U.S. patent application number 16/564633 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-26 for haptic actuator having a smart material actuation component and an electromagnet actuation component.
The applicant listed for this patent is Immersion Corporation. Invention is credited to Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Vahid KHOSHKAVA.
Application Number | 20190391660 16/564633 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63832175 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190391660 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KHOSHKAVA; Vahid ; et
al. |
December 26, 2019 |
HAPTIC ACTUATOR HAVING A SMART MATERIAL ACTUATION COMPONENT AND AN
ELECTROMAGNET ACTUATION COMPONENT
Abstract
A haptic actuator comprising a first actuation component and a
second actuation component is presented. The first actuation
component comprises a first layer of actuatable material and
electrodes on opposite sides of the first layer, wherein the
actuatable material is configured to deform upon any electrical
signal being applied to at least one of the electrodes. The haptic
actuator further comprises a second layer separated from the first
actuation component by one or more spacers. The second actuation
component comprises a magnetized material and one or more
electromagnets. Either the magnetized material or the one or more
electromagnets are disposed on the first actuation component, and
relative movement between the magnetized material and the one or
more electromagnets is generated upon any electrical signal being
applied to the one or more electromagnets, wherein the relative
movement causes vibration of the first actuation component.
Inventors: |
KHOSHKAVA; Vahid; (Montreal,
CA) ; CRUZ-HERNANDEZ; Juan Manuel; (Montreal,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Immersion Corporation |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63832175 |
Appl. No.: |
16/564633 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15724751 |
Oct 4, 2017 |
10409376 |
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16564633 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 41/187 20130101;
G06F 3/016 20130101; H04M 1/72522 20130101; H01L 41/193 20130101;
H04M 1/026 20130101; B06B 1/045 20130101; H01L 41/12 20130101; H01L
41/0933 20130101; B06B 1/0603 20130101; H01L 41/183 20130101; B06B
1/0207 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01; B06B 1/06 20060101 B06B001/06; B06B 1/04 20060101
B06B001/04; H01L 41/187 20060101 H01L041/187; B06B 1/02 20060101
B06B001/02; H01L 41/193 20060101 H01L041/193 |
Claims
1-22. (canceled)
23. A haptic actuator comprising: a first actuation component that
comprises a first layer of actuatable material and comprises
electrodes on opposite sides of the first layer, wherein the
actuatable material is configured to deform upon any electrical
signal being applied to at least one of the electrodes; a second
actuation component comprising a magnetized material and one or
more electromagnets, wherein relative movement between the
magnetized material and the one or more electromagnets is generated
upon any electrical signal being applied to the one or more
electromagnets, wherein the relative movement between the
magnetized material and the one or more electromagnets causes
vibration of the first actuation component.
24. The haptic actuator of claim 23, wherein either the magnetized
material or the one or more electromagnets of the second actuation
component are disposed on the first actuation component.
25. The haptic actuator of claim 23, further comprising a second
layer separated from the first actuation component by one or more
spacers.
26. The haptic actuator of claim 25, wherein the magnetized
material of the second actuation component is disposed on either
one of: a surface of the first actuation component or a surface of
the second layer, and the one or more electromagnets are disposed
on the other one of the surface of the first actuation component or
the surface of the second layer, wherein the surface of the first
actuation component faces the surface of the second layer.
27. The haptic actuator of claim 23, further comprising a haptic
control unit configured to apply a first electrical signal to one
or more of the electrodes on opposite sides of the first layer of
actuatable material of the first actuation component, and
configured to apply a second electrical signal to the one or more
electromagnets of the second actuation component, wherein the
second electrical signal is a periodic signal having a second
frequency, and the first electrical signal is a periodic signal
having a first frequency lower than the second frequency, or is a
direct current (DC) signal.
28. The haptic actuator of claim 23, wherein the magnetized
material of the second actuation component comprises a polymer film
having magnetized particles embedded therein.
29. The haptic actuator of claim 23, wherein the first layer of
actuatable material of the first actuation component is a layer of
electroactive polymer (EAP) material.
30. The haptic actuator of claim 23, wherein the first layer of
actuatable material of the first actuation component includes at
least one of an elastomer material, a shape memory alloy, or a
ceramic composite material.
31. The haptic actuator of claim 25, wherein the haptic actuator
has a thickness that is in a range of 0.001 mm to 10 mm, and
wherein the one or more spacers have a thickness that is in a range
of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, and are configured to form a suspension between
the first actuation component and the second layer.
32. The haptic actuator of claim 31, wherein the suspension has a
resonance frequency that is in a range of 1 Hz and 500 Hz.
33. The haptic actuator of claim 25, further comprising a third
layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer and
attached to the one or more spacers via an elastic material,
wherein the one or more electromagnets of the second actuation
component include a first electromagnet or first set of
electromagnets disposed on a surface of the first actuation
component, and a second electromagnet or second set of
electromagnets disposed on a surface of the second layer, and
wherein the magnetized material of the second actuation component
is disposed on the third layer.
34. The haptic actuator of claim 33, further comprising a haptic
control unit configured to determine, based on a desired direction
of actuation, whether to actuate only the first electromagnet or
first set of electromagnets, actuate only the second electromagnet
or second set of electromagnets, or actuate both the first
electromagnet or first set of electromagnets and the second
electromagnet or second set of electromagnets.
35. A haptic-enabled user interface device, comprising: a housing
having a first outer surface and a second and opposite outer
surface; a haptic actuator disposed within or outside the housing,
and adjacent to the first outer surface or the second outer
surface, the haptic actuator further comprising: a first actuation
component having a first layer of an actuatable material and
comprises electrodes on opposite sides of the first layer, wherein
the actuatable material is configured to deform upon any electrical
signal being applied to at least one of the electrodes, and a
second actuation component comprising a magnetized material and one
or more electromagnets, wherein relative movement between the
magnetized material and the one or more electromagnets is generated
upon any electrical signal being applied to the one or more
electromagnets, and wherein the haptic actuator is configured to
generate a haptic effect at the first outer surface or the second
outer surface of the housing of the haptic-enabled device by
activating at least one of the first actuation component or the
second actuation component.
36. The haptic-enabled device of claim 35, wherein either the
magnetized material or the one or more electromagnets of the second
actuation component are disposed on the first actuation component,
and wherein the haptic actuator further comprises a second layer
separated from the first actuation component by one or more
spacers.
37. The haptic-enabled device of claim 35, further comprising a
flexible display device having an outer surface, wherein the outer
surface of the flexible display device forms at least part of the
first outer surface of the haptic-enabled device.
38. The haptic-enabled device of claim 37, wherein: the
haptic-enabled device is a wearable electronic device, and the
haptic actuator is adjacent to the second outer surface of the
housing, and is configured to deform the second outer surface when
the first actuation component of the haptic actuator is
activated
39. The haptic-enabled device of claim 38, wherein the housing of
the haptic-enabled device includes a spacer or set of spacers that
extend outwardly past the haptic actuator and the second outer
surface of the housing, so as to provide clearance between second
outer surface and any object in contact with the spacer or set of
spacers.
40. A haptic actuator comprising: a first actuation component that
comprises a first layer of actuatable material and comprises
electrodes on opposite sides of the first layer, wherein the
actuatable material is configured to deform upon any electrical
signal being applied to at least one of the electrodes; a second
actuation component comprising a magnetized material and one or
more electromagnets, a haptic control unit configured to apply a
first electrical signal to one or more of the electrodes on
opposite sides of the first layer of actuatable material of the
first actuation component, and configured to apply a second
electrical signal to the one or more electromagnets of the second
actuation component, wherein the second electrical signal is a
periodic signal having a second frequency, and the first electrical
signal is a periodic signal having a first frequency lower than the
second frequency, or is a direct current (DC) signal, and wherein
relative movement between the magnetized material and the one or
more electromagnets is generated upon any electrical signal being
applied to the one or more electromagnets, wherein the relative
movement between the magnetized material and the one or more
electromagnets causes vibration of the first actuation
component.
41. The haptic actuator of claim 40, wherein the haptic actuator is
configured to output a tap or a series of taps with the first layer
of actuatable material of the first actuation component.
