PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10268288-B1
Application Number: US-201715592029-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Stiffness rendering for a pencil

Abstract:
According to some embodiments, an accessory device for use with a touch sensitive portion of an electronic device is described. The accessory device can include a housing having walls that carry operational components, where the operational components include a processor coupled to a feedback component arranged to provide feedback and a distal tip coupled to the feedback component. The distal tip is capable of engaging with and transmitting a load applied to the housing to an external surface of the touch sensitive portion. The processor can be further coupled to a sensor in communication with the distal tip, the sensor being capable of (i) detecting a physical change when the distal tip engages with the external surface, and (ii) responding to the physical change by providing a detection signal to the processor, that, in response, instructs the feedback component to provide the feedback to the distal tip.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An accessory device for use with a touch sensitive portion of an electronic device, the accessory device comprising:
 a housing having walls that carry operational components, the operational components including: 
 a processor, 
 a feedback component that is coupled to the processor, the feedback component arranged to provide feedback, 
 a distal tip coupled to the feedback component, the distal tip extending from an opening at a distal end of the housing, wherein the distal tip is capable of engaging with and transmitting a load applied to the housing to an external surface of the touch sensitive portion, and 
 a sensor in communication with the distal tip and the processor, the sensor being capable of (i) detecting a physical change when the distal tip engages with the external surface, and (ii) responding to the physical change by providing a detection signal to the processor, that, in response, instructs the feedback component to provide the feedback to the distal tip such as to alter a shape of the distal tip. 
 
     
     
       2. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the feedback component is comprised of an electro-active substrate, a piezoelectric element, a shape-memory alloy, a coiled-spring, a rheological fluid, or an elastic compound. 
     
     
       3. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein a magnitude and orientation of the load are detectable by the sensor, and wherein an amount of the feedback corresponds to the magnitude and orientation of the load. 
     
     
       4. The accessory device of  claim 3 , wherein the load is characterized as having a load path that passes through the feedback component, and the amount of the feedback is based on the load path. 
     
     
       5. The accessory device of  claim 4 , wherein the sensor is capable of detecting an angle and a direction of the load path, and the amount of the feedback is based on the angle and the direction. 
     
     
       6. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the shape of the distal tip is altered in an asymmetrical manner. 
     
     
       7. The accessory device of  claim 2 , wherein the feedback component is comprised of the electro-active substrate, and the operational components further include an actuation unit in communication with the processor, and the actuation unit is capable of applying one or more electrical pulses to the electro-active substrate for altering the shape and size of the electro-active substrate. 
     
     
       8. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the processor alters the feedback based on a feedback preference that is provided by the electronic device. 
     
     
       9. The accessory device of  claim 8 , wherein the processor is capable of altering the shape of the distal tip based on the feedback preference. 
     
     
       10. An electronic pencil, comprising:
 a housing having walls capable of carrying operational components, the operational components including:
 a distal tip extending from an opening defined by the walls of the housing, a processor capable of providing operational instructions, a sensor coupled to the processor, wherein the sensor is capable of detecting a stimulus that is applied to the distal tip housing and responding by (i) determining properties of the stimulus, and (ii) providing an instruction in accordance with the properties of the stimulus to the processor, and 
 a feedback component that is responsive to an instruction received from the processor, wherein the instruction causes the feedback component to alter a shape of the distal tip according to the properties of the stimulus. 
 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic pencil of  claim 10 , wherein the feedback component is comprised of an electro-active substrate, a piezoelectric element, a shape-memory alloy, a coiled-spring, a rheological fluid, or an elastic compound. 
     
     
       12. The electronic pencil of  claim 10 , wherein the stimulus comprises a force and a magnitude and an angle of the force is detectable by the sensor. 
     
     
       13. The electronic pencil of  claim 12 , wherein the sensor is capable of detecting a direction of the force, and the shape of the distal tip is altered in accordance with the direction of the force. 
     
     
       14. The electronic pencil of  claim 13 , where the housing shape of the distal tip is capable of being altered in an asymmetrical manner in accordance with the direction of the force. 
     
     
       15. The electronic pencil of  claim 10 , wherein the processor is capable of receiving a feedback preference, and the processor instructs the feedback component to alter the shape of the distal tip according to the feedback preference. 
     
     
       16. The electronic pencil of  claim 15 , wherein the processor is capable of balancing a first amount of the properties of the stimulus with a second amount of the feedback preference. 
     
