a convex shape such as shown in <FIG>. Each time the deflection mechanism <NUM> deflects, a haptic output may be provided.

In some embodiments, the actuation element <NUM> may be driven to produce a discrete haptic output or may be driven to produce continuous haptic output. Additionally, the actuation element <NUM> may be driven at a range of frequencies to produce different types and intensities of haptic output. For example, the actuation element <NUM> may be driven at frequencies of <NUM> up to <NUM> or more.

Although not shown in <FIG>, a spacer may be affixed to a different side of the deflection mechanism <NUM> and may couple the deflection mechanism <NUM> to a surface. The surface may be a cover glass of an electronic device, a housing of the electronic device, and so on. Because the surface is coupled to the deflection mechanism <NUM>, as the deflection mechanism <NUM> deflects, the surface may also deflect and provide a haptic output.

Although the haptic structure <NUM> is specifically discussed with respect to an electronic device, the haptic structure <NUM> may be used with other devices including mechanical devices and electrical devices, as well as non-mechanical and non-electrical devices such as described herein.

<FIG> illustrates another example haptic structure <NUM> for an electronic device. The haptic structure <NUM> may be referred to as a cantilevered beam structure as one end of the deflection mechanism <NUM> is coupled to, machined from, or otherwise integrated with a substrate of the haptic structure <NUM> while the other end of the deflection mechanism <NUM> is free.

The haptic structure <NUM> also includes an actuation element <NUM>, which may be a piezoelectric actuator or the like. The deflection mechanism <NUM> and the actuation element <NUM> may operate in a similar manner to the deflection mechanism <NUM> and the actuation element <NUM> described above.

For example, when a first input signal is applied to the actuation element <NUM>, the deflection mechanism <NUM> may move in a first direction such as shown in <FIG>. Likewise, when a second input signal current is applied to the actuation element <NUM>, the deflection mechanism <NUM> may move in a second direction such as shown in <FIG>. As shown, the second direction is generally opposite the first direction.

Deflection of the deflection mechanism <NUM> in the manner described may provide a haptic output to a user of the electronic device. More specifically, as the deflection mechanism <NUM> deflects, one or more portions of the electronic device that incorporates the haptic structure <NUM> may also deflect.

<FIG> illustrates a top down view of an example haptic structure <NUM>. The haptic structure <NUM> may include a number of fixed beam structures such as described above. More specifically, the haptic structure <NUM> may include a substrate (which may be an input surface, housing, or interior element of an electronic device such as a support plate) that defines a first aperture <NUM> and a second aperture <NUM>. The first aperture <NUM> is spaced apart from and parallel with respect to the second aperture <NUM>. The first aperture <NUM> and the second aperture may be machined from the substrate to form the beam structure <NUM>. For example, the first aperture <NUM> and the second aperture <NUM> may extend entirely or partially through the surface of the haptic structure <NUM> to form or otherwise define a beam structure <NUM>.

As described above, the beam structures <NUM> shown in <FIG> are fixed beam structures as the first aperture <NUM> and the second aperture <NUM> are configured such that the opposing ends of the beam structures <NUM> are fixed or otherwise integrated with the surface of the haptic structure <NUM>. However, although the beam structures <NUM> are shown and described as being integrated with or otherwise formed in the surface of the haptic structure <NUM>, the beam structures <NUM> may be separate components. For example, one or more apertures, channels or openings may be formed in the surface of the haptic structure <NUM> and the beam structures <NUM> may be placed over or within the aperture.

In the example shown, the haptic structure <NUM> includes a 2x4 array of beam structures <NUM>. However, the size of the haptic structure <NUM> as well as the number of beam structures <NUM> is scalable. As such, a haptic structure <NUM> may include any number of beam structures <NUM> arranged in various configurations. For example, a haptic structure <NUM> having a first array of beam structures may be used for one electronic device while a haptic structure <NUM> having a second array of beam structures <NUM> may be used for a different computing device. It should also be noted that a single electronic device may have haptic structures with varying arrays of beam structures.

