Dynamic bandwidth adjustment and electromagnetic damping

Abstract

The systems and methods can dynamically control and / or dynamically adjust haptic output based on the particular application or context within which the output is to be generated. This can allow for output of an appropriate vibration level or haptic output that is dynamically tailored or dynamically adjusted for the particular situation or application or context for which the output is to be generated. This can include modes in which output with a relatively high peak amplitude is desired or most effective for a particular situation or application or context or event, modes in which a relatively large bandwidth is desired or most effective for a particular situation or application or context or event, etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This document generally relates to tactile output in computing devices. Background Technology

[0002] Some electronic devices generate haptic outputs to provide physical notifications to users, haptic confirmations, enhance audio and / or visual outputs that will be experienced by the user, etc. Haptic outputs can be generated by one or more components (such as, for example, an electric motor) mounted on or within the electronic device to generate physical motion, such as vibrations, that is perceptible to the user. However, if the haptic output is not adaptable to the specific application or context for which it will be generated, the haptic output may not be fully perceptible to the user and / or may be unsuitable for the associated audio and / or video outputs, context, etc. The ability to dynamically adjust haptic outputs for specific applications or contexts can enhance the user experience of electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, a computer-implemented method may include: detecting a context of an event to be performed by a controller of an electronic device; determining, based on the detected context, a first characteristic of a tactile output device of the electronic device to be generated with respect to the event to be performed; and dynamically adjusting the damping level of the tactile output device to generate a tactile output having the first characteristic.

[0004] In some implementations, the method may further include: detecting a second context of a second event to be performed by the electronic device by a controller of the electronic device; determining, based on the second context, a second characteristic of a tactile output to be generated by the tactile output device with respect to the second event, the second characteristic being different from the first characteristic; and dynamically adjusting the damping level of the tactile output device to generate a tactile output having the second characteristic by the tactile output device.

[0005] In some implementations, the haptic output device may be a linear resonant actuator (LRA) comprising a mass having at least one magnet coupled therein and a conductive plate positioned adjacent to the mass. In some implementations, dynamically adjusting the damping level of the haptic output generated by the LRA to produce a haptic output with a first characteristic may include controlling the LRA such that the conductive plate is spaced apart from the mass by a first distance to produce a first damping level, and dynamically adjusting the damping level of the haptic output generated by the LRA to produce a haptic output with a second characteristic may include controlling the LRA such that the conductive plate is spaced apart from the mass by a second distance to produce a second damping level.

[0006] In some implementations, the mass block can reciprocate along a first axis in response to current circulating through the coil of the LRA, and controlling the LRA to separate the conductive plate from the mass block by a first distance can include controlling the LRA to move the conductive plate along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis to achieve a first damping level, and controlling the LRA to separate the conductive plate from the mass block by a second distance can include controlling the LRA to move the conductive plate along the second axis to achieve a second damping level. In some implementations, the second distance may be different from the first distance, and the second damping level may be different from the first damping level.

[0007] In some implementations, controlling the LRA to generate a haptic output with a first characteristic may include applying a first voltage difference between a conductive plate and a mass block, and triggering movement of the conductive plate along a second axis in response to a first force generated by the first voltage difference between the conductive plate and the mass block, such that the conductive plate is separated from the mass block by a first distance along the second axis. In some implementations, controlling the LRA to generate a haptic output with a second characteristic may include applying a second voltage difference between the conductive plate and the mass block, and triggering movement of the conductive plate along a second axis in response to a second force generated by the second voltage difference between the conductive plate and the mass block, such that the conductive plate is separated from the mass block by a second distance along the second axis. In some implementations, the peak amplitude of the haptic output with the first characteristic may be greater than the peak amplitude of the haptic output with the second characteristic, and the bandwidth of the haptic output with the second characteristic may be greater than the bandwidth of the haptic output with the first characteristic.

[0008] In another general aspect, a tactile output device for an electronic device may include a linear resonant actuator (LRA) configured to generate tactile output, the LRA comprising: a mass block including at least one magnet; a coil positioned adjacent to the mass block and configured to circulate current such that interaction with the at least one magnet causes reciprocating motion of the mass block along a first axis; and a damping device movably positioned adjacent to the mass block and operable to dynamically dampen the reciprocating motion of the mass block.

[0009] In some implementations, the damping device may include a conductive plate and multiple springs for coupling the conductive plate to structural members of the housing of the electronic device, such that the conductive plate is movable along a second axis, and the distance between the conductive plate and the mass block is variable based on the movement of the conductive plate along the second axis.

[0010] In some implementations, the conductive plate and the mass block may be operable to be separated by a first distance to apply a first damping level to the reciprocating motion of the mass block, thereby generating a tactile output with a first characteristic. The conductive plate and the mass block may also be operable to be separated by a second distance to apply a second damping level to the reciprocating motion of the mass block, thereby generating a tactile output with a second characteristic. In some implementations, the second distance may be smaller than the first distance, the second damping level may be greater than the first damping level, and the second axis may be substantially orthogonal to the first axis.

[0011] In some implementations, a first difference between the voltage applied to the conductive plate and the voltage applied to the mass block can be operable to generate a first force that moves the conductive plate to a first position separated from the mass block by a first distance, applying a first damping level to the reciprocating motion of the mass block and generating a tactile output with a first characteristic. A second difference between the voltage applied to the conductive plate and the voltage applied to the mass block can generate a second force that moves the conductive plate to a second position separated from the mass block by a second distance, applying a second damping level to the reciprocating motion of the mass block and generating a tactile output with a second characteristic. In some implementations, the peak amplitude of the tactile output with the first set of characteristics can be greater than the peak amplitude of the tactile output with the second set of characteristics, and the bandwidth of the tactile output with the second set of characteristics can be greater than the bandwidth of the tactile output with the first set of characteristics.