42. The haptic actuator of claim 40, further comprising a second
layer separated from the first actuation component by one or more
spacers, wherein the one or more spacers form a suspension between
the first actuation component and the second layer.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to an electret-based
electrostatic haptic actuator, and has application in user
interfaces, gaming, automotive, wearable devices, and consumer
electronics.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electronic device manufacturers strive to produce a rich
interface for users. Many devices use visual and auditory cues to
provide feedback to a user. In some interface devices, a
vibrotactile haptic effect is also provided to the user. Haptic
effects can provide cues that enhance and simplify the user
interface. For example, they may provide cues to users of
electronic devices to alert the user to specific events, or provide
realistic feedback to create greater sensory immersion within a
simulated or virtual environment.
[0003] To generate a haptic effect, many devices use an actuator.
Example actuators for generating a haptic effect (also referred to
as a haptic actuator) include an electromagnet actuator such as an
eccentric rotating mass (ERM) actuator, a linear resonant actuator
(LRA), or an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator.
SUMMARY
[0004] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the
application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no
intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented
in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the
following detailed description.
[0005] One aspect of the embodiments herein relate to a haptic
actuator comprising a first actuation component and a second
actuation component. The first actuation component comprises a
first layer of actuatable material and comprises electrodes on
opposite sides of the first layer, wherein the actuatable material
is configured to deform upon any electrical signal being applied to
at least one of the electrodes. The haptic actuator further
comprises a second layer separated from the first actuation
component by one or more spacers. The second actuation component
comprises a magnetized material and one or more electromagnets.
Either the magnetized material or the one or more electromagnets
are disposed on the first actuation component, and relative
movement between the magnetized material and the one or more
electromagnets is generated upon any electrical signal being
applied to the one or more electromagnets, wherein the relative
movement between the magnetized material and the one or more
electromagnets causes vibration of the first actuation
component.
[0006] In an embodiment, the magnetized material of the second
actuation component is disposed on either one of: a first surface
of the first actuation component or a second surface of the second
layer, and the one or more electromagnets are disposed on the other
one of the first surface of the first actuation component or the
second surface of the second layer.
[0007] In an embodiment, the first surface of the first actuation
component faces the second surface of the second layer, and wherein
the magnetized material is disposed on the first surface of the
first actuation component, and the one or more electromagnets are
disposed on the second surface of the second layer.
[0008] In an embodiment, the haptic actuator further comprises a
haptic control unit configured to apply a first electrical signal
to one of the electrodes on opposite sides of the first layer of
actuatable material of the first actuation component, and
configured to apply a second electrical signal to the one or more
electromagnets of the second actuation component, wherein the
second electrical signal is a periodic signal having a second
frequency, and the first electrical signal is a periodic signal
having a first frequency lower than the second frequency, or is a
direct current (DC) signal.
[0009] In an embodiment, wherein the first frequency is in a range
of 1 Hz to 500 Hz, and the second frequency is in a range of 1 Hz
to 500 Hz.
[0010] In an embodiment, the first electrical signal has a first
amplitude, and the second electrical signal has a second amplitude
that is lower than the first amplitude.
[0011] In an embodiment, the first amplitude is in a range of 1 V
to 2000 V, and the second amplitude is in a range of 1 V to 12
V.
[0012] In an embodiment, the one or more electromagnets of the
second actuation component comprises one or more respective
conductive coils, and wherein the magnetized material of the second
actuation component comprises a polymer film having magnetized
particles embedded therein.
[0013] In an embodiment, the first layer of actuatable material of
the first actuation component is a layer of electroactive polymer
(EAP) material.
[0014] In an embodiment, the first layer of actuatable material of
the first actuation component includes at least one of an elastomer
material, a shape memory alloy, or a ceramic composite
material.
[0015] In an embodiment, the haptic actuator further comprises a
first signal generator electrically connected to at least one of
the electrodes disposed on opposite sides of the first layer of
actuatable material, and a second signal generator electrically
connected to the one or more electromagnets of the second actuation
component.
[0016] In an embodiment, the haptic actuator has a thickness that
is in a range of 0.001 mm to 10 mm.
[0017] In an embodiment, the one or more spacers have a thickness
that is in a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, and are configured to form a
suspension between the first actuation component and the second
layer, wherein the suspension has a resonance frequency that is in
a range of 1 Hz and 500 Hz.
[0018] In an embodiment, the haptic actuator further comprises a
third layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer
and attached to the one or more spacers via an elastic material,
wherein the one or more electromagnets of the second actuation
component include a first electromagnet or first set of
electromagnets disposed on a surface of the first actuation
component, and a second electromagnet or second set of
electromagnets disposed on a surface of the second layer, and
wherein the magnetized material of the second actuation component
is disposed on the third layer.
[0019] In an embodiment, wherein the haptic actuator further
comprises a haptic control unit configured to determine, based on a
desired direction of actuation, whether to actuate only the first
electromagnet or first set of electromagnets, actuate only the
second electromagnet or second set of electromagnets, or actuate
both the first electromagnet or first set of electromagnets and the
second electromagnet or second set of electromagnets.
[0020] In an embodiment, the haptic control unit is configured: in
response to a determination to actuate the third layer in a
direction perpendicular to the surface of the first actuation
component, to activate only the first electromagnet or first set of
electromagnets or activate only the second electromagnet or second
set of electromagnets. The haptic control unit is further
configured, in response to a determination to actuate the third
layer in the direction parallel to the surface of the first
actuation component, to activate both the first electromagnet or
first set of electromagnets and the second electromagnet or second
set of electromagnets.
[0021] In an embodiment, the haptic actuator further comprises a
third layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer
and attached to the one or more spacers via an elastic material,
wherein the one or more electromagnets of the second actuation
component are disposed on the third layer, and wherein the
magnetized material is disposed on a first surface of the first
layer and on a second surface of the second layer.
[0022] One aspect of the embodiments herein relates to a
haptic-enabled user interface device comprising: a housing having a
first outer surface and a second and opposite outer surface. The
haptic-enabled user interface device further comprises a haptic
actuator disposed within or outside the housing, and adjacent to
the first outer surface or the second outer surface, the haptic
actuator further comprising: a first actuation component and a
second actuation component. The first actuation component has a
first layer of an actuatable material and comprises electrodes on
opposite sides of the first layer, wherein the actuatable material
is configured to deform upon any electrical signal being applied to
at least one of the electrodes. The haptic actuator further
comprises a second layer separated from the first actuation
component by one or more spacers, and disposed closer than the
first layer to an interior of the housing. The second actuation
component comprises a magnetized material and one or more
electromagnets, wherein either the magnetized material or the one
or more electromagnets are disposed on the first actuation
component, wherein relative movement between the magnetized
material and the one or more electromagnets is generated upon any
electrical signal being applied to the one or more electromagnets,
and wherein the haptic actuator is configured to generate a haptic
effect at the first outer surface or the second outer surface of
the housing of the haptic-enabled device by activating at least one
of the first actuation component or the second actuation
component.
[0023] In an embodiment, the haptic-enabled device further
comprises a flexible display device having an outer surface,
wherein the outer surface of the flexible display device forms at
least part of the first outer surface of the haptic-enabled
device.
[0024] In an embodiment, the haptic-enabled device is a wearable
electronic device, the one or more spacers of the haptic actuator
is a first spacer or first set of spacers, the haptic actuator is
adjacent to the second outer surface of the housing, and is
configured to deform the second outer surface when the first
actuation component of the haptic actuator is activated.
Additionally, the housing of the haptic-enabled device includes a
second spacer or second set of spacers that extend outwardly past
the haptic actuator and the second outer surface of the housing, so
as to provide clearance between second outer surface and any object
in contact with the second spacer or second set of spacers.
[0025] In an embodiment, the second spacer or second set of spacers
form a rim that extends outwardly past the second outer surface of
the housing.
[0026] In an embodiment, the haptic actuator is disposed within the
housing, the second outer surface being formed from a layer of
flexible material, and wherein deformation of the first actuation
component of the haptic actuator causes deformation of the layer of
flexible material of the second outer surface of the housing.
