Haptic feedback system for computer peripheral

Abstract

A haptic feedback system for a computer peripheral device, the system comprising: a rotor comprising a recess within the rotor; and a stator within the recess of the rotor; wherein when the rotor is in a first position relative to the stator, the system has a first magnetic flux configured to provide a first haptic feedback to a user of the system; wherein when the rotor is in a second position relative to the stator, the system has a second magnetic flux configured to provide a second haptic feedback to the user of the system; wherein the first position and the second position are different positions; and wherein the first magnetic flux is greater than the second magnetic flux.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a haptic feedback system for a computer peripheral device, the haptic feedback system comprising: a rotor including a recess located within the rotor; and a stator located within the recess of the rotor. Background Technology

[0002] US 9778760 B1 generally relates to a magnetic brake for input control. This document discloses a rotary input control comprising a rotor assembly configured to employ a magnetic brake mechanism, wherein the rotor assembly includes a rotor that rotates about a rotation axis and includes a plurality of magnetic elements disposed around the rotor. However, in this document, the stator is located outside the rotor.

[0003] US2022 / 300026 A1 generally relates to a passive haptic interface. This document discloses a passive haptic interface comprising a first element that is rotatably movable about an axis or translatably movable along an axis, the first movable element rotating or movable relative to a second fixed element. The first movable element has a first plurality of magnetic poles periodically spaced apart in the direction of movement by a magnetic pole spacing Ps, and the second fixed element has a second plurality of magnetic poles periodically spaced apart in the direction of movement by a magnetic pole spacing Pr, wherein Ps and Pr are different numbers. During the period Pt, the magnetic interaction between the first movable element and the second fixed element generates periodic stress. The magnetic pole spacings Ps and Pr are chosen such that Pt is strictly less than the minimum of the spacings Ps and Pr.

[0004] Other known solutions include gears made of ferromagnetic material and a stator located outside the gears to produce a braking effect, or a radially polarized rotor and stator to produce this effect.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a system that provides haptic feedback to users of computer peripherals, a system that is more compact and incorporates a simpler mechanical design. This would result in a haptic feedback system that, due to its reduced size, can be placed in any number of computer peripherals and is easily replaceable due to its simple mechanical nature. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The invention is set forth in the independent technical solutions section. Preferred embodiments of the invention are summarized in the dependent technical solutions section. Related aspects will also be found below.

[0007] A haptic feedback system for a computer peripheral device is described, the system comprising: a rotor including a recess within the rotor; and a stator located within the recess of the rotor; wherein one of the rotor and the stator comprises a ferromagnetic material; wherein the other of the rotor and the stator comprises a plurality of polarized magnets; wherein at least a first magnet of the plurality of magnets has a first polarity, and at least a second magnet of the plurality of magnets has a second polarity; wherein the first magnet of the plurality of magnets and the second magnet of the plurality of magnets are positioned adjacent to each other; wherein when the rotor is in a first position relative to the stator, the system has a first magnetic flux configured to provide first haptic feedback to a user of the system; wherein when the rotor is in a second position relative to the stator, the system has a second magnetic flux configured to provide second haptic feedback to the user of the system; wherein the first position and the second position are different positions; and wherein the first magnetic flux is greater than the second magnetic flux.

[0008] The computer peripheral is preferably a mouse, but may alternatively be a keyboard, controller, monitor, storage device or any other suitable peripheral.

[0009] The stator is configured to remain stationary during system operation, and the rotor is configured to rotate during system operation, for example, by a user's finger using a peripheral device (e.g., a scroll wheel on a mouse). The recesses may be sized and shaped such that the entire stator is located within the recesses, or only a portion of the stator is located within the recesses.

[0010] Polarized magnets can be positioned adjacent to each other on the rotor or stator. That is, a magnet comprising a first polarity can be directly adjacent to a magnet comprising a second polarity. This is achieved, for example, by pressing and annealing a mixture of permanent magnet metal powder and thermoplastic powder into the desired shape of the rotor or stator and then exposing the rotor or stator to an alternating magnetic field in space to obtain the desired magnetic configuration.

