Patent ID: 12189858

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrations specific embodiments or examples. These aspects may be combined, other aspects may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the present disclosure. Embodiments may be practiced as methods, systems, or devices. Accordingly, embodiments may take the form of a hardware implementation, an entirely software implementation, or an implementation combining software and hardware aspects. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

The present disclosure describes a haptic feedback system configured to provide localized feedback to a user of an electronic device, especially a wearable electronic device. In some aspects, the haptic feedback system comprises a haptic dial that delivers localized haptic feedback to a user's fingers while reducing or even eliminating vibration of the electronic device. Localized haptic feedback may enhance user interactions and provide more a more engaging and immersive interface for wearable devices such as watches, virtual reality headsets, or even mobile phones. In one examples, a rotary input for an electronic device comprises a housing, a haptic actuator engaged with the housing, and a slip ring configured to transfer electrical power from the electronic device to the haptic actuator. The haptic actuator is configured to rotate about an axis passing through the electronic device responsive to a user action that manipulates the housing.

This and many further embodiments for a haptic system are described herein. For instance,FIG.1shows a diagram of an example of a haptic feedback system100, according to an example embodiment. The haptic feedback system100comprises a rotary input110and a rotational sensor160. Generally, a user may manipulate the rotary input110to cause a rotation of the rotary input110about an axis112. The rotational sensor160senses and/or measures the rotation, for example, using an optical sensor162and a processor164. Haptic feedback may be provided to the user by the rotary input110, for example, via a haptic actuator340(FIG.3) within the rotary input110. In some examples, the haptic feedback is responsive to a user action, such as rotating the rotary input110, tapping the rotary input110, pulling the rotary input110, etc. In other examples, the haptic feedback is responsive to some other suitable trigger, such as software running on an electronic device that comprises an instance of the rotary input110.

The haptic feedback may be any suitable movement of the haptic actuator340. In one example, activation of the haptic actuator340causes a rotation114of the haptic actuator (and thereby the rotary input110) about the axis112. In another example, activation of the haptic actuator340causes a vibratory rotation of the haptic actuator about the axis (i.e., alternative movement in a clockwise direction, counterclockwise direction, clockwise direction, etc.). In yet another example, activation of the haptic actuator340causes a translational movement116of the haptic actuator340along the axis112. In another example, activation of the haptic actuator340causes a vibratory translation of the haptic actuator340along the axis112. Other examples of haptic feedback will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

FIG.2shows a cross sectional block diagram of an example electronic device200for the haptic feedback system100ofFIG.1, according to an example embodiment. In the example shown inFIG.2, a rotary input210is provided within the electronic device200and is rotatable about an axis212. The electronic device200may be a wearable device, such as a smartwatch, wristband, headset (e.g., virtual reality headset or audio headset), or other suitable device. In other examples, the electronic device200may be any other suitable electronic device with which a user may interact with the rotary input210, such as a smartphone, laptop computer, tablet, electric vehicle, stereo, television, appliance, etc.

The electronic device200comprises a frame220, a processor222, and a battery224. Generally, the frame220provides structural support for the processor222, the battery224, the rotary input210, and other components (not shown) of the electronic device200. A rotational sensor264of the rotary input210may be contained within the frame220, for example. The processor222may perform suitable processing tasks related to, for example, displaying images on a user display (not shown), communications with other devices (e.g., via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), etc. The processor222may also determine suitable haptic feedback to be provided to the user and provide appropriate signals to the rotary input210, as described below. The battery224provides electrical power to the electronic device200and may further provide electrical power to the rotary input210, as described herein.

The electronic device200may also comprise a rotary input support230that is configured to support the rotary input210. The rotary input support230may contain a bearing, bushing, or other mechanical coupling that provides rotational support to the rotary input210. In some examples, the rotary input support230is configured to allow only rotational movement of the rotary input210about the axis212. In other examples, the rotary input support230is configured to allow at least some translational movement in addition to the rotational movement. In some examples, the rotary input support230includes one or more electrical contacts for providing electrical power to the rotary input210.

FIG.3shows an exploded diagram of the haptic feedback system100ofFIG.1, according to an example embodiment. In the example shown inFIG.3, the rotary input110comprises a fixed plate320, a rotating plate330, a haptic actuator340, and a housing350. The fixed plate320and the rotating plate330form at least a portion of a slip ring, where the slip ring is configured to transfer electrical power, for example, from the battery224to the haptic actuator340.

The haptic actuator340comprises a main body341and a stem342. The main body341of the haptic actuator340may be engaged with the housing350, for example, by a snap-fit, press-fit, use of a screw or other fastener, or other suitable manner. In some examples, the housing350removably engages the haptic actuator340, for example, to allow for customized housings350(e.g., different sizes, aesthetic patterns, colors, etc.). In the example shown inFIG.3, the main body341is generally cylindrical, but other shapes may be used. In some examples, the main body341and the housing350are complementarily shaped to facilitate fitment of the housing350on the main body341. For example, the housing350may comprise a shell352having an inner cavity354that is configured to engage the main body341. The shell352may have ridges356, grooves, a knurl pattern, or other suitable frictional interface that facilitates user interaction with the housing350. In some examples, the haptic actuator340and the housing350form at least one of a wheel, dial, knob, handle, arm, lever, or switch of the electronic device200.