[0027] In an embodiment, the haptic actuator is disposed outside of
the housing, and the second layer of the haptic actuator is adhered
to the second outer surface of the housing.
[0028] In an embodiment, the haptic-enabled device is an electronic
watch.
[0029] In an embodiment, the haptic actuator is adjacent to the
first outer surface of the housing, and is configured to deform the
first outer surface of the housing when the first actuation
component of the haptic actuator is activated.
[0030] In an embodiment, the haptic-enabled device is a mobile
phone, and wherein the haptic-enabled device further comprises a
haptic control unit configured: to determine that the
haptic-enabled device is receiving or has received communication
from another mobile phone, and to determine whether a priority
level of communication exceeds a defined threshold. The haptic
control unit is configured, in response to a determination that the
priority level of the communication exceeds the defined threshold,
to provide a first electrical signal to at least the one or more
electromagnets, the first electrical signal having a frequency that
is in a range of 1 Hz to 500 Hz. The haptic control unit is further
configured, in response to a determination that the priority level
of the communication does not exceed the defined threshold, to
provide a second electrical signal to at least one of the
electrodes on opposite sides of the first layer of actuatable
material, the second electrical signal having a frequency that is
in a range of 1 Hz to 500 Hz.
[0031] In an embodiment, the haptic-enabled device is configured to
output a tap or a series of taps with the first layer of actuatable
material of the first actuation component of the haptic
actuator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following description of
embodiments hereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The
accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a
part of the specification, further serve to explain the principles
of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent
art to make and use the invention. The drawings are not to
scale.
[0033] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a haptic-enabled
device, according to an embodiment hereof.
[0034] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of a wearable
haptic-enabled device, according to an embodiment hereof.
[0035] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate views of a haptic actuator,
according to an embodiment hereof.
[0036] FIG. 2C illustrates a view of a haptic actuator, according
to an embodiment hereof.
[0037] FIG. 2D illustrates a view of a haptic-enabled device,
according to an embodiment hereof.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a haptic actuator, according to
an embodiment hereof.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a view of a haptic actuator, according to
an embodiment hereof.
[0040] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate views of a haptic-enabled device,
according to an embodiment hereof.
[0041] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate views of a haptic-enabled device,
according to an embodiment hereof.
[0042] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate views of a haptic-enabled device,
according to an embodiment hereof.
[0043] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate views of a haptic actuator,
according to an embodiment hereof.
[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of a haptic actuator,
according to an embodiment hereof.
[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a haptic-enabled
device, according to an embodiment hereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the
application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no
intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented
in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the
following detailed description.
[0047] Embodiments herein relate to a haptic actuator that
includes, as subcomponents thereof, a smart material actuation
component and an electromagnet actuation component. The haptic
actuator may be, e.g., part of a haptic-enabled device (e.g., an
electronic watch or mobile phone), and may be used to generate a
haptic effect for the haptic-enabled device. The smart material
actuation component may more generally be a first actuation
component that has a layer of actuatable material that deforms when
an electrical potential is applied thereto. The electrical
potential may be applied to the actuatable material by applying an
electrical signal to an electrode in contact with the actuatable
material. The electromagnet actuation component may more generally
be a second actuation component that comprises magnetized material
and one or more electromagnets.
[0048] In an embodiment, the smart material actuation component may
be used to provide a haptic effect with content that includes a
relatively high force or displacement (e.g., as a deformation for
haptic effect). This relatively high force or displacement content
may be static, or may have a relatively low frequency. In an
embodiment, the electromagnet actuation component may be used to
provide a haptic effect with content that includes a relatively
high frequency content. This relatively high frequency content may
have a relatively low force (e.g., it may be a vibrotactile part of
a haptic effect). For instance, within the haptic actuator, the
smart material actuation component and the electromagnet actuation
component may be activated separately or simultaneously to generate
various haptic effects that have different respective frequency
content, force content, and/or displacement content. In one
example, the smart material actuation component of the haptic
actuator may be activated to deform and generate a series of taps
at a relatively low frequency, and the electromagnet actuation
component of the haptic actuator may be activated to generate a
vibration (also referred to as a vibrotactile effect) at a
relatively high frequency. The electromagnet actuation component
may generate the vibration by also causing deformation in a
component of the haptic actuator, but on a much smaller scale than
deformation caused by the smart material actuation component. The
smart material actuation component and the electromagnet actuation
component of the haptic actuator may be activated at different
times, or activate them simultaneously. For instance, the smart
material actuation component may tap on a user's hand or wrist,
while the electromagnet actuation component simultaneously
vibrates.
[0049] In an embodiment, the haptic actuator may be incorporated
into a user interface component of a haptic-enabled device, such as
a touch pad of a laptop, or a touch screen of a mobile phone. In an
embodiment, the haptic actuator may be formed as a thin actuator
and incorporated into a wearable haptic-enabled electronic device,
such as a haptic-enabled electronic watch (e.g., a smart watch). In
some instances, the haptic actuator may be disposed on or within a
watch band of the electronic watch, so as to provide a haptic
effect that can be felt on a user's wrist. In some instances, the
haptic actuator may be disposed adjacent to a rear outer surface of
a housing of the electronic watch, so as to provide a haptic effect
at the rear outer surface that can be felt on the user's wrist. In
some instances, the haptic actuator may be disposed adjacent to a
front outer surface of the housing of the electronic watch, so as
to provide a haptic effect that can be felt at the front outer
surface, such as when a user's finger presses or otherwise touches
the front outer surface of the watch housing.
[0050] In an embodiment, the haptic actuator may be formed with at
least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer (e.g., a
top layer) of the haptic actuator may form part of the smart
material actuation component. The second layer (e.g., a bottom
layer) of the haptic actuator may be used to mount or contain
elements of the electromagnet actuation component. The first layer
and the second layer may, in an embodiment, be separated by one or
more spacers. The haptic actuator may be referred to as a two-layer
actuator (see, e.g., discussion of FIG. 2A).
[0051] In an embodiment, the haptic actuator may be formed with at
least a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first
layer may form part of the smart material actuation component,
while the second layer and the third layer may be used to mount or
contain components of the electromagnet actuation component. The
first, second, and third layers may, in an embodiment, all be
separated from each other. The actuator may be referred to as a
three-layer actuator (see, e.g., discussion of FIG. 9).
[0052] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a haptic-enabled
device 100 that includes a haptic actuator 110 of embodiments
described herein. The haptic-enabled device 100 may be, e.g., a
wearable electronic device, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a
laptop, a game console controller, or any other user interface
device. In an embodiment, the haptic-enabled device 100 may have a
housing, and the haptic actuator 110 may be disposed within the
housing, or outside of the housing (e.g., on an outer surface of
the housing). As discussed in more detail below, the haptic
actuator 110 may be used to generate a haptic effect, such as each
of a haptic effect having high-frequency content, a haptic effect
having low-frequency content, a vibrotactile haptic effect, a
static deformation haptic effect, or a combination thereof. The
haptic-enabled device 100 may further include a control unit 130
for controlling the haptic actuator 110. The control unit 130 may
be a microprocessor or other control circuit that is, e.g., also
used to control other operations of the haptic-enabled device 100,
or may be dedicated to controlling haptic effects in the
haptic-enabled device 100. The control unit 130 may be implemented
as a microprocessor, a programmable logic array (PLA), a field
programmable gate array (FPGA), or as any other control unit. In an
embodiment, the haptic-enabled device 100 may further include a
power supply, such as a battery.
[0053] FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of a haptic-enabled device
200 that is a wearable electronic device, and more specifically an
electronic watch. The haptic-enabled device 200 includes a watch
housing 202, a watch band 204, and a haptic actuator 210. The watch
housing 202 may have a first outer surface that is a front outer
surface 202a, and have a second outer surface, opposite to the
first outer surface, that is a rear outer surface 202b. In an
embodiment, the front outer surface 202a may be a surface of a
screen (e.g., touch screen), or a surface on which another user
interface component (e.g., a button) is provided, or a combination
thereof. In an embodiment, a watch face may be presented on or
through the front outer surface 202a. The rear outer surface 202b
may be an opposite surface to the front outer surface 202a of the
housing 202. When the haptic-enabled device 200 is being worn, the
rear outer surface 202b may also be the surface that faces and
contacts a wrist on which the haptic-enabled device 200 is
worn.
