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A linear vibrator that provides localized tactile feedback

A tactile feedback, partial technology, applied in the direction of vibrating fluids, instruments, piezoelectric effects/electrostrictive or magnetostrictive motors, etc., can solve the problem that it is difficult to find that the input mechanism is properly or fully touched, and the tactile feedback is not enough precision etc.

Inactive Publication Date: 2015-12-16
APPLE INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Without some form of local feedback, it may be difficult for the user to detect whether the input mechanism has been properly or sufficiently touched
Overall haptic feedback (such as vibrating the entire electronic device) can be imprecise

Method used

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  • A linear vibrator that provides localized tactile feedback
  • A linear vibrator that provides localized tactile feedback
  • A linear vibrator that provides localized tactile feedback

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0015] One embodiment described here may take the form of a linear vibrator that can provide localized tactile feedback. A vibrator may include a mass and a driver operable to oscillate or otherwise move the mass. The driver and mass can be contained within the housing. A protrusion may extend from one end of the mass through the housing.

[0016] During normal operation, the drive oscillates the mass rapidly along the axis of motion. The kinetic energy generated by this oscillation can be transferred to the housing through a leaf spring or other coupling element coupling the mass and housing. For example, any elastic element can couple the mass and the housing. The case, in turn, can be connected or fixed to the housing of the electronic device. In this way, the housing can vibrate as the kinetic energy of the mass's oscillations is transferred through the housing to the housing, thereby providing overall tactile feedback.

[0017] Additionally, the vibrator can operate ...

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PUM

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Abstract

The present invention relates to linear vibrators that provide localized tactile feedback. The apparatus for providing tactile feedback includes: a housing defining an opening; a driver disposed within the housing; a mass disposed within the coil; and a protrusion connected to the mass and extending through the opening. Also described herein is a method for providing global and local haptic feedback comprising the operations of: receiving an input signal; determining whether the input signal corresponds to global haptic feedback; and if so, providing a first input to a linear vibrator ; otherwise, providing a second input to a linear vibrator; wherein the linear vibrator outputs global haptic feedback in response to the first input; and the linear vibrator outputs local haptic feedback in response to the second input.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 449,598, filed March 4, 2011, entitled "LinearVibratorProvidingLocalizedHapticFeedback," which is also available in the U.S. Patent Office through Attorney Docket No. P221506.US.01 identified, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. technical field [0003] Embodiments described herein relate generally to vibration-generating devices, and more specifically, to vibration-generating devices that provide localized tactile feedback. Background technique [0004] Many electronic devices use linear vibrators to provide overall haptic feedback by shaking or vibrating the device housing. For example, many mobile phones can be set to a vibrate mode whereby the body of the phone (eg, the housing) vibrates when a call is received, rather than an audible ring tone. However, linear vibrators typically vibrate the entire device and...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(China)
IPC IPC(8): G06F3/01
CPCG06F3/016B06B1/04G06F3/041H02N2/00
Inventor F·罗斯科夫
Owner APPLE INC