[0012] In another general aspect, an electronic device may include a tactile output device, a processor, and a non-transitory storage medium therein storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the methods described above. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1A-1E An exemplary electronic device is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device.

[0015] Figure 3A This is a top view of an exemplary linear resonant actuator. Figure 3B and 3C This is its cross-sectional view.

[0016] Figure 4A and 4B It is a graph of amplitude as a function of frequency.

[0017] Figure 5A This is a top view of an exemplary linear resonant actuator according to the implementation described herein, and Figure 5B This is its cross-sectional view.

[0018] Figure 6A and 6B It is based on the implementation method described in this article. Figure 5A and 5B A cross-sectional view of an exemplary linear resonant actuator is shown.

[0019] Figures 7A-7E The diagram illustrates the implementation method described in this article. Figures 5A-6B The operation of the exemplary linear resonant actuator is shown.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an exemplary method based on the implementation described herein.

[0021] Figure 9 Examples of computer devices and mobile computer devices that can be used to implement the technologies described herein are illustrated.

[0022] In the various figures, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0023] This document describes exemplary systems and methods for controlling haptic output in electronic devices. Specifically, exemplary systems and methods according to the implementations described herein can dynamically control and / or dynamically adjust the haptic output based on a specific application, context, or event in which output will be generated, to provide an appropriate level of haptic output or a level of haptic output dynamically customized or adjusted for a specific situation, application, or context in which output is to be generated. This can include, for example, a mode in which output with a relatively high peak amplitude is desired or most effective for a particular situation, application, context, or event; a mode in which relatively large bandwidth is desired or most effective for a particular situation, application, context, or event; and so on. While discrete operating modes may be provided, in other examples, the haptic output may vary continuously between maximum and minimum haptic output. Systems and methods according to the implementations described herein can dynamically adjust the haptic output from a user perception perspective to provide appropriate haptic output for a context and enhance the user experience.

[0024] Figures 1A to 1E Various types of exemplary electronic devices 100 are illustrated herein, which can implement systems and methods for dynamically adjusting tactile output according to the implementation methods described herein. For example, Figure 1A An exemplary handheld electronic device 100A, such as a smartphone, handheld controller, etc., is illustrated. Figure 1B An exemplary tablet computing device 100B is illustrated. Figures 1C to 1EVarious exemplary wearable electronic devices are illustrated, such as, for example, an exemplary head-mounted electronic device 100C, an exemplary wrist-worn electronic device 100D, and an exemplary ear-worn electronic device 100E. Systems and methods according to the implementations described herein can be used in a variety of different types of electronic devices (including, but not limited to, those configured to generate tactile outputs). Figures 1A to 1E Implemented in the exemplary electronic device 100 shown.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device that can implement a system and method for dynamically adjusting haptic output according to the implementation described herein, such as, for example, Figure 1A-1E One of the exemplary electronic devices shown. In some implementations, computing device 100 may include, for example, a processor and / or controller 105 that invokes operating system 110 and memory 120 to run various applications 130. In some implementations, computing device 100 may also include a display 140, an audio output device 150, an audio input device 160, an image capture device 170, an interface device 180, and an energy storage device 190. Exemplary electronic device 100 may include a haptic device 200. Haptic device 200 may be controlled to dynamically adapt output based on a particular situation, application, environment, or context.

[0026] Generally, haptic devices included in electronic devices are typically designed to generate haptic outputs with characteristics associated with a specific application, situation, or event to be performed by the electronic device. Therefore, each different type of application, situation, or event for which haptic output will be generated will depend on a different haptic device designed to generate the desired output characteristics for that specific application, situation, or event. In systems and methods including electronic devices with haptic devices according to the implementation described herein, electromagnetic damping can be applied to the action of the haptic device to dynamically adjust the characteristics of the haptic output based on the application, situation, or event for which the haptic output will be generated. In this way, a single haptic device can generate haptic outputs for multiple different scenarios, applications, or situations, which are customized or dedicated to a specific scenario, application, or situation.

[0027] Electronic devices (such as, for example) Figure 1A-1EThe exemplary electronic device 100 shown may include a haptic device (such as, for example, a linear resonant actuator (LRA)) to generate haptic output corresponding to, for example, a notification to be output to a user, audio and / or video content to be output by the electronic device 100. In electronic devices including haptic devices such as LRAs according to the implementation described herein, damping, such as electromagnetic damping, may be applied to the LRA to dynamically adjust the characteristics of the haptic output and to customize the haptic output based on the application, situation, or event for which the haptic output is to be generated.

[0028] As described above, users can benefit from haptic outputs generated and adapted to a specific context. For example, in the case of the handheld device 100A shown in Figure 1, haptic outputs can be generated in a first exemplary mode, such as to provide a notification to the user, while the handheld device 100A is in the user's pocket. In this first mode, the peak amplitude of the haptic output or vibration generated by the LRA to provide this single, relatively high-intensity notification should be strong enough that it can be perceived or felt by the user while the handheld device 100A is in the user's pocket. In a second exemplary mode, haptic outputs can be generated for audio-to-haptic applications to enhance and synchronize audio and / or video outputs, for example (e.g., in a game application where the handheld device 100A is held by the user). In this mode, the LRA can generate a wider bandwidth output to provide richer haptic effects over a wider frequency range. Where the haptic output is generated by the LRA, damping can be applied to the movement of the LRA to provide the desired output effect. Figures 3A to 3C An example LRA is shown in the figure.