The haptic actuator340is configured to rotate about the axis112passing through the electronic device (e.g., electronic device200) responsive to a user action that manipulates the housing350, such as rotating the rotary input110, tapping the rotary input110, pulling the rotary input110, etc. To facilitate rotation about the axis112, the stem342extends along the axis112. In some examples, the stem342engages a bearing, bushing, or other rotational interface of the electronic device200, such as the rotary input support230. To facilitate sensing of the rotation, the stem342may comprise an augmented portion344that changes a signal within the rotational sensor160during rotational measurement of the haptic actuator340. For example, the augmented portion344may have one or more of a splined interface, gear teeth, an optical pattern, etc.

The fixed plate320and the rotating plate330each comprise a center hole (322,332, respectively) through which the stem342protrudes. Generally, the fixed plate320and the rotating plate330have electrical contacts for transferring electrical power from the electronic device200to the haptic actuator340. The haptic actuator340may have electrical contacts, such as terminals346A and346B for receiving electrical power. Although not shown, in some examples, additional signals may be transferred via the slip ring using additional electrical contacts. Such signals may be control signals, user interface signals (e.g., for buttons or sensors located on the rotary input110), etc. Generally, the haptic actuator340uses the electrical power to cause a movement, vibration, etc. that may be perceived by the user, for example, via the user's fingertips as they manipulate the housing350. The haptic actuator340may comprise an actuator348, such as a linear resonant actuator, eccentric rotating mass actuator, piezo actuator, or other suitable actuator.

FIGS.4A and4Bshow diagrams of an example fixed plate320of a slip ring for the haptic feedback system100ofFIG.1, according to an example embodiment.FIG.4Ashows a first face422of the fixed plate320, whileFIG.4Bshows a second face452of the fixed plate320. The first face422comprises first terminals424A and424B, while the second face452comprises second terminals426A and426B. Generally, the first terminal424A is electrically coupled with the second terminals426A, while the first terminal424B is electrically coupled with the second terminals426B. The first face422may abut and/or engage the electronic device200to receive electrical power via the first terminals424. In this way, the first terminals424may receive electrical power from the electronic device200and the second terminals426may provide the electrical power to the rotating plate330, as described herein. In some examples, the fixed plate320is formed as a printed circuit board.

FIGS.5A and5Bshow diagrams of an example rotating plate330of the slip ring for the haptic feedback system100ofFIG.1, according to an example embodiment.FIG.5Ashows a first face522of the rotating plate330, whileFIG.5Bshows a second face552of the rotating plate330. Generally, the rotating plate330rotates with the haptic actuator340about the axis112.

The first face522comprises third terminals536A and536B, while the second face552comprises fourth terminals534A and534B. Generally, the third terminal536A is electrically coupled with the fourth terminal534A, while the third terminal536B is electrically coupled with the fourth terminals534B. In this way, the third terminals536may receive electrical power from the electronic device200(via the second terminals426of the fixed plate320) and the fourth terminals534may provide the electrical power to the haptic actuator340via the terminals346A and346B. In some examples, the rotating plate330is formed as a printed circuit board.

FIG.6shows a diagram of the fixed plate320and the rotating plate330of the slip ring for the haptic feedback system100ofFIG.1, according to an example embodiment. The fixed plate320may be fixed to the electronic device200, for example, via the rotary input support230. However, a rotational engagement of the fixed plate320and the rotating plate330is configured to allow electrical power to pass between them. As one example,FIG.5Ashows the third terminals536implemented as linear contacts that extend along respective rotational tracks about the axis112. As shown inFIG.4B, the corresponding second terminals426are implemented as spring contacts that engage the linear contacts. More specifically, the terminals426A engage the terminals536A and the terminals426B engage the terminals536B. As the rotating plate330rotates about the axis112, the spring contacts may ensure consistent contact against the linear contacts, providing uninterrupted power and haptic feedback. Although only two tracks are shown, the second and third contacts may be implemented as one, three, four, or more tracks in other examples.

FIGS.7and8and the associated descriptions provide a discussion of a variety of operating environments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. However, the devices and systems illustrated and discussed with respect toFIGS.7and8are for purposes of example and illustration and are not limiting of a vast number of computing device configurations that may be utilized for practicing aspects of the disclosure, as described herein.

