40results about "Electrical haptic/tactile feedback" patented technology

An input device (900) may include a rotatable member (952), a virtual scroll controller (912) and a host interface block (906). The virtual scroll controller (912) may be configured to select a virtual scroll state from a plurality of virtual scroll states based on a rotational velocity of the rotatable member (952). Each virtual scroll state may be associated with a respective output function. The virtual scroll controller (912) may be further configured to compute an output velocity according to the output function associated with the selected virtual scroll state. The virtual scroll controller (912) may be further configured to generate a virtual position count (928) based on the computed output velocity. The host interface block (906) may be configured to send the generated virtual position count (928) to a computing device connected to the input device (900).

An input device comprising a processor(s), an input element, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including: a permanent magnet operable to generate a magnetic field; and a magnetizing assembly configured to set a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, a first ferromagnetic element, and a second ferromagnetic element. The first ferromagnetic element is configured to part and move away from the second ferromagnetic element as the input element is depressed. When the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a first polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other and provide an attracting that magnetically opposes the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting, and when the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a second polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are not magnetically attracted to each other and do not magnetically oppose the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting.

The present invention is provided with: an operation unit that is operated by a user; and an actuator having a movable body to which the operation unit is connected, the actuator being electromagnetically driven to execute the operation of the movable body that imparts an operation feeling to a user, and the operation of the movable body that presents an operation position of the operation unit or promotes an operation to the user.

One variation of a system for a haptic actuator includes: a substrate; a baseplate; a magnetic element; and a set of spacer elements. The substrate includes: a first layer including a first spiral trace coiled in a first direction; and a second layer. The second layer is arranged below the first layer and includes a second spiral trace: coiled in a second direction opposite the first direction; and coupled to the first spiral trace to form an inductor. The substrate further includes terminals arranged about a periphery of the substrate and coupled to the inductor. The baseplate is arranged opposite the substrate. The magnetic element is: arranged on the baseplate; and defines a first polarity facing the inductor. The first set of spacer elements are: interposed between the baseplate and the substrate; arranged proximal edges of the baseplate; and defines a nominal gap between the magnetic element and the inductor.

The present invention provides a handheld device includes a housing having an opening, a button contained in the housing and partially extending out of the housing from the opening, a sensor connected to the button to detect pressing states of the button, a chip electrically connected to the sensor, a vibration motor disposed on a side of the sensor, and an elastic connector. A suspension structure composed of the button, the sensor, and the vibration motor is connected to the housing through the elastic connector. The handheld device of the present invention can provide a plurality of tactile feedbacks of different frequencies, different durations, and different vibration times in different scenarios. The design of the suspension structure can concentrate the tactile feedback in a button area, which allowing one button to be used for multiple purposes, making the handheld device can adapt to different scenarios and meet different needs.

The present invention provides a motor encoder with a programmable and tactile feedback and an operation method thereof. The encoder includes: a rotary knob; a motor for providing virtual stopping, virtual termination and virtual elastic loading when the knob is turned, and generating a tactile feedback and resistance in different events; a position sensor for providing position information when the knob is started and in a movement process; a controller with a motor driver, wherein the controller is electrically connected with the motor and the position sensor respectively and used for obtaining a position feedback from the position sensor and driving the motor to form closed-loop torque feedback control; and an input interface electrically connected with the controller and used for inputting instruction information to the controller.

Systems, devices and methods for the management of glucose levels in the body of patient featuring user interface input mechanisms configured to provide haptic feedback to the user are provided.

Provided in the present invention is a handheld device, which comprises: a shell provided with an opening, a press key accommodated in the shell and partially extending out of the shell from the opening, a sensor connected to the press key to detect the pressing state of the press key, a chip electrically connected to the sensor, a vibration motor arranged on the side of the sensor that is away from the press key, and elastic connecting members, wherein a suspension structure composed of the press key, the sensor and the vibration motor is connected to the shell by means of the elastic connecting members. The handheld device of the present invention can provide tactile feedback with different frequencies, different durations and different numbers of vibrations in different scenarios; moreover, the design of the suspension structure enables the tactile feedback to be concentrated in a press key region, and the press key has multiple functions, such that the handheld device adapts to different scenarios and meets various needs.