[0011] The first and second magnetic fluxes are based on the interaction between a ferromagnetic material and a plurality of polarized magnets. For example, when the rotor is in a first position, at least a portion of the ferromagnetic material may be attracted to one of the polarized magnets and repelled by another, resulting in a first magnetic flux of the system. When the rotor is in a second position, said portion of the ferromagnetic material may not be attracted or repelled by the plurality of polarized magnets, or the attractive and repulsive forces may be weaker than when the rotor is in the first position. Each of these positions results in different tactile feedback for the user of the system. Specifically, when the rotor is in the first position, the tactile feedback felt by the user of the system may include resistance to the user who wants to change the position of the rotor, and when the rotor is in the second position, the tactile feedback felt by the user of the system may include a force indicating that the rotor is not in the first position.

[0012] In some instances, both the rotor and stator comprise generally circular cross-sections. This allows for particularly compact systems, as the stator can be at least partially located within the rotor. Furthermore, this can be particularly advantageous in computer peripherals using wheels, dials, and knobs, since the rotor can be interacted with directly or indirectly by the user.

[0013] In some instances, the ferromagnetic material includes protrusions extending toward multiple magnets. This can result in a significant difference between a first magnetic flux and a second magnetic flux, thereby providing a significant difference between the first and second tactile feedback felt by the user when the rotor is in both the first and second positions.

[0014] In some instances, when the rotor is in a first position, the protrusion is configured to align with either the first or the second of the plurality of magnets; and when the rotor is in a second position, the protrusion is configured not to align with either the first or the second of the plurality of magnets.

[0015] As a non-limiting example, when the rotor is in a first position, a protrusion including a first polarity can be aligned with a polarized magnet having a second polarity. Thus, the polarized magnet can be magnetically attracted to the aligned protrusion, and the protrusion can be repelled by the magnet including the first polarity, positioned adjacent to the magnet including the second polarity. This can result in a high attractive force between the rotor and stator, generating first tactile feedback, which includes tactile information to the user that the rotor is in the first position. When the rotor is in a second position, the attractive and repulsive forces between the rotor and stator can be non-uniform, resulting in a weaker magnetic flux, and the rotor desires to return to the first position. This could mean that the tactile feedback felt by the user of the system includes tactile information indicating that the system and the rotor are not in the first position, resulting in a feeling that the rotor wants to return to the first position. This improves the feedback given to the user, allowing for more accurate determination of the rotor's position. Furthermore, when the rotor is in the first position, this allows for reduced accidental and unwanted movement of the rotor, resulting in more precise and accurate movement of the rotor.

[0016] In some instances, the ferromagnetic material includes multiple protrusions; and the number of protrusions equals the number of magnets. This allows for more uniform tactile feedback around the circumference of the rotor as it rotates from the first position to the second position, and vice versa.

[0017] In some instances, the system further includes an outer wheel; wherein the outer wheel is coupled to a rotor; wherein the outer wheel is rotatable with the rotor; and wherein the rotor is located between the outer wheel and the stator. The outer wheel may allow at least one of the following functions:

[0018] 1) Due to, for example, the surface finish of the outer wheel, the outer wheel can allow for more accurate tactile feedback to the user of the system;

[0019] 2) The outer wheels contribute to the system's appearance because they are part of the system, extending outside the computer peripherals to allow user interaction with the system. Therefore, this indicates where the user should interact with the system; and

[0020] 3) The outer wheel can add weight / mass to the system, thereby increasing the rotational inertia of the entire system. For this purpose, the outer wheel preferably comprises steel, preferably non-ferromagnetic steel (having an austenitic molecular structure), but may additionally or alternatively comprise any other material that adds weight / mass to the system. The material is also preferably one that does not interfere with or distort the electromagnetic field described herein. This is particularly important in embodiments where the stator comprises a ferromagnetic material.

[0021] In some instances, the system further includes a system holder configured to keep the stator stationary. This allows the user to receive more accurate tactile feedback regarding the rotor's position. The system holder preferably comprises plastic, but may additionally or alternatively comprise any other material that does not interfere with or distort the electromagnetic fields described herein. The system holder may have any suitable form factor for keeping the stator stationary.

[0022] In some instances, the system further includes at least one screw configured to couple the stator to the system holder. This allows the user to receive more accurate tactile feedback regarding the rotor's position. Alternatively, any other suitable means, such as gluing, welding, and fastening, can be used to couple the stator to the system holder.

[0023] In some instances, the rotor and stator are located within the system holder. This can be advantageous in scenarios where the computer peripheral device can move along the lateral and / or longitudinal axes of the through-holes described herein. This movement can occur, for example, when the system is in a mouse and the user presses the system to activate a "middle click" on the scroll wheel. This allows the system to move along these axes without interfering with the relative positioning between the rotor and stator, thus allowing the system to still function as described herein.