     
       17. A method for generating feedback at an accessory device that includes a housing, a sensor carried by walls of the housing, a distal tip extending from an opening defined by the walls of the housing, a feedback component that provides a feedback force, and a processor in communication with the sensor and the feedback component, the method comprising:
 in response to detecting, by the sensor, a stimulus applied to the distal tip from a source that originates from outside of the housing: 
 receiving, by the processor, a detection signal based on the stimulus, wherein the stimulus is generated by the sensor, and 
 instructing, by the processor, the feedback component to provide an amount of feedback force in accordance with the stimulus, wherein the amount of feedback force is sufficient to alter a shape of the distal tip. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the feedback component is comprised of an electro-active substrate, a piezoelectric element, a shape-memory alloy, a coiled-spring, a rheological fluid, or an elastic compound. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , wherein a magnitude and orientation of a load applied to the distal tip is detectable by the sensor, and wherein the amount of feedback force corresponds to the magnitude and orientation of the load. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 receiving a feedback preference; and 
 altering the amount of feedback force according to the feedback preference.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/397,243, entitled “STIFFNESS RENDERING FOR A PENCIL” filed on Sep. 20, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/593,240, entitled “APPLE PENCIL HAPTICS”, by Taylor et al., filed May 11, 2017, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/593,219, entitled “STYLUS WITH MULTIPLE INPUTS”, by Sundaram et al., filed May 11, 2017, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/593,225, entitled “ACOUSTICS TO MATCH PENCIL/STYLUS INPUT”, by Wang et al., filed May 11, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate to an accessory device having a feedback component. More specifically, the accessory device can detect a contact stimulus that is applied to a housing of the accessory device, and the feedback component can generate tangible feedback at the housing that is based on the contact stimulus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional electronic devices can include feedback components that are configured to generate user feedback so as to improve the overall user experience. However, the feedback generated by such conventional feedback components is in isolation to the environment external to the electronic device. Accordingly, there is a need for enhancing the user&#39;s experience by implementing feedback components in electronic devices that are capable of generating tangible feedback that is based on an amount of user contact with the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments related to an accessory device having a feedback component. More specifically, the accessory device can detect a contact stimulus that is applied to a housing of the accessory device, and the feedback component can generate tangible feedback at the housing that is based on the contact stimulus. 
     According to some embodiments, an accessory device for use with a touch sensitive portion of an electronic device is described. The accessory device can include a housing having walls that carry operational components, where the operational components can include a processor coupled to a feedback component arranged to provide feedback and a distal tip coupled to the feedback component, the distal tip extending from an opening at a distal end of the housing, where the distal tip is capable of engaging with and transmitting a load applied to the housing to an external surface of the touch sensitive portion. The processor can be further coupled to a sensor in communication with the distal tip, the sensor being capable of (i) detecting a physical change when the distal tip engages with the external surface, and (ii) responding to the physical change by providing a detection signal to the processor, that, in response, instructs the feedback component to provide the feedback to the distal tip. 
     According to some embodiments, an electronic pencil is described. The electronic pencil can include a housing capable of carrying operational components, where the operational components can include a processor capable of providing operational instructions and a sensor coupled to the processor. The sensor can be capable of detecting a stimulus applied to the housing and responding by (i) determining properties of the stimulus, and (ii) providing an instruction in accordance with the properties of the stimulus to the processor. The operational components can further include a feedback component that is responsive to the instruction received from the processor, where the instruction causes the feedback component to alter a physical characteristic of the housing according to the properties of the stimulus. 
     According to some embodiments, a method for generating feedback at an accessory device that includes a housing, a sensor carried by walls of the housing, a feedback component that provides a feedback force, and a processor in communication with the sensor and the feedback component, is described. The method can include in response to detecting, by the sensor, a stimulus that originates outside the housing: receiving, by the processor, a detection signal from the sensor, and instructing, by the processor, the feedback component to provide an amount of feedback force in accordance with the stimulus to the walls of the housing. 
     The described embodiments may be better understood by reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings. Additionally, advantages of the described embodiments may be better understood by reference to the following description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a system for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate system views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate various views of a piezoelectric element for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate various views a piezoelectric element and magnetic assembly for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 8A-8B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 11A-11B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 12A-12D  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 13A-13B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 14A-14B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 15A-15B  illustrate perspective views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of a system for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 17A-17C  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 18A-18B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a block diagram of different components of a system that is configured to provide deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary list of feedback preferences associated with an application for generating deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates exemplary contact parameters configured to be detected by a touch sensitive device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 22A-22B  illustrate perspective views of a touch sensitive device configured to generate a varying load path, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 23A  illustrates a method for generating deformation feedback by a touch sensitive device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 23B  illustrates a method for generating deformation feedback by a touch sensitive device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a method for generating deformation feedback by a touch sensitive device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device that can be used to interact with a touch sensitive device to implement the various components described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following disclosure describes various embodiments of an accessory device including a deformation feedback component. Certain details are set forth in the following description and figures to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. Moreover, various features, structures, and/or characteristics of the present technology can be combined in other suitable structures and environments. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, operations, and/or systems are not shown or described in detail in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the technology. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forth herein, or with other structures, methods, components, and so forth. 
     Conventional electronic devices can include a variety of different feedback components for stimulating a variety of a user&#39;s senses. Additionally, such electronic devices can include haptic feedback components for stimulating the user&#39;s sense of touch. While such haptic feedback components can stimulate the nerves within the user&#39;s appendages by applying force, vibrations, or motions that can be perceived by the user, the feedback that is generated by the haptic feedback components is generally static and inflexible, as well as the feedback generated is in isolation to the environment external to the electronic device. In one example, the external environment can refer to an amount of contact (e.g., strain or pressure) that is applied by the user against a housing of the electronic device. Haptic feedback components found in conventional electronic devices are non-responsive to such contact that is applied to the housing, and thus the haptic feedback components are incapable of altering an amount of feedback according to the contact. Therefore, conventional electronic devices are unable to contribute to the overall user experience. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for electronic devices to include more sophisticated feedback mechanisms and components for providing user feedback that is responsive to the user&#39;s physical interaction with such electronic devices. The techniques and components described herein can enable electronic devices to detect an amount of user contact that is applied to a part of the electronic device (e.g., housing, distal tip, proximal tip, etc.) and generate an amount of tactile feedback based on the amount of contact. Such techniques and components may be beneficial to graphical artists drawing with an electronic stylus, where the digital representations of their graphical designs is heavily dependent upon the amount of tactile feedback that they receive during the drawing. One of the components described herein is a “deformation feedback component” which can be interchangeably used with the term “feedback component”, and refers to adjusting an amount of feedback by a feedback component according to the amount of a contact stimulus that is applied against the part of the electronic device. 
     As used herein, the terms “initial configuration,” “initial shape,” or “non-modified shape” can be used interchangeably to refer to a deformation feedback component in a non-actuated state. In one example, in the absence of any electrical, magnetic, or electromechanical stimulation, the deformation feedback component remains in an initial configuration. Alternatively, the terms “modified configuration,” “modified shape,” or “adjusted shape” can be used interchangeably to refer to a deformation feedback component while being currently actuated or just subsequent to having been previously actuated. The initial configuration is generally distinct from the modified configuration, with respect to at least one of dimensions, shape, size, volume, or area of the feedback component. 
     As used herein, the term “deformation feedback” generally refers to user feedback that is generated based on detecting a contact stimulus or contact event that is applied to a part of the electronic device. As described herein, deformation feedback can refer to the transformation of a body of material (i.e., substrate) from an initial configuration to a modified configuration in order to provide feedback that can be perceived by a user. Deformation can correspond to a relative displacement of particles in the substrate. Deformation of the substrate can be measured using a number of different factors, including strain, stiffness, flexibility, and the like. In some embodiments, the physical deformation of the electronic device refers to strain being exerted against a housing, tip, or other part of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the physical deformation refers to exerting pressure against the housing, tip, or other part of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the contact stimulus causes a physical deformation of the part of the electronic device, such as the squeezing a barrel of the housing. The deformation feedback that is generated by a deformation feedback component can refer to a physical change (e.g., increase or decrease) in the feedback component&#39;s shape, dimensions, size, mass, volume, or footprint. The deformation feedback can simulate a sensation of touch at a user&#39;s nerves present in the user&#39;s appendages (e.g., fingers, hand, palm, toes, etc.) as well as other body parts (e.g., lips, nose, etc.). As described herein, the deformation feedback can apply a sensation of touch by applying force, vibratory force, motions, pressure, strain, or other types of physical feedback that can be physically perceived by the user. 
     As used herein, the term “haptic feedback” can refer to simulating a sensation of touch by applying force, vibrations, or motions that can be perceived by the user&#39;s appendages. Unlike deformation feedback, haptic feedback is not based on the contact stimulus or contact event that is applied to a part of the electronic device. Thus, the amount of haptic feedback generated disregards an amount of physical input applied by the user. 
     As used herein, the term “substrate” can refer to a piezoelectric element, magnetic element, electroactive substrate, magnetic actuation element, and the like that make up the active part of the deformation feedback component. In some embodiments, the substrate is physically deformed via at least one of electrical, electromechanical, pressurized, or magnetic actuation. In some embodiments, the deformation or actuation of the substrate can cause an amount of force to be exerted or translated to a housing of the electronic device. 
