Haptic feedback system for computer peripherals

Abstract

We provide haptic feedback systems for computer peripherals. [Solution] A system comprising a rotor having a recess and a stator disposed within the recess of the rotor, wherein one comprises a ferromagnetic material and the other comprises a plurality of polarized magnets, at least a first magnet of the plurality of magnets having a first polarity and a second magnet having a second polarity, the first magnet of the plurality of magnets and the second magnet of the plurality of magnets being arranged adjacent to each other, when the rotor is in a first position relative to the stator, the system has a first magnetic flux 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, the system has a second magnetic flux configured to provide a second tactile feedback to the user of the system, the first position and the second position are different from each other, and the first magnetic flux is greater than the second magnetic flux.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention generally relates to a tactile feedback system for a computer peripheral device, comprising a rotor, a recess provided in the rotor, and a stator disposed in the recess of the rotor. 【Background Art】 【0002】 U.S. Patent No. 9,778,760 generally relates to a magnetic detent for an input control device. This document discloses that a rotary input control device has a rotor assembly configured to employ a magnetic detent mechanism, and the rotor assembly has a rotor that rotates about a rotation axis and a plurality of magnetic elements disposed around the rotor. However, in this document, the stator is disposed outside the rotor. 【0003】 U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 300026 generally relates to a passive tactile interface. This document discloses a passive tactile interface having a first movable element that is rotatable about an axis or movable in parallel along an axis and that rotates or moves in an opposite direction with respect to a second fixed element. The first movable element has a first plurality of magnetic poles that are periodically spaced at a pole pitch Ps and extend in a moving direction, the second fixed element has a second plurality of magnetic poles that are periodically spaced at a pole pitch Pr and extend in the moving direction, and Ps and Pr are different numerical values. Due to the magnetic interaction between the first movable element and the second fixed element, a periodic stress of a period Pt occurs. The pole pitches Ps and Pr are selected such that Pt is strictly smaller than the smaller of the pitches of Ps and Pr. 【0004】 Another known solution includes a gear containing a ferromagnetic material, and a stator disposed outside the gear to produce a detent effect or a radially magnetized rotor and stator to produce this effect. 【Summary of the Invention】 [Problems that the invention aims to solve] 【0005】 Therefore, there is a need for a system that provides haptic feedback to users of computer peripherals that is even more compact and has a simpler mechanical design. This would enable a haptic feedback system that can be integrated into any number of computer peripherals due to its miniaturization, and whose simple mechanical properties make it easy to replace. [Means for solving the problem] 【0006】 The present invention will be described in detail in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in the dependent claims. Related embodiments will be understood later. 【0007】 The present invention describes a haptic feedback system for computer peripherals, comprising a rotor having a recess and a stator disposed within the recess of the rotor, wherein either the rotor or the stator comprises a ferromagnetic material, and the other of the rotor or stator comprises a plurality of polarized magnets, wherein at least a first magnet of the plurality has a first polarity, and at least a second magnet of the plurality has a second polarity, and the first magnet and the second magnet of the plurality are arranged adjacent to each other, and 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 the user of the system, and when the rotor (2) 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, and the first and second positions are different from each other, and the first magnetic flux is greater than the second magnetic flux. 【0008】 The computer peripheral is preferably a mouse, but may instead be a keyboard, controller, monitor, storage device, or other suitable peripheral. 【0009】 The stator is configured to remain stationary during system operation, while the rotor is configured to rotate during system operation, for example, by the fingers of a user using a peripheral device (e.g., a mouse wheel). The recess may be sized and shaped so that the entire stator is positioned within the recess, or only a portion of the stator is positioned within the recess. 【0010】 Polarized magnets may be arranged adjacent to each other on the rotor or stator. That is, a magnet having a first polarity may be directly adjacent to a magnet having a second polarity. This can be achieved, for example, by press-molding a mixture of permanent magnetic metal powder and thermoplastic resin powder into a desired shape of the rotor or stator, annealing it, and then exposing it to a spatially alternating magnetic field to obtain the desired magnetic structure. 