Piezoelectric user interface

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) comprising a keypad (2), and means for generating a tactile response to a user of the apparatus when a key in said keypad is pressed. In order accomplish a simple construction requiring a minimum of space, said means for generating a tactile response include at least one piezoelectric element (3) arranged to generate vibration which is forwarded to the user via a key when said key is pressed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to a solution for generating tactile feedback to a user of an apparatus when the user presses a key on a keypad of the apparatus. Such tactile feedback, which is perceptible by touch, makes it possible for the user to know when the key has been pressed long and hard enough for the apparatus to register the keystroke. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Several different solutions are previously there known for indicating to a user of an apparatus that a key has been pressed long and hard enough to enable the keystroke to be registered. [0005] A previously known solution is to provide each key with a mechanism which produces a “click” that can be felt and / or heard by a user when the user presses a key. The problem with such prior art mechanical solutions is the space required by the mechanism. It is in practice necessary to design the key such that the key is allowed to move a predete...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an apparatus with improved means for generating tactile feedback to a user in connection with a keystroke. The apparatus uses a piezoelectric element to create vibration which propagates to the key pressed by a user. The invention has the advantages of generating tactile feedback using a simpler solution that requires less space, low energy consumption, and low cost. The apparatus can provide the user with tactile feedback in response to a key press, and can also generate an alerting sound or vibration signal in response to an incoming call. The invention can be used in various media terminals such as mobile phones or media players.

Problems solved by technology

The problem with such prior art mechanical solutions is the space required by the mechanism.

The space required by the movement and the space required by the mechanism itself mean that the entire keypad turns out to be relatively thick.

The problem with this prior art solution is, however, that the “beep” generated in connection with each keystroke is rather annoying, and most users would thus prefer to turn off such a “beep”.

This, however, is not possible in practice because then the user will not know when a keystroke has been registered, since this solution does not give any tactile feedback to the user.

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