[0024] In some instances, each of the rotor and stator includes a through-hole for elongated components, and said through-holes are aligned with each other. This allows for a robust coupling between the rotor and stator. It also allows the distance between the rotor and stator to remain constant, thereby improving the tactile feedback felt by the user of the system.

[0025] In some instances, the rotor can rotate about the axis of rotation of the through-hole. This allows for feedback to be provided to the system user for improvements.

[0026] In some instances, the system further includes an elongated member passing through two through-holes, with a first end of the elongated member coupled to a system holder. In some instances, the elongated member may be a mandrel. The elongated member is preferably a cylindrical assembly, but may include any suitable form with an interference fit to an outer wheel, thereby making the elongated member a rotatable element. In this scenario, the system holder may at least partially enclose both sides of the rotor and / or stator, and the elongated member may be positioned within a cavity of the system holder. In some instances, there is no interference fit. In some instances, bushings may be used to reduce rotational friction of the elongated member.

[0027] In some instances, the rotor is biased toward a first position based on a first magnetic flux greater than a second magnetic flux. This allows for the reduction of accidental and unwanted movement of the system and / or the rotor. It also allows for the application of a force above a predetermined threshold to the rotor before rotation, thereby providing feedback to the user that the rotor is in the first position.

[0028] In some instances, the computer peripheral device is a mouse, and the system is located within the mouse.

[0029] In some instances, the rotor is immediately configured to rotate after the mouse wheel is rotated. The rotor preferably has a press-fit with the outer wheel to transmit any rotation from the outer wheel to the rotor.

[0030] While the above describes a system, those skilled in the art will understand that the processes and features mentioned herein can also relate to a device and / or method for providing haptic feedback to a user of a computer peripheral device. Attached Figure Description

[0031] These and other aspects of the invention will now be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals refer to similar parts, and wherein:

[0032] Figure 1a and 1b Cross-sectional and perspective views are shown for a first embodiment of a haptic feedback system based on some examples described herein;

[0033] Figure 2a and 2b The rotating and stationary portions of a first embodiment of a haptic feedback system according to some examples described herein are shown;

[0034] Figure 3a and 3b A magnetic flux diagram is shown for a first embodiment of a haptic feedback system based on some examples described herein;

[0035] Figure 4a and 4b Cross-sectional and perspective views are shown for a second embodiment of a haptic feedback system based on some examples described herein;

[0036] Figure 5a and 5b This demonstrates a second embodiment of a haptic feedback system, including its rotating and stationary portions, based on some examples described herein; and

[0037] Figure 6a and 6bA magnetic flux diagram is shown for a second implementation of a haptic feedback system based on some examples described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1a and 1b Cross-sectional and perspective views are shown of a first embodiment of a haptic feedback system based on some examples described herein.

[0039] As in Figure 1a and 1b As can be seen, the system includes a stator 1, a rotor 2, an outer wheel 3, a system holder 4, and screws 5. To carry out the invention, as described herein, only the stator 1 and rotor 2 are required, and other components are used to support the stator 1 and rotor 2 and to further enhance the usability of the system (in addition to the technical effects mentioned herein).

[0040] In this example, the stator 1 includes multiple polarized magnets, and the rotor 2 includes a ferromagnetic material.

[0041] Both the stator 1 and the rotor 2 have a circular cross-section, with the rotor 2 including a recess in which the stator 1 is completely housed. That is, when the cross-section of the system is viewed, the rotor 2 and the stator 1 are concentric. In some instances, the rotor 2 may be offset relative to the stator 1, resulting in only a portion of the stator 1 being located within the recess of the rotor 2.

[0042] The stator 1 has polarized magnets of both first and second polarities, with magnets of different polarities positioned close to each other, resulting in an alternating pattern of first and second polarity magnets surrounding the stator 1. That is, the stator includes first polarity magnets positioned close to second polarity magnets, second polarity magnets positioned close to first polarity magnets, and so on around the stator 1. The number of polarized magnets around the stator 1 is even, as this is necessary to generate the tactile feedback described herein. Any number of polarized magnets may exist in the stator 1, as long as the number is even. Figure 1a and 1b In this example, there are 24 magnets, but those skilled in the art will understand that this number can be increased or decreased based on the size of the system and its end use.