     As used herein, the term “strain” refers to a relative displacement of particles in a substrate from an initial configuration to a modified configuration. As used herein, the term “stiffness” refers to the rigidity of the substrate, and the extent to which the substrate resists deformation in response to an applied force. In some examples, the substrate can be made of a material that can be configured to generate a varied amount of rigidity or flexibility that can similarly be perceived by the user. For example, the change in rigidity or flexibility of the substrate can correspond to a similar change in stiffness or deformability of a housing of the touch sensitive device. As described herein, the term strain can refer to the amount of deformation of the electroactive substrate in the direction of the applied force divided by the initial length of the electroactive substrate. 
     According to some embodiments, an accessory device for use with a touch sensitive portion of an electronic device is described. The accessory device can include a housing having walls that carry operational components, where the operational components can include a processor coupled to a feedback component arranged to provide feedback and a distal tip coupled to the feedback component, the distal tip extending from an opening at a distal end of the housing, where the distal tip is capable of engaging with and transmitting a load applied to the housing to an external surface of the touch sensitive portion. The processor can be further coupled to a sensor in communication with the distal tip, the sensor being capable of (i) detecting a physical change when the distal tip engages with the external surface, and (ii) responding to the physical change by providing a detection signal to the processor, that, in response, instructs the feedback component to provide the feedback to the distal tip. 
     The various embodiments set forth herein are provided to generate an amount of feedback at a deformation feedback component of an electronic device in accordance with an amount of strain, pressure, or force that is exerted against a housing of the electronic device. Exemplary electronic devices that can include the deformation feedback component can include, but are not limited to, portable electronic devices, styluses, smartphones, smartwatches, consumer devices, wearable electronic devices, tablet computers, laptops, computing devices, and the like, such as those manufactured by Apple Inc., based in Cupertino, Calif. 
     The foregoing provides various electronic devices capable of providing an amount of deformation feedback. A more detailed discussion of these electronic devices is set forth below and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-25 , which illustrate detailed diagrams of devices and components that can be used to implement these techniques and features. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a system  100  for generating deformation feedback by a touch sensitive device  140 . In some examples, the touch sensitive device  140  can refer to a stylus, such as the Apple Pencil® manufactured by Apple Inc. The touch sensitive device  140  includes a deformation feedback component  150  that can be configured to undergo a transformation from an initial configuration to a modified configuration. In some embodiments, the deformation feedback component  150  can be configured to provide deformation feedback in conjunction with contact between the touch sensitive device  140  and the electronic device  170 . 
     Although  FIG. 1  shows that the deformation feedback component  150  is positioned near a tip  112  located at a distal end of the touch sensitive device  140 , the deformation feedback component  150  can be positioned along any portion of the touch sensitive device  140 . In some examples, the deformation feedback component  150  can be positioned at the proximal end, the tip  112 , and along a longitudinal length of the housing  110  of the touch sensitive device  140 , as described herein. In this manner, positioning the deformation feedback component  150  at different areas along the housing  110  can generate perceptions of different types/amounts of deformation feedback that can be perceived by the user&#39;s appendage(s). 
     In some embodiments, the touch sensitive device  140  can incorporate multiple deformation feedback components  150  that are each positioned at different portions of the housing  110 . In some embodiments, one or more multiple deformation feedback components  150  can be positioned radially along the housing  110  to span the entire circumference of a cylindrical housing or to span the entire perimeter of the housing  110 . In some embodiments, the deformation feedback component  150  can positioned at an external surface of the housing  110 , embedded within the external surface of the housing  110 , along an internal surface of the housing  110 , disposed within an interior cavity of the housing  110 , or a combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, where the deformation feedback component  150  is an electroactive substrate, the electroactive substrate can be included as part of a transducer assembly. In some embodiments, the electroactive substrate can be configured to detect an amount of mechanical strain and/or force that is applied to the electroactive substrate via e.g., the user&#39;s appendage. For example, the electroactive substrate can detect an amount of mechanical strain and/or force that is directly or indirectly applied to the electroactive substrate. For example, indirect application of mechanical strain and/or force can refer to a portion of the housing  110  or other component of the touch sensitive device  140  that presses against the electroactive substrate. 
     In some embodiments, the touch sensitive device  140  can include a sensor (not illustrated) that can be configured to detect an amount of capacitance, resistance, or combination thereof that is in conjunction with the amount of mechanical strain that is exerted against the electroactive substrate. For example, an amount of deflection of a portion of the electroactive substrate can be detected by one or more electrodes (not illustrated) positioned adjacent to the electroactive substrate that are configured to transmit an electrical signal to the sensor in accordance with the amount of the mechanical strain that is detected. 
     In some embodiments, the electroactive substrate can be configured to generate deformation feedback in accordance with the amount of mechanical strain or deflection that is applied to the electroactive substrate. In this manner, the electroactive substrate can be configured to perform both force sensing and deformation feedback functions. 
     In some embodiments, the electroactive substrate can be configured to generate haptic feedback in addition to/or in substitution of the deformation feedback. 
     In some embodiments, the touch sensitive device  140  includes a tip electrode (not illustrated) that is configured to detect an amount of load that is applied by the touch sensitive device  140  against the touch screen panel  172  of the electronic device  170 . In response, the deformation feedback component  150  can be configured to generate deformation feedback in accordance with the amount of load that is detected. In some embodiments, the touch sensitive device  140  can be configured to detect an amount of force that is exerted by the touch screen panel  172  against the tip  112 . In response, the deformation feedback component  150  can be configured to generate deformation feedback in accordance with the amount of force that is exerted on the tip  112 . In some embodiments, the touch sensitive device  140  can include a position sensor (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, and the like) that can be used in addition to the tip electrode or to substitute for the tip electrode for detecting at least one of a change in position, velocity, acceleration, or direction of the touch sensitive device  140 . 
     In some embodiments, the touch sensitive device  140  can be configured to electronically communicate or interact with the electronic device  170 , where the electronic device  170  can determine the deformation feedback to be generated by the electroactive substrate. In one example, the electronic device  170  can be configured to execute a media application (e.g., via an operating system installed on the electronic device  170 ). In one example, the media application can be configured to receive a selection of a feedback preference that can be utilized in generating the deformation feedback. 
       FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate block diagrams of various embodiments of a touch sensitive device  200  that can be used to implement the various components described herein.  FIG. 2A  illustrates a touch sensitive device  200  having a deformation feedback component  250 , where the deformation feedback component  250  can include an electroactive substrate that can be configured to perform both force/load sensing and deformation feedback functions. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the touch sensitive device  200  can include a controller  210  for controlling the overall operation of the touch sensitive device  200 . The controller  210  can refer to one or more of a general processor unit (GPU), central processing unit (CPU), or dedicated microcontroller. The controller  210  can be configured to receive an electrical signal from a sensor  260 , where the electrical signal corresponds to a change in capacitance, resistance, or combination thereof that is detected by the sensor  260  in conjunction with the force/load that is detected by the sensor  260 . The sensor  260  can be electrically coupled to one or more electrodes  270  that are positioned adjacent to the deformation feedback component  250 . The one or more electrodes  270  can be configured to generate an electrical signal that corresponds to an amount of force or mechanical strain that is directly or indirectly applied against the deformation feedback component  250 , whereupon the electrical signal is transmitted to the sensor  260 . In this manner, the deformation feedback component  250  can be configured to detect an amount of mechanical strain or deflection that is directly or indirectly exerted against the electroactive substrate. The controller  210  can be configured to generate one or more contact parameters based on the change in capacitance, resistance, or combination thereof. For example, the contact parameter can refer to an amount of force, load, strain, and the like that is applied against the electroactive substrate. In another example, the contact parameter can refer to a directionality, orientation, or angular direction of the force that is applied against the electroactive substrate. In some examples, the controller  210  can be configured to sense orientation since mechanical strain of the electroactive substrate can cause tension on one lateral side of the electroactive substrate and compression on an opposing lateral side. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  210  can be configured to generate one or more deformation feedback parameter based on the one or more contact parameters. The deformation feedback parameters can be transmitted to a power supply  230 . The deformation feedback parameters can refer to an electrical signal that indicates an amount of voltage, amplitude, pulse width, duty cycle, and the like. In conjunction with receiving the deformation feedback parameters, the power supply  230  can generate an input voltage to the electrodes  270  so that the electrodes  270  are configured to actuate the deformation feedback component  250  to transform from an initial configuration (i.e., non-actuated) to a modified configuration (i.e., actuated) so as to generate deformation feedback. In this configuration, the deformation feedback component  250  can be configured to perform both force sensing and deformation feedback functions where the deformation feedback component is comprised of an electroactive substrate. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  210  of the touch sensitive device  200  can be configured to receive one or more feedback preferences from the electronic device  170 . In some examples, the feedback preference is selected via the media application of the electronic device  170 . The controller  210  can receive the feedback preference from the electronic device  170  via a wireless antenna  280 , whereupon the controller  210  can be configured to combine the one or more feedback preferences with the one or more contact parameters to generate a combined deformation feedback parameter. In this manner, the touch sensitive device  200  can be configured to cause the deformation feedback component  250  to generate deformation feedback that is not entirely based on the contact parameter. The touch sensitive device  200  can also include a network/bus interface  202  that couples the wireless antenna  280  to the controller  210 . The controller  210  can be electrically coupled to a power supply  230  via a bus  211 . 
     In some embodiments, the touch sensitive device  200  includes a memory  220  that can be configured to store the one or more contact parameters and/or the one or more feedback preferences. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a touch sensitive device  200  that includes a tip electrode  290  that is configured to detect an amount of load that is applied by the touch sensitive device  200  against the touch screen panel  172  of the electronic device  170 , as well as detect an amount of force that is exerted by the touch screen panel  172  against the tip  112 . In some embodiments, the tip electrode  290  can be configured to detect a change in capacitance, voltage difference, resistance, and the like. The tip electrode  290  can transmit an electrical signal to a sensor  260  that is indicative of the change in capacitance, voltage difference, or resistance. The sensor  260  can be configured to generate an electrical signal that is transmitted to the controller  210 . The controller  210  can be configured to generate one or more contact parameters based on the change in capacitance, resistance, or combination thereof. For example, the contact parameter can refer to an amount of force, load, strain, and the like that is present at the tip  112  of the touch sensitive device  140 . In another example, the contact parameter can refer to a directionality, orientation, or angular direction of the force that is applied to the tip  112 . 
     In some embodiments, the controller  210  can be configured to generate one or more deformation feedback parameter based on the one or more contact parameters. The deformation feedback parameters can be transmitted to a power supply  230 . The deformation feedback parameters can refer to an electrical signal that indicates an amount of voltage, amplitude, pulse width, duty cycle, and the like. In conjunction with receiving the deformation feedback parameters, the power supply  230  can generate an input voltage to the electrodes  270  so that the electrodes  270  are configured to actuate the deformation feedback component  250  to transform from an initial configuration (i.e., non-actuated) to a modified configuration (i.e., actuated) so as to cause the deformation feedback component  250  to generate deformation feedback. In one example, where the deformation feedback component  250  is an electroactive substrate, the electroactive substrate can be configured to expand and/or contract to induce strain on the housing  110  of the touch sensitive device  140  that can be perceived by the user&#39;s appendage. In this manner, the electroactive substrate is reactive to produce deformation feedback as sensed by the sensor  260 . 
