PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9594429-B2
Application Number: US-201414227149-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Adjusting the level of acoustic and haptic output in haptic devices

Abstract:
A haptic device in an electronic device includes a feedback surface, one or more actuators, and a connection member connected between the feedback surface and each actuator. At least one actuator produces an attracting or repelling force that creates movement in the connection member and the feedback surface. An acoustic and a haptic output of the haptic device can be adjusted at least in part by producing an out of plane movement in the feedback surface, by changing a cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the connection member, by changing dynamically one or more biasing supports disposed below the feedback surface, and/or by changing at least one waveform characteristic of a haptic input signal received by at least one actuator.

Claims:
We claim: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a feedback surface defining a plane; 
 an actuator; 
 a connection member operably connecting the feedback surface to the actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to impart a force to the connection member and the feedback surface, thereby producing a haptic output and an acoustic output; and 
 an output adjustment mechanism for changing the acoustic output relative to the haptic output for a given force. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device as in  claim 1 , wherein the output adjustment mechanism is configured to change an amount of out-of-plane movement of the feedback surface for the given force. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device as in  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is positioned at an angle relative to the feedback surface. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device as in  claim 1 , wherein the connection member is positioned at an angle relative to the feedback surface. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a processing device operably connected to a memory and the actuator. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device as in  claim 5 , wherein the output adjustment mechanism comprises a biasing support operatively coupled to the feedback surface and configured such that a physical characteristic of the biasing support changes in response to a signal from the processing device, thereby changing the acoustic output relative to the haptic output. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device as in  claim 1 , wherein the output adjustment mechanism is configured to move the actuator from a first position to a second position to change an amount of the acoustic output relative to the haptic output for the given force. 
     
     
       8. A haptic device for an electronic device comprising:
 a feedback surface; 
 an actuator; and 
 a connection member operably connecting the feedback surface to the actuator, wherein 
 the actuator is configured to impart a force to the feedback surface via the connection member, thereby producing a haptic and acoustic output; and 
 the actuator is movable relative to the feedback surface in order to adjust the haptic and acoustic output. 
 
     
     
       9. The haptic device as in  claim 8 , wherein the actuator is in communication with a processing device. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device as in  claim 8 , wherein:
 the feedback surface defines a plane; and 
 the actuator is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device as in  claim 8 , wherein:
 when the actuator is in a first position, the actuator produces movement of the feedback surface having a first haptic component and a first acoustic component; and 
 when the actuator is in a second position different from the first position, the actuator produces movement of the feedback surface having a second haptic component and a second acoustic component different from the first acoustic component. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device as in  claim 11 , wherein:
 the first acoustic component corresponds to a sound having a first volume; and 
 the second acoustic component corresponds to a sound having a second volume greater than the first volume. 
 
     
     
       13. A method for adjusting a haptic and acoustic output of a haptic device, comprising:
 applying a force to a feedback surface to produce a first output having a first haptic component and a first acoustic component; 
 changing a physical characteristic of the haptic device; and 
 applying the force to the feedback surface to produce a second output having a second haptic component and a second acoustic component different than the first acoustic component. 
 
     
     
       14. The method as in  claim 13 , wherein changing the physical characteristic of the haptic device comprises moving the actuator relative to the feedback surfaces. 
     
     
       15. The method as in  claim 13 , wherein changing the physical characteristic of the haptic device comprises changing a physical characteristic of a support member operatively coupled to the feedback surface. 
     
     
       16. The method as in  claim 15 , wherein changing the physical characteristic of the support member comprises changing a shape of the support member. 
     
     
       17. The method as in  claim 15 , wherein changing the physical characteristic of the support member comprises changing a density of the support member. 
     
     
       18. The method as in  claim 15 , wherein:
 the support member comprises a piezoelectric material; and 
 the method further comprises sending a signal from a processor to the support member, thereby changing the physical characteristic of the support member. 
 
     
     
       19. The method as in  claim 13 , wherein:
 the first acoustic component corresponds to a sound having a first volume; and 
 the second acoustic component corresponds to a sound having a second volume greater than the first volume. 
 