【0011】 The first and second magnetic fluxes are based on the interaction between a ferromagnetic magnet and multiple polarized magnets. For example, when the rotor is in the first position, at least a portion of the ferromagnetic material is attracted to one of the polarized magnets and repelled by the other polarized magnets, thereby causing the system's magnetic flux to be the first value. When the rotor is in the second position, at least a portion of the ferromagnetic material is neither attracted nor repelled by the multiple polarized magnets, or the attractive and repulsive forces are weaker than when the rotor is in the first position. Each of these positions results in a different tactile feedback felt by the system's user. In particular, when the rotor is in the first position, the tactile feedback felt by the system's user may include resistance to the user attempting to change the rotor's position, while when the rotor is in the second position, the tactile feedback felt by the system's user may include a force indicating that the rotor is not in the first position. 【0012】 In some examples, the rotor and stator each have a substantially circular cross-section. This allows the stator to be placed at least partially within the rotor, thus enabling a particularly compact system. Furthermore, this is particularly advantageous in the use of wheels, dials, and knobs in computer peripherals, as it allows the user to operate the rotor directly or indirectly. 【0013】 In some examples, ferromagnetic materials have protruding projections that extend toward multiple magnets. This increases the difference between the first and second magnetic fluxes, and thus the difference between the first haptic feedback felt by the user when the rotor is in the first position and the second haptic feedback felt by the user when the rotor is in the second position. 【0014】 In some examples, when the rotor is in a first position, the projection is configured to align with either a first or second magnet among a plurality of magnets, and when the rotor is in a second position, the projection is configured not to align with either a first or second magnet among a plurality of magnets. 【0015】 As a non-limiting example, when the rotor is in a first position, a projection having a first polarity may be aligned with a polarized magnet having a second polarity. As a result, the polarized magnet is magnetically attracted to the aligned projection, and the projection is repelled by the first polarity magnet positioned adjacent to the second polarity magnet. This creates a strong attractive force between the rotor and the stator, resulting in first haptic feedback that provides the user with tactile information indicating 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 the stator become non-uniform, the magnetic flux weakens, and the rotor attempts to return to the first position. This means that tactile information indicating that the system and the rotor are not in the first position and that the rotor is attempting to return to the first position is included in the haptic feedback felt by the user of the system. This improves user feedback and allows for more accurate determination of the rotor's position. Furthermore, when the rotor is in the first position, accidental and undesirable rotor movements are reduced, resulting in more precise and accurate rotor operation. 【0016】 In some examples, the ferromagnetic material has multiple protrusions, the number of which is equal to the number of magnets. This allows for more uniform tactile feedback in the circumferential direction of the rotor when it rotates from a first position to a second position and when it rotates from a second position to a first position. 【0017】 In some examples, the system further comprises an outer ring, which is coupled to the rotor and rotatable with the rotor, and which is positioned between the outer ring and the stator. The outer ring enables at least one of the following functions: 【0018】 1) The outer ring can provide more precise tactile feedback to the system's user, for example, due to its surface finish. 【0019】 2) The outer ring can contribute to the system's appearance because it is part of the system that protrudes from the computer peripheral, allowing the user to interact with the system. As a result, it can indicate where the user should interact with the system. 【0020】 3) The outer ring can add weight / mass to the system and increase the overall rotational inertia of the system. For this purpose, the outer ring preferably includes steel, in particular non-magnetic steel (having an austenite molecular structure), but may also include any other material that adds weight / mass to the system, either additionally or alternatively. The material preferably does not interfere with or distort the electromagnetic field described herein. This may be particularly important in embodiments in which the stator includes a magnetic material. 【0021】 In some examples, the system further comprises a system holder configured to hold the stator in a stationary position. This allows the user to receive more precise tactile feedback regarding the rotor's position. The system holder may include, for example, plastic, but may additionally or alternatively include any other material that does not interfere with or distort the electromagnetic fields described herein. The system holder may be any suitable shape for holding the stator in a stationary position. 【0022】 In some examples, the system further comprises at least one screw, the at least one of which is configured to connect the stator to the system holder. This allows the user to receive more precise tactile feedback regarding the rotor's position. Additionally or alternatively, other suitable means, such as adhesive, welding, and fastening, may be used to connect the stator to the system holder. 