The invention provides a switching method and a switching device of a dual-power switch based on a closing withdrawing mechanism, the switching device comprises a main contact branch and a main silicon controlled rectifier branch, the main contact branch and the main silicon controlled rectifier branch are respectively provided with a main magnetic control switch and a silicon controlled rectifier QN1, and the main contact branch or the main silicon controlled rectifier branch is provided with a main current transformer CTN1; a main current transformer CTN1 and a standby current transformer CTN2 are arranged on the main current transformer CTN1, a standby contact branch circuit and a standby silicon controlled rectifier branch circuit are arranged on the main current transformer CTN1, a standby magnetic control switch and a silicon controlled rectifier QN2 are arranged on the standby contact branch circuit and the standby silicon controlled rectifier branch circuit, a standby current transformer CTN2 is arranged on the standby contact branch circuit or the standby silicon controlled rectifier branch circuit, and the main current transformer CTN1 and the standby current transformer CTN2 are both connected with a contact just-open detection circuit; the current detection device is mounted on the output sides of the main power switch circuit and the standby power switch circuit; according to the invention, the current transformer is matched with the contact just-open detection circuit to directly detect the line current, and whether the circuit is just open can be accurately judged.

One variation of a keyboard system includes: a substrate including an array of inductors; a tactile layer arranged over the substrate defining an array of key locations over the array of inductors; an array of magnetic elements, each arranged within the tactile layer at a key location configured to inductively couple to an adjacent inductor and configured to move relative to the adjacent inductor responsive to application of a force on the tactile layer at the key location; and a controller configured to read electrical values from the inductors. In response to detecting a change in electrical value at a first inductor, the controller also configured to: register a first keystroke of a first key type associated with a first key location defined over the first inductor; and drive an oscillating voltage across the first inductor to oscillate the tactile layer over the substrate during a haptic feedback cycle.

Aspects of the invention include a computer peripheral device comprising an input element that operates based on a performance characteristic, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including a permanent magnet configured to generate a magnetic field and a magnetizing assembly configured to set an intensity of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, and a magnetorheological (MR) material coupled to the input element. The MR material has a viscosity that changes based on the magnetic field and affects the performance characteristic of the input element.

One variation for a seamless touch sensor includes: a substrate, a baseplate, a haptic actuator, a cover layer, and a controller. The substrate includes: a top layer including a set of drive and sense electrode pairs; and a bottom layer including an array of force sensors. The baseplate: is arranged below the substrate; and including an array of spring elements coupling the baseplate to the substrate. The haptic actuator is arranged below the substrate and includes: a multi-layer inductor; and a first magnetic element facing the multi-layer inductor. The cover layer is arranged over the substrate to define a continuous surface defining an active region and a inactive touch region. The controller is configured to drive an oscillating voltage across the multi-layer inductor to: induce alternating magnetic coupling between the multi-layer inductor and the magnetic element; and oscillate the active touch region of the cover layer relative to the magnetic element.

A keyswitch for a keyed device, the keyswitch comprising: a housing with an inner structure defining a cavity within; a plunger protruding from a top side of the housing and extending into the cavity, the plunger operable to be depressed and travel along a linear range of motion within the cavity of the housing; a slug comprised of magnetic material and configured at a bottom section of the cavity; and a conductive coil, wherein the conductive coil is operable to generate a magnetic field in response to receiving an electrical current, the magnetic field operable to magnetically move the slug within the cavity causing the slug to impact a portion of the housing or the plunger, wherein the impact causes a feedback effect that mechanically translates through the keyswitch.

An operating device (10, 10') for installation in a vehicle has a housing (12) and an operating element (14, 14') which is movably mounted in and / or on the housing (12) and can be manually shifted from a rest position into a function triggering position. Furthermore, the operating device (10, 10') is equipped with a switch (22) which is adapted to be actuated by the operating element (14, 14') upon manual shifting into the function triggering position, with a holding force generating unit (26, 26') for generating a holding force by means of which the operating element (14, 14') is held in its rest position, and with a control unit (32) for electrically controlling the holding force generating unit in order to set the holding force.