[0029] Figure 3A This is a plan view of an exemplary LRA component 300, and Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A The cross-sectional view taken from line AA. Figure 3C It is an exemplary LRA component 300 including damping device 360 ​​along Figure 3AThe cross-sectional view is taken from line AA. An exemplary LRA assembly 300 may be positioned within a housing 110 of an electronic device 100, for example, between a first structural member 110A and a second structural member 110B of the housing 110, or between the first and second structural members 110A, 110B positioned within the housing 110. An exemplary LRA 300 may include a first magnet 310 and a second magnet 320 arranged relative to a mass block 350. A magnet plate 340 may extend across a first surface of the mass block 350, thereby covering at least a portion of the first surface of the mass block 350 corresponding to the first and second magnets 310, 320. A coil 330 may be positioned proximate to, for example, a spaced apart from, the second surface of the mass block 350. Springs 370 (e.g., first spring 370A and second spring 370B) at opposite ends of the mass block 350 may each be coupled to a corresponding fixing structure or a corresponding anchor 380 (e.g., first anchor 380A and second anchor 380B).

[0030] During operation, when current flows through coil 330, the interaction with the first magnet 310 and the second magnet 320 can cause linear motion or displacement of mass 350. This interaction can cause reciprocating motion of mass 350 when the current flows, rotates, or travels along the essentially circular path of coil 330, for example, in… Figure 3B The ±X direction is shown in the orientation. This reciprocating motion can generate a tactile output in the form of vibration or a vibrational sensation, experienced by a user through the housing 110 of the electronic device 100. As mentioned above, different environments or situations or applications can rely on tactile outputs with different characteristics to provide closely related user experiences. That is, users can benefit from tactile outputs generated based on and suitable for a specific situation.

[0031] In the following text, for ease of discussion, we will refer to, for example, Figure 1A The concept is described using a handheld electronic device such as the exemplary handheld device 100A shown. However, the concept described below can be applied to other types of electronic devices in which haptic output can be used to enhance the user experience.

[0032] As described above, in the first exemplary mode, the peak amplitude generated by the LRA is strong enough that the user can perceive or feel the tactile output or vibration even when the handheld device 100A is not necessarily held by the user (e.g., in the user's pocket, in the user's bag, etc.). In the second exemplary mode, the bandwidth of the tactile output generated by the LRA can be large enough to produce a richer tactile effect over a wider frequency range. In some implementations, the desired output characteristics can be achieved, for example, by applying damping to the operation of the LRA. In some implementations, the damping applied during the operation of the LRA can produce different tactile output characteristics, such as the different tactile output characteristics described above with respect to the first and second exemplary modes. For example, in some implementations, ferromagnetic damping can be applied to the operation of the LRA 300 to achieve a desired system damping level and corresponding tactile output characteristics. In some implementations, one or more elastic dampers, such as rubber dampers, can be positioned at one or both anchors 380 to achieve a desired system damping level and corresponding tactile output characteristics.

[0033] In some implementations, electromagnetic damping can be applied to the operation of the LRA 300 to achieve the desired system damping level and corresponding tactile output characteristics. For example, as... Figure 3C As shown, a damping device 360 ​​in the form of a conductive plate 360 ​​can be coupled to structure 110A and positioned at a distance D from mass block 350 / magnet plate 340. When mass block 350 moves in the ±X direction as described above and the conductive plate 360 ​​coupled to structure 110A remains stationary, interaction with the conductive plate 360 ​​generates electromagnetic damping. In this arrangement, a substantially constant level of damping force is generated based on the distance D between magnets 310, 320 and the conductive plate 360 ​​(for a given velocity and magnetic field strength of mass block 350 / magnets 310, 320). This type of frequency response is illustrated in the graph shown in Figure 4.

[0034] Figure 4A The graph shown illustrates the amplitude as a function of frequency, illustrating the vibration amplitude of mass 350 at certain frequencies for a given stiffness of the system. Typically, mass 350 can have a resonant frequency, which can be defined by the stiffness and mass of the system. Figure 4A and 4B In the graph shown, the bandwidth represents the available range of the output of the exemplary LRA component 300 as the mass block 350 moves along the ±X direction, taking into account the damping generated by the damping device 360.

[0035] As shown in Equations 1 and 2 below, where ω0 is the resonant frequency of the LRA, and Q represents the amplification of the LRA's amplitude at the resonant frequency, with the peak amplitude inversely proportional to the bandwidth. In this way, the peak amplitude increases as the bandwidth decreases.

[0036] Equation 1

[0037] Equation 2

[0038] In the first exemplary mode described above, where the electronic device 100 can be in the user's pocket and tactile output will provide notification, a relatively high amplitude may be desired to provide a single, high-intensity notification that can be perceived by the user. This first exemplary mode may involve relatively low damping to achieve a relatively high peak amplitude / relatively small bandwidth for a single, high-intensity notification, such as... Figure 4B As shown. Conversely, in the second exemplary mode described above, where the electronic device 100 is held by a user, a relatively large bandwidth may be desired to provide richer output over a wider frequency range, thereby enhancing the audio and / or video output in the user experience. For example, as Figure 4B As shown, this wider bandwidth can be achieved by increasing electromagnetic damping. Figure 3B The exemplary LRA assembly 300, including the exemplary conductive plate 360, can be designed to produce a desired level of electromagnetic damping for a specific application with specific desired tactile or vibrational output characteristics. However, this arrangement produces tactile output in a single mode and does not produce tactile outputs with different characteristics depending on the context, application, or environment to which the tactile output is targeted. Multiple LRAs can be used to produce multiple different corresponding tactile outputs, each with different characteristics; however, due to space, cost, and power constraints, it may be difficult to accommodate multiple LRAs in a single electronic device 100.