[0054] In an embodiment, a haptic actuator 210 may be disposed
adjacent to the front outer surface 202a or the rear outer surface
202b of the housing 202. FIG. 1B, for instance, illustrates the
haptic actuator 210 being disposed adjacent to the rear outer
surface 202b of the housing 202. In the context of FIG. 1B, the
haptic actuator 210 may be disposed adjacent to the rear outer
surface 202b by being placed outside or exterior of the housing
202, and by being either directly in contact with the rear outer
surface 202b (e.g., adhered to the rear outer surface 202b) or
suspended slightly over the rear outer surface 202b. In another
embodiment, the haptic actuator 210 may be disposed adjacent to the
rear outer surface 202b by being disposed within an interior of the
housing 202, and sufficiently close to a layer forming the rear
outer surface 202b such that deformation in the haptic actuator 210
will cause deformation of the rear outer surface 202b. For
instance, the rear outer surface 202b may be formed from a layer of
flexible material, and the haptic actuator 210 may be in contact
with the layer of flexible material, or may be separated from the
layer of flexible material by a small distance. If the haptic
actuator 210 is separated from the layer of flexible material by a
small distance, the distance may be sufficiently small such that
deformation of the haptic actuator 210 causes deformation of the
layer of flexible material forming the rear outer surface 202b. By
being disposed adjacent to the rear outer surface 202b, the haptic
actuator 210 may be configured to provide a haptic effect that can
be felt at a user's wrist when the haptic-enabled device 200 is
being worn.
[0055] As discussed above, FIG. 1B illustrates a haptic actuator
210 disposed adjacent to the rear outer surface 202b. In an
embodiment, the haptic actuator 210 may be oriented such that a
surface 211b of a first actuation component 211 faces outwardly or
exteriorly. As discussed in more detail below, the first actuation
component 211 may be an actuation component that uses a layer of
smart material, or more generally an actuatable material that is
configured to deform upon an electrical potential being applied to
the actuatable material (e.g., an electroactive polymer, or EAP).
The orientation of the haptic actuator 210 may allow the first
actuation component 211 to be actuated to contact a user's wrist
when the haptic-enabled device 200 is being worn, so that the first
actuation component 211 can impart tactile sensation (e.g., tapping
sensation) to the user's wrist.
[0056] In an embodiment, the housing 202 may have a spacer 220 that
is formed to extend outwardly past the surface 211b of the first
actuation component 211 of the haptic actuator 210 and past the
rear outer surface 202b of the housing 202. The spacer 220 may
provide clearance between the rear outer surface 202b and any
object (e.g., a user's wrist) in contact with the spacer 220. This
clearance may provide space for the haptic actuator 210 to actuate,
and prevent the haptic actuator 210 from being dampened by an
object (e.g., a user's wrist) in contact with the haptic-enabled
device 200. The dampening may occur, for instance, when the
haptic-enabled device 200 is without the spacer 220 and is being
worn around a user's wrist, and the haptic actuator 210 is pressed
directly against the wrist, which may obstruct movement of various
components of the haptic actuator 210. The presence of the spacer
220 may provide a degree of separation between the haptic actuator
210 and the user's wrist, and lower an amount of contact
therebetween (relative to if the spacer 220 were not present). The
spacer 220 may thus reduce or eliminate dampening that the user's
wrist may cause toward the haptic actuator 210. In an embodiment,
as illustrated in a sectional view provided in FIGS. 2A-2C, the
spacer 220 may cause a gap G to exist between the user's wrist W
and the haptic actuator 210 when the first actuation component 211
of the haptic actuator 210 is not being deformed. As discussed
above, the first actuation component 211 may deform into this gap G
and then come into contact with the user's wrist W to provide a
tactile sensation thereon.
[0057] Returning to FIG. 1B, in an embodiment the spacer 220 of the
haptic-enabled device 200 forms a rim on the rear outer surface
202b of the housing 202. In an embodiment, the rim may form a
periphery around the rear outer surface 202b of the housing 202. In
an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the spacer 220 may be a
single continuous structure. In an embodiment, the haptic-enabled
device 200 may have a set of spacers that constitute separate
structures, and that extend outwardly past the rear outer surface
202b and the haptic actuator 210. In another embodiment, a spacer
of the haptic-enabled device 200 may be any other structure
suitable for spacing the rear outer surface 202b of the housing 202
from a wearer to allow unimpeded actuation of the haptic-enabled
device 200. While FIG. 1B illustrates the haptic actuator 210 being
part of an electronic watch, the haptic actuator 210 may be part of
other wearable devices, such as an activity tracker bracelet (e.g.,
a Fitbit.RTM. device), a virtual reality (VR) device such as a
head-mounted device (HMD), an augmented reality (AR) device such as
a set of glasses, a haptic glove, a haptic gaming vest, or any
other wearable device.
[0058] FIG. 2A illustrates a sectional view of the haptic actuator
210 viewed along the line A-A in FIG. 1B. As depicted in FIG. 2A,
the haptic actuator 210 includes the first actuation component 211
and a second actuation component 216/217. The first actuation
component 211 in FIG. 2A may be a smart material actuation
component that includes a first layer 212 of actuatable material,
and includes two electrodes 218a, 218b disposed on and in contact
with opposite sides of the first layer 212. In an embodiment, the
first actuation component 211 includes an electrically insulating
layer 219 disposed on electrode 218a. In another embodiment, the
electrically insulating layer 219 is omitted. The second actuation
component 216/217 includes electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c, and
includes magnetized material of permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c.
The haptic actuator 210 further includes a second layer 215, and a
plurality of spacers 213a, 213b separating the first actuation
component 211 and the second layer 215. In another embodiment, the
haptic actuator 210 may have only a single spacer (e.g., a
ring-shaped spacer) separating the first actuation component and
the second layer 215. In an embodiment, the spacers 213a, 213b may
be made from a sheet of material such as polyimide. In FIG. 2A, the
haptic actuator 210 further includes tabs 214a, 214b that connect
the haptic actuator 210 to a spacer 220 of the housing 202. In
another embodiment, the tabs 214a, 214b and electrically insulating
layer 219 may be omitted.
[0059] As discussed above, the first actuation component 211
includes a first layer 212 of actuatable material, such as a smart
material, that deforms when an electrical potential is applied to
the actuatable material, wherein the electrical potential may
create a voltage drop across the actuatable material. In an
embodiment, the actuatable material may take up all of the first
layer 212. Examples of the actuatable material include a smart
material such as an electroactive polymer (EAP) (e.g., homopolymer,
copolymer, or ter-polymer having polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)), a
piezoelectric material, a dielectric elastomer material, a shape
memory alloy (or, more generally, a shape memory material), and/or
a ceramic composite material. In an embodiment, the first layer 212
of actuatable material is optimized for static deformation or
low-frequency vibration. For instance, the first layer 212 of
actuatable material may be configured for static deformation to
output a static force by bending to a particular position, and
holding that position. The static force may be, e.g., output
against a user's finger or hand. The term vibration may refer to
deformation that oscillates for one or more cycles. For instance,
the oscillating deformation may involve material oscillating
between deforming in one direction (e.g, upward) and deforming in a
second and opposite direction (e.g., downward), or involve material
oscillating between being in a deformed state and being in a
non-deformed state. As discussed below, a signal generator may
generate an electrical drive signal to cause the vibration. A
frequency of the oscillation for the vibration may be equal to or
substantially equal to a frequency of the electrical drive
signal.