In some embodiments, the haptic structure <NUM> may include a spacer <NUM>. The spacer may be coupled to a first side of the beam structure <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> may be used to couple the beam structure <NUM> to an output surface (e.g., surface <NUM> of <FIG>). The spacer <NUM> may be an energy absorbing material such as a polyurethane material. The spacer <NUM> may also have an adhesive material that couples the beam structure <NUM> to the surface. As described above, when the beam structure <NUM> deflects, the surface may also deflect to provide a haptic output.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of the haptic structure <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a piezoelectric element <NUM> may be provided on an underside of each beam structure <NUM>. When an input signal is applied to the piezoelectric element <NUM>, one or more dimensions of the piezoelectric element <NUM> may change. For example, when a first input signal is applied to the piezoelectric element <NUM>, a length of the piezoelectric element <NUM> may increase which causes the beam structure <NUM> to exhibit a concave shape or deflect in a first direction. Likewise, when a second input signal is applied to the piezoelectric element <NUM>, the length of the piezoelectric element <NUM> may decrease which causes the beam structure <NUM> to exhibit a convex shape or deflect in a second direction.

As described above, in some implementations, the haptic structure described herein may be configured to provide localized haptic output or global haptic output. For example, when providing global haptic output, all of the beam structures in a given area of the haptic structure may be actuated. When providing localized haptic output, one or more beam structures in a given area of the haptic structure may be actuated.

For example and referring to <FIG>, a haptic structure <NUM> may include one or more beam structures <NUM>. Each of the beam structures <NUM> may be adhered or otherwise coupled to a surface <NUM> using one or more spacers <NUM>. In some implementations, the surface may be a cover glass of a display, an input surface of a trackpad, a housing of an electronic device and so on. The surface <NUM> may also be plastic, acrylic, an alloy material, or other material.

When providing global haptic output, all of the beam structures <NUM> of the haptic structure may deflect such as shown. In response, the s <NUM> also deflects or moves in the same direction as the beam structures <NUM>. Although <FIG> illustrates the beam structures <NUM> in a raised or convex configuration, the beam structures <NUM> may move downward or otherwise have a concave configuration such that the beam structures <NUM> extend below a surface of the haptic structure <NUM>. In either case, the surface <NUM> may move along with the beam structure <NUM> due to the coupling between the spacer <NUM> and the surface <NUM>.

Although a single surface <NUM> is shown, each beam structure <NUM> may be associated with an individual or otherwise unique surface. Thus, as each beam structure <NUM> is actuated, its corresponding surface <NUM> may also be moved accordingly. For example, each surface <NUM> may be an individual key of a keyboard. As the beam structure <NUM> is actuated, each individual key may move accordingly.

In other implementations, a nominal state of the beam structure <NUM> may be a state in which the beam structure <NUM> is concave or convex. When the piezoelectric element is actuated, the beam structure may flatten out or become more concave or convex. This may be useful when rounded surfaces (e.g., a cover glass for a display with a rounded edge and so on) are used. As such, haptic output may be provided on both flat surfaces and rounded surfaces.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the haptic structure <NUM> providing localized haptic output. For example, in <FIG>, a top center beam structure <NUM> is deflected in response to an input signal being applied to a piezoelectric element associated with the top center beam structure <NUM>. In response, a portion of the surface <NUM> adjacent to the top center beam structure <NUM> also deflects and provides a haptic output.

Likewise and as shown in <FIG>, a top right beam structure <NUM> of the haptic structure <NUM> may be actuated in a similar manner. As a result, a portion of the surface <NUM> adjacent the beam structure <NUM> may also deflect in the same direction. Thus, it can be appreciated that a first haptic actuator can generate a haptic output at or through a first part of the input surface, and a second haptic actuator can generate another haptic output at or through a second part of the input surface.

Although the examples shown and described show a single beam structure being actuated, different combinations of beam structures <NUM> may be actuated simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, or sequentially. In addition, a first beam structure <NUM> may be actuated in a first direction (e.g., to exhibit a convex shape) while a second beam structure <NUM> is actuated in a second, opposing direction (e.g., to exhibit a concave shape). In yet other implementations, one beam structure <NUM> may be actuated at a first location while a different beam structure <NUM> is actuated at a second location to dampen or enhance the haptic output provided at the first location.

<FIG> illustrates a top down view of another example haptic structure <NUM>. The haptic structure <NUM> may include a number of cantilevered beam structures such as described above. More specifically, the haptic structure <NUM> may include a substrate that defines an aperture <NUM> that extends around a beam structure <NUM> such that one end of the beam structure is integrated with the surface of the haptic structure <NUM> while the other end of the beam structure is not fixed to the surface of the haptic structure <NUM>.