[0039] In electronic devices including haptic output devices such as LRAs, implemented according to the methods described herein, the vibration or haptic output of the LRA can be adjusted, for example dynamically, so that the characteristics of the output are suitable for a particular application or situation.

[0040] Figure 5A This is a top view of an exemplary LRA component 500 according to the implementation described herein, and Figure 5B It is along Figure 5AA cross-sectional view taken by line CC. An exemplary LRA assembly 500 may include a first magnet 510 and a second magnet 520 arranged relative to a mass block 550, wherein a magnet plate 540 extends across a first surface of the mass block 550, thereby covering at least a portion of the first surface of the mass block 550 corresponding to the first magnet 510 and the second magnet 520. A coil 530 may be positioned close to, for example, spaced apart from, the second surface of the mass block 550. Springs 570 (570A, 570B) at opposite ends of the mass block 550 may each be coupled to a corresponding fixing structure or a corresponding anchor 580 (580A, 580B). Figure 5A and 5B The operation of the exemplary LRA component 500 shown can generally be similar to that described above. Figures 3A to 3C The operation of the exemplary LRA component 300 is described.

[0041] like Figure 5B As shown in the cross-sectional view, the damping device 560 can be positioned between the mass block 550 of the computing device 100 and the structural member 110A. Figure 5A and 5B In the exemplary arrangement shown, a damping device 560, for example in the form of a conductive plate 560, is coupled to the structural member 110A via one or more springs 590. Figure 5B In the exemplary arrangement shown, for ease of discussion and illustration only, the LRA assembly 500 includes two springs 590. The LRA assembly 500 may include more or fewer springs 590 to couple the damping device / conductive plate 560 to the structural member 110A of the computing device 100.

[0042] The conductive plate 560 and structural member 110A can be coupled by one or more springs 590 to provide the conductive plate 560 along the ±Y direction (along Figure 5B The conductive plate 560 can be selectively moved along the ±Y direction and can remain relatively stationary along the ±X direction. This movement of the conductive plate 560 along the ±Y direction allows for adjustment of the distance D between the conductive plate 560 and the mass block 550. Adjustment of the distance D along the ±Y direction (e.g., increasing or decreasing the distance D) can, in turn, adjust the damping level resulting from the interaction between the conductive plate 560 and the mass block 550 and the magnets 510, 520.

[0043] The adjustment of the damping level resulting from the interaction between the conductive plate 560 and the mass block and magnets 510, 520 can be applied to the vibration or tactile output generated by the LRA component 550 to adjust the characteristics of the vibration or tactile output perceived by the user for a specific application or situation. Specifically, the distance D (rather than) is dynamically adjusted. Figure 3CThe ability to maintain a fixed distance D in the illustrated exemplary arrangement allows the vibration bandwidth or tactile output to be dynamically adjusted as needed in response to a particular application, situation, event, or use of the electronic device 100. For example, a larger distance D or an increase in distance D can provide a relatively low damping effect and allow the LRA component 500 to produce a vibration or tactile output with a relatively high peak amplitude for a single high-intensity notification, as described above with respect to the first exemplary mode. A smaller distance D or a decrease in distance D can provide a relatively low damping effect and allow the LRA component 500 to produce a vibration or tactile output with a relatively wide bandwidth, as described above with respect to the second exemplary mode.

[0044] In some implementations, the conductive plate 560 can move in the ±Y direction in response to a force F generated between the conductive plate 560 and the mass block 550 / magnets 510, 520. For example, the force F can push the conductive plate 560 towards the mass block 550, from... Figure 6A The first exemplary position shown is pushed to Figure 6B The second exemplary position shown changes the distance D between the conductive plate 560 and the mass block 550 from the distance D1 in the first exemplary position to the distance D2 in the second exemplary position. The magnitude of the force F can be determined by Equation 3 shown below. In Equation 3, C represents the capacitance between the conductive plate 560 and the mass blocks 550 / magnets 510, 520. The differential dC / dt of the capacitance C is a function of the area A of the conductive plate 560 and the distance D between the conductive plate 560 and the mass block 550, as shown in Equation 4. In Equation 3, V represents the difference between the voltage V1 applied to the conductive plate 560 and the voltage V2 applied to the mass block 550, as shown in Equation 5.

[0045] Equation 3: F = (1 / 2)(dC / dt)V 2

[0046] Equation 4 dC / dt=eps*A / D 2

[0047] Equation 5: V = V2 - V1

[0048] As described above, in the first exemplary mode, a relatively high amplitude vibration or tactile output may be desired to generate a single, relatively high-intensity notification that the user will perceive or be aware of if the electronic device 100 is in the user's pocket. In this scenario, if the voltage V2 applied to the mass block 550 remains constant, the voltage V1 applied to the conductive plate 560 can be increased. Increasing the voltage V1 applied to the conductive plate 560 will reduce the voltage difference V between (V2-V1). This produces a smaller force F, which in turn produces a larger distance D, and results in a smaller amount of damping caused by the interaction between the conductive plate 560 and the mass block 550 / magnets 510, 520.