     
     
       20. A method for adjusting a haptic and acoustic output of a haptic device, the haptic device comprising a feedback surface, an actuator, and a connection member operably connecting the feedback surface to the actuator, the method comprising:
 while the actuator is in a position relative to the feedback surface, actuating the actuator to apply a force to the feedback surface via the connection member, thereby producing a first haptic and acoustic output; 
 translating the actuator to a different position relative to the feedback surface; and 
 actuating the actuator to apply the force to the feedback surface via the connection member, thereby producing a second haptic and acoustic output different from the first haptic and acoustic output. 
 
     
     
       21. A haptic device comprising:
 a feedback surface; 
 an actuator configured to produce a force to move the feedback surface; 
 a biasing support operatively coupled to the feedback surface and configured such that a physical characteristic of the biasing support can be changed dynamically to adjust a haptic and acoustic output of the haptic device; and 
 a processing device configured to send a signal causing the physical characteristic of the biasing support to change. 
 
     
     
       22. The haptic device of  claim 21 , wherein the biasing support comprises a piezoelectric material. 
     
     
       23. The haptic device of  claim 21 , wherein the physical characteristic of the biasing support that changes in response to the signal from the processing device is selected from the group consisting of: a shape, a density, and a compliance. 
     
     
       24. The haptic device of  claim 21 , wherein:
 when the biasing support exhibits a first physical characteristic, the haptic and acoustic output comprises a first haptic component and a first acoustic component; and 
 when the biasing support exhibits a second physical characteristic different from the first physical characteristic, the haptic and acoustic output comprises a second haptic component and a second acoustic component different from the first acoustic component.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to haptic feedback in electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices may employ haptics to provide the user with a tactile output, for example in response to a particular input by the user, a system state, or an application instruction. As a specific example, some electronic devices such as a laptop computer include a track pad or button that may move or vibrate to provide a haptic output to the user. In some situations, the track pad or button can also produce a sound or an acoustic output that is based on the movement of the track pad or button. The mix of the haptic and acoustic output may be unacceptable to user, and typically the haptic and acoustic output cannot be varied. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments described herein permit the haptic and acoustic output of a haptic device to be changed. In one aspect, an electronic device can include a feedback surface and one or more actuators operably connected to the feedback surface. In some embodiments, a connection member may be operably connected between the feedback surface and each actuator. At least one actuator produces an attracting and/or repelling force that moves the connection member and the feedback surface. The movement can produce a haptic and acoustic output in the haptic device. An output adjustment mechanism may adjust the haptic and acoustic output of the haptic device. In one example, the output adjustment mechanism can be the positioning of at least one actuator so that the attracting and/or repelling force produced by the at least one actuator produces an out of plane movement in the feedback surface. The attracting and/or repelling force can also produce an in-plane movement. In another example, the output adjustment mechanism may be a material that is attached to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the connection member to change a cross-sectional area of the connection member. In yet another example, the output adjustment mechanism can be a connection member that has a different cross-sectional area in at least a portion of the connection member. In another example, the output adjustment mechanism may be one or more biasing supports that are adapted to change dynamically to adjust a haptic and acoustic output of the haptic device. For example, the one or more biasing supports can be made of a piezoelectric material that changes shape based on an input signal. These examples can be used in a haptic device individually or in various combinations. 
     In another aspect, one or more different haptic input signals can be received by at least one actuator to adjust the attracting and/or repelling force produced by the at least one actuator to change the haptic and acoustic output of the haptic device. 
     In another aspect, method for adjusting a haptic and acoustic output of a haptic device can include applying an attracting and/or repelling force to a feedback surface to produce a particular out of plane movement in the feedback surface. In some embodiments, a different haptic input signal can be received by at least one actuator to adjust the attracting and/or repelling force to change the haptic and acoustic output of the haptic device. 