The haptic structure <NUM> may include a spacer <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> may function in a similar manner to the spacer <NUM> described above.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of the haptic structure <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a piezoelectric element <NUM> may be provided on an underside of each beam structure <NUM>. The piezoelectric element <NUM> may function in a similar manner to the piezoelectric element <NUM> described above.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an example haptic structure <NUM> in a first operative state. The haptic structure <NUM> may include one or more cantilevered beam structures <NUM> coupled to a surface <NUM> using one or more spacers <NUM>. Like the haptic structure <NUM> described above, the haptic structure <NUM> may be configured to provide global haptic output or localized haptic output such as described.

For example, and referring to <FIG>, one or more beam structures <NUM> may deflect in response to a piezoelectric element of the beam structure <NUM> being actuated. As the beam structure <NUM> deflects, the portion of the surface <NUM> that is adjacent or otherwise coupled to the beam structure <NUM> may also deflect due to the coupling between the spacer <NUM>, the beam structure <NUM> and the surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of another example haptic structure <NUM>. In this embodiment, the haptic structure <NUM> includes cantilevered beam structures <NUM> and fixed beam structures <NUM>. Each of the cantilevered beam structures <NUM> and the fixed beam structures <NUM> function in a similar manner as described above.

For example, and as shown in <FIG>, a cantilevered beam structure <NUM> may be actuated simultaneously with a fixed beam structure. In some embodiments, the cantilevered beam structure <NUM> may be placed on a periphery of the haptic structure <NUM> in order to provide enhanced haptic output near a border or a boundary of the haptic structure <NUM>. The enhanced haptic output may be needed around the periphery of the haptic structure <NUM> due to various boundary conditions associated with the haptic structure <NUM>. For example, the peripheral portions of a surface may be coupled to the cantilevered beam structure <NUM> while the fixed beam structure <NUM> is affixed to a housing of an electronic device, which causes the surface to be more difficult to move at those locations.

The cantilevered haptic structure <NUM> may be positioned such that the free end of the beam structure is positioned near the periphery such as shown in order to provide a more pronounced haptic output at those locations.

In some embodiments, different combinations of cantilevered beam structures <NUM> and fixed beam structures <NUM> may be actuated simultaneously, substantially simultaneously or in sequence. In addition, each of the beam structures may be deflected in the same or different directions. In other embodiments, a first set of beam structures may provide a first type of haptic output (e.g., a discrete haptic output) while a second set of beam structures provide a second type of output (e.g., a continuous haptic output).

<FIG> illustrates a cross-section view of a haptic structure <NUM> integrated with an electronic device such as, for example, a keyboard. In this example, the cross-section of the haptic structure <NUM> may be taken along line A-A of <FIG>.

The haptic structure <NUM>, and more specifically, the deflection mechanisms <NUM> of the haptic structure <NUM> may be integrated with or otherwise formed in a housing <NUM> (e.g., a top case) of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the apertures that formed deflection mechanisms <NUM> are machined out of the housing <NUM>.

As described above, the haptic structure <NUM> includes an actuation element <NUM> formed on a first side of the deflection mechanism <NUM> and a spacer <NUM> formed on the opposite side of the actuation element <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> may be adhesively coupled to a surface <NUM>.

When a current is applied to the actuation element <NUM>, the deflection mechanism <NUM> deflects (e.g., bows or otherwise moves in an upward direction or a downward direction). As the deflection mechanism <NUM> deflects, the surface <NUM> moves in a similar manner such as described above.

In some cases, the haptic structures may be integrated into a display <NUM> of an electronic device, such as the laptop computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrate cross-sectional views of sample haptic structures <NUM> beneath a display <NUM> of a computing device <NUM>. In the cross-sectional view of <FIG>, multiple haptic actuators <NUM> of different rows of actuators may be seen. In the cross-sectional view of <FIG>, multiple haptic actuators <NUM>, each in different columns, may be seen. Typically, the haptic actuators <NUM> will operate to bow, bend, or otherwise deflect towards the cover glass <NUM> and thus deform the cover glass <NUM>, as described in more detail below.