【0023】 In some examples, the rotor and the stator are disposed within a system holder. This is advantageous in scenarios where a computer peripheral device is movable along the lateral axis and / or the longitudinal axis of the through holes described herein. Such movement may occur, for example, when the system is within a mouse and the user presses the system to activate the “middle click” of the scroll wheel. This enables the system to be moved along these axes without disturbing the relative positions between the rotor and the stator, and thus the system can maintain the functionality described herein. 【0024】 In some examples, each of the rotor and the stator includes a through hole for an elongate member, and the through holes are aligned with each other. This enables a secure coupling between the rotor and the stator. Also, the distance between the rotor and the stator can be kept constant, thereby improving the tactile feedback felt by the user of the system. 【0025】 In some examples, the rotor is rotatable about the rotational axis of the through hole. This can improve the feedback to the user of the system. 【0026】 In some examples, the system further includes an elongate member passing through both through holes, and a first end of the elongate member is coupled to the system holder. In some examples, the elongate member may be a spindle. The elongate member is preferably a cylindrical member, but may have any suitable shape that can be a rotating element having an interference fit relationship with an outer ring. In such a scenario, the system holder may at least partially surround both sides of the rotor and / or the stator, and the elongate member may be disposed within the cavity of the system holder. In some examples, there is no interference fit. In some examples, a bushing may be used to reduce the rotational friction of the elongate member. 【0027】 In some examples, the rotor is biased towards a first position based on the first magnetic flux being greater than the second magnetic flux. This can reduce accidental and undesired movement of the system and / or the rotor. This can provide feedback to the user that the rotor is in the first position because a force exceeding a predetermined threshold needs to be applied before the rotor rotates. 【0028】 In some examples, the computer peripheral device is a mouse and the system is disposed within the mouse. 【0029】 In some examples, when the wheel of the mouse is rotated, the rotor is configured to rotate. The rotor is preferably press-fitted into the outer ring to transmit rotation from the outer ring. 【0030】 Although the system has been described above, those skilled in the art will understand that the processes and features described herein may also be related to an apparatus and / or method for providing haptic feedback to a user of a computer peripheral device. 【Brief Description of the Drawings】 【0031】 These and other aspects of the invention will be further described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals denote like parts. 【0032】 [Figure 1a-1b] Figures 1a and 1b show a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a first implementation of a haptic feedback system according to some examples described herein. [Figure 2a-2b] Figures 2a and 2b show a rotating part and a fixed part of a first embodiment of a haptic feedback system according to some examples described herein. [Figure 3a-3b] Figures 3a and 3b show diagrams of magnetic fluxes of a first implementation of a haptic feedback system according to some examples described herein. [Figure 4a-4b]Figures 4a and 4b show cross-sectional and perspective views of a second realization of a haptic feedback system according to some examples described herein. [Figure 5a-5b] Figures 5a and 5b show the rotating and stationary parts of a second realization of a haptic feedback system according to some examples described herein. [Figures 6a-6b] Figures 6a and 6b show the magnetic flux diagrams for a second realization of a haptic feedback system according to some examples described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0033】 Figures 1a and 1b show cross-sectional and perspective views of a first implementation of a haptic feedback system according to some examples described herein. 【0034】 As shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the system comprises a stator 1, a rotor 2, an outer ring 3, a system holder 4, and a screw 5. To carry out the invention as described in this specification, only the stator 1 and rotor 2 are required, and the other components support the stator 1 and rotor 2 and further improve the convenience of the system in addition to the technical effects described herein. 【0035】 In this example, the stator 1 comprises multiple polarized magnets, and the rotor 2 includes a ferromagnetic material. 【0036】 Both the stator 1 and the rotor 2 have a circular cross-section, and the rotor 2 includes a recess in which the stator 1 is completely accommodated. That is, when the cross-section of the system is viewed, the rotor 2 and the stator 1 are arranged concentrically with respect to each other. In some examples, the rotor 2 may be offset relative to the stator 1 so that only a portion of the stator 1 is located within the recess of the rotor 2. 【0037】 The polarized magnets of stator 1 have a first polarity and a second polarity, and by arranging magnets of different polarities adjacent to each other, an alternating pattern of magnets with the first polarity and the second polarity is formed around stator 1. That is, the stator has magnets of the first polarity arranged adjacent to magnets of the second polarity around stator 1, the magnets of the second polarity arranged adjacent to second magnets of the first polarity, and so on. The number of polarized magnets around stator 1 is an even number necessary to generate the haptic feedback described herein. The number of polarized magnets of stator 1 may be any number as long as it is even. In the examples in Figures 1a and 1b, 24 magnets are arranged, but those skilled in the art will understand that this number may be increased or decreased depending on the size of the system and the end application. 