     In some examples, the deformation feedback component  250  can be comprised of an electroactive substrate, a rheological fluid, shape memory alloy, magnetic assembly, or piezoelectric element. In some examples, the electroactive substrate can be comprised of silicone, acrylates, and/or polyurethane materials. 
     In some embodiments, the electrodes  270  can be configured to generate an electrostatic force relative to the electroactive substrate to cause the electroactive substrate to expand or contract. 
     In some embodiments, the electroactive substrate can be configured to generate haptic feedback in addition to/or in substitution of the deformation feedback. For example, the power supply  230  can be configured to cause a pulsating or repeating voltage to be transmitted to the electroactive substrate so as to cause changes in stiffness or compression in the electroactive substrate. In some embodiments, the power supply  230  can apply a single electrical pulse to the electroactive substrate to simulate a click. In some embodiments, the power supply  230  can apply continuous and repeating electrical pulses (e.g., AC, DC) to cause the electroactive substrate to simulate textures. The repeating waveform can induce a change in stiffness to the housing  110  via the deformation feedback component  250 . In this manner, the electroactive substrate can be induced to generate haptic feedback by adjusting the type of voltage that is provided by the power supply  230 . For example, the feedback can be translated to the user via the housing  110  of the touch sensitive device  200 . Thus, by adjusting the type of input voltage that is provided, different types of textures can be perceived by the user. 
     In some examples, the controller  210  is able to generate feedback by the deformation feedback component  250 , in response to the sensor  260  detecting that contact has been made, in less than about 500 milliseconds. In some examples, feedback time from detecting contact by the sensor  260  to generating feedback by the deformation feedback component  250  is between about 1 millisecond to about 100 milliseconds. In some examples, the feedback time can refer to a range of milliseconds or microseconds. 
     In some embodiments, a touch sensitive device  200  can incorporate any combination of the features of the touch sensitive device  200  described with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2B . 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a touch sensitive device  300 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate that positioning a plurality of electrodes  340   a - b  relative to an electroactive substrate  350  can induce moment of the electroactive substrate  350  in a plurality of different directions along a load path. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a touch sensitive device  300  that includes a housing  310   a - b  that includes an electroactive substrate  350  and a plurality of electrodes  340   a - b  positioned adjacent to the electroactive substrate  350 . The upper and lower surface of the electroactive substrate  350  are bordered by an upper and lower portion of a housing  310   a - b.    
     A first electrode  340   a  can be configured to deliver a positive charge to a first surface of the electroactive substrate  350 , while a second electrode  340   b  can be configured to deliver a negative charge to a second surface of the electroactive substrate  350 . In some embodiments, the electrodes  340   a - b  can be configured to generate an electrostatic force relative to the electroactive substrate  350 . As a result, actuation of the electroactive substrate  350  can cause the upper and lower surfaces of the electroactive substrate  350  to expand in an axial direction towards the upper and lower portions of the housing  310   a - b . Expansion of the electroactive substrate  350  causes the electroactive substrate  350  to be transformed from an initial configuration to a modified configuration. Since the upper and lower portions of the housing  310   a - b  provide a fixed boundary, the expansion of the electroactive substrate  350  towards the upper and lower portions of the housing  310   a - b  pushes against the housing  310   a - b  to induce an amount of strain or stiffness against the upper and lower portions of the housing  310   a - b  that can be perceived by the user. 
     In another example, the electroactive substrate  350  can be induced to contract if the polarity of the voltage generated by the electrodes  340   a - b  is reversed. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a touch sensitive device  300  that includes a housing  310   a - b  that includes an electroactive substrate  350  and a plurality of electrodes  340   a - b  positioned adjacent to the electroactive substrate  350 . The electroactive substrate  350  is bordered by a pair of electrodes  340   a - b  that are positioned along the upper and lower surfaces of the electroactive substrate  350 . In addition, the upper and lower surface of the electroactive substrate  350  are bordered by an upper and lower portion of a housing  310   a - b.    
     A first electrode  340   a  can be configured to deliver a positive charge to an upper surface of the electroactive substrate  350 , while a second electrode  340   b  can be configured to deliver a negative charge to a lower surface of the electroactive substrate  350 . As a result, the upper and lower surfaces of the electroactive substrate  350  can be configured to contract in an axial direction away from the upper and lower portions of the housing  310   a - b . Contraction of the electroactive substrate  350  causes the electroactive substrate  350  to be transformed from an initial configuration to a modified configuration. In this manner, the contraction of the electroactive substrate  350  induces less strain against the housing  310   a - b  associated with the modified configuration than in the initial configuration. 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates a touch sensitive device  300  that includes a housing  310   a - b  that includes an electroactive substrate  350  and a series of four electrodes  340   a - d  positioned adjacent to the electroactive substrate  350 . The electroactive substrate  350  is bordered by the four electrodes  340   a - d  that are each positioned adjacent to a surface of the electroactive substrate  350 . In addition, the upper and lower surface of the electroactive substrate  350  are bordered by an upper and lower portion of a housing  310   a - b.    
     A first electrode  340   a  can be configured to deliver a positive charge to a lateral surface of the electroactive substrate  350 , a second electrode  340   b  can be configured to deliver a positive charge to an upper surface of the electroactive substrate  350 , a third electrode  340   c  can be configured to deliver a negative charge to a lateral surface of the electroactive substrate  350 , and a fourth electrode  340   d  can be configured to deliver a negative charge to a lower surface of the electroactive substrate  350 . In this manner, the touch sensitive device  300  can be configured to cause the electroactive substrate  350  to either expand or contract in an axial direction depending upon which of the specific electrodes  340   a - d  are actuated. In this manner,  FIG. 3C  shows that the depending the specific electrode that is actuated can cause compliance in a plurality of different directions. 
     Although  FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate that the electroactive substrate  350  is substantially rectangular shaped, the electroactive substrate  350  can be formed in a variety of other shapes such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, asymmetric, and the like. 
     In addition, the electroactive substrate  350  can be configured to provide deformation feedback and load/force sensing in conjunction with an amount of mechanical strain that is applied against the electroactive substrate  350 . For example, the plurality of electrodes  340   a - b  can be configured to generate an electrical signal that corresponds to the amount of mechanical strain that is applied against the electroactive substrate  350 . The electrodes  340   a - b  can be configured to sense orientation (e.g., tension on side of the electroactive substrate  350  and compression on an opposing side of the electroactive substrate  350 ). 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate that the electroactive substrate  350  is induced to contract or expand depending upon the amount of mechanical strain, force, or load that is applied to the electroactive substrate  350  and/or the tip  112 . In some embodiments, each of the electrodes  340   a - b  can be individually actuated and controlled. 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a touch sensitive device  400  that is configured to generate deformation feedback.  FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate that positioning a plurality of asymmetrically aligned electrodes  440  relative to an electroactive substrate  450  can induce moment of the electroactive substrate  450  in a plurality of different directions along a load path. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a touch sensitive device  400  that includes an electroactive substrate  450  having an upper surface and a lower surface that is bordered by an upper portion  410   a  of a housing and a lower portion  410   b  of the housing, in accordance with some embodiments. Each of the lateral surfaces of the electroactive substrate  450  are bordered by a plurality of electrodes  440 , although the plurality of electrodes  440  are included in an asymmetrical configuration.  FIG. 4A  shows that a first lateral surface of the electroactive substrate  450  is adjacent to three electrodes  440 , while a second lateral surface of the electroactive substrate  450  is adjacent to two electrodes  440 . The asymmetrical configuration of the electrodes  440  relative to the electroactive substrate  450  can induce an asymmetrical electrical field to be applied by the electrodes  440  to the electroactive substrate  450 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , actuation of the electroactive substrate  450  by the asymmetrically configured electrodes  440  of  FIG. 4A  can cause the electroactive substrate  450  to expand in an uneven manner, such that a lower surface of the electroactive substrate  450  is configured to extend significantly further than the upper surface of the electroactive substrate  450 . In this manner, actuation of the electroactive substrate  450  causes the lower surface of the electroactive substrate  450  to induce a greater amount of strain or compression against the lower portion  410   b  of the housing when compared to the upper portion  410   a.    
       FIG. 4C  shows a touch sensitive device  400  that includes an electroactive substrate  450  having an upper surface and a lower surface that is bordered by an upper portion  410   a  of a housing and a lower portion  410   b  of the housing, in accordance with some embodiments. Each of the lateral surfaces of the electroactive substrate  450  are bordered by a plurality of electrodes  440 , although the plurality of electrodes  440  are included in an asymmetrical configuration.  FIG. 4A  shows that a first lateral surface of the electroactive substrate  450  includes three electrodes  440  that each have varying lengths, while a second lateral surface of the electroactive substrate  450  includes three electrodes  440  that each have varying lengths. The asymmetrical configuration of the electrodes  440  relative to the electroactive substrate  450  can induce an asymmetrical electrical field to be applied by the electrodes  440  to the electroactive substrate  450 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4D , actuation of the electroactive substrate  450  by the asymmetrically configured electrodes  440  can cause the electroactive substrate  450  to expand in an uneven manner, such that the electroactive substrate  450  bends or flexes between the upper and lower surface of the electroactive substrate  450 . In this manner, actuation of the electroactive substrate  450  can cause the electroactive substrate  450  to induce a lesser amount of strain against a first lateral surface  410   c  of the housing when compared to a second lateral surface  410   d  of the housing. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate various views of a piezoelectric element  550  that is configured to generate deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric element  550  can be substituted for an electroactive substrate. Although it should be noted that unlike the piezoelectric element  550 , the electroactive substrate can be configured to provide both sensing and deformation feedback functions. 
       FIG. 5A  shows that the piezoelectric element  550  includes a plurality of electrodes  540   a - c  that are positioned along an external surface  510  of the piezoelectric element  550 . Each of the plurality of electrodes  540   a - c  can be individually actuated so as to cause the piezoelectric element  550  to displace in a plurality of different directions that correspond to the specific electrode  540   a ,  540   b ,  540   c  that is actuated. 
       FIG. 5B  shows that in conjunction with the electrode  540   c  being actuated, the piezoelectric element  550  bends in a direction that corresponds to the position of the electrode  540   c . In some examples, the piezoelectric element  550  can be configured to bend in a specific direction depending upon at least one of the amplitude of the input voltage, polarity, pulse width, or pulse frequency generated by the electrodes  540   a - c . In this manner, the piezoelectric element  550  can also be configured to bend in a direction opposite the position of the electrode  540   c.    
       FIG. 5C  shows that the piezoelectric element  550  can be configured to displace in a plurality of different directions depending upon which of the one or more electrodes  540   a - d  are actuated. For example, solely actuating the electrode  540   d  can cause the piezoelectric element  550  to bend in the direction towards the electrode  540   d.    
     In some examples, the piezoelectric element  550  may demonstrate about 0.1% strain. In contrast, the strain generated by the electroactive substrate  350  is e.g., from about 10% to 20%. 