[0043] In this example, the rotor 2 includes a plurality of protrusions extending toward the stator 1. Specifically, the number of protrusions is equal to the number of polarized magnets on the stator 1. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of protrusions on the rotor 2 and the number of polarized magnets on the stator 1 may not be equal, as long as the tactile feedback effect described herein is achieved. In this example, if the number of protrusions is less than the number of polarized magnets, the invention described herein will still function as long as the angular spacing between the polarized magnets is the same as the angular spacing between the protrusions. For example, using... Figure 1a and 1b In the embodiment shown, if the upper half of the protrusion on rotor 2 is removed, then relative to Figure 1a and 1b The embodiment shown will generate only half the force. This will result in less tactile feedback to the user, but the feedback will still be noticeable to the user.

[0044] The outer wheel 3 is located on the outer circumference of the rotor and is configured to add rotational inertia and / or weight and / or mass to the system. This improves the tactile feedback given to the user and also enhances the visual experience.

[0045] The system holder 4 is positioned adjacent to but not in contact with the outer circumference of the outer wheel 3. However, it should be understood that if the outer wheel 3 is not present, then the system holder 4 is positioned adjacent to but not in contact with the outer circumference of the rotor 2. The system holder 4 is configured to secure the entire system in place, and in this example, the stator 1 is held in place by means of screws 5. Those skilled in the art will understand that methods other than screws 5 (e.g., gluing, welding, and fastening) can be used to ensure that the stator 1 remains stationary. In, for example... Figure 1a and 1b In some examples, such as those shown, the system holder 4 only surrounds a portion of the stator 1, rotor 2, and outer wheel 3, but in other examples, the system holder 4 can completely surround the stator 1, rotor 2, and outer wheel 3.

[0046] Figure 2a and 2b The rotating and stationary portions of a first embodiment of a haptic feedback system based on some examples described herein are shown.

[0047] exist Figure 2a In the middle, the static part of the system is displayed. That is to say, Figure 2a This demonstrates the section of the system that remains stationary during system use. Stator 1 is coupled to system holder 4 via screw 5.

[0048] exist Figure 2b The rotating part of the system is shown in the image. In other words, Figure 2bThis illustrates the section of the system that actually moves during system use. Here, both rotor 2 and outer wheel 3 rotate about elongated member 6. Elongated member 6 passes through a first through-hole located at the center of stator 1 and a second through-hole located at the center of rotor 2. A first end of elongated member 6 is then coupled to system holder 4 to hold the rotor in place as rotor 2 rotates. A second end is also preferably coupled to system holder 4, thereby allowing elongated member 6 to remain stationary relative to system holder 4. In some instances, outer wheel 3 and / or rotor 2 may be coupled to elongated member 6 via an interference fit to ensure a strong coupling between these elements. In this instance, elongated member 6 rotates together with rotor 2 and outer wheel 3, but in other instances, elongated member 6 may be a stationary element.

[0049] Figure 3a and 3b A magnetic flux diagram is shown for a first embodiment of a haptic feedback system based on some examples described herein.

[0050] Figure 3a This demonstrates the "stable" position of the system. That is, when rotor 2 is in the first position relative to stator 1, the system has a first magnetic flux.

[0051] Figure 3b This demonstrates the "unstable" position of the system. That is, when rotor 2 is in the second position relative to stator 1, the system has a second magnetic flux, where the first magnetic flux is greater than the second magnetic flux.

[0052] Specifically, the "stable" position is achieved when the protrusion of rotor 2 is aligned with the center of the polarized magnet. For example, when a protrusion including a first polarity is aligned with a polarized magnet having a second polarity, the rotor will be magnetically attracted to the aligned protrusion, and the protrusion will be repelled by magnets of the first polarity located on either side of the polarized magnet. In this example, this occurs every other protrusion, resulting in the stable positioning of rotor 2, and thus the stable positioning of the system. This attraction is counteracted every other protrusion, wherein the protrusion is aligned with a magnet of the same polarity and is attracted by magnets located on either side of the aligned polarized magnet. This can mean that the tactile feedback felt by the user of the system includes resistance to the user who wants to change the position of rotor 2 and / or the state of the system. This, in turn, allows for the reduction of accidental and unwanted movement of the system and / or rotor 2.