[0060] In an embodiment, electrodes 218a and 218b are both in
contact with the first layer 212 of actuatable material. In this
embodiment, an electrical potential is applied to the first layer
212 of actuatable material by applying an electrical signal to
electrode 218a, while electrically connecting electrode 218b to a
ground potential (i.e., electrode 218b is a ground electrode). As
discussed above, the first actuation component may further include
an electrically insulating layer 219 (e.g., a plastic layer)
disposed on electrode 218a to prevent direct electrical contact
between the electrode 218a and a user. In such an embodiment, the
surface 211b (which may be considered an outward-facing surface of
the first actuation component 211) may be the same as an outer
surface of the electrically insulating layer 219. In another
embodiment, the electrically insulating layer 219 may be omitted,
and the surface 211b may be the same as an outer surface of
electrode 218a.
[0061] In an embodiment, the second layer 215 may form a substrate
on or within which one or more elements of the second actuation
component 216/217 are disposed. In an embodiment, the second
actuation component 216/217 may be an electromagnet actuation
component optimized to output a higher-frequency vibration, and may
be activated at the same time as the first actuation component 211,
or at a different time than the first actuation component 211. In
an embodiment, the second layer 215 may comprise a plastic film. In
an embodiment, the second layer 215 may be closer than the first
actuation component 211 (and closer than the first layer 212) to an
interior of the housing 202. For instance, if the haptic actuator
210 is disposed outside of the housing 202, as illustrated in FIG.
2A, a distance between the second layer 215 and an outer surface
(e.g., 202a, 202b) is smaller than a distance between the first
actuation component 211 and the outer surface of the housing 202,
such that the second layer 215 is closer to an interior of the
housing 202. In this situation, the second layer 215 would be
disposed between the first layer 212 and an outer surface (e.g.,
202b, 202a) of the housing 202. If, on the other hand, the haptic
actuator 210 were disposed in an interior of the housing 202, as
illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B below, a distance between the second
layer 215 and a center of the housing 202 may be smaller than a
distance between the first actuation component 211 and the center
of the housing, such that the second layer 215 is still closer to
the interior of the housing 202. In this situation, the first
actuation component 211 would deform and push against the outer
surface (e.g., 202b, 202a) of the housing 202, and the first
actuation component 211 would be disposed between the second layer
215 and the outer surface (e.g., 202b, 202a) of the housing. In an
embodiment, the haptic actuator 210 may be configured to be able to
output actuation (e.g., vibration) that can be felt for a
haptic-enabled device having a mass of several kilograms.
[0062] In an embodiment, the haptic actuator 210 may be formed as a
thin or ultra-thin actuator. In some instances, the first actuation
component 211, the second layer 215, and each of the spacers 213a,
213b may have thicknesses that are in a range of 100 .mu.m and 1 mm
(e.g., a thickness of 0.5 mm). In some instances, the first
actuation component 211, the second layer 215, and each of the
spacers 213a, 213b may have thicknesses that are in a range of 10
.mu.m to 100 .mu.m. In an embodiment, the first layer 212 of the
first actuation component 211 may have a thickness that is in a
range of 10 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m, or 100 .mu.m to 1 mm. In
embodiments hereof, the first layer 212, the second layer 215, and
the spacers 213a, 213b may all have the same thickness, or may have
different thicknesses.
[0063] In an embodiment, the one or more spacers 213a, 213b may
create a suspension on which the first actuation component 211 is
suspended on the one or more spacers 213a, 213b over the second
layer 215. In an embodiment, one or more properties (e.g.,
thickness, level of resilience or elasticity, rigidity or softness,
or shape) of the suspension may affect the ability of the haptic
actuator 210 to generate a haptic effect. For instance, the
thickness of the spacers 213a, 213b may affect a distance between
elements of the second actuation component 216/217 (discussed
below), which may affect the forces generated by the second
actuation component 216/217. In another example, the level of
resilience or elasticity of the material forming the spacers 213a,
213b may affect a resonance frequency or a bandwidth of the haptic
actuator 210. Thus, the spacers 213a, 213b may be designed to
achieve desired properties for the suspension. For instance, the
spacers 213a, 213 may be designed to have materials that yield a
resonance frequency for the haptic actuator 210 that is in a range
of 1 Hz to 500 Hz.
[0064] As discussed above, the haptic actuator 210 may include a
second actuation component 216/217 that is an electromagnet
actuation component and that includes magnetized material of at
least one permanent magnet (e.g., permanent magnets 217a, 217b,
217c) and at least one electromagnet (e.g., electromagnets 216a,
216b, 216c). In an embodiment, the permanent magnets 217a, 217b,
217c may have the same magnetized material (e.g., NdFeB or AlNiCo),
or different magnetized materials. Each of the permanent magnets
217a, 217b, 217c may be formed substantially from only a magnetized
material, or may be formed from a polymer or other encapsulating
material that embeds a plurality of particles of a magnetized
material (e.g., nano-magnets). In an embodiment, each of the
plurality of electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c may be formed from a
coil of wire or other type of conductive coil. In an embodiment,
the respective conductive coils may be formed by depositing a
plurality of conductive layers and patterning each conductive layer
into a turn of the respective coils. An insulating layer may be
deposited between successive conductive layers. The turns of the
respective coils may be electrically connected with conductive vias
extending through the intermediate insulating layers, so as to form
a continuous electrical path having a plurality of turns. In
another embodiment, the respective conductive coils may each have
been formed by wrapping a wire into a plurality of turns.
[0065] In an embodiment, when any electrical signal is applied to
the one or more electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c, the one or more
electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c may each generate a magnetic field
that interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnets
217a, 217b, 217c. This interaction may cause relative movement
between the magnetized material of the one or more permanent
magnets 217a, 217b, 217c and the one or more electromagnets 216a,
216b, 216c. In an embodiment, an oscillating (also referred to as
periodic) electrical signal may cause the relative movement to
oscillate as well, between the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c
moving closer to the permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c, and moving
farther away from the permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c. In an
embodiment, this oscillating relative movement between the
electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c and the permanent magnets 217a,
217b, 217c may cause oscillating movement (also referred to as
vibration) in the first actuation component 211, because the
electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c are disposed on a surface 211a of
the first actuation component 211. In an embodiment, if the first
actuation component 211 and the second actuation component 216/217
are activated at the same time, the first actuation component 211
may exhibit both a static deformation (caused by the first layer
212 of actuatable material) and a vibration (caused by the relative
movement between the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c and the
permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c). In another embodiment, if the
first actuation component 211 and the second actuation component
216/217 are activated at the same time, the first actuation
component 211 may exhibit vibration that has a low frequency and
high amplitude content (caused by the first layer 212 of actuatable
material) and a high frequency and low amplitude content (caused by
the relative movement between the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c
and the permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c).
[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B (which illustrates a plan
view of the elements of the second actuation component 216/217),
the permanent magnets 217a, 217b, and 217c may be formed as
discrete patches, and the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c may also
be formed as discrete patches. While the patches are shown to be
circular in FIG. 2B, they may have any other shape (e.g., as square
patches). In another embodiment, the haptic actuator 210 may have a
single permanent magnet formed from a single patch of polymer
having magnetized particles embedded therein. While FIGS. 2A and 2B
illustrate a second actuation component 216/217 having a plurality
of electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c, and a plurality of permanent
magnets 217a, 217b, 217c, which are each formed as a patch of
magnetized material, another embodiment of the electromagnet
actuation component 216/217 may have only a single electromagnet, a
single permanent magnet, or a combination thereof.
[0067] In an embodiment, either the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c
or the magnetized material of the permanent magnets 217a, 217b,
217c are disposed on a surface 211a of the first actuation
component 211 (i.e., either, but not both, the electromagnets
216a-216c are disposed on the surface 211a, or the magnetized
material is disposed on the surface 211a). For instance, in FIGS.
2A and 2B, the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c may be disposed on
(e.g., adhered to) the surface 211a (which may be an inward-facing
surface of the first actuation component 211), and the permanent
magnets 217a, 217b, and 217c may be disposed on a surface 215b of
the second layer 215 (which may be referred to as an outward-facing
surface of the second layer 215). The components of the second
actuation component 216/217 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B may be
limited to being disposed on only the surface 211a of the actuation
component 211, or the second layer 215. The haptic actuator 210 of
FIGS. 2A and 2B may be referred to as a two-layer haptic actuator.