     In some examples, the electroactive substrate  350  can generate a quicker feedback response than the piezoelectric element since the electroactive substrate  350  is able to provide both sensing and feedback functionalities. 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a piezoelectric element  650  that includes a plurality of concentric tubes  654   a - c , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 6B  shows a cross-sectional view of the piezoelectric element  650 , where each of the concentric tubes  654   a - c  is defined by a length (L). The piezoelectric element  650  can be configured to displace by a distance (D) based on the total of the length (L) of each of the concentric rings tube-c. In this manner, the length of each of the concentric tubes  654   a - c  can amplify the displacement of the piezoelectric element  650 . 
       FIG. 6C  shows magnetic assembly  600  that can be configured to cause deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. The magnetic assembly  600  can be implemented within the housing  110  of the touch sensitive device  140 . In some embodiments, the actuation mode can refer to where the magnetic assembly  600  receives an electrical current from the power supply  230 . In turn, the one or more magnetic coil elements  628  can be configured to generate a magnetic field. Depending upon at least one of a deformation feedback parameter generated by the controller  210 , at least one of the polarity, amplitude, pulse or frequency of the current that is generated by the power supply  230  can be adjusted so that the one or more magnetic coil elements  628  can be configured to generate a varying magnetic field strength. Furthermore, each of the permanent magnetic elements  630  can generate its own magnetic field as well as interact with the magnetic field that is generated by other magnetic coil elements  628 . For example, if the permanent magnetic element  630  and the magnetic coil elements  628  share a similar polarity, the permanent magnetic element  630  can be configured to oppose the magnetic coil element  628  so as to cause the permanent magnetic element  630  to repel from the magnetic coil element  628 . In this manner, the permanent magnet element  630  can be repelled or attracted to the magnetic coil element  628  so as to cause an amount of compression or stiffness to be induced in the housing  110 . 
       FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a touch sensitive device  700  that can be configured to generate deformation feedback in conjunction with contact between the touch sensitive device  700  and a surface, such as the touch screen panel  172  of the electronic device  170 . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a touch sensitive device  700  that includes a single electroactive substrate  750  that can be configured to generate deformation feedback.  FIG. 7A  shows that the touch sensitive device  700  includes a housing  710  having an interior cavity  708 . The interior cavity  708  includes the electroactive substrate  750  that is positioned between a pair of electrodes  740 . Each electrode of the pair of electrodes  740  is positioned adjacent to a lateral surface of the electroactive substrate  750 . In this manner, when at least one of the electrodes  740  delivers an input voltage to the electroactive substrate  750 , the electroactive substrate  750  can be induced to expand or contract in a substantially axial direction to induce mechanical strain against the housing  710 . 
     A distal tip  712  is coupled to a shaft  714  that extends along a length of the housing  710 . In addition, the electroactive substrate  750  is coupled to the shaft  714  and the distal tip  712 . 
     In some embodiments, the electroactive substrate  750  can be configured to perform both sensing and deformation feedback functions. For example, the electroactive substrate  750  can be configured to detect an amount of force or mechanical strain that is applied against the electroactive substrate  750  from at least one of the user&#39;s appendage or from the touch screen panel  172 . For example, in conjunction with contact between the distal tip  712  and the touch screen panel  172 , the user&#39;s appendage can compress against the housing  710 . As a result, the housing  710  can compress against the electroactive substrate  750  to cause mechanical strain that can be detected by the electroactive substrate  750 . Subsequently, the electroactive substrate can also generate deformation feedback that corresponds to the amount of mechanical strain that is detected. 
     In some embodiments, the electroactive substrate  750  can be configured to solely generate deformation feedback in response to an amount of mechanical strain that is detected by a sensor  260 . The touch sensitive device  700  can include a tip electrode  290  that is configured to detect a change in capacitance, resistance, or combination thereof in accordance with an amount of load that is exerted by the touch sensitive device  700  to a surface of another object (e.g., touch screen panel  172 ). 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates another embodiment of a touch sensitive device  700  that includes a first electroactive substrate  740   a  and a second electroactive substrate  740   b . Each of the electroactive substrates  740   a ,  740   b  can have a dedicated function. For example, the first electroactive substrate  740   a  can be configured to perform a sensing function by determining an amount of force or mechanical strain that is applied to the first electroactive substrate  740   a , while the second electroactive substrate  740   b  can be configured to generate deformation feedback in accordance with the amount of force or mechanical strain that is detected by the first electroactive substrate  740   a . Alternatively, the first electroactive substrate  740   a  can be configured to detect an amount of force or load that is applied against an area of the housing  710  that is adjacent to the first electroactive substrate  740   a , while the second electroactive substrate  740   b  can be configured to detect an amount of force or load that is applied against an area of the housing  710  that is adjacent to the second electroactive substrate  740   b.    
       FIGS. 8A-8B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device  800  that generates deformation feedback in conjunction with contact between the touch sensitive device  800  and the touch screen panel  172  of the electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
       FIG. 8A  shows that the touch sensitive device  800  includes a distal tip  812 , where the distal tip  812  can be comprised of an electroactive substrate  850 . Since the distal tip  812  can be comprised of an electroactive substrate  850 , the electroactive substrate  850  can be configured to provide both sensing and deformation feedback functions.  FIG. 8A  shows that the touch sensitive device  800  includes a housing  810  having an interior cavity  808 . A shaft  814  can extend through the interior cavity  808  and be coupled to the distal tip  812 . The electroactive substrate  850  is positioned adjacent to an electrode  840 , where the electrode  840  is positioned above the electroactive substrate  850 . An amount of force (F) is directed towards the distal tip  812  from the touch screen panel  172 , and an amount of load (L) is provided in a direction of a load path from the touch sensitive device  800  towards the touch screen panel  172 . In some examples the amount of load (L) can be associated with an angle of touch down, as described in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 22A-22C .  FIG. 8A  illustrates the electroactive substrate  850  in an initial configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8B , the controller  210  can be configured to generate one or more contact feedback parameters to cause the power supply  230  to generate an input voltage to the electroactive substrate  850 . As a result, the electroactive substrate  850  can be configured to transform from an initial configuration to a modified configuration. As shown in  FIG. 8B , in conjunction with the modified configuration, the electrode  840  causes the electroactive substrate  850  to bend in a direction that corresponds to the direction of the force (F) applied by the touch screen panel  172  and the direction of the load (L) characterized by the load path. 
       FIGS. 9A-9B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device  900  that is configured to generate deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 9A  illustrates that the touch sensitive device  900  includes a plurality of electroactive substrates  950   a - b  that are included at opposing lateral surfaces of the housing  910 . Each electroactive substrate  950   a ,  950   b  can be positioned to face a shaft  914 . The shaft  914  is coupled to a distal tip  912  that is configured to contact with a touch screen panel  172  of the electronic device  170 . In addition,  FIGS. 9A-9B  illustrate electrodes  940   a - b  that are positioned along the lateral surfaces of the housing  910  and are adjacent to the electroactive substrates  950   a - b . For example, the electrode  940   a  is positioned adjacent to the electroactive substrate  950   a , while the electrode  940   b  is positioned adjacent to the electroactive substrate  950   b . In this manner, the electrode  940   a  can cause the electroactive substrate  950   a  to be modified, while the electrode  940   b  can cause the electroactive substrate  950   b  to be modified. 
     An amount of force (F) is directed towards the distal tip  912  from the touch screen panel  172 , and an amount of load (L) is provided in a direction of a load path from the touch sensitive device  900  towards the touch screen panel  172 . In some examples the amount of load (L) can be associated with an angle of touch down, as described in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 22A-22C . 
     In conjunction with the amount of force or load that is detected by a sensor  260 , the controller  210  can be configured to transmit at least one deformation feedback parameter to a power supply  230  to cause the power supply  230  to provide an input voltage to the electrodes  940   a - b . Each electrode of the plurality of electrodes  940   a - b  can be individually actuated. In some examples, actuation of the electrode  940   a  can cause the electroactive substrate  950   a  to contract, while concurrent actuation of the electrode  940   b  can cause the electroactive substrate  950   b  to expand. The expansion of the electroactive substrate  950   b  can cause the electroactive substrate  950   b  to push against the lateral edges of the shaft  914  such that the shaft  914  bends in a substantially curvilinear fashion away from the electroactive substrate  950   b  and to bend towards the electroactive substrate  950   a . Bending the shaft  914  in a substantially curvilinear fashion can cause the distal tip  912  to bend relative to the housing  910 . In this configuration, the user can physically perceive a change in the amount of strain or stiffness in the housing  910 . As shown in  FIG. 9B , the electrodes  940   a - b  can cause the electroactive substrate  950   a - b  to bend in a direction that corresponds to the direction of the force (F) applied by the touch screen panel  172  and the direction of the load (L) characterized by the load path. 
     In some embodiments, the electroactive substrates  950   a - b  can be substituted with piezoelectric elements. 
       FIGS. 10A-B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device  1000  that is configured to generate deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 10A  illustrates the flexible shaft member  1060  in an initial configuration.  FIG. 10A  illustrates a touch sensitive device  1000  having a flexible shaft member  1060  that is coupled to a shaft  1014  and a distal tip  1012 . The touch sensitive device  1000  can include a housing  1010  that encloses the shaft  1014  and at least a portion (or substantially all of) the flexible shaft member  1060 . 
     An amount of force (F) is directed towards the distal tip  1012  from the touch screen panel  172 . Additionally, an amount of load (L) is provided in a direction of a load path from the touch sensitive device  1000  towards the touch screen panel  172 . In some examples the amount of load (L) can be associated with an angle of touch down, as described in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 22A-22C . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10B , in conjunction with the distal tip  1012  contacting the touch screen panel  172  of the electronic device  170 , the flexible shaft member  1060  can be configured to flex in a direction that corresponds to the direction of the amount of load (L) and the amount of force (F). 
     As shown in  FIG. 10B , the flexible shaft member  1060  defines an amount of space (D r ) between the housing  1010  and the distal tip  1012 . The amount of space (D r ) can define a range by which the flexible shaft member  1060  is configured to move relative to the housing  1010  and the distal tip  1012 . In some examples, an increase in the amount of space (D r ) between the housing  1010  and the distal tip  1012  can facilitate the flexible shaft member  1060  to flex in a broader angle range, while a decrease in the amount of space (D r ) between the housing  1010  and the distal tip  1012  can reduce the angle range by which the flexible shaft member  1060  is configured to flex. 
     In some examples, the flexible shaft member  1060  can be comprised of a shape memory metal or metal alloy, such as copper-aluminum-nickel, iron-manganese-silicon, copper-zinc-aluminum, copper-aluminum-nickel, and nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys. In some examples, the flexible shaft member  1060  can be comprised of zinc, copper, gold, or iron. In some embodiments, the flexible shaft member  1060  can exhibit super elasticity characteristics. In response to an amount of mechanical strain that is against the distal tip  1012  or the housing  1010 , the flexible shaft member  1060  can bend from an initial configuration to a modified configuration. Once the load that is exerted against the distal tip  1012  is removed, the flexible shaft member  1060  can return to its initial configuration. In some examples, the flexible shaft member  1060  can be comprised of rubber or synthetic polymer, such as an elastomer having a low Young&#39;s modulus value. Since the flexible shaft member  1060  can be made of a flexible material that can be configured to passively (i.e., non-electrically) generate deformation feedback in accordance with the amount of load that is applied against the touch sensitive device  1000 , the touch sensitive device  1000  does not require an electroactive substrate, piezoelectric element, or other material that requires an amount of input voltage to actively generate deformation feedback. 