The application provides a motor encoder with programmable and tactile feedback and an operating method thereof. The encoder comprises a rotatable knob, a motor for providing virtual stop, virtual end and virtual elastic load when the knob is rotated, and generating tactile feedback and resistance in different events, a position sensor for providing position information when the knob is started and during movement, a controller with a motor driver electrically connected with the motor and the position sensor respectively for obtaining position feedback from the position sensor and driving the motor to form closed-loop torque feedback control, and an input interface electrically connected with the controller for inputting instruction information to the controller. Compared with conventional encoders, the motor encoder of the application provides excellent user experience and improved functions, and can also be programmed to provide various tactile feedback profiles, so as to realize more intuitive and customizable user experience.

The invention relates to an operating device (4) for rotary actuation with detents (R), comprising a console (5), an electric braking device (6) which has a stator (11) and a rotor (13) connected to the console (5) and which is configured to generate a braking force (BK) which counteracts a torque acting on the rotor (13), a rotary element (7) for introducing a torque, and a spring element (8) which is connected to the rotor (13) and to the rotary element (7) and is configured to permit spring-elastic twisting between the rotary element (7) and the rotor (13). The haptics of the operating device (6) can be improved in that the operating device (4) has an angle sensor (9) for determining a first angle of rotation (W1) between the rotating element (7) and the rotor (13) and a second angle of rotation (W2) between the rotor (13) and the stator (11), and in that the operating device (4) has a controller (10) which is coupled to the braking device (6) and to the angle sensor (9) and which, when the rotating element (7) is rotated to simulate the notches (R), controls the braking device (6) to generate or increase the braking force (BK) to tension the spring element (8) or to release or cancel the braking force (BK) to relax the spring element (8).

The invention relates to a method for filling a component (1) with a magnetic powder (2), wherein at the start of the method, the component (1) has a main part (3) and a movable element (4) which is movably mounted relative to the main part (3), and a gap (5) exists at least in regions between the main part (3) and the at least one movable element (4). The following method steps are carried out: introducing the magnetic powder (2) into at least one opening (6) of the component (1), the at least one opening (6) connecting the gap (5) to the surroundings, propagating the magnetic powder (2) to and / or through the gap (5) by applying a propagation force to the magnetic powder (2), and closing the at least one opening (6).

Touch Sensing Device. This invention provides a novel touch sensing device with a seamless design. The sensing device includes a housing, a movable portion, a cover portion, and a lifting actuator for the movable portion. The movable portion is movable within an opening in the housing relative to an edge portion of the opening. The cover portion includes a flexible layer covering the edge portion of the opening and the movable portion. When the movable portion is at a first height position relative to the edge portion, a first region and a second region of the outer surface of the cover portion are substantially flush with each other, and a second portion of the flexible layer is at a third height position relative to the first portion of the flexible layer. When the movable portion is at a second height position relative to the edge portion, the second region is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the first region, and the second portion is at a fourth height position relative to the first portion. The flexible layer is configured to partially flex and stretch.

To provide a new seamless touch input device.SOLUTION: The touch input device includes a housing, a movable section, an outer surface section 200, and a driving section 700 which moves the movable section. The movable section is movable in an opening 101 of the housing with respect to an edge 110. A flexible layer 210 of the outer surface section 200 covers the edge 110 of the opening 101 and the movable section. First and second areas 201a, 201b of an outer surface of the outer surface section 200 are substantially flush in a first height position of the movable section with respect to the edge 110. A second part 212 of the flexible layer 210 is positioned in a third height position with respect to a first part 211 of the flexible layer 210. The second area 201b is positioned in a Z' direction with respect to the first area 201a in a second height position of the movable section with respect to the edge 110. The second part 212 is positioned in a fourth height position with respect to the first part 211. The flexible layer 210 is partially flexible and expanded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

One variation of a system for a haptic actuator includes: a substrate; a baseplate; a magnetic element; and a set of spacer elements. The substrate includes: a first layer including a first spiral trace coiled in a first direction; and a second layer. The second layer is arranged below the first layer and includes a second spiral trace: coiled in a second direction opposite the first direction; and coupled to the first spiral trace to form an inductor. The substrate further includes terminals arranged about a periphery of the substrate and coupled to the inductor. The baseplate is arranged opposite the substrate. The magnetic element is: arranged on the baseplate; and defines a first polarity facing the inductor. The first set of spacer elements are: interposed between the baseplate and the substrate; arranged proximal edges of the baseplate; and defines a nominal gap between the magnetic element and the inductor.