As discussed later in this disclosure, however, other embodiments
may implement a three-layer haptic actuator that involves three
layers that are all separated from each other (see FIG. 9).
[0068] In an embodiment, the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c or
permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c may each have a thickness that
is in a range of, e.g., 50 um to 1 mm. In an embodiment, the
electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c or permanent magnets 217a, 217b,
217c may be disposed on the outside of a particular layer (the
second layer 215), or may be disposed partially or completely
within the particular layer. When the electromagnets 216a, 216b,
216c or permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c are disposed within a
particular layer, they may be completely embedded within the
layer.
[0069] While FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the plurality of permanent
magnets 217a, 217b, 217c being aligned with the plurality of
electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c, they may be out of alignment in
other embodiments. For instance, some of the electromagnets 216a,
216b, 216c may be off-center relative to respective permanent
magnets 217a, 217b, 217c. While FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the same
number of permanent magnets and electromagnets, in other
embodiments they may differ in number. For instance, another
embodiment may include a single permanent magnet and three discrete
electromagnets (see FIG. 4).
[0070] FIG. 2A further illustrates the electromagnets 216a, 216b,
216c being disposed on surface 211a, which may be referred to as a
first surface 211a of the first actuation component. For instance,
the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c may be adhered to the first
surface 211a. The first surface 211a of the first actuation
component 211 may be, e.g., an inward-facing surface of the first
actuation component 211 that faces an inside or interior of the
housing 202 of the haptic actuator 210. As discussed above, a
second and opposite surface 211b of the first actuation component
211 may be an outward-facing surface that faces an exterior of the
housing 202. For instance, that haptic actuator 210 can be disposed
outside the housing 202, and the second surface 211b of the first
layer 211 may be a surface that can contact a user's wrist. In an
embodiment, the first surface 211a of the first layer 211 may face
the second layer 215. More specifically, the second layer 215 may
have a first surface 215a that is an inward-facing surface, and may
have a second, opposite surface 215b that is an outward-facing
surface. The first surface 211a may face the second surface 215b.
As depicted in FIG. 2A, the permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c may
be disposed on (e.g., adhered to) the second surface 215b of the
second layer 215, while the plurality of electromagnets are
disposed on the first surface 211a of the first actuation component
211. In this arrangement, the plurality of electromagnets 216a,
216b, 216c may face the plurality of permanent magnets 217a, 217b,
217c.
[0071] In an embodiment in which the haptic actuator 210 is
disposed outside of the housing 202, the haptic actuator 210 may be
disposed on the rear outer surface 202b of the housing 202, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 2A. As FIG. 2A illustrates, the first
surface 215a of second layer 215 may be in contact with and adhered
to the rear outer surface 202b of FIG. 1B, wherein the rear outer
surface 202b is formed from a layer 202c (e.g., a layer of flexible
material) of the housing 202. In another example, the haptic
actuator 210 may be suspended just over the rear outer surface 202b
of the housing 202, and the first surface 215a of the second layer
215 is not directly in contact with the rear outer surface 202b.
For instance, the haptic actuator 210 may be suspended over the
rear outer surface 202b via the plurality of tabs 214a, 214b. The
tabs 214a, 214b may be considered part of the haptic actuator, or
may be considered to be elements that are separate from the haptic
actuator 210. In an embodiment, one or both of the second layer 215
and the housing layer 202c are rigid. In an embodiment, one or both
of the second layer 215 and the housing layer 202c are
flexible.
[0072] Referring again to FIG. 2A, the haptic-enabled device 200
may include one or more signal generators, such as first and second
signal generators 232, 234. The first and second signal generators
232, 234 may be considered part of the haptic actuator 210 (e.g.,
part of a control unit 230), or may be considered separate
therefrom. In an embodiment, an output of the second signal
generator 234 may be electrically connected to electrode 218a of
the first actuation component 211, and an output of the first
signal generator 232 may be electrically connected to each of the
electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c. The second signal generator 234
may thus drive the first actuation component 211, while the first
signal generator 232 may drive the second actuation component
216/217. As discussed above, the electrode 218b may provide a
ground potential for the first and second actuation components 211,
216/217. In an embodiment, activation of the first and second
signal generators 232, 234 may be controlled by the control unit
230. The first and second signal generators 232, 234 may be
activated at the same time (i.e., simultaneously), or activated
during different respective time periods. If the first and second
signal generators 232, 234 are able to vary a frequency, intensity,
or other parameter of an electrical signal that is output from the
first and second signal generators 232, 234, the control unit 230
may be configured to control a value of such parameters. As
discussed above with respect to the control unit 130, the control
unit 230 may include a microprocessor, PLA, FPGA, or any
combination thereof. In an embodiment, the signal generators 232,
234 may be capable of providing sufficient voltage and/or current
to the first actuation component 211 and the second actuation
component 216/217, respectively. For instance, if the first
actuation component 211 operates at 1 kV or higher, the signal
generator 234 may be configured to generate a signal that is at
least 1 kV in amplitude. In an embodiment, the signal generators
232, 234 may output signals that have amplitudes lower than a level
at which the first actuation component 211 or second actuation
component 216/217 operate. In such a situation, an amplifier may be
combined with the signal generators 232, 234. The amplifier may
amplify an output of the signal generators 232, 234 to a the level
at which the first actuation component 211 or second actuation
component 216/217 operates.
[0073] As discussed above, the first actuation component 211 may,
in an embodiment, be used to output low-frequency content (e.g., a
low-frequency vibration) or a static deformation for a haptic
effect. To output a static deformation, the control unit 230 may
control the second signal generator 234 to output a direct current
(DC) signal (e.g., a 1 kV DC signal). To output a low-frequency
content, such as a haptic content in a range of, e.g., 1 Hz to 5
Hz, the control unit 230 may control the second signal generator
234 to output a periodic electrical signal or other oscillating
electrical signal (e.g., a sinusoidal signal) that has a frequency
in a range of 1 Hz to 5 Hz, so as to cause the first layer 212 of
actuatable material to deform at the same frequency or
substantially the same frequency as the electrical drive signal.
Each cycle of the periodic electrical signal may cause the first
layer 212 of actuatable material (e.g., an EAP material) to deform
outwardly (e.g., bulge outward) and contact a user's wrist, and
then return to an undeformed state. For instance, FIG. 2C
illustrates a state in which a DC or low-frequency electrical
signal has been applied to electrode 218a to cause the first layer
212 of actuatable material of the first actuation component 211 to
deform outwardly. If the electrical signal is a low-frequency
periodic signal, some users may feel a tap from the actuatable
material for each cycle of the periodic signal. The control unit
230 may thus, in an embodiment, be configured to control how many
cycle(s) of the periodic signal are output, in order to control how
many taps are in the haptic effect. The control unit 230 may
further be configured to control a frequency (e.g., 3 taps in 1.5
seconds) and/or amplitude of the tapping imparted to a user's wrist
by controlling a frequency and/or amplitude of the electrical
signal output by the second signal generator 234, as discussed
above.
[0074] As discussed above, the second actuation component 216/217
may use interaction between magnetic fields to create relative
movement between the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c and the
permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c. For instance, the permanent
magnets 217a, 217b, 217c may exert a magnetic force on the
electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c that causes the electromagnets
216a, 216b, 216c to move closer to or farther away from the
permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c. The relative movement between
the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c and the permanent magnets 217a,
217b, 217c may, in an embodiment, be used to produce low-frequency
content or high-frequency content (e.g., low-frequency or
high-frequency vibrotactile content) for a haptic effect. For
instance, the control unit 230 may control the first signal
generator 232 to output a periodic electrical signal that has a
frequency in a range of, e.g., 1 Hz to 200 Hz, or 5 Hz to 100 Hz.
The electrical signal that is output from the first signal
generator 232 may be applied to each of the electromagnets 216a,
216b, 216c, as depicted in FIG. 2A, or to only a subset of the
electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c selected by the control unit 230.