       FIGS. 11A-11B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device  1100  that can be configured to generate deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 11A  illustrates a touch sensitive device  1100  that includes a housing  1110  having an interior cavity  1108 . Carried within the interior cavity  1108  is a shaft  1114  having a first end that is coupled to a distal tip  1112 , while a second end of the shaft  1114  is coupled to a spring element  1170 .  FIG. 11A  shows that the distal tip  1112  can come into contact with a touch screen panel  172  of the electronic device  170 . In conjunction with the contact, an amount of force (F) can be exerted against the distal tip  1112 , and an amount of load (L) is provided in a direction of a load path from the touch sensitive device  1100  towards the touch screen panel  172 . In some examples the amount of load (L) can be associated with an angle of touch down, as described in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 22A-22C . 
     In some embodiments, the distal tip  1112  can be separated from the housing  1110  by an initial compression distance (D i ). The initial compression distance (D i ) can refer to an amount by which the distal tip  1112  is configured to compress relative to the housing  1110  in conjunction with the force (F) and load (L) that is exerted against the distal tip  1112 . Additionally,  FIG. 11A  illustrates the touch sensitive device  1100  in an initial configuration. 
       FIG. 11B  illustrates the touch sensitive device  1100  in a modified configuration. As shown in  FIG. 11B , the contact between the touch sensitive device  1100  and the touch screen panel  172  can cause the distal tip  1112  to protrude into the interior cavity  1108  so as to cause the spring element  1170  to compress according to the initial compression distance (D i ). The amount by which the spring element  1170  compresses can depend upon a number of factors including a length of the shaft  1114 , the stiffness of the spring element  1170 , the total possible deformation of the spring element  1170 , and the spring factor constant of the spring element  1170 . Accordingly, the amount by which spring element  1170  is compressed (D c ) can determine the amount of deformation feedback that is perceived by the user. 
       FIGS. 12A-12D  illustrate cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a touch sensitive device  1200  that is configured to generate deformation feedback.  FIG. 12A  illustrates a touch sensitive device  1200  having an electroactive substrate  1250  that is included along a portion of a length of the housing  1210  of the touch sensitive device  1200 . The electroactive substrate  1250  can be positioned in a grip region  1290  of the housing  1210  where a user&#39;s appendage might commonly grip or comfortably grip the touch sensitive device  1200 . Although in some examples, the electroactive substrate  1250  can be positioned at other regions of the housing  1210  that would facilitate in providing user feedback. The electroactive substrate  1250  can be configured to provide deformation feedback to the user&#39;s appendage in conjunction with the touch sensitive device  1200  being in contact with a touch screen panel  172  of an electronic device  170 . 
     In some embodiments, the electroactive substrate  1250  can be configured to provide sensing capabilities. In some examples, as the user&#39;s appendage grips against the electroactive substrate  1250 , one or more sensors  260  positioned adjacent to the electroactive substrate  1250  can determine a change in voltage difference (e.g., capacitance) as a result of the mechanical strain applied against the electroactive substrate  1250 . In some configurations, the controller  210  can be configured to determine a position of the user&#39;s appendage relative to the housing  1210  of the touch sensitive device  1200 . For example, the controller  210  can be configured to determine that the user&#39;s appendage is currently gripping the electroactive substrate  1250  at the grip region  1290 . Subsequently, the controller  210  can cause an input voltage to be selectively applied to the electroactive substrate  1250  included in the grip region  1290  via one or more electrodes  1240  that are positioned adjacent to the electroactive substrate  1250  to cause the electroactive substrate  1250  to deform or change in configuration to provide deformation feedback to the user, as shown in  FIG. 12B . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 12C , a plurality of electrodes  1240  can be positioned in a serial configuration along lateral sides of the electroactive substrate  1250 . Each of the electrodes  1240  can be individually actuated such that the actuated electrode  1240  only affects a specific portion of the electroactive substrate  1250  that is positioned directly adjacent to the actuated electrode  1240 . In this manner, the controller  210  can cause the electroactive substrate  1250  to provide targeted deformation feedback to only the portion of the electroactive substrate  1250  that is subject to mechanical strain from the user&#39;s appendage, while avoiding other portions of the electroactive substrate  1250  that are not being subjected to mechanical strain. In this configuration, the controller  210  can be configured to reduce or minimize power consumption by the power supply  230 . Additionally, the controller  210  can be configured to prevent or minimize feedback confusion, such as by preventing portions of the electroactive substrate  1250  that are not being mechanically exerted against from generating deformation feedback. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 12D , the touch sensitive device  1200  can include a plurality of electroactive substrates  1250  that are arranged in a serial configuration along the length of the housing  1210 . In this manner, each electroactive substrate  1250  can be configured to provide targeted deformation feedback to only the portion of the electroactive substrate  1250  that is subject to mechanical strain from the user&#39;s appendage. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of electroactive substrates  1250  can substantially conform to the appearance of the housing  1210  of the touch sensitive device  1200 . For example, the plurality of electroactive substrates  1250  and the housing  1210  can share at least one of a similar color, texture, or reflective finish such that the plurality of electroactive substrate  1250  conform to a general appearance of the housing  1210 . Additionally, techniques for providing a similar appearance can be applied to the embodiments of the touch sensitive device as described herein. 
       FIGS. 13A-13B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device  1300  having an electroactive substrate  1350  that is configured to generate deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIGS. 13A-13B  illustrates that the electroactive substrate  1350  can extend along a portion of the longitudinal length of the housing  1310   a - b . Although not shown in  FIGS. 13A-13B , a plurality of electrodes are positioned adjacent to each lateral surface of the electroactive substrate  1350 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13A , the electroactive substrate  1350  can be configured to cover at least one of a portion of an upper portion  1310   a  or the lower portion  1310   b  of the housing. In addition, the electroactive substrate  1350  can cover a guide tube  1360 . In some examples, the electroactive substrate  1350  can be molded with the upper and lower portions of the housing  1310   a - b , and then subsequently fitted into the guide tube  1360 . 
     The electroactive substrate  1350  can be configured to deform when subjected to an input voltage provided by the plurality of electrodes so that the upper portion  1310   a  of the housing bends or flexes relative to the lower portion  1310   b  of the housing at a pivot axis (Pa). The pivot axis (Pa) can dictate a bend angle and radius of the electroactive substrate  1350 . Since the electroactive substrate  1350  is included external to the housing  1310   a - b , the touch sensitive device  1300  can sacrifice a reduction in structural rigidity for an increased amount of bend or flex between the upper portion  1310   a  and the lower portion  1310   b  of the housing as compared to a touch sensitive device having an electroactive substrate  1350  that is included within an internal cavity of the housing  1310   a - b.    
     In conjunction with transforming the electroactive substrate  1350  from an initial configuration to a modified configuration, the electroactive substrate  1350  can expand or contract in an axial direction that causes the electroactive substrate  1350  to induce strain against the upper portion  1310   a  and lower portion  1310   b  of the housing. 
       FIG. 13A  illustrates where the pivot axis (Pa) is positioned along a right side of the touch sensitive device  1300 , while  FIG. 13B  illustrates where the pivot axis (Pa) is positioned along a left side of the touch sensitive device  1300 . In this manner,  FIGS. 13A-13B  illustrate that the electroactive substrate  1350  can bend or flex in an asymmetrical manner in conjunction with an amount of force or load that is exerted on the touch sensitive device  1300 . For example, in reference to  FIG. 13B , if a user&#39;s appendage presses against the lateral side of the electroactive substrate  1350  that opposes the pivot axis (Pa), the electroactive substrate  1350  can bend such that the ends of the upper and lower portions  1310   a - b  of the housing bend in a direction corresponding to the point of contact such that a greater amount of deformation feedback is felt at the right side of the touch sensitive device  1300  than the left side. 
       FIGS. 14A-14B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device  1400  having an electroactive substrate  1450  that is configured to generate deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIGS. 14A-14B  illustrate that the electroactive substrate  1450  is positioned along a portion of a longitudinal length of the upper and lower portions of the housing  1410   a - b  of the touch sensitive device  1400 . 
     In contrast to the touch sensitive device  1300  shown in  FIGS. 13A-13B , the electroactive substrate  1450  does not overlap the guide tube  1460 . Instead the electroactive substrate  1450  is limited to covering the upper and lower portions of the housing  1410   a - b . The electroactive substrate  1450  is supported by the guide tube  1460  to facilitate in providing rigidity to the touch sensitive device  1400 , while sacrificing a degree of flexibility. In some embodiments, the guide tube  1460  is characterized as being an overlap guide tube structure. The guide tube  1460  includes an overlap  1464  having a recess  1462  that is configured to receive a portion of the electroactive substrate  1450 . For example, the recess  1462  includes an upper surface  1462   a  and a lower surface  1462   b  that define the compression travel (T) range by which the electroactive substrate  1450  is restricted to expand or contract. Accordingly, the electroactive substrate  1450  is unable to expand or contract beyond the boundaries established by the upper surface  1462   a  and the lower surface  1462   b  of the recess  1462 . In some examples, expansion of the electroactive substrate  1450  against the upper and lower surfaces  1462   a - b  can induce strain against the housing  1410   a - b  that can be perceived by the user. 
       FIG. 14A  illustrates where the recess  1462  is positioned along a right side of the guide tube  1460 , while  FIG. 14B  illustrates where the recess  1462  is positioned along a left side of the guide tube  1460 . 
     In some examples, the guide tube  1460  can be comprised of a metal alloy or metal, such as steel. 
       FIGS. 15A-15B  illustrate perspective views of a touch sensitive device  1500  that can be configured to generate deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 15A , the touch sensitive device  1500  includes an electroactive substrate  1550  that extends along a portion of the longitudinal length of the housing  1510 . The electroactive substrate  1550  can be configured to come into contact with the user&#39;s appendage, where an amount of mechanical strain or force (F 2 ) is applied by the user&#39;s appendage against the electroactive substrate  1550 . 
       FIG. 15A  further shows that a distal tip  1512  of the touch sensitive device  1500  is configured to come into contact with a touch screen panel  172  of an electronic device  170 . An amount of load (L) is applied in a direction of a load path from the touch sensitive device  1500  towards the touch screen panel  172 . In addition, an amount of force (F 1 ) is applied by the touch screen panel  172  towards the touch sensitive device  1500 . In some examples the amount of load (L) can be associated with an angle of touch down, as described in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 22A-22C .  FIG. 15A  shows that the electroactive substrate  1550  of the touch sensitive device  1500  can be configured to detect multiple types of force (F 1 , F 2 ) as well as load (L) and provide deformation feedback accordingly as shown in  FIG. 15B . 
       FIG. 15B  shows that the electroactive substrate  1550  is configured to flex or bend relative to a pivot axis (Pa) having an angle ( 0 ). The electroactive substrate  1550  can be configured to expand or contract against the housing  1510  so as to induce an amount of strain in the housing  1510  that can be perceived by the user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15B , the electroactive substrate  1550  is configured to bend in a direction that corresponds to the direction of the force (F 1 ) applied by the touch screen panel  172 , the direction of the force (F 2 ) applied by the user&#39;s appendage, and the direction of the load (L) characterized by the load path. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of a system  1600  for generating deformation feedback by a touch sensitive device  1640 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 16  shows an electroactive substrate  1650  that is positioned near a proximal end  1620  of the touch sensitive device  1640 . In conjunction with contact between the touch sensitive device  1640  and a surface, such as a touch screen panel  1672  of the electronic device  1670 , the touch sensitive device  1640  can be configured to generate deformation feedback. In some examples, the electroactive substrate  1650  can be configured to deform (e.g., contract) to simulate the perception that the electroactive substrate  1650  is an eraser or rubbing compound when the touch sensitive device  1640  is used in coordination with a media application  1920  (see  FIG. 19 ) that is executed by the electronic device  1670 , as described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 18-19 . For example, using the media application  1920 , when a media tool type of an “eraser” is selected, the electronic device  1670  can be configured to transmit instructions to the touch sensitive device  1640  to cause the touch sensitive device  1640  to deform the electroactive substrate  1650  to replicate the physical perception of using an eraser to remove media content on the touch screen panel  1672 . For example, the instructions provided to the touch sensitive device  1640  can cause electrodes within the touch sensitive device  1640  to provide an input voltage to the electroactive substrate  1650 . 