     In another aspect, a method for adjusting a haptic and acoustic output of a haptic device can include producing by an actuator an attracting and/or repelling force to move a connection member and a feedback surface. An amount of the attracting and/or repelling force produced by the actuator is based on the haptic and acoustic output produced at least in part by a material attached to at least the portion of the exterior surface of the connection member, and/or by a shape of a cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the connection member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention are better understood with reference to the following drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical features that are common to the figures 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one example of an electronic device that incorporates a haptic device; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another example of an electronic device that incorporates a haptic device; 
         FIG. 3  is an example block diagram of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged top plan view of the haptic device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a first example of the haptic device  102  taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a second example of the haptic device  102  taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a third example of the haptic device  102  taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 8-10  are flowcharts of methods for adjusting an acoustic and a haptic output of a haptic device; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a first graph of two examples of a haptic input signal; 
         FIG. 12  depicts an example fundamental frequency associated with the haptic input signal  1100  shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an example fundamental and harmonics frequencies associated with the haptic input signal  1102  shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  depicts an example graph of an output response of the feedback surface that is produced by the haptic input signal  1102  shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a second graph of an example of a haptic input signal; and 
         FIG. 16  depicts a cross-sectional view of a fourth example of the haptic device  102  taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A haptic device in an electronic device includes a feedback surface and one or more actuators operably connected to the feedback surface. At least one actuator produces an attracting and/or a repelling force that creates movement in the feedback surface. An acoustic and haptic output of the haptic device can be adjusted at least in part by producing an out of plane movement in the feedback surface, by changing a cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the connection member, by changing dynamically one or more biasing supports disposed below the feedback surface, and/or by changing at least one waveform characteristic of a haptic input signal received by at least one actuator. 
     The methods and devices described herein may be used with substantially any type of apparatus or device where haptic feedback may be desired.  FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective views of exemplary electronic devices that can incorporate a haptic device. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  may be a laptop computer. Alternatively, as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the electronic device  100  can be a smart telephone or mobile electronic device. It should be noted that the electronic devices illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are illustrative only and substantially any other type of electronic device, such as but not limited to, a computer, a mobile phone, a digital music player, a digital camera, a calculator, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computing device, and so on may include one or more haptic devices. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the electronic device  100  may include a haptic device  102 , a display  104 , an input/output member  108 , and an input/output port  110 . The display  104  may provide an image or video output for the electronic device  100 . The display  104  can be substantially any size and may be positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic device  104 . In some embodiments, the display  104  can be a liquid display screen, a plasma screen, a light emitting diode screen, and so on. The display  104  may also function as an input device in addition to displaying output from the electronic device  100 . For example, the display  104  can include capacitive touch sensors, infrared touch sensors, or the like that may capture a user&#39;s input to the display  104 . In these embodiments, a user may press on the display  104  in order to provide input to the electronic device  100 . In other embodiments, the display  104  may be separate from or otherwise external to the electronic device but in communication therewith to provide a visual output for the electronic device. 
     The input/output member  108  allows a user to interact with the electronic device  100 . The input/output member  108  can be a switch, a capacitive sensor, a button, speakers, or another input/output mechanism. For example, the input/output member  108  may be a button or switch to power on/off the device  100 , alter the volume of a speaker, return to a home screen, and the like. The electronic device  100  can include one or more input/output members  108 , and each input/output member  108  may have one or more input/output functions. Furthermore, as briefly mentioned above, in some embodiments, the input/output member  108  can be incorporated into the display  104 , e.g., a capacitive touch screen as the display  104 . 
     The enclosure  106  may form a portion of an exterior of the electronic device  100  and may at least partially surround all or select components, such as the display  104 , the haptic device  102 , the input/output member  108 , the input/output port  110 , a processor, memory, and so on, of the electronic device  100 . The enclosure  106  may be removable from the device  100 , or may be substantially secured around the select components. 