FIGS.7and8illustrate a mobile computing device700, for example, a mobile telephone, a smart phone, wearable computer (such as a smart watch), a headset, a handheld controller, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and the like, with which embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced. In some aspects, the client may be a mobile computing device. With reference toFIG.7, one aspect of a mobile computing device700for implementing the aspects is illustrated. In a basic configuration, the mobile computing device700is a handheld computer having both input elements and output elements. The mobile computing device700typically includes a display705and one or more input buttons710that allow the user to enter information into the mobile computing device700. The display705of the mobile computing device700may also function as an input device (e.g., a touch screen display). If included, an optional side input element715allows further user input. The side input element715may be a rotary switch, a button, or any other type of manual input element. In alternative aspects, mobile computing device700may incorporate more or less input elements. For example, the display705may not be a touch screen in some embodiments. In yet another alternative embodiment, the mobile computing device700is a portable phone system, such as a cellular phone. The mobile computing device700may also include an optional keypad735. Optional keypad735may be a physical keypad or a “soft” keypad generated on the touch screen display. In various embodiments, the output elements include the display705for showing a graphical user interface (GUI), a visual indicator720(e.g., a light emitting diode), and/or an audio transducer725(e.g., a speaker). In some aspects, the mobile computing device700incorporates a vibration transducer for providing the user with tactile feedback. In yet another aspect, the mobile computing device700incorporates input and/or output ports, such as an audio input (e.g., a microphone jack), an audio output (e.g., a headphone jack), and a video output (e.g., a HDMI port) for sending signals to or receiving signals from an external device.

FIG.8is a block diagram illustrating the architecture of one aspect of a mobile computing device. That is, the mobile computing device700can incorporate a system (e.g., an architecture)802to implement some aspects. In one embodiment, the system802is implemented as a “smart phone” capable of running one or more applications (e.g., browser, e-mail, calendaring, contact managers, messaging clients, games, and media clients/players). In some aspects, the system802is integrated as a computing device, such as an integrated personal digital assistant (PDA) and wireless phone.

One or more application programs866may be loaded into the memory862and run on or in association with the operating system864. Examples of the application programs include phone dialer programs, e-mail programs, personal information management (PIM) programs, word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, Internet browser programs, messaging programs, and so forth. The system802also includes a non-volatile storage area868within the memory862. The non-volatile storage area868may be used to store persistent information that should not be lost if the system802is powered down. The application programs866may use and store information in the non-volatile storage area868, such as email or other messages used by an email application, and the like. A synchronization application (not shown) also resides on the system802and is programmed to interact with a corresponding synchronization application resident on a host computer to keep the information stored in the non-volatile storage area868synchronized with corresponding information stored at the host computer.

The system802has a power supply870, which may be implemented as one or more batteries. The power supply870may further include an external power source, such as an AC adapter or a powered docking cradle that supplements or recharges the batteries.

The system802may also include a radio interface layer872that performs the function of transmitting and receiving radio frequency communications. The radio interface layer872facilitates wireless connectivity between the system802and the “outside world,” via a communications carrier or service provider. Transmissions to and from the radio interface layer872are conducted under control of the operating system864. In other words, communications received by the radio interface layer872may be disseminated to the application programs866via the operating system864, and vice versa.

The visual indicator820may be used to provide visual notifications, and/or an audio interface874may be used for producing audible notifications via an audio transducer725(e.g., audio transducer725illustrated inFIG.7). In the illustrated embodiment, the visual indicator820is a light emitting diode (LED) and the audio transducer725may be a speaker. These devices may be directly coupled to the power supply870so that when activated, they remain on for a duration dictated by the notification mechanism even though the processor860and other components might shut down for conserving battery power. The LED may be programmed to remain on indefinitely until the user takes action to indicate the powered-on status of the device. The audio interface874is used to provide audible signals to and receive audible signals from the user. For example, in addition to being coupled to the audio transducer725, the audio interface874may also be coupled to a microphone to receive audible input, such as to facilitate a telephone conversation. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the microphone may also serve as an audio sensor to facilitate control of notifications, as will be described below. The system802may further include a video interface876that enables an operation of peripheral device830(e.g., on-board camera) to record still images, video stream, and the like.

A mobile computing device700implementing the system802may have additional features or functionality. For example, the mobile computing device700may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated inFIG.8by the non-volatile storage area868.

Data/information generated or captured by the mobile computing device700and stored via the system802may be stored locally on the mobile computing device700, as described above, or the data may be stored on any number of storage media that may be accessed by the device via the radio interface layer872or via a wired connection between the mobile computing device700and a separate computing device associated with the mobile computing device700, for example, a server computer in a distributed computing network, such as the Internet. As should be appreciated such data/information may be accessed via the mobile computing device700via the radio interface layer872or via a distributed computing network. Similarly, such data/information may be readily transferred between computing devices for storage and use according to well-known data/information transfer and storage means, including electronic mail and collaborative data/information sharing systems.

As should be appreciated,FIGS.7and8are described for purposes of illustrating the present methods and systems and is not intended to limit the disclosure to a particular sequence of steps or a particular combination of hardware or software components.

The description and illustration of one or more aspects provided in this application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the disclosure as claimed in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimed disclosure. The claimed disclosure should not be construed as being limited to any aspect, example, or detail provided in this application. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate aspects falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this application that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed disclosure.