     In some embodiments, simply abrading the electroactive substrate  1650  against the touch screen panel  1672  can trigger the sensor  260  and the controller  210  of the touch sensitive device  1640  to determine that the user intends to simulate an erasing function. For example, the media application  1920  can be configured to digitally erase drawn lines that are displayed by the touch screen panel  1672  when the electroactive substrate  1650  is abraded in contact with the touch screen panel  1672 . As a result, the electroactive substrate  1650  can be configured to transform from an initial configuration to a modified configuration. Moreover, the electroactive substrate  1650  can be configured to further or progressively contract in area or size as the erasing function is performed over time to simulate the effect of removing a greater amount of the erasing compound. Additionally, the electroactive substrate  1650  can vary in the amount of contraction to provide additional feedback, such as to distinguish between vigorous erasing and light erasing. The variation in the amount of contraction by the electroactive substrate  1650  can be controlled by the controller  210 , and can be further implemented by adjusting the amount of input voltage that is provided by the electrodes  270  to the electroactive substrate  1650 . 
       FIGS. 17A-17C  illustrate cross-sectional views of a touch sensitive device  1700  that includes an electroactive substrate  1750  that is configured to generate deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17A-17C , the electroactive substrate  1750  is positioned within a housing  1710  and distal from a proximal end  1720  of the touch sensitive device  1700 . In conjunction with an amount of force (F) that is applied by the touch screen panel  1672  to the touch sensitive device  1700  and an amount of load (L) that is applied against the touch screen panel  1672  by the touch sensitive device  1700 , the electroactive substrate  1750  can be modified from an initial distance (D i ) to a modified distance (D m ), as shown in  FIG. 17B . In some examples the amount of load (L) can be associated with an angle of touch down, as described in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 22A-22C . 
       FIG. 17C  shows a touch sensitive device  1700  having an electroactive substrate  1750  that is subjected to force (F) from the touch screen panel  1672  and load (L) that is applied against the touch screen panel  1672  in an angular direction. The electroactive substrate  1750  can define a pivoting axis (Pa) that defines a range by which the electroactive substrate  1750  is configured to bend. As shown in  FIG. 17C , the electroactive substrate  1750  can be configured to bend in a direction that corresponds to the angular direction of the force (F) and the load that is applied (L). 
       FIGS. 18A-18B  illustrate a cross-sectional view of a touch sensitive device  1800  that is configured to generate deformation feedback, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 18A  shows that the touch sensitive device  1800  includes an electroactive substrate  1850  at a proximal end  1820  of the touch sensitive device  1800 . The electroactive substrate  1850  is shown in contact with a touch screen panel  1672  of the electronic device  1670 . An amount of load (L) is exerted against the touch screen panel  1672  by the touch sensitive device  1800 , while an amount of force (F) is applied by the touch screen panel  1672  against the electroactive substrate  1850 . 
     In some embodiments, the electroactive substrate  1850  can be configured to provide both sensing and deformation feedback capabilities. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18A , the electroactive substrate  1850  can be characterized as having an initial length (L i ) when the electroactive substrate  1850  is not actuated.  FIG. 18B  shows that the electroactive substrate  1850  contracts to a modified length (L m ). In conjunction with actuation of one or more electrodes (not illustrated), the electroactive substrate  1850  can be configured to expand or contract such that an amount of strain can be induced against the housing  1810 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a block diagram of different components of a system  1900  that is configured to implement the various techniques described herein, such as generating deformation feedback, according to some embodiments. More specifically,  FIG. 19  illustrates a high-level overview of the system  1900 , which includes an electronic device  1950  that can represent, for example, a portable computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or other electronic device with a touch screen display. According to some embodiments, the electronic device  1950  can be configured to execute (e.g., via an operating system established on the electronic device  1950 ) a media application  1920 . In one example, the media application  1920  can represent a graphic presentation program, such as Apple Keynote, produced by Apple Inc. In other examples, the application  1920  can represent a multimedia program, an illustrator program, a music player, a word editing program, a photography editing program, a web development program, and the like. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the application  1920  and a storage device  1940  of the electronic device  1950  can be configured to directly communicate with one another. In some embodiments, the storage device  1940  can include a data item  1960  managed by the application  1920 . The application  1920  can request the data item  1960  from the storage device  1940 . In one example, the data item  1960  refers to a feedback preference that can be selected by the user to be used in conjunction with the media application  1920 , as described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 20 . In another example, the data item  1960  can refer to a document or image that is to be executed by the application  1920 . 
     As described in greater detail herein, the application  1920  can be configured to execute a graphics presentation program. In some embodiments, the application  1920  is configured to receive a graphical input during contact between the touch sensitive device  1910  and the electronic device  1950 . For example, the application  1920  can receive a graphical input in conjunction with the electronic device  1950  detecting a change in capacitance during the contact. According to some embodiments, the electronic device  1950  includes a touch screen panel  172  that includes capacitive sensors, where each capacitive sensor includes electrodes. The electrodes of the capacitive sensors are configured to detect the capacitive input provided by the touch sensitive device  1910  and process different contact parameters of the capacitive input, including the speed of the input, the force of the input, the position of the input, the acceleration of the input, the angle of the input relative to the touch screen panel, and the like. The processor of the electronic device  1950  can process the different contact parameters detected by the capacitive sensors in order to generate a deformation feedback parameter. In some embodiments, the application  1920  can be configured to receive a user selection of a feedback preference. Subsequently, the processor of the electronic device  1950  is configured to generate the deformation feedback parameter by combining an electrical signal associated with the different contact parameters with an electrical signal associated with the feedback preference, as described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 21A-21B . 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the electronic device  1950  is configured to communicate with the touch sensitive device  1910  via a network  1970 , where the network  1970  can represent at least one of a global network (e.g., the Internet), a wide area network, a local area network, a wireless personal area network (WPAN), and the like. In some examples, the network  1970  can represent a WPAN for transmitting data between the electronic device  1950  and the touch sensitive device  1910 . The WPAN network can represent Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), ZigBee, Wireless USB, and the like. In some examples, the network can refer to Near-Field Communication (NFC). According to some embodiments, the electronic device  1950  can be configured to provide instructions to the touch sensitive device  1910  to cause the touch sensitive device  1910  to generate deformation feedback. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a system view of an exemplary list of feedback preferences associated with data items  1960  that can be executed by the application  1920 . The feedback preferences can be selected by a user in conjunction with using the touch sensitive device  1910  generating deformation feedback. In some embodiments, the user can select one of several feedback preferences via the application  1920 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , the exemplary list of feedback preferences includes: “Media Tool Type”  2010 , “Drawing Speed”  2020 , “Drawing Angle”  2030 , “Force Adjust”  2040 , “Adjust Media Tool Thickness”  2050 , “Medium Material”  2060 , and “Adjust Weight Between Contact Parameter and Feedback Preference”  2070 . The processor is configured to generate an electrical signal associated with the feedback preference. In some embodiments, the electronic device  1950  can transmit the feedback preference to the touch sensitive device  1910 . In some embodiments, the controller  210  of the touch sensitive device  1910  can combine an electrical signal associated with the feedback preference with an electrical signal associated with a contact parameter (generated by the touch sensitive device  1910 ) into a combined deformation feedback parameter, as described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 21A-21B . 
     In some embodiments, the application  1920  provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that permits for the user to select one or more feedback preferences. Each feedback preference can be associated with a list of one or more options, where each option is associated with a deformation feedback that can be paired with the contact parameter to generate a combined deformation feedback parameter. Alternatively, the touch sensitive device  1910  can be configured to generate deformation feedback without the feedback preferences. 
     In one example, the user can select “Drawing Speed”  2020 , whereupon the application  1920  provides a list of options for causing the touch sensitive device  1910  to generate different deformation feedback corresponding to the drawing speed. For example, selection of the “Drawing Speed” can provide options for adjusting the amount of deformation feedback (e.g., strain, compression) that is generated by the deformation feedback component  150  when the drawing speed is selected from among: 1) slow; 2) medium; 3) fast; or 4) variable. In one example, where the contact parameter detected by the touch sensitive device  1910  is constant (e.g., change in capacitance), a selection of a fast drawing speed can cause a greater amount of compression to be generated by the deformation feedback component  150  than a selection of a slow drawing speed. 
     In one example, a user can select “Medium Material”  2060 , whereupon the application  1920  provides a list of options for generating different types of deformation feedback associated with different medium materials. For example, selection of the “Medium Material” can provide options, including: 1) cardboard; 2) chalkboard; 3) parchment paper; 4) porous paper; 5) printer paper; 6) wood; 7) metal; and 8) concrete. In one example, where the contact parameter (e.g., capacitance) is constant, a selection of a metal medium material can cause the deformation feedback component  150  of the touch sensitive device  1910  to generate less strain than a selection of a wood medium material. Since wood can be associated with having a higher degree of coefficient of friction than metal, drawing on wood can cause more strain to be exerted against the touch sensitive device  1910 . 
     In one example, the user can select “Media Tool Type”  2010 , whereupon the application  1920  provides a list of options for generating different deformation feedback that correspond to various media tools. For example, selection of the “Media Tool Type” can provide options, including: 1) charcoal; 2) felt tip; 3) marker; 4) pencil; 5) paint; 6) spray paint; and 7) eraser. In one example, where the contact parameter (e.g., capacitance) is constant, a selection of an eraser media tool type can generate significantly more strain on the touch sensitive device  1910  compared to a selection of a marker media tool type. Since an eraser can be associated with having a higher degree of coefficient of friction than a marker, the eraser can cause more strain to be exerted against the touch sensitive device  1910 . 