     The input/output port  110  may be formed within or defined by the enclosure  106  and may electrically connect an external device to one or more internal components of the electronic device  100 . Example external devices include, but are not limited to, headphones, speakers, communication networks such as the Internet, and removable memory storage. The input/output port  110  can be configured to receive an electrical connector for the electronic device  100 . For example, the input/output port  110  may be configured to receive a power cord, a data cable (e.g., universal serial bus, fiber optic, tip ring sleeve connector, and the like), or a combination data and power cable. The electronic device  100  can include more than one input/output port  110  and each input/output port  110  may be positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic device  100 . 
     With respect to  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100 , via an input/output port  110 , may also be in communication with one or more external devices  112 . In some embodiments, the haptic device  102  may be incorporated into an external device  112 , such as a mouse, a track pad, a joystick, or other input device. 
       FIG. 3  is an example block diagram of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 . The electronic device  100  can include the haptic device  102 , the display  104 , a keyboard  300 , a processing device  302 , a power source  304 , a memory or storage device  306 , a sensor  308 , and an input/output device and/or input/output (I/O) port  310 . The processing device  302  can control some or all of the operations of the electronic device  100 . The processing device  302  can communicate, either directly or indirectly, with substantially all of the components of the electronic device  100 . For example, a system bus or signal line  312  or other communication mechanism can provide communication between the processing device  302 , the haptic device  102 , the power source  304 , the memory  306 , the sensor  308 , and/or the I/O device and/or I/O port  310 . The processing device  302  may communicate with the haptic device  102  to control one or more actuators  314  and/or an output adjustment mechanism  316  of the haptic device  102 . As will be described in more detail later, the output adjustment mechanism can position at least one actuator so that the attracting and/or repelling force produced by the at least one actuator produces an out of plane movement in the feedback surface. Additionally or alternatively, the output adjustment mechanism may include a cross-sectional area of at least one connection member. Additionally or alternatively, the output adjustment mechanism can be one or more biasing supports that are adapted to change dynamically to adjust a haptic and acoustic output of the haptic device. Additionally or alternatively, the output adjustment mechanism can produce a different haptic input signal that is received by the at least one actuator to adjust a haptic and acoustic output of the haptic device. 
     The processing device  302  can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processing device  302  can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described herein, the term “processing device” is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other suitably configured computing element or elements. 
     It should be noted that the components of the electronic device can be controlled by multiple processing devices. For example, select components of the electronic device  100  may be controlled by a first processing device and other components of the electronic device  100  may be controlled by a second processing device where the first and second processing devices may or may not be in communication with each other. 
     The power source  304  can be implemented with any device capable of providing energy to the electronic device  100 . For example, the power source  304  may be one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries, or a connection cable that connects the remote control device to another power source such as a wall outlet. 
     The memory  306  can store electronic data that can be used by the electronic device  100 . For example, a memory can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals, haptic input signals, data structures or databases, and so on. In some embodiments, the memory  306  may store user settings with respect to the haptic device  102 . The memory  202  can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices. 
     The electronic device  100  may also include one or more sensors  308  positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic device  100 . The sensor or sensors  308  can be configured to sense substantially any type of characteristic, such as but not limited to, images, pressure, light, touch, heat, movement, relative motion, fingerprint data, and so on. For example, the sensor(s)  308  may be an image sensor, a heat sensor, a force sensor, a position sensor, a light or optical sensor, an accelerometer, a pressure transducer, a gyroscope, a magnet, a health monitoring sensor, a biometric sensor, and so on. Additionally, the one or more sensors  308  can utilize any suitable sensing technology, including, but not limited to, capacitive, ultrasonic, resistive, optical, ultrasound, piezoelectric, and thermal sensing technology. 
     The I/O device and/or I/O port  310  can transmit and/or receive data to and from a user or another electronic device. The I/O device(s) can include a display, a touch sensing input surface such as a trackpad, one or more buttons, one or more microphones or speakers, one or more ports such as a microphone port, and/or a keyboard. Additionally or alternatively, an I/O device or port can transmit electronic signals via a communications network, such as a wireless and/or wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wired network connections include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR, and Ethernet. 