【0038】 In this example, the rotor 2 is provided with projections extending toward the stator 1. In particular, the number of projections is equal to the number of polarizing magnets on the stator 1. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of projections on the rotor 2 does not have to be equal to the number of polarizing magnets on the stator 1, as long as the tactile feedback effect described herein is achieved. In one example, if the number of projections is less than the number of polarizing magnets, the invention described herein still functions as long as the angular spacing between the polarizing magnets is the same as the angular spacing between the projections. For example, when using the embodiments shown in Figures 1a and 1b, removing the upper half of the projections on the rotor 2 generates half the force compared to the embodiments shown in Figures 1a and 1b. This reduces the tactile feedback given to the user, but this feedback is still recognizable to the user. 【0039】 The outer ring 3 is positioned on the outer circumference of the rotor and is configured to track the rotational inertia and / or weight and / or mass within the system. This improves the haptic feedback and visual experience provided to the user. 【0040】 It should be understood that the system holder 4 is positioned adjacent to but not in contact with the outer circumference of the outer ring 3, and when the outer ring 3 is absent, 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 fix the entire system in place, and in this example, screws 5 are used to hold the stator 1 in place. Those skilled in the art will understand that methods other than screws 5, such as adhesive, welding, and fastening, may be used to keep the stator 1 stationary. In some examples, such as those shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the system holder 4 encloses only a portion of the stator 1, rotor 2, and outer ring 3, but in other examples, the system holder 4 may completely enclose the stator 1, rotor 2, and outer ring 3. 【0041】 Figures 2a and 2b show the rotating and stationary parts of a first embodiment of a haptic feedback system according to some examples described herein. 【0042】 Figure 2a shows the fixed parts of the system. In other words, Figure 2a shows the parts of the system that do not move during use. The stator 1 is connected to the system holder 4 via screws 5. 【0043】 Figure 2b shows the rotating part of the system. That is, Figure 2b shows the part of the system that moves during use. Here, both the rotor 2 and the outer ring 3 rotate around the elongated member 6. The elongated member 6 passes through a first through-hole in the center of the stator 1 and a second through-hole in the center of the rotor 2. The first end of the elongated member 6 is coupled to the system holder 4 so that it is held in place as the rotor 2 rotates. The second end is preferably coupled to the system holder 4 so that the elongated member 6 remains stationary relative to the system holder 4. In some examples, the outer ring 3 and / or the rotor 2 may be coupled to the elongated member 6 by a compression spring to ensure a secure connection between these elements. In this example, the elongated member 6 rotates with the rotor 2 and the outer ring 3, but in other examples, the elongated member 6 may be a stationary element. 【0044】 Figures 3a and 3b show the magnetic flux diagrams of the first realization of a haptic feedback system according to some examples described herein. 【0045】 Figure 3a shows the "stable" state of the system. That is, when the rotor 2 is in a first position relative to the stator 1, the system has a first magnetic flux. 【0046】 Figure 3b shows the "unstable" state of the system. That is, when rotor 2 is in the second position relative to stator 1, the system has a second magnetic flux, and the first magnetic flux is greater than the second magnetic flux. 【0047】 In particular, a "stable" position is achieved when the protrusions of rotor 2 align with the centers of the polarized magnets. For example, when a protrusion with a first polarity aligns with a polarized magnet with a second polarity, the rotor is magnetically attracted to the aligned protrusion, and the protrusion is repelled by the magnets located on either side of the polarized magnet, each having the first polarity. In this example, this phenomenon occurs at every other protrusion, leading to the stable positioning of rotor 2 and, therefore, the system. This attractive force is counteracted by other protrusions aligned with magnets of the same polarity and attracted by the magnets located on either side of the aligned polarized magnet. This means that the tactile feedback felt by the user of the system includes resistance to the user attempting to change the position of rotor 2 and / or the state of the system. This can reduce accidental and undesirable movements of the system and / or rotor 2. 【0048】 The “unstable” position is achieved when the protrusions on rotor 2 are not aligned with the center of the polarized magnet. In such a scenario, the attractive and repulsive forces become non-uniform. As a result, the magnetic flux weakens, and rotor 2 attempts to return to the “stable” position. This means that the haptic feedback felt by the user of the system includes a force that indicates a biasing force is generated toward the “stable” position, giving the user the sensation that the system is not in the “stable” position and that rotor 2 and / or the system is trying to return to the “stable” position. 