     In another example, the user can select “Force Adjust”  2040 , whereupon the user is provided with a list of options, including: 1) soft; 2) medium; or 3) hard. Each force adjustment option is associated with a different type of deformation feedback. In some embodiments, the “Force Adjust”  2040  option can be performed in conjunction with the sensor  260  of the touch sensitive device  1910 . For example, the sensor  260  can be configured to detect an amount of force that is applied against the touch screen panel  172 . The sensor  260  can generate a contact parameter that indicates the amount of force applied can be transmitted by the touch sensitive device  1910  to the electronic device  1950 , whereupon a processor of the electronic device  1950  can combine the feedback preference selected by the user with the contact parameter in order to generate a combined deformation feedback parameter. For example, if the force detected by the sensor  260  is strong, but the “soft” force adjustment is selected, then the electronic device  1950  can provide the touch sensitive device  1910  with instructions that cause the touch sensitive device  1910  to generate deformation feedback that is of a medium amount of force. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  210  of the touch sensitive device  1910  and the processor of the electronic device  1950  can be configured to combine the electrical signals associated with the feedback preference (FP) with the electrical signals associated with the contact parameter (CP). In some embodiments, the controller  1930  and processor  2430  can be configured to adjust the amount of weight for each set of electrical signals. In some embodiments, the application  1920  can provide the “Adjust Weight”  2070  feedback preference that can be selected to allow a user to adjust the ratio of the feedback preference (FP) to the contact parameter (CP). For example, a user may want to place more weight on the feedback preference by assigning the FP with a higher weighted value than the contact parameter. The ratio between FP and CP can have a ratio ranging between 1:0 to 0:1. In one example, the application  1920  can select a ratio 9:1 to assign more weight to the feedback preference than to the contact parameter. In another example, the application  1920  can adjust the ratio to 5:5 to assign an equal amount of weight to the feedback preference and the contact parameter. 
     In some embodiments, the processor of the electronic device  1950  can transmit the adjusted ratio to the controller  210  of the touch sensitive device  1910 , so that the controller  210  performs the adjustment of the amount of weight assigned to the FP and to the CP. 
     In some examples, each of the feedback preferences shown in  FIG. 20  can be stored in the storage device  1940  of the electronic device  1950 . In some examples, the application  1920  can rely upon machine-learning algorithm to learn a user&#39;s preferences and adjust a default preference to align more similarly to the user&#39;s preference as learned over time so that the settings of each of the feedback preferences is adjusted to more closely conform to a user&#39;s preferences. In some examples, the application  1920  can be configured to store multiple user&#39;s preferences for later usage. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an exemplary diagram of using a touch sensitive device  2100  in conjunction with the electronic device  170 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 21  illustrates that when the distal tip  2112  of the touch sensitive device  2100  makes contact with the touch screen panel  172  of the electronic device  170 , a sensor  260  of the touch sensitive device  2100  can be configured to detect a change in capacitance. A contact parameter can be generated by the controller  210  based on the change in capacitance. For example, the contact parameter can refer to at least one of distance (D 1 ) traveled by the distal tip  2112 , acceleration (A 1 ) of the distal tip  2112 , velocity (V 1 ) of the distal tip  2112 , force (F 1 ) applied by the distal tip  2112  against the touch screen panel  172 , and an angle (θ 1 ) between the distal tip  2112  and the touch screen panel  172 . In some embodiments, the sensor  260  is a strain sensor and can be configured to measure a strain measurement in conjunction with the distal tip  2112  making contact with the touch screen panel  172 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an exemplary diagram of the distal tip  2112  of the touch sensitive device  2100  making contact with the touch screen panel  172 . In one example, in conjunction with the contact, the sensor  260  can be configured to determine a capacitive change in electrical current that corresponds to an amount of distance (D 1 ) traveled by the distal tip  2112  between a starting time (t 0 ) and current time (t 1 ), in accordance with one example. The sensor  260  can be configured to monitor an amount of distal traveled by the distal tip  2112  by tracking a change in a first position corresponding to t 0  and a second position corresponding to t 1 . 
     In another example, the sensor  260  can be configured to determine an amount of force (F 1 ) that is exerted by the distal tip  2112  against the touch screen panel  172 . In some embodiments, the touch sensitive device  2100  includes a conductive electrode  2175  included within the distal tip  2112  that can be configured to create an electrical pathway with the touch screen panel  172 . The electrical pathway can be severed when the conductive electrode  2175  breaks contact from the touch screen panel  172 . 
     In some embodiments, based upon the detected change in capacitance, the deformation feedback component  250  can be configured to generate deformation feedback that opposes the direction, distance, or force of the distal tip  2112  of the touch sensitive device  2100 . In one example, the controller  210  can receive instructions from the electronic device  170  that can cause the controller  210  to exaggerate the amount of deformation feedback that is generated if the touch sensitive device  2100  is to simulate the perception of a heavy, wood paint brush in contrast to a light, plastic pencil. In this manner, the controller  210  can artificially increase the amount of strain that is generated by the deformation feedback component  250 . 
       FIGS. 22A-22B  illustrate the effect the electroactive substrate  2250  induces in the angle of touch down, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 22A  illustrates a touch sensitive device  2200  having an electroactive substrate  2250  where a load path (L p ) is defined between a hand grip point (H p ) and a touch down point (T p ). Since the electroactive substrate  2250  is in a load path (L p ) of the touch sensitive device  2200 , the electroactive substrate  2250  can deform by the same amount of load that the user experiences. 
       FIG. 22B  illustrates how the angle of touch down (θ r ) is adjusted when the electroactive substrate  2250  bends or flexes in conjunction with contact with a surface of another object. Accordingly, the load path (L p ) between the hand grip point (H p ) and the touch down point (T p ) is also adjusted. 
       FIG. 23A  illustrates a method  2300  for generating deformation feedback by a touch sensitive device  140 , in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 23A , the method begins at step  2302 , where in conjunction with the distal tip of the  112  either coming into contact, changing the type of contact, or separating from contact with the touch screen panel  172  of the electronic device  170 , the controller  210  of the touch sensitive device  140  can be configured to receive an electrical signal that indicates a change in capacitance, voltage resistance, or a combination thereof as detected by a sensor  260  or the deformation feedback component. In some embodiments, the contact can refer to an amount of force or mechanical strain that is applied against the deformation feedback component  250 . In some embodiments, the contact can include a combination of thereof. 
     At step  2304 , at least one contact parameter can be generated by the controller  210  from the change in contact (e.g., capacitance, voltage, resistance, impedance, and the like). The contact parameter can refer to at least one of distance (D 1 ) traveled by the tip  112 , acceleration (A 1 ) of the tip  112 , velocity (V 1 ) of the tip  112 , force (F 1 ) applied by the tip  112  against the touch screen panel  172 , and an angle (θ 1 ) between the tip  112  and the touch screen panel  172 . 
     At step  2306 , the controller  210  can be configured to generate at least one deformation feedback parameter based on the contact parameter. The deformation feedback parameters can refer to an electrical signal that indicates an amount of voltage, amplitude, pulse width, duty cycle, and the like. 
     At step  2308 , the controller  210  can be configured to transmit the at least one deformation feedback parameter to a power supply  230  to cause the power supply  230  to provide an input voltage to the deformation feedback component  250  via one or more electrodes  270  so as to cause the deformation feedback component  250  to deform from an initial configuration to a modified configuration so as to generate deformation feedback. 
       FIG. 23B  illustrates a method  2350  for generating deformation feedback by a touch sensitive device  140 , in accordance with some embodiments. The method  2350  can begin at step  2352  where the controller  210  of the touch sensitive device  200  receives a feedback preference from the electronic device  1950 . The feedback preference can be received by the media application  1920  as executed by the electronic device  1950 . At step  2354 , the controller  210  can be configured to receive a contact parameter that corresponds to a detected change in contact between the touch sensitive device  200  and a touch screen panel  172 . The contact parameter can correspond to a change in capacitance, voltage resistance, or a combination thereof in conjunction with contact between the touch sensitive device  200  and the touch screen panel  172 . 
     At step  2356 , the controller  210  of the touch sensitive device  200  can combine the respective electrical signals associated with the selected feedback preference and the contact parameter to form a combined deformation feedback parameter. The combined deformation feedback parameter can be transmitted to a power supply  230 . The combined deformation feedback parameter can refer to an electrical signal that indicates an amount of voltage, amplitude, pulse width, duty cycle, and the like that is provided to the electrodes  270 . 
     At step  2358 , the controller  210  can be configured to transmit the combined deformation feedback parameter to a power supply  230  to cause the power supply  230  to generate an input voltage that is transmitted to the deformation feedback component  250  via one or more electrodes  270  so as to cause the deformation feedback component  250  to deform from an initial configuration to a modified configuration so as to generate deformation feedback. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a method  2400  for generating a combined deformation feedback parameter by the electronic device  1950 , in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 24 , the method begins at step  2402 , where in conjunction with the tip  112  of the touch sensitive device  140  coming into contact, changing the type of contact, separating from contact with the touch screen panel  172  of the electronic device  170 , a capacitive sensor of the touch screen panel  172  detects a change in capacitance (e.g., change in voltage). At step  2404 , the processor can determine a contact parameter based upon the detected change in capacitance. The contact parameter can refer to at least one of a distance (D 1 ) traveled by the tip  112 , acceleration (A 1 ) of the tip  112 , velocity (V 1 ) of the tip  112 , force (F 1 ) applied by the tip  112  against the touch screen panel  172 , and an angle (θ 1 ) between the tip  112  and the touch screen panel  172 . 
     At step  2406 , the processor of the electronic device  1950  receives a selection of a feedback preference from the application  1920 . Subsequently, at step  2408 , the processor can generate a combined deformation feedback parameter that combines an electrical signal associated with the selection of the feedback preference and an electrical signal associated with the contact parameter. Thereafter, at step  2410 , the processor can transmit the combined deformation feedback parameter to the touch sensitive device  140  to cause the deformation feedback component  150  to generate deformation feedback. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device  2500  that can be used to implement the various components described herein, according to some embodiments. In particular, the detailed view illustrates various components that can be included in the electronic device  1950  illustrated in  FIG. 19 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , the electronic device  2500  can include a processor  2530  for controlling the overall operation of the electronic device  2500 . The processor  2530  can refer to one or more of a general processor unit (GPU), central processing unit (CPU), or dedicated microcontroller. In some embodiments, the electronic device  2500  includes a power supply  2520 . The electronic device  2500  can also include a user input device  2590  that allows a user of the electronic device  2500  to interact with the electronic device  2500 . For example, the user input device  2590  can take a variety of forms, such as a touch screen panel  172 , keyboard, buttons, keys, microphone  2582 , or gesture input. The user input device  2590  can include a sensor  2560  (e.g., capacitance sensor). Still further the user input device  2590  can include a touch screen panel  172  that can be controlled by the processor  2530  to display information to the user. A data bus  2502  can facilitate data transfer between at least a storage device  2550  and the processor  2530 . The electronic device  2500  can also include a network/bus interface  2511  that couples a wireless antenna  2570  to the processor  2530 . 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  2500  can optionally include an audible feedback component  2580  that is configured to generate a sound effect based on an audible feedback parameter. In some examples, the audible feedback parameter can be generated by the processor  2530  of the electronic device  2500  in conjunction with the contact made with the touch sensitive device  140 . 
     The electronic device  2500  also includes a storage device  2550 , which can comprise a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the storage device  2550 . In some embodiments, the storage device  2550  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The storage device  2550  can also include a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a Read-Only Memory (ROM). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the electronic device  2500 . 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, hard disk drives, solid state drives, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170510
Publication Date: 20190423
Grant Date: 20190423
Priority Date: 20160920
Inventors: WANG, PAUL X.
LEHMANN, Alex J.
RUSCHER, JOEL N.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0346", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0346", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0383", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0383", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0383", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0346", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 66174736