When the electrical signal is applied to the electromagnets 216a,
216b, 216c, each of the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c may
generate a respective magnetic field. The polarity of the magnetic
field of a respective electromagnet may depend on a direction of
the electrical current being applied to the electromagnet. If the
electrical signal is periodic, the electrical current created by
the electrical signal may periodically change directions, thus
periodically changing the polarity of the magnetic field of a
respective electromagnet.
[0075] In an embodiment, when each magnetic field of the magnetic
fields generated by the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c has a first
polarity (e.g., a N-S polarity), the electromagnets 216a, 216b,
216c may be attracted to the permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c. As
a result, the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c may move toward the
permanent magnets 217a, 217b, and 217b. In an embodiment, when the
magnetic fields generated by the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c
have a second polarity (e.g., a S-N polarity) that is opposite of
the first polarity, the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c may be
repelled or otherwise pushed by the permanent magnets 217a, 217b,
217c. If the electrical signal being applied to the electromagnets
216a, 216b, 216c is oscillating, the magnetic fields generated by
them may also periodically switch between the first polarity and
the second, opposite polarity. As a result, the electromagnets
216a, 216b, 216c may alternate between being pulled towards the
permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c and being pushed by the
permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c. As a result, the electromagnets
216a, 216b, 216c may vibrate, as illustrated in FIG. 2D. As FIG. 2D
shows, the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c may vibrate in an
up-and-down motion. A frequency of the vibration may depend on the
frequency of the signal from the first signal generator 232. If the
electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c are disposed on a surface 211a of
the first actuation component 211, the vibration of the
electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c may be transferred to the first
actuation component 211, to the housing 202, or any combination
thereof. FIG. 2D illustrates such a transfer, in which the
electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c alternate between pushing the
layers of the first actuation component 211 toward the upper dashed
line, and pulling the layers of the first actuation component 211
toward the lower dashed line. Accordingly, the relative movement
between the magnetized material of the permanent magnets 217a-217c
and the one or more electromagnets 216a-216d thus causes vibration
of the first actuation component 211. Thus, the relative movement
generated in the second actuation component 216/217 may generate
vibrotactile content for a haptic effect.
[0076] In an embodiment, the pull or push exerted by the
electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c on the surface 211a of the first
actuation component may cause deformation of one or more layers of
the first actuation component, but on a smaller level than
deformation generated by the first actuation component 211 itself.
For instance, the relative movement between the electromagnets
216a, 216b, 216c and the permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c may
push or pull the first actuation component by an amount that is 10
to 100 times smaller than an amount of deformation caused by
applying an electrical drive signal to the first layer 212 of
actuatable material.
[0077] In an embodiment, the deformation shown in FIG. 2C may be
combined with the vibration shown in FIG. 2D, such as by activating
the signal generators 232 and 234 simultaneously. In such a case,
the first actuation component 211 may cause the first layer 212 of
actuatable material to deform in a static or low-frequency (e.g., 1
Hz) manner. A user may perceive the deformation on his or her wrist
and perceive the deformation as one or more taps. Simultaneously,
the second actuation component 216/217 causes a high-frequency
movement (e.g., 100 Hz), but at a smaller level or amplitude
compared to the deformation generated by the first actuation
component 211. The high-frequency movement may create a vibration
that also transfers to the layers of the first actuation component
211. As a result, a user may perceive one or more taps and a
high-frequency vibration at the same time. In an embodiment, the
frequency of the electrical signal applied from the first signal
generator 232 to the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c may be
substantially the same as the resonance frequency of the suspension
the spacers 213a, 213b.
[0078] In an embodiment, the control unit 230 may be configured to
cause the first signal generator 232 to apply a first electrical
signal that is a comparatively high frequency signal to the
electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c, and may cause the second signal
generator 234 to apply a second electrical signal that is a
comparatively low frequency signal to the first layer 212 of
actuatable material. For instance, the frequency of the first
electrical signal from generator 232 may be substantially equal to
a desired frequency of vibration (e.g, 100 Hz). In an embodiment,
the amplitude of the first electrical signal may be substantially
lower than the amplitude of the second electrical signal (e.g., 10
or 100 times lower).
[0079] In the example above, the second electrical signal may be a
periodic signal that has a frequency that is substantially equal to
a desired frequency of the tapping (e.g., 2 Hz). The second
electrical signal may further have an amplitude that is
sufficiently high (e.g., 1 kV) to cause the first layer 212 of
actuatable material (e.g., PVDF or other EAP material) to exhibit
sufficient deformation. For instance, the first layer 212 of
actuatable material may need to deform by a sufficient amount
(e.g., 5 mm) to cause the outward-facing surface 211b to extend
beyond a top edge of the spacer 220, so that the first actuation
component 211 can come into contact with a user's wrist and impart
a tapping sensation when the haptic-enabled device 200 is being
worn.
[0080] In an embodiment, the electrical signal that is output by
the first signal generator 232 and the electrical signal that is
output by the second signal generator 234 may have the same
amplitude and/or frequency. In an embodiment, the electrical signal
that is output by the first signal generator 232 and the electrical
signal that is output by the second signal generator 234 may have
different frequencies, different amplitudes, or a combination
thereof. In an embodiment, the first actuation component 211 and
the second actuation component 216/217 may share a single signal
generator, such that there is only one signal generator in the
haptic actuator 210.
[0081] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a haptic actuator 210b
that reverses the placement of the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c
and the permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c relative to the
placement in FIG. 2A. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A,
the haptic actuator 210b of FIG. 3 has the first actuation
component 211. Further, the haptic actuator 210b has a second
actuation component 217/216 that includes permanent magnets 217a,
217b, 217c and electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c. In FIG. 3, however,
the placement of the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c and the
permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c are reversed, such that the
permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c are disposed on the
inward-facing surface 211a of the first actuation component 211,
and the electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c are disposed on the second
surface 215b of the second layer 215. The haptic actuator 210b of
FIG. 3 may be activated in a manner similar to that of the haptic
actuator 210 of FIG. 2A.
[0082] In FIGS. 2A and 3, as noted above, the second actuation
component includes a plurality of discrete permanent magnets 217a,
217b, 217c, which may be formed as a plurality of separate patches.
Each of the patches may include magnetized particles embedded in an
encapsulating material (e.g., a polymer), or may include solid
pieces of only magnetized material (e.g., magnetized neodymium
material or magnetized AlNiCo material). FIG. 4 illustrates a
haptic actuator 210c that includes an second actuation component
216/217d that is an electromagnet actuation component having a
single permanent magnet 217d, which may be formed as a single patch
of magnetized material. In an embodiment, the patch of FIG. 4 may
be the only patch of permanent magnet included in the haptic
actuator 210c. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the second actuation
component 216/217d may have a greater number of discrete
electromagnets (e.g., three electromagnets 216a, 216b, 216c) than
the number of discrete permanent magnet(s) (e.g., one permanent
magnet 217d). In an embodiment, during the manufacturing of haptic
actuators 210, 210b, 210c, any of the electromagnets 216a, 216b,
216c or permanent magnets 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d may be
pre-fabricated and then disposed on or within the first layer 211
or the second layer 215, or may be formed directly on the first
layer 211 or the second layer 215 through, e.g., a chemical
deposition process.
[0083] FIG. 5A depicts a haptic-enabled device 200a in which the
haptic actuator 210 is disposed inside a housing 202 of the device.
Like the haptic-enabled device 200 illustrated in FIG. 1B, the
haptic-enabled device 200a may also be an electronic watch having
the housing 202 and strap 204. Like in FIG. 1B, the housing 202 of
the haptic-enabled device 200a may also have a first outer surface
202a (e.g., a front outer surface that includes an outer surface of
a display device) and a second outer surface 202b (e.g., a rear
outer surface that contacts the user's wrist). In FIG. 5A, The
haptic actuator 210 of the haptic-enabled device 200a may be
disposed within the housing 202 and adjacent to a layer that forms
the rear outer surface 202b. The housing 220 may further have a
rim-shaped spacer 220a that extends outwardly past the rear outer
surface 202b. As depicted in FIG. 5B, the spacer 220a may be
shorter than the spacer 220 of FIGS. 1B and 2A.