[0053] The "unstable" position is achieved when the protrusion of rotor 2 is not aligned with the center of the polarized magnet. This is because the attractive and repulsive forces are uneven in this scenario. This results in a weaker magnetic flux, and rotor 2 wants to return to the "stable" position. This can mean that the tactile feedback felt by the user of the system includes a force indicating that the system is not in the "stable" position, thus causing rotor 2 and / or the system to feel like it wants to return to the "stable" position, which generates a biasing force toward the "stable" position.

[0054] Figure 4a and 4b Cross-sectional and perspective views are shown for a second embodiment of a haptic feedback system based on some examples described herein.

[0055] Here, Figure 1a and 1b The reference marks used in Figure 4a and 4b The reference markers are the same. Figure 1a and 1b and Figure 4a and 4b The difference lies in that rotor 2 includes multiple polarized magnets, while stator 1 includes ferromagnetic material. The outer wheel 3, system holder 4, and screw 5 are still... Figure 1a and 1b It works in the same way as in [the previous sentence].

[0056] As can also be seen in these figures, the protrusion of stator 1 extends outward toward rotor 2, and... Figure 1a and 1b The inward extension seen is opposite to that of stator 1.

[0057] Figure 5a and 5b The rotating and stationary portions of a second embodiment of a haptic feedback system based on some examples described herein are shown.

[0058] Because when with Figure 2a and 2b In comparison, only the magnetic materials of stator 1 and rotor 2 are exchanged, therefore Figure 5a and 5b The components function in the same way.

[0059] Figure 6a and 6b A magnetic flux diagram is shown for a second implementation of a haptic feedback system based on some examples described herein.

[0060] Secondly, because when with Figure 3a and 3b In comparison, only the magnetic materials of stator 1 and rotor 2 are exchanged, thus affecting the "stable" and "unstable" positions. Figure 6a and 6b The components function in the same way.

[0061] Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art will devise many other effective alternatives. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and covers modifications that are obvious to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A haptic feedback system for a computer peripheral device, the system comprising: Rotor (2), which includes a recess located within the rotor (2); and Stator (1), which is located within the recess of the rotor (2); One of the rotor (2) and the stator (1) comprises a ferromagnetic material; The other of the rotor (2) and the stator (1) includes a plurality of polarized magnets; At least the first of the plurality of magnets has a first polarity, and at least the second of the plurality of magnets has a second polarity; The first magnet among the plurality of magnets and the second magnet among the plurality of magnets are positioned adjacent to each other; When the rotor (2) is in a first position relative to the stator (1), the system has a first magnetic flux, which is configured to provide a first tactile feedback to the user of the system. When the rotor (2) is in a second position relative to the stator (1), the system has a second magnetic flux, which is configured to provide a second tactile feedback to the user of the system. Wherein the first position and the second position are different positions; and The first magnetic flux is greater than the second magnetic flux.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the rotor (2) and the stator (1) each comprise a generally circular cross-section.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ferromagnetic material includes protrusions extending toward the plurality of magnets.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein when the rotor (2) is in the first position, the protrusion is configured to align with the first magnet or the second magnet of the plurality of magnets; and When the rotor (2) is in the second position, the protrusion is configured not to align with the first magnet or the second magnet among the plurality of magnets.

5. The system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the ferromagnetic material comprises a plurality of protrusions; and The number of the plurality of protrusions is equal to the number of the plurality of magnets.

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an outer wheel (3); The outer wheel (3) is coupled to the rotor (2); The outer wheel (3) is capable of rotating together with the rotor (2); and The rotor (2) is located between the outer wheel (3) and the stator (1).

7. The system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a system holder (4) wherein the system holder (4) is configured to keep the stator (1) stationary.

8. The system according to claim 7, further comprising at least one screw (5), wherein the at least one screw (5) is configured to couple the stator (1) to the system holder (4).

9. The system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the rotor (2) and the stator (1) are located within the system holder (4).

10. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the rotor (2) and the stator (1) includes a through-hole for the elongated member (6), and wherein the through-holes are aligned with each other.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the rotor (2) is rotatable about the rotation axis of the through hole.

12. The system according to claim 10 or 11, which is dependent on any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising the elongated member (6) through two through holes, wherein a first end of the elongated member (6) is coupled to the system holder (4).

13. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotor (2) is biased toward the first position based on the first magnetic flux being greater than the second magnetic flux.

14. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the computer peripheral device is a mouse, and the system is located within the mouse.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the rotor (2) is immediately configured to rotate after the mouse wheel is rotated.

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