[0049] As described above, in the second exemplary mode, a relatively large bandwidth may be desired to generate vibration or haptic output over a relatively large frequency range, for example, in a gaming scenario where the electronic device 100 is held by a user. In this scenario, if the voltage V2 applied to the mass block 550 remains constant, the voltage V1 applied to the conductive plate 560 can be reduced. Reducing the voltage V1 applied to the conductive plate 560 will increase the voltage difference V between (V2-V1). This generates a larger force F, which in turn generates a smaller distance D (i.e., bringing the conductive plate 560 and the mass block 550 closer together), and results in a larger amount of damping generated by the interaction between the conductive plate 560 and the mass block 550 / magnets 510, 520.

[0050] In some implementations, the processor / controller of the electronic device may, in response to, for example, detection by the processor / controller of the environment to which the vibration / tactile output is to be supplied, control the voltage V1 applied to the damping device 560 and the voltage V2 applied to the mass block 550 / magnet 510, 520.

[0051] Figures 7A-7E This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary LRA component 500, illustrating the reciprocating motion of the LRA component 500 to generate vibrational or tactile output. Figures 7A-7E In the exemplary arrangement shown, voltage V1 has been applied to conductive plate 560, and voltage V2 has been applied to mass blocks / magnets 510, 520, so that conductive plate 560 moves toward mass block 550 a separation distance D2 (as described above regarding...). Figure 6B As described above, during operation, when current flows through coil 530 along its essentially circular path, the electromagnetic interaction with the first magnet 510 and the second magnet 520 can cause linear reciprocating motion of the mass block 550. When the mass block 550 moves from... Figure 7A The initial position shown is moved to Figure 7B The first extreme position shown, after Figure 7C The middle position shown, arrival Figure 7D The second extreme position is shown and then returned to Figure 7E At the middle position shown, Figures 7A to 7E The linear reciprocating motion is illustrated sequentially in the diagram. This reciprocating motion can continue to generate a tactile output in the form of vibration or a vibrational sensation, for example, experienced by a user through the housing 110 of the electronic device 100.

[0052] In computing devices including haptic output devices (e.g., linear resonant actuators) according to the implementations described herein, the conductive plate may be made of a conductive material (such as, for example, a conductive metallic material). In some implementations, the conductive plate may be made of a conductive metallic material (such as, for example, copper, gold, silver, or another such conductive material).

[0053] In the above example, changing or adjusting (i.e., increasing or decreasing) voltage V1 (applied to conductive plate 560), while voltage V2 (applied to mass block 550 / magnets 510, 520) remains substantially constant, produces variations in voltage V, corresponding force F, and corresponding distance D (between conductive plate 560 and mass block 550). This will produce an appropriate amount of damping for the desired vibration, or a tactile output for a specific application or situation, for the sake of discussion and illustration only. In some implementations, voltage V2 may be changed or adjusted (i.e., increased or decreased), while voltage V1 remains substantially constant, to produce variations in voltage V required to generate the corresponding amount of damping and the desired vibration or tactile output. In some implementations, both voltage V1 and voltage V2 may be changed or adjusted to produce variations in voltage V required to generate the corresponding amount of damping and the desired vibration or tactile output. In some implementations, when voltage V2 is essentially zero, voltage V1 can be changed or adjusted (i.e., increased or decreased) to produce the voltage V required to generate the corresponding damping and desired vibration or tactile output.

[0054] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an exemplary method 800 that can be applied in combination with one or more exemplary implementations described herein. In an electronic device including an LRA component such as, for example, the exemplary LRA component 500 described above (such as, for example...), Figure 1A-1EDuring operation of one of the exemplary electronic devices 100 shown, instances or events that will include vibration or tactile output can be detected (blocks 810, 820). In response to the detection of an instance or event, the processor of the computing device can detect the context associated with the detected instance or event based on information, for example, stored in memory (block 830). Detecting the context may include, for example, detecting whether the context is associated with a vibration / tactile output having a relatively high peak amplitude, such as for a single high-intensity notification in the first exemplary mode described above, or whether the context is associated with a vibration / tactile output having a relatively wide bandwidth covering a relatively large frequency range, such as in the second exemplary mode described above. The context may be determined based solely on the event. The context may also include the context of the electronic device. The context of the electronic device may include, for example, whether the device is likely in a user's pocket, whether the user is looking at or otherwise interacting with the electronic device, and the nature of the environment of the electronic device (such as volume or light level). The context of the electronic device may be detected using one or more sensors of the electronic device (such as a microphone, camera, GPS sensor, etc.). Based on the detected environment, a first voltage can be applied to a damping device (such as, for example, exemplary damping device 560 of the exemplary LRA component 500 described above) (box 840), and a second voltage can be applied to a mass (such as, for example, exemplary mass 550 of the exemplary LRA component 500 described above) (box 850). As described above, the first and second voltages can be applied such that the difference between them causes movement of the damping device, and dynamically adjusts the damping level of the vibration / tactile output applied to the LRA component (box 860).

[0055] In this way, the electromagnetic damping level can be dynamically adjusted while the electronic device is operable, allowing the vibration / tactile output generated by the LRA component to be dynamically adjusted for a specific application, situation, or environment associated with an event or instance detected during the operation of the electronic device. While the examples described herein involve automatically determining the adjustment to the vibration / tactile output (e.g., based on a determined situation), dynamic adjustment can be determined in other ways. For example, the adjustment can be determined based on dynamically received user input.