     It should be noted that  FIGS. 1-3  are exemplary only. In other examples, the electronic device may include fewer or more components than those shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . Additionally, the illustrated electronic devices are only exemplary devices that can include a haptic device  102 . In other embodiments, a haptic device may be incorporated into substantially any type of device that provides haptic feedback to a user. Additionally or alternatively, a haptic device can be included in any type of component within, or connected to an electronic device. For example, one or more haptic devices can be included in an enclosure or button of an electronic device, or in a component operatively connected to an electronic device (e.g., mouse or keyboard). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is shown an enlarged plan view and a cross-sectional view of a first example of the haptic device  102 , respectively. The haptic device  102  selectively provides output or feedback to a user by moving, vibrating, or otherwise alternating a feedback surface  400 . In the illustrated embodiment, the feedback surface  400  is substantially co-planar with an exterior surface of the enclosure  106  of the electronic device. Although shown in a rectangular shape, the feedback surface  400  may have any suitable shape and dimensions. 
     Additionally, the haptic device  102  can include one more force sensors  402 A,  402 B,  402 C,  402 D. In some embodiments, the haptic device can include other types of sensors, such as a position sensor (not shown) that may be disposed below the feedback surface  400  and an acceleration sensor (not shown) configured to detect an acceleration of a user input. The force sensor(s) can be any suitable type of sensor capable of detecting an exerted force. For example, in some embodiments each force sensor may be a strain gauge. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the haptic device  102  may also include one or more biasing supports  502 A,  502 B to secure and support the haptic device  102  to the electronic device  100  and/or to support the feedback surface  400  above a substrate  504 . In some embodiments, a haptic device may include four biasing supports that each may be operably connected to the feedback surface  400  below or at a location substantially adjacent to the location of the force sensors  402 A,  402 B,  402 C,  402 D. The biasing supports  502 A,  502 B provide a biasing force to the feedback surface  400  to return the feedback surface  400  to a normal or first position. The biasing supports may be substantially any member capable of providing a biasing or return force to the feedback surface  400 . In some embodiments, the biasing supports may be a relatively flexible and resilient member, such as a gel. In this example, the gel may be a silicon based gel that may be positioned around the sides of the feedback surface  400 . In other embodiments, the biasing supports can be one or more springs spanning between the substrate  504  and the feedback surface  400 . And in yet other embodiments, the haptic device  102  may use a magnetic force from one or more magnets to return the feedback surface  400  to the first position. 
     The haptic device  102  may include one or more actuators  500 A,  500 B,  500 C operably connected to the feedback surface  400  by one or more connection members  506 A,  506 B,  506 C. At least one actuator  500 A,  500 B,  500 C can receive one or more haptic input signals from a processing device (e.g., processing device  302  in  FIG. 3 ) or other controlling element, and those signals may be converted into mechanical movement by the actuator. Any suitable type of actuator can be included in the haptic device  102 . For example, an actuator may be a solenoid actuator including a wire wound around a moveable iron core, and as a current passes through the wire coil, the iron core may move correspondingly. Specifically, the electric current through the wire may create a magnetic field. The magnetic field may then apply a force to the core or plunger, to either attract or repel the core. In these embodiments, the actuator may also include a spring or biasing member which may return the core to its original position after the magnetic field is removed. In other embodiments, an actuator may be an electromagnet, or a series of magnets that are selectively energized to attract or repel the feedback surface  400 . As a specific example, the actuator may be a series of bar electromagnets with alternating poles that may be used to mechanically move the feedback surface  400 . 
     Each actuator may selectively move the feedback surface  400  in a horizontal or linear direction, e.g., along the X axis and/or the Y axis illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In other words, the feedback surface  400  may translate horizontally but may not move vertically with respect to the enclosure  106 . In other embodiments, the actuator or actuators may move the feedback surface  400  in a vertical direction (along a Z axis) or in a combination of vertical and linear directions. In some embodiments, a haptic device may produce an acoustic response when providing a haptic response to a user. With respect to the haptic device  102 , the sound can be created by vibrations in the feedback surface (e.g., top surface) of the haptic device. The motion in the z-direction of the feedback surface can move the air and produce sound. Additionally or alternatively, movement in a connection member operably connected to the feedback surface may produce an acoustic output based on the movement. 