The invention relates to a haptic steering column switch arrangement (1), in particular for controlling the turn signals of a motor vehicle, comprising a carrier (2) defining a first axis (A); an activation rod (3) arranged within the carrier (2) along a second axis (B) that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis (A) and designed for actuation by a user; force sensors (5) arranged between the activation rod (3) and the carrier (2) and activated when the activation rod (3) is pressed in a direction not parallel to the first axis (A); and an actuator (4) configured to provide a haptic response to the user by moving the activation rod (3). To enable the input of operating information without moving the activation rod (3) and to generate a predefined haptic experience,The arrangement (1) comprises at least two pairs of force sensors (5) arranged in the space between the activation rod (3) and the support (2) on opposite sides of the second axis (B) and in the plane substantially perpendicular to the first axis (A), each pair of force sensors (5) being separated by a length (L) to detect a torque generated by the activation rod (3) with respect to the first axis (A), and flexible joints (6) arranged in the space between the activation rod (3) and the support (2) defining an equilibrium position of the activation rod (3) within the support (2) and allowing limited movements of the activation rod (3) within the support (2) along the second axis (B), the actuator (4) moving the activation rod (3) along the second axis (B) upon activation.

The invention discloses a quick click auxiliary device and a microswitch. An induction module is provided with a start signal unit and a stop signal unit; the pressing shaft block is provided with a first triggering piece for triggering the starting signal unit, and the driving mechanism is provided with a second triggering piece for triggering the stopping signal unit; when the pressing shaft block moves downwards, the first triggering piece triggers a starting signal to start the driving mechanism to act from the initial state, and when the driving mechanism returns to the initial state, the second triggering piece triggers a stopping signal to stop the driving mechanism from acting. The double induction of the induction module ensures that the driving mechanism is accurately and stably started and stopped, so that the pressing shaft block quickly ascends and resets under the condition that a user does not need to lift a finger, and the pressing shaft block can quickly move up and down to achieve a high-speed clicking effect only by continuously pressing the pressing shaft block with the finger; the finger does not need to be repeatedly lifted for clicking, the problem of finger fatigue is solved, and real hand feeling feedback of high-speed clicking can be provided for a user.

Method for filling a component (1) with a magnetic powder (2), wherein the component (1) has a base body (3) and a moving element (4) movably mounted relative to the base body (3) at the beginning of the method, and a gap (5) exists at least partially between the base body (3) and the at least one moving element (4), wherein the following method steps are carried out: introducing the magnetic powder (2) into at least one opening (6) of the component (1), wherein the at least one opening (6) connects the gap (5) to the environment, propagating the magnetic powder (2) to and / or through the gap (5) by acting on the magnetic powder (2) with a propagation force, and closing the at least one opening (6).

The present invention discloses a computer mouse, an input device, and a method of operating an input device. Aspects of the present invention include a computer peripheral device that includes: an input element that operates based on performance characteristics; an electro-permanent magnet (EPM) assembly that includes a permanent magnet configured to generate a magnetic field and a magnetization assembly configured to set the strength of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet; and a magneto-rheological (MR) material coupled to the input element. The MR material has a viscosity that changes based on the magnetic field and affects the performance characteristics of the input element.

A fade device includes a processor that couples a crossfader to a mixer, the processor using crossfader input to apply an acceleration or a latency to an audio signal passing through a mixer. The mixer receives a first audio input, a second audio input, and one of a signal delayed in time or a signal that is a prediction of future slider movement.

There is provided a method of driving a shape memory alloy haptic assembly, the shape memory alloy haptic assembly comprising an actuator comprising a shape memory alloy arranged to provide a haptic effect upon actuation, the method comprising continuously providing a drive current to the actuator during a pre-heat period in which the temperature of the shape memory alloy is raised without causing the shape memory alloy to provide the haptic effect and during an actuation period in which the temperature of the shape memory alloy is raised so as to cause the shape memory alloy to provide the haptic effect. There is also provided a shape memory alloy haptic assembly.