[0056] Figure 9Examples of computer device 1300 and mobile computer device 1350 are illustrated, which can be used with the techniques described herein (e.g., to implement client computing device 102, server computing device 170, and provider resource 180). Computing device 1300 includes a processor 1302, memory 1304, storage device 1306, a high-speed interface 1308 connected to memory 1304 and a high-speed expansion port 1310, and a low-speed interface 1312 connected to a low-speed bus 1314 and storage device 1306. Each of components 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308, 1310, and 1312 is interconnected using various buses and can be mounted on a common motherboard or otherwise suitably mounted. Processor 1302 can process instructions for execution within computing device 1300, including instructions stored in memory 1304 or storage device 1306 to display graphical information for a GUI on external input / output devices, such as a display 1316 coupled to high-speed interface 1308. In other implementations, multiple processors and / or multiple buses may be appropriately used in conjunction with multiple memories and various types of storage. Furthermore, multiple computing devices 1300 may be connected, each providing a portion of the necessary operation (e.g., as a server library, a set of blade servers, or a multiprocessor system).

[0057] Memory 1304 stores information within computing device 1300. In one implementation, memory 1304 is one or more volatile memory cells. In another implementation, memory 1304 is one or more non-volatile memory cells. Memory 1304 may also be another form of computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk.

[0058] Storage device 1306 provides mass storage for computing device 1300. In one implementation, storage device 1306 may be or contain computer-readable media, such as floppy disk devices, hard disk devices, optical disk devices, magnetic tape devices, flash memory or other similar solid-state storage devices, or device arrays (including devices in storage area networks or other configurations). A computer program product may be tangibly embodied in an information carrier. A computer program product may also contain instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The information carrier is a computer or machine-readable medium, such as memory 1304, storage device 1306, or memory on processor 1302.

[0059] High-speed controller 1308 manages bandwidth-intensive operations of computing device 1300, while low-speed controller 1312 manages lower bandwidth-intensive operations. This functional allocation is merely illustrative. In one implementation, high-speed controller 1308 is coupled to memory 1304, display 1316 (e.g., via a graphics processor or accelerator), and high-speed expansion port 1310, which can accept various expansion cards (not shown). In another implementation, low-speed controller 1312 is coupled to storage device 1306 and low-speed expansion port 1314. The low-speed expansion port, which may include various communication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wireless Ethernet), can be coupled to one or more input / output devices, such as keyboards, pointing devices, scanners, or networking devices (such as switches or routers), for example, via a network adapter.

[0060] As shown in the figure, computing device 1300 can be implemented in a variety of different forms. For example, the computing device can be implemented as a standard server 1320 or multiple times in a group of such servers. The computing device can also be implemented as part of a rack server system 1324. Alternatively, the computing device can be implemented in a personal computer (such as laptop computer 1322). Alternatively, components from computing device 1300 can be combined with other components in mobile devices (not shown) (such as device 1350). Each of these devices can contain one or more of computing devices 1300, 1350, and the entire system can consist of multiple computing devices 1300, 1350 communicating with each other.

[0061] In addition to other components, computing device 1350 includes a processor 1352, memory 1364, input / output devices (such as a display 1354), a communication interface 1366, and a transceiver 1368. Device 1350 may also be equipped with storage devices, such as micro hard disks or other devices, to provide additional storage. Each of components 1350, 1352, 1364, 1354, 1366, and 1368 is interconnected using various buses, and some of these components may be mounted on a common motherboard or otherwise installed as needed.

[0062] Processor 1352 can execute instructions within computing device 1350, including instructions stored in memory 1364. The processor can be implemented as a chip set including individual and multiple analog and digital processor chips. The processor can provide, for example, coordination of other components of device 1350, such as user interfaces, applications running by device 1350, and control of wireless communications via device 1350.

[0063] Processor 1352 can communicate with the user via control interface 1358 and display interface 1356 coupled to display 1354. For example, display 1354 can be a TFT LCD (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display), LED (Light Emitting Diode), or OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, or other suitable display technologies. Display interface 1356 may include suitable circuitry for driving display 1354 to present graphics and other information to the user. Control interface 1358 can receive commands from the user and translate these commands for submission to processor 1352. Additionally, external interface 1362 may be provided to communicate with processor 1352, enabling device 1350 to communicate with other devices in the vicinity. In some implementations, external interface 1362 may provide, for example, wired communication, or in other implementations, wireless communication, and multiple interfaces may be used.

[0064] Memory 1364 stores information within computing device 1350. Memory 1364 may be implemented as one or more computer-readable media, one or more volatile memory cells, or one or more non-volatile memory cells. Extended memory 1374 may also be provided and connected to device 1350 via an extended interface 1372, which may include, for example, a SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module) card interface. Such extended memory 1374 may provide additional storage space for device 1350, or it may also store applications or other information of device 1350. Specifically, extended memory 1374 may include instructions for implementing or supplementing the processes described above, and may also include security information. Thus, for example, extended memory 1374 may be provided as a security module of device 1350 and may be programmed with instructions that allow secure use of device 1350. Additionally, secure applications may be provided via a SIMM card along with additional information (such as placing identification information on the SIMM card in an intrusive manner).

[0065] The memory may include, for example, flash memory and / or NVRAM memory, as discussed below. In one implementation, the computer program product is tangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product contains instructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described above. The information carrier is a computer or machine-readable medium, such as memory 1364, extended memory 1374, or memory on the processor 1352, which can be received via, for example, a transceiver 1368 or an external interface 1362.

