Method of using tactile feedback to deliver silent status information to a user of an electronic device
Embodiments of the present invention use haptic feedback to deliver status information to users in environments and situations where sight and/or sound is too overt from a privacy perspective. In one embodiment, localized haptic sensations can be delivered to a user through a tactile element that is positioned on a region of a housing of the electronic device that is engaged by a user.
1. An electronic device comprising:
a housing comprising a user contactable region;
a tactile element coupled to the user contactable region;
at least one preloaded spring element coupled to the housing and coupled to the tactile element, the at least one preloaded spring element configured to provide a spring return force on the tactile element;
an actuator coupled to the tactile element and configured to output a silent haptic sensation localized to the tactile element, the silent haptic sensation configured to provide status information associated with the electronic device; and
a detector coupled to the tactile element, the detector configured to detect contact with the tactile element.
2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a solid state element.
3. The electronic device of claim 2 , wherein the actuator comprises a piezoelectric ceramic actuator.
4. The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising a driving mechanism that is coupled to the actuator and configured to control a delivery of the silent haptic sensation localized to the tactile element.
5. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic device comprises a hand-held metal detector, a keyless remote, or a bar code scanner.
6. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the user contactable region of the housing comprises a handle or a grip.