     Embodiments described herein adjust or change the levels of an acoustic and haptic output in a haptic device. As will be described in more detail later, the acoustic and haptic output can be adjusted in one embodiment by varying a haptic input signal that is received by one or more actuators. Another embodiment may alter the position of an actuator and/or a connection member with respect to a feedback surface of the haptic device. And in yet another embodiment, a cross-sectional area of a connecting member operatively connected to a feedback surface of the haptic device can vary or be different to adjust the acoustic and haptic output of the haptic device. These embodiments can be utilized individually or in various combinations. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the actuators move the feedback surface through a respective connection member  506 A,  506 B,  506 C. The first actuator  500 A is positioned to produce a horizontal attracting and/or repelling force on the feedback surface  400 , while the second actuator  500 B is situated to generate a vertical attracting and/or repelling force on the feedback surface  400 . The third actuator  500 C produces a horizontal and a vertical attracting and/or repelling force on the feedback surface through the connection member  506 C. The repelling and/or attracting force produced by the actuator  500 C is applied at an angle to the feedback surface  400 , so movement of the feedback surface can occur in both a linear (x and/or y) direction and in a vertical (z) direction. In some embodiments, the actuator and/or the connection member can be positioned with respect to the feedback surface so that the attracting and/or repelling force is applied to the feedback surface  400  at an angle. Additionally or alternatively, the shape of the connection member can be configured to apply the attracting and/or repelling force to the feedback surface at an angle (e.g., see connection member  506 C). 
     In other words, the repelling and/or attracting force produced by an actuator can produce out-of-plane movement (z direction) in the feedback surface  400 , and may also produce in-plane movement (x direction and/or y direction) in the feedback surface. The in-plane movement produces a haptic response, and in some embodiments, a haptic and an acoustic response. The out-of-plane movement generates a haptic and an acoustic response. The acoustic and haptic responses may be adjusted based on the angle at which the attracting and/or repelling force is applied to the feedback surface. Some angles may produce a greater haptic output and a smaller acoustic output in the feedback surface, while other angles can produce a greater acoustic output and a smaller haptic output in the feedback surface. 
     In some embodiments, a different sound may be produced when a single actuator  500 A,  500 B, or  500 C moves the feedback surface compared to when two or more actuators move the feedback surface. Additionally, a different sound may be produced when the actuator  500 A moves the feedback surface compared to when the actuator  500 B or  500 C moves the feedback surface. Thus, the acoustic and haptic output of the haptic device can be adjusted based on the positioning and selective activation of one or more actuators. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a second example of the haptic device  102  taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . As discussed earlier, movement in a connection member operably connected to the feedback surface may produce an acoustic or haptic output. As will now be described in conjunction with  FIG. 6 , the haptic and acoustic output of the haptic device may be adjusted based on the cross-sectional area of one or more connection members. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , an actuator  600  is operatively connected to the feedback surface  400  through a connection member  602 A. A material is attached to, or may surround at least a portion of the exterior surface of the connection member to adjust the haptic and acoustic output produced in the feedback surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the material is positioned at a location that is substantially adjacent to a location of the actuator  600 , but other embodiments can position the material at a different location or at one or more locations. In one embodiment, the material is a lightweight but rigid material, such as a synthetic fiber. The material  604  modifies the cross-sectional areas of the connection member  602 A, which may produce a different acoustic and haptic output when the actuator  600  moves the feedback surface  400 . 
     In some embodiments, the connection member  602 A may extend to another side of the feedback surface  400 . In the illustrated embodiment, the other side of the feedback surface is the side that opposes the side adjacent to the actuator  600 . When the actuator  600  moves the connection member  602 A to move the feedback surface  400 , the connection member  602 B may also move. The connection member  602 B is fabricated so that a cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the connection member  602 B varies or is different from another portion of the connection member. The different cross-sectional area of the connection member  602 B may result in a different acoustic and haptic output when the actuator  600  moves the feedback surface  400 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, a separate and distinct connection member operably attached to the feedback surface can be fabricated to have a different or varying cross-sectional area in at least a portion of the connection member (e.g., see  602 B) and/or can have a material attached to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the connection member (e.g., see  602 A). The connection member may or may not be operatively connected to an actuator. The cross-sectional area of the connection member may result in a different acoustic and haptic output when the connection member is moved. Some cross-sectional areas may produce a greater haptic output and a smaller acoustic output in the feedback surface, while other cross-sectional areas can produce a greater acoustic output and a smaller haptic output in the feedback surface. 