[0066] Device 1350 can communicate wirelessly via communication interface 1366, which may include a digital signal processing circuitry system if necessary. Communication interface 1366 can provide communication in various modes or protocols, such as GSM voice calls, SMS, EMS, or MMS message sending, CDMA, TDMA, PDC, WCDMA, CDMA2000, or GPRS. This communication can occur, for example, via radio frequency transceiver 1368. Alternatively, short-range communication can occur via transceivers such as Bluetooth, WiFi, or others (not shown). Additionally, GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver module 1370 can provide additional navigation and location-related wireless data to device 1350, which can be used by applications running on device 1350 as needed.

[0067] Device 1350 can also communicate audibly using audio codec 1360, which can receive verbal information from a user and convert the verbal information into usable digital information. Audio codec 1360 can also generate audible sounds for the user, such as through a speaker, for example, the speaker in the handset of device 1350. Such sounds can include sounds from voice telephone calls, recorded sounds (e.g., voice messages, music files, etc.), and sounds generated by applications operating on device 1350.

[0068] As shown in the figure, the computing device 1350 can be implemented in a variety of different forms. For example, the computing device can be implemented as a cellular phone 1380. It can also be implemented as part of a smartphone 1382, a personal digital assistant, or other similar mobile device.

[0069] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuit systems, integrated circuit systems, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs capable of executing and / or interpreting on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be dedicated or general-purpose and may be coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transfer data and instructions to the storage system, the at least one input device, and the at least one output device.

[0070] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or in assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0071] To provide interaction with a user, the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented on a computer having: a display device (LED (light-emitting diode), OLED (organic LED), or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor / screen) for displaying information to the user, and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user provides input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can be received in any form (including acoustic input, voice input, or tactile input).

[0072] The systems and technologies described herein can be implemented in computing systems that include back-end components (e.g., as data servers), middleware components (e.g., application servers), front-end components (e.g., client computers with graphical user interfaces or web browsers through which users can interact with the implementation of the systems and technologies described herein), or any combination of such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected via digital data communication (e.g., communication networks) of any form or medium. Examples of communication networks include local area networks (“LANs”), wide area networks (“WANs”), and the Internet.

[0073] A computing system may include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally geographically separated and typically interact via a communication network. The client-server relationship is created by computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other.

[0074] In some implementations, Figure 9The computing device depicted may include sensors that interface with an AR headset / HMD device 1390 to generate an augmented environment for viewing inserted content within a physical space. For example, sensors may be included in computing device 1350 or... Figure 9 One or more sensors on other computing devices depicted may provide input to the AR headset 1390, or generally to the AR space. Sensors may include, but are not limited to, touchscreens, accelerometers, gyroscopes, pressure sensors, biometric sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and ambient light sensors. The computing device 1350 may use sensors to determine its absolute position and / or detected rotation in the AR space, which can then be used as input to the AR space. For example, the computing device 1350 may be incorporated into the AR space as a virtual object (such as a controller, laser pointer, keyboard, weapon, etc.). When incorporated into the AR space, the user's positioning of the computing device / virtual object allows the user to position the computing device to view the virtual object in some way within the AR space. For example, if the virtual object represents a laser pointer, the user can operate the computing device as if it were an actual laser pointer. The user can move the computing device left and right, up and down, in a circle, etc., and use the device in a manner similar to using a laser pointer. In some implementations, the user can use a virtual laser pointer to aim at a target location.

[0075] In some implementations, one or more input devices, including those on or connected to the computing device 1350, can be used as input to the AR space. Input devices may include, but are not limited to, touchscreens, keyboards, one or more buttons, touchpads, pointing devices, mice, trackballs, joysticks, cameras, microphones, headsets or earphones with input capabilities, game controllers, or other connectable input devices. When the computing device is incorporated into the AR space, a user interacting with the input devices included on the computing device 1350 can cause specific actions to occur in the AR space.

[0076] In some implementations, the touchscreen of computing device 1350 can be presented as a touchpad in AR space. Users can interact with the touchscreen of computing device 1350. For example, in AR headset 1390, interaction is presented as movement on a touchpad presented in AR space. The presented movement can control virtual objects in AR space.

[0077] In some implementations, one or more output devices included on the computing device 1350 can provide output and / or feedback to a user of the AR headset 1390 in the AR space. The output and feedback can be visual, tactile, or audio. The output and / or feedback can include, but is not limited to, vibration, turning one or more lights or flashlights and / or the flashing of one or more lights or bi-lights, issuing alarms, playing ringtones, playing songs, and playing audio files. Output devices can include, but are not limited to, vibration motors, vibration coils, piezoelectric devices, electrostatic devices, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), flashlights, and speakers.

[0078] In some implementations, the computing device 1350 can appear as another object in a computer-generated 3D environment. User interactions with the computing device 1350 (e.g., rotating, shaking, touching a touchscreen, swiping a finger on the touchscreen) can be interpreted as interactions with objects in AR space. In the example of a laser pointer in AR space, the computing device 1350 appears as a virtual laser pointer in a computer-generated 3D environment. When the user manipulates the computing device 1350, the user in AR space perceives the laser pointer as moving. The user receives feedback from interactions with the computing device 1350 in the AR environment, either on the computing device 1350 or on the AR headset 1390. User interactions with the computing device can be translated into interactions with a user interface generated for a controllable device in the AR environment.

[0079] In some implementations, computing device 1350 may include a touchscreen. For example, a user can interact with the touchscreen to interact with the user interface of the controllable device. For example, the touchscreen may include user interface elements such as sliders that can control the properties of the controllable device.

[0080] Computing device 1300 is intended to represent various forms of digital computers and devices, including but not limited to laptop computers, desktop computers, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other suitable computers. Computing device 1350 is intended to represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, cellular phones, smartphones, and other similar computing devices. The components shown herein, their connections and relationships, and their functions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the implementation of the inventions described and / or claimed in this document.

