Input with haptic feedback

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a mechanical input configured to move in a first direction in response to an input at the mechanical input. A mechanical input sensor is coupled to the mechanical input and configured to sense the input at the mechanical input based on the movement of the mechanical input in the first direction. A mechanical input actuator is coupled to the mechanical input and configured to displace the mechanical input in a second direction, different from the first direction. In some examples, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. In some examples, the mechanical input comprises a rotary input configured to rotate in the first direction in response to the input. In some examples, the mechanical input actuator is configured to displace the mechanical input in the second direction while the mechanical input is moving in the first direction.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 754,416 filed Jun. 29, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]This relates generally to user inputs, such as mechanical inputs, and more particularly, to providing haptic feedback on such inputs.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]Many types of input devices are presently available for performing operations in a computing system, such as buttons or keys, mice, trackballs, joysticks, touch sensor panels, touch screens and the like. Touch screens, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular because of their ease and versatility of operation as well as their declining price. Touch screens can include a touch sensor panel, which can be a clear panel with a touch-sensitive surface, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) that can be positioned partially or fully behind ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes how to provide haptic feedback to users interacting with electronic devices. This feedback can be simulated by using mechanical inputs, such as buttons and switches, or non-mechanical inputs like touch. The feedback can be provided through displacement of the device, which can create a sensory experience that mimics the feeling of rotating a mechanical knob or using a touch-sensitive surface. The technical effect of this patent is to improve the user experience by giving the user a more tactile and sensory interaction with the device.

Problems solved by technology

However, sometimes these mechanical inputs can fail to give a user tactile feedback, such as the “click-click-click” feeling of winding a mechanical alarm clock with a knob.

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