【0049】 Figures 4a and 4b show cross-sectional and perspective views of a second realization of a haptic feedback system according to some embodiments described herein. 【0050】 The reference symbols used in Figures 1a and 1b are the same as those used in Figures 4a and 4b. The difference between Figures 1a and 1b and Figures 4a and 4b is that the rotor 2 has multiple polarized magnets and the stator 1 contains ferromagnetic material. The outer ring 3, system holder 4, and screw 5 function as in Figures 1a and 1b. 【0051】 From these figures, it can be seen that the protrusions on the stator 1 extend outward from the rotor 2, rather than inward from the stator 1, as can be seen in Figures 1a and 1b. 【0052】 Figures 5a and 5b show the rotating and stationary parts of a second realization of a haptic feedback system according to some examples described herein. 【0053】 Compared to Figures 2a and 2b, only the magnetic materials of the stator 1 and rotor 2 are swapped, so the components in Figures 5a and 5b have the same function. 【0054】 Figures 6a and 6b show the magnetic flux diagrams for a second realization of a haptic feedback system according to some examples described herein. 【0055】 Compared to Figures 3a and 3b, only the magnetic materials of the stator 1 and rotor 2 are swapped, so the elements related to the "stable" and "unstable" positions in Figures 6a and 6b have the same function. 【0056】 Those skilled in the art will come up with many other effective alternatives. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but includes modifications that are readily conceivable to those skilled in the art and that fall within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

[Claim 1] A haptic feedback system for computer peripherals, A rotor (2) having a recess, A stator (1) is positioned within a recess of the rotor (2), The rotor (2) and the stator (1) are provided, and either one of them contains a ferromagnetic material. The rotor (2) and the stator (1) are equipped with a plurality of polarized magnets. At least one of the plurality of magnets has a first polarity, and at least one of the plurality of magnets has a second polarity. The first magnet and the second magnet among the plurality of magnets are arranged 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 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 configured to provide a second tactile feedback to the user of the system. The first position and the second position are different from each other. A system in which the first magnetic flux is greater than the second magnetic flux. [Claim 2] The system according to claim 1, wherein the rotor (2) and the stator (1) each have a substantially circular cross-section. [Claim 3] The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ferromagnetic material comprises protrusions extending toward the plurality of magnets. [Claim 4] When the rotor (2) is in the first position, the projection is configured to align with the first magnet of the plurality of magnets or the second magnet of the plurality of magnets. The system according to claim 3, wherein when the rotor (2) is in the second position, the projection is configured not to align with the first magnet of the plurality of magnets or the second magnet of the plurality of magnets. [Claim 5] The ferromagnetic material has a plurality of protrusions, The system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the number of the plurality of protrusions is equal to the number of the plurality of magnets. [Claim 6] It further comprises an outer ring (3), The outer ring (3) is coupled to the rotor (2), The outer ring (3) is rotatable together with the rotor (2), The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer ring (3) is disposed between the outer ring (3) and the stator (1). [Claim 7] The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a system holder (4), wherein the system holder (4) is configured to hold the stator (1) in a stationary state. [Claim 8] The system according to claim 7, further comprising at least one screw (5) configured to connect the stator (1) and the system holder (4). [Claim 9] The system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the rotor (2) and the stator (1) are arranged within the system holder (4). [Claim 10] The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the rotor (2) and the stator (1) is provided with through holes for an elongated member (6), and the through holes are aligned with each other. [Claim 11] The system according to claim 10, wherein the rotor (2) is rotatable about the rotation axis of the through hole. [Claim 12] The system according to claim 10 or 11, dependent on any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising an elongated member (6) that penetrates both through holes, the first end of the elongated member (6) being coupled to the system holder (4). [Claim 13] The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the rotor (2) is biased toward the first position based on the fact that the first magnetic flux is greater than the second magnetic flux. [Claim 14] The system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the computer peripheral is a mouse, and the system is located inside the mouse. [Claim 15] The system according to claim 14, wherein the rotor (2) rotates when the mouse wheel is rotated.

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