     Changing the position of the actuator is another way to adjust the acoustic and haptic output of a haptic device. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the actuator  700  can be raised or lowered to different positions (represented by arrow  702 ), thereby changing the position where the attracting and/or repelling force is applied to the feedback surface  400  via the connection member  704 . 
     Other embodiments can adjust the position of one or more connection members. For example, a position of a connection member can be adjusted in the vertical or z direction (e.g., raised or lowered), the horizontal direction (x and/or y direction) or rotated to produce a different haptic and acoustic output. 
     In some embodiments, the actuator or actuators can be configured to respond to one or more haptic input signals that may vary the mechanical output of at least one actuator in the haptic device. For example, if an actuator is a solenoid actuator, the various waveforms of the haptic input signals may vary the current through the wire, and thus may vary the magnetic field created. By changing the magnetic field, different types of mechanical movements may be created. Example different waveforms for the actuator will be discussed in more detail with respect to  FIGS. 11 and 15 . The haptic input signal or signals can be stored in a memory, such as the memory  306  in  FIG. 3 . 
     The haptic input signal can be, for example, a sinusoidal wave, a half sinusoidal wave, a half elliptical wave, a saw-tooth wave, a pulse, a ramp down or ramp up wave, a square wave, and various combinations of such waveforms. As the actuator receives the haptic input signal, the mechanical movement output by the actuator may vary, such that one type of waveform may have a different acoustic and haptic output compared to another waveform. In other words, the displacement direction or directions and/or speed of the feedback surface may be varied by changing the shape, frequency, amplitude, phase, and/or duration of the haptic input signal. Thus, by changing the haptic input signal the haptic and acoustic output experienced by a user may be changed. 
       FIGS. 8-10  are flowcharts of methods for adjusting an acoustic and a haptic output of a haptic device. In  FIG. 8 , one or more actuators and/or one or more connection members can be positioned with respect to the feedback surface  400  so that an attracting and/or repelling force produced by at least one actuator produces out-of-plane movement in the feedback surface. As described previously, in-plane movement can also be produced in the feedback surface. A haptic input signal can then be received by at least one actuator and a determination may be made as to whether or not the acoustic and haptic output is acceptable (blocks  802  and  804 ). If so, the method ends. If the acoustic and haptic output is not acceptable, the process passes to block  806  where the haptic input signal is changed and then received by one or more actuators. The method then returns to block  804 . 
     In  FIG. 9 , at least a portion of at least one connection member varies or is different from another portion of the connection member and/or from another connection member in the haptic device (block  900 ). A haptic input signal can then be received by at least one actuator and a determination may be made as to whether or not the acoustic and haptic output is acceptable (blocks  902  and  904 ). If so, the method ends. If the acoustic and haptic output is not acceptable, the process passes to block  906  where the haptic input signal is changed and then received by one or more actuators. The method then returns to block  904 . 
     With respect to  FIG. 10 , a haptic input signal is received by one or more actuators at block  1000 . The haptic input signal can be, for example, a sinusoidal wave, a half sinusoidal wave, a half elliptical wave, a saw-tooth wave, a pulse, a ramp down or ramp up wave, a square wave, and various combinations of such waveforms. As each actuator receives the haptic input signal, the mechanical movement output by the actuator may vary, such that one type of waveform may have a different acoustic and haptic output compared to another waveform. In other words, the displacement direction or directions and/or speed of the feedback surface may be varied by changing the shape, frequency, amplitude, phase, and/or duration of the haptic input signal. Thus, by changing the input waveform the haptic and acoustic output experienced by a user may be changed. 
     Next, as shown in block  1002 , a determination is made as to whether or not the acoustic and haptic output is acceptable. If so, the method ends. If the acoustic and haptic output is not acceptable, the process passes to block  1004  where the haptic input signal is adjusted and then input into the actuator(s). Next, the method returns to block  1002  and repeats until the haptic and acoustic output is acceptable. 
     As described earlier, a haptic input signal can be changed by adjusting one or more waveform characteristics of a haptic input signal. The different waveform can have a different shape as the previous waveform, or one or more characteristics of the waveform can be changed. By way of example only, the magnitude, frequency, phase, and/or duration of a haptic input signal may vary. A different haptic input signal can be selected by a user at block  806 , block  906 , and block  1004 , or a processing device may select a different haptic input signal. As one example, the user can select a different waveform through a menu or control panel. 
