Haptic interface for touch screen embodiments
A haptic feedback touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that provides position information to a computer based on a location of user contact. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position information, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user. The actuator can move the touchpad laterally, or a separate surface member can be actuated. A flat E-core actuator, piezoelectric actuator, or other types of actuators can be used to provide forces. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.
1 . A method of outputting a periodic haptic effect on a touch screen comprising:
processing an sensor signal from a sensor coupled to a touch screen;
outputting an activating signal to an actuator coupled to the touch screen to output at least a portion of a periodic haptic effect having a waveform characteristic, wherein the activating signal includes an envelope configured to shape the waveform characteristic with a predetermined magnitude of the haptic effect over time.
2 . A method of enhancing a haptic effect felt by a user comprising:
sensing movement of a user's finger in contact with a touch screen of an electronic device, wherein the sensed movement is from a first position to a second position in a first direction; and
outputting a haptic effect to the touch screen wherein the haptic effect is a directional force in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
3 . An actuator assembly for use with a touch screen in an electronic device, the actuator assembly comprising:
a diaphragm coupled to the touch screen; and
an actuator coupled to the diaphragm, the actuator including a circular body having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface is proximal to the touch screen and having a mass positioned at the center of the upper surface; and
means for powering the actuator, wherein the actuator moves in a direction perpendicular to the touch screen to output a haptic effect to be felt by a user in contact with the housing.
4 . An communication device comprising:
a housing;
a touch input device coupled to the housing and configured to receive a user's input to manipulate a graphical object;
a displacement member positioned above the touch input device, the displacement member having a clear surface to allow the graphical object to be displayed therethrough;
an actuator directly coupled to the displacement member, the actuator configured to output a force to translate the displacement member in a desired direction, wherein the translation of the displacement member provides a haptic effect felt by the user in contact with the displacement member.
5 . A portable communication device comprising:
a housing;
a touch screen coupled to the housing, the touch screen configured to output a graphical object therethrough to be displayed to a user;
a stylus configured to manipulate the graphical object;
a sensor configured to sense the stylus manipulating the graphical object and output a sensor signal associated with the manipulation;
a processor coupled to the sensor and configured to selectively output an activating signal in response to the sensor signal; and
an actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the stylus upon receiving the activating signal.