[0081] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the specification.

[0082] Furthermore, the logic flow shown in the figure does not require the specific order or sequence shown to achieve the desired result. Additionally, other steps can be provided from the described flow, or steps can be eliminated from the described flow, and other components can be added to or removed from the described system. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

[0083] While certain features of the described implementations have been shown as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents will now appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations falling within the scope of the implementations. It should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not limitation, and various changes in form and detail are possible. Any part of the apparatus and / or method described herein can be combined in any combination, except mutually exclusive combinations. The implementations described herein may include various combinations and / or sub-combinations of the functions, components, and / or features of the different implementations described.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: The context in which the controller of an electronic device detects the event to be performed by the electronic device; The controller determines, based on the detected environment, a first characteristic of the tactile output device of the electronic device to be generated in response to the event to be performed, wherein the tactile output device includes a linear resonant actuator (LRA), the LRA including a mass block having at least one magnet coupled therein and a conductive plate positioned adjacent to the mass block; and The damping level of the tactile output device is dynamically adjusted so that the tactile output device generates a tactile output having the first characteristic; A second scenario in which the controller of an electronic device detects a second event to be performed by the electronic device; The controller determines, based on the second context, a second characteristic of the tactile output to be generated by the tactile output device in relation to the second event, the second characteristic being different from the first characteristic; and Dynamically adjusting the damping level of the tactile output device to generate a tactile output having the second characteristic, wherein dynamically adjusting the damping level of the tactile output generated by the LRA to generate a tactile output having the first characteristic includes controlling the LRA such that the conductive plate is separated from the mass block by a first distance to generate a first damping level, and Dynamically adjusting the damping level of the tactile output generated by the LRA to produce a tactile output with the second characteristic includes controlling the LRA such that the conductive plate is separated from the mass block by a second distance to produce a second damping level.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The mass block reciprocates along the first axis in response to a current circulating through the coil of the LRA, and wherein Controlling the LRA to separate the conductive plate from the mass block by the first distance includes controlling the LRA to move the conductive plate along a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis to achieve the first damping level; as well as Controlling the LRA to separate the conductive plate from the mass block by the second distance includes controlling the LRA to move the conductive plate along the second axis to achieve the second damping level.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The second distance is different from the first distance, and the second damping level is different from the first damping level.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Controlling the LRA to generate a tactile output having the first characteristic includes: A first voltage difference is applied between the conductive plate and the mass block, and the conductive plate is triggered to move along the second axis in response to a first force generated by the first voltage difference between the conductive plate and the mass block, such that the conductive plate is separated from the mass block by the first distance along the second axis.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Controlling the LRA to generate a tactile output having the second characteristic includes: A second voltage difference is applied between the conductive plate and the mass block, and the conductive plate is triggered to move along the second axis in response to a second force generated by the second voltage difference between the conductive plate and the mass block, such that the conductive plate is separated from the mass block by the second distance along the second axis.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The peak amplitude of the tactile output having the first characteristic is greater than the peak amplitude of the tactile output having the second characteristic, and The bandwidth of the tactile output with the second characteristic is greater than the bandwidth of the tactile output with the first characteristic.

7. A tactile output device for an electronic device, comprising: A linear resonant actuator (LRA) configured to generate a tactile output, the LRA comprising: Includes a mass block containing at least one magnet; A coil positioned adjacent to the mass block, the coil being configured to circulate current such that interaction with the at least one magnet causes reciprocating motion of the mass block along a first axis; and A damping device, movably positioned adjacent to and operable to dynamically dampen the reciprocating motion of the mass block. The damping device includes: Conductive plate; and Multiple springs are provided for coupling the conductive plate to a structural member of the housing of the electronic device, such that the conductive plate is movable along a second axis, and the distance between the conductive plate and the mass block is variable based on the movement of the conductive plate along the second axis.

8. The tactile output device according to claim 7, wherein, The conductive plate and the mass block are operable to be separated by a first distance to apply a first damping level to the reciprocating motion of the mass block, thereby generating a tactile output with a first characteristic. The conductive plate and the mass block are operable to be separated by a second distance in order to apply a second damping level to the reciprocating motion of the mass block, thereby generating a tactile output with a second characteristic.

9. The tactile output device according to claim 8, wherein, The second distance is less than the first distance. The second damping level is greater than the first damping level, and The second axis is substantially orthogonal to the first axis.

10. The tactile output device according to claim 8, wherein, A first difference between the voltage applied to the conductive plate and the voltage applied to the mass block is operable to generate a first force that causes the conductive plate to move to a first position separated from the mass block by a first distance, thereby applying a first damping level to the reciprocating motion of the mass block and generating a tactile output having the first characteristic. A second difference between the voltage applied to the conductive plate and the voltage applied to the mass block generates a second force, which causes the conductive plate to move to a second position separated from the mass block by a second distance, thereby applying a second damping level to the reciprocating motion of the mass block and generating a tactile output having the second characteristic.

11. The tactile output device according to claim 8, wherein, The peak amplitude of the tactile output having the first characteristic is greater than the peak amplitude of the tactile output having the second characteristic, and The bandwidth of the tactile output with the second characteristic is greater than the bandwidth of the tactile output with the first characteristic.

12. An electronic device comprising a tactile output device according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. An electronic device, comprising: Tactile output devices; processor; as well as The non-transitory storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, The tactile output device is the tactile output device according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

Images