     The illustrative methods shown in  FIGS. 8-10  may be performed by a manufacturer at the time the haptic device is fabricated. Additionally or alternatively, the method can be performed by a user when a user wishes to change the haptic and acoustic output of a haptic device. In some embodiments, a user can customize the haptic and acoustic output for select applications or functions. 
     Other embodiments can perform the methods shown in  FIGS. 8-10  differently. Additionally, each method can be used for a single actuator or for multiple actuators in a haptic device. In embodiments that have multiple actuators, a different haptic input signal can be input into each actuator, or all of the actuators can receive the same haptic input signal. 
     In some instances, movement of the feedback surface in response to a particular haptic input signal may be a damped response, in that the feedback surface may be actuated by an actuator and then may oscillate at reduced levels towards the normal position. In other words, the feedback surface may have an initial displacement and then a series of smaller displacements as the feedback surface is acted upon by the biasing members (e.g., biasing members  502 A,  502 B).  FIG. 11  depicts a graph of two examples of haptic input signals. Input signal  1100  is a half sine wave and input signal  1102  a square wave. In some embodiments, a half sine wave may produce a frequency pulse as an output, as shown in  FIG. 12 . The half sine wave can produce a single movement in a feedback surface. In a haptic device, the half sine wave can result in an increased haptic output compared to the acoustic output (or vice versa depending on the feedback surface and/or the haptic device). 
     Alternatively, a square wave can produce frequency spectrum pulses  1300 ,  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306  (see  FIG. 13 ). In a haptic device, the sharp corners of the square wave can produce frequency pulses that can result in an increased acoustic output compared to the haptic output. In a feedback surface, the frequency pulse  1300  can cause the feedback surface to have an initial displacement or movement impulse, and the other frequency pulses  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306  may cause a series of smaller displacements as the feedback surface returns to the normal or first position. 
       FIG. 14  depicts an example graph of an output response of the feedback surface that is produced by the haptic input signal  1102  shown in  FIG. 11 . After the initial pulse or output  1400 , the displacement of the feedback surface has additional oscillations or ring down waves  1402 . Thus, although an actuator may provide only a single movement impulse for force, the feedback surface may oscillate slightly after the original movement. The initial and ring down waves can produce a different acoustic and haptic output in the haptic device. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , there is shown a second graph of an example of a haptic input signal. The input signal  1500  is shaped similarly to a half sine wave  1500  in the illustrated, but imposed on top of or over the half sine wave is another signal  1502 . The half sine wave  1500  combined with the other signal  1502  can produce a different acoustic and haptic output in a haptic device. The other signal  1502  can be implemented with any suitable signal or waveform. For example, in one embodiment the other signal can be a higher frequency half sine wave. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth example of the haptic device  102  taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . An actuator  1600  is operably connected to the feedback surface  400  through connection member  1602 . One or more biasing supports  1604 A,  1604 B are disposed below the feedback surface  400  to secure and support the haptic device  102  to the electronic device  100  and/or to support the feedback surface  400  above a substrate  1606 . The biasing supports may be made of a compliant material that can change dynamically to adjust the haptic and acoustic output of the haptic device. For example, in one embodiment the biasing supports may be made of a piezoelectric material that changes shape based on an input signal  1608 . The haptic and acoustic output can vary based on the different shapes of the piezoelectric material assumed by the biasing supports in response to different input signals. The input signals can be transmitted by a processing device, such as the processing device  302  in  FIG. 3 . Other embodiments can utilize a different type of material that can change dynamically. For example, a compliant material that changes density or compliance can be used to adjust the haptic and acoustic output of a haptic device. 
     Various embodiments have been described in detail with particular reference to certain features thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. And even though specific embodiments have been described herein, it should be noted that the application is not limited to these embodiments. In particular, any features described with respect to one embodiment may also be used in other embodiments, where compatible. Likewise, the features of the different embodiments may be exchanged, where compatible.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140327
Publication Date: 20170314
Grant Date: 20170314
Priority Date: 20140327
Inventors: BARD BENJAMIN A.
WIEDERHOLD CURTIS P.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/165", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/165", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 54190278