Method and apparatus for multi-touch tactile touch panel actuator mechanisms

Abstract

A method and apparatus of actuator mechanisms for a multi-touch tactile touch panel are disclosed. The tactile touch panel includes an electrical insulated layer and a tactile layer. The top surface of the electrical insulated layer is capable of receiving an input from a user. The tactile layer includes a grid or an array of haptic cells. The top surface of the haptic layer is situated adjacent to the bottom surface of the electrical insulated layer, while the bottom surface of the haptic layer is situated adjacent to a display. Each haptic cell further includes at least one piezoelectric material, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (“MEMS”) element, thermal fluid pocket, MEMS pump, resonant device, variable porosity membrane, laminar flow modulation, or the like. Each haptic cell is configured to provide a haptic effect independent of other haptic cells in the tactile layer.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to the following co-pending application, which is assigned to the Assignee of the present invention.[0002]Application Ser. No. ______, filed ______, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Multi-Touch Tactile Touch panel Actuator Mechanisms,” attorney docket no. IMM272 (1054.P003US).FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to the field of electronic interface devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a user interface device having haptic actuators.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]As computer-based systems, appliances, automated teller machines (ATM), point of sale terminals and the like have become more prevalent in recent years, the ease of use of the human-machine interface is becoming more and more important. Such interfaces should operate intuitively and require little or no training so that they may be used by virtually anyone. Many conventional user interface devices are available on the marke...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]A method and apparatus of actuator mechanisms for a multi-touch tactile touch panel are disclosed. The tactile touch panel includes an electrical insulated layer and a tactile layer, wherein the electrical insulated layer includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the electrical insulated layer is capable of receiving an input from a user. The tactile layer, which is also known as a haptic layer, a feedback layer, or the like, includes a grid or an array of haptic cells. The top surface of th

Problems solved by technology

A problem associated with the conventional approach for generating a haptic feedback is relying on global motion of a mechanical carrier attached to the touch screen to produce haptic or tactile feedback.

Images