Each haptic actuator <NUM> is disposed on a support <NUM> formed from a portion of the laptop housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the actuators <NUM> may rest on (or be part of) beam structures formed from the support <NUM> as discussed elsewhere herein.

Generally, the haptic actuators <NUM> are disposed beneath a display layer <NUM> and a cover glass <NUM>; the display layer <NUM> and cover glass <NUM> collectively form the display <NUM> of the electronic device. The display layer may be a LCD display, LED display, OLED display, or any other suitable display. Likewise, the cover glass <NUM> may be formed from glass (whether or not chemically strengthened), plastic, sapphire, or any other suitable material.

In the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the cover glass <NUM> and display layer <NUM> are both shown as floating with respect to the housing <NUM>. The cover glass and/or display layer may abut and/or be affixed to the housing in certain embodiments, or they may be separated by a gap as shown. In other embodiments, the display layer and cover glass may abut and/or be affixed to the housing at certain points but float at others.

When a haptic actuator <NUM> is activated, it may flex, deflect, or otherwise deform as described herein. This operation may, in turn, deflect both the display layer <NUM> and the cover glass <NUM> upward, thereby providing a haptic output to a user in contact with the cover glass <NUM>.

Although the cover glass <NUM> and display layer <NUM> both deform, this deformation may not be visually perceptible as it may be too small to see. In other embodiments, the deformation may be visually perceptible but typically covered by a user's finger, a stylus, or other object receiving haptic feedback through the cover glass.

It should be appreciated that embodiments described herein may be used in any number of different electronic devices. For example, <FIG> illustrates a stylus <NUM> that incorporates a set of haptic structures <NUM>. The haptic structures maybe within the body of the stylus <NUM>, or on its exterior. The haptic structures may be formed on or attached to a substrate within the body, on an interior or exterior of the sidewall, and so on. Regardless of location, the haptic structures <NUM> may provide a haptic output (and thus tactile sensation) to a person gripping, touching, or otherwise interacting with the stylus.

Likewise, <FIG> illustrates a mouse <NUM> that incorporates multiple haptic structures <NUM> in place of buttons. The haptic structures may simulate the "click" or a traditional mouse button or may provide more complex and/or sophisticated feedback. In some embodiments, a force applied to the exterior of the mouse <NUM> may cause the haptic structures <NUM> to deform, thereby generating an electrical signal from or in a piezoelectric element of the haptic structure. The magnitude of this electrical signal may vary with the exerted force, insofar as greater forces may deflect or deform the piezoelectric element more than weaker forces. Thus, the haptic structure <NUM> may also receive input from a user in a manner similar to a dome switch or other switch element, but may have the additional benefit of measuring non-binary forces. The various haptic structures described herein may thus be used as both input and output mechanisms.

In yet other embodiments, haptic structures may be incorporated into an output surface that does not also accept touch or force input. In yet other embodiments, a wearable device (such as a watch) may incorporate sample haptic structures as described herein on a portion of the wearable device in contact with a user's skin when worn. The haptic structures may actuate to provide the output to the user's skin. Such haptic structures may be on the inside of a band, back of a watch body, and so on.

Accordingly, it should be appreciated that any of a variety of electronic devices may incorporate haptic structures described herein.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a display (<NUM>);
a housing (<NUM>) coupled with the display (<NUM>) and defining an input surface of the electronic device (<NUM>), the input surface defining a keyboard; and
a haptic structure (<NUM>) positioned beneath a portion of the input surface and comprising:
a deflection mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a pair of elongated holes (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a beam structure (<NUM>) defined between the pair of elongated holes (<NUM>, <NUM>), the beam structure (<NUM>) having a beam length that extends from a first fixed end to a second fixed end;
an actuation element (<NUM>) positioned along a second side of the deflection mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) and having a piezoelectric element positioned on the beam structure (<NUM>);
characterized in that
a spacer (<NUM>) positioned along a first side of the deflection mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) between the pair of elongated holes (<NUM>, <NUM>) and such that the actuation element (<NUM>) and the deflection mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) are on one side of the spacer (<NUM>) and the portion of the input surface is on the opposite side of the spacer (<NUM>), the spacer (<NUM>) coupling the beam structure (<NUM>) to the input surface; wherein:
the actuation element (<NUM>) is configured to deflect the deflection mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) and locally deform the input surface to provide haptic output along the input surface in response to an input received along the portion of the input surface.