[0084] FIG. 5B illustrates a sectional view of the haptic-enabled
device 200a along the line B-B in FIG. 5A. The figure illustrates
the haptic actuator 210 being disposed adjacent to a layer 202c
that forms the rear outer surface 202b of the housing. More
specifically, the haptic actuator 210 may be placed such that the
outward-facing surface 211b of the first actuation component 211
(which may also be an outer surface of the actuator 210) is in
contact with an inner surface of the layer 202c. In another
embodiment, there may be a gap between the outward-facing surface
211b and the inner surface of the layer 202c. In an embodiment, the
layer 202c may be a flexible layer, so that when the first
actuation component 211 causes a deformation of its first layer 212
of actuatable material, the layer 202c also deforms. In an
embodiment, the housing 202 may have the spacer 220a so as to
reduce dampening from a user's wrist, and to provide a gap into
which the layer 202c can deform. FIG. 5B further depicts the haptic
actuator 210 being attached to a wall 202d of the cylindrical
housing 202 via the tabs 214a, 214b. In other embodiments, the
haptic actuator 210 may be mounted inside the housing 202 in a
different manner.
[0085] FIG. 6A shows a haptic actuator 210e disposed within (e.g.,
embedded in) a strap of a haptic-enabled device 200b. The haptic
actuator 210e may also be configured to generate a haptic effect
that can be felt at a user's wrist. FIG. 6B illustrates a sectional
view of the haptic actuator 210e embedded within a material of the
strap 204. The haptic actuator 210e is similar to the haptic
actuator 210 of the other figures. More specifically, the haptic
actuator 210e also includes the first actuation component 211 and
the second actuation component 216/217. However, the haptic
actuator 210e may omit the tabs 214a, b, which may be unnecessary
because the haptic actuator 210e is embedded within the strap 204,
as opposed to being attached to a structure of a housing 202. In
another embodiment, the haptic actuator 210e may attached to an
outer surface of the strap 204, such that the haptic actuator 210e
is in contact with the outer surface and is located outside of the
strap 204.
[0086] FIG. 7A illustrates a haptic-enabled device 200c in which a
haptic actuator 210 is disposed adjacent to a front outer surface
202a of a housing 202 of the haptic-enabled device 200c. FIG. 7B
illustrates a sectional view along the line B-B in FIG. 7A. In FIG.
7B, the front outer surface 202a of the housing 202 may be formed
by flexible display layer 202e, such as a flexible organic light
emitting device (OLED) layer. In FIG. 7B, the haptic actuator 210
is disposed within the housing 202. In another embodiment, the
haptic actuator 210 may be disposed outside of the housing 202, and
may be substantially transparent (e.g., have a transparency of 70%
or more) so that the display layer 202e is viewable through the
haptic actuator 210.
[0087] As FIG. 7B, the haptic actuator 210 may be attached to a
wall 202d of the housing 202 via the tabs 214a, 214b. In other
embodiments, the haptic actuator 210 may be mounted within the
housing 202 in some other manner. The haptic actuator 210 may be
located so that its outer surface (e.g., the outward-facing surface
211b of the first actuation component 211) is in contact with an
inward-facing surface of the display layer 202e (which may be an
inner surface of the housing 202). In another embodiment, there may
be a gap between the outer surface of the haptic actuator 210 and
an inner surface of the housing 202. The gap may be small enough
such that a deformation of the first actuation component 211 will
still cause the display layer 202e to deform.
[0088] Any of the embodiments herein may be combined. For instance,
a haptic-enabled device may combine haptic-enabled devices 200,
200a, 200b, 200c by having a plurality of haptic actuators that are
disposed at a variety of locations, such as a location that is
adjacent to a rear outer surface of the housing and a location that
is embedded with a strap of the device.
[0089] In an embodiment, the haptic actuator 210 may have a
rectangular shape, as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 1B. In an
embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a haptic actuator
310 may have a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical haptic actuator
310 also includes, for instance, a first actuation component 311
that is a smart material actuation component, and includes a second
actuation component 316/317 that is an electromagnet actuation
component. More specifically, the haptic actuator 310 includes a
first actuation component 311 that is separated from a layer 315 by
a first spacer 313, which may be a single spacer. The first
actuation component 311 may include an actuatable material (e.g.,
smart material such as PVDF) that is configured to deform upon an
electrical signal being applied thereto. The second actuation
component 316/317 includes an electromagnet 316 and a permanent
magnet 317. The permanent magnet 317 may be disposed on an
inside-facing surface 311a of the first actuation component 311,
while the electromagnet 316 may be disposed on an inside-facing
surface 315b of the layer 315.
[0090] FIGS. 8A and 8B further depict a second spacer 320 that
extends outwardly past an outward-facing surface 311b of the first
actuation component 311. The spacer 320 in this embodiment may be
part of the actuator 310, rather than part of a housing (e.g., 202)
of a haptic-enabled device. The spacer 320 may provide space
between the outward-facing surface 311b of the first actuation
component 311 and an external object (e.g., a user's wrist or other
body part) that the spacer 320 may come into contact with. In an
embodiment, the first spacer 313 and the second spacer 320 may be
parts of an integral structure, and may have been formed in the
same manufacturing step. In an embodiment, the first spacer 313 and
the second spacer 320 may be two discrete structures that are
separately formed and then attached to each other.
[0091] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a three-layer actuator,
which has three layers that are separated from each other. More
specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates a haptic actuator 410 that has a
first actuation component 411 that is, e.g., a smart material
actuation component, and a second actuation component 416/417/426
that is, e.g., an electromagnet actuation component. The first
actuation component 411 includes a first layer 412 of actuatable
material (e.g., PVDF) sandwiched between two electrodes 418a, 418b.
The second actuation component 416/417/426 includes electromagnets
416a, 416b, 416c, 416d disposed on an inside-facing surface 411a of
the first actuation component 411. It further includes
electromagnets 426a, 426b, 426c, 426d disposed on an inward-facing
surface 415b of a second layer 415. Additionally, the second
actuation component 416/417/426 includes magnetized material of a
permanent magnet 417 disposed on a third layer 419a. In an
embodiment, the third layer 419a includes a flexible material
(e.g., polyimide), and the permanent magnet 417 is mounted on the
third layer 419a. In an embodiment, the third layer 419a is a
flexible material that embeds the magnetized material of the
permanent magnet 417. The third layer 419a may be disposed between
the first layer 412 and the second layer 415. The first layer 412,
second layer 415, and third layer 419a may all be separated from
each other. Accordingly, the actuator 410 may be referred to as a
three-layer actuator.
[0092] In FIG. 9, the haptic actuator 410 further includes a
plurality of spacers 413a, 413b and an insulating layer 419b. The
plurality of spacers 413a, 413b may separate the first actuation
component 411 and the second layer 415, and provide space in which
to suspend the third layer 419a between the first actuation
component 411 and second layer 415. The insulating layer 419b may
be disposed on electrode 418a, and may form an outward-facing
surface 411b of the first actuation component 411. In an
embodiment, the insulating layer 419b may be omitted.
[0093] In an embodiment, the first actuation component 411 may
include the first layer 412 of actuatable material that is
configured deform when an electrical potential is generated across
the first layer 412 of actuatable material, such as by applying an
electrical signal (e.g., from signal generator 234 of FIGS. 2A
through 4) to the electrode 418a while using electrode 418b as a
ground electrode. In an embodiment, the second actuation component
416/417/426 includes the first set of electromagnets 416a-416d, the
permanent magnet 417, and the second set of electromagnets
426a-426d, as stated above. The first set of electromagnets
416a-416d and the second set of electromagnets 426a-426d may be
disposed on a respective first surface (e.g., 411a) and second
surface (e.g., 415b) that face each other. In an embodiment, each
electromagnet of the first set of electromagnets 416a-416d and the
second set of electromagnets 426a-426d may be a conductive coil,
and may be configured to generate a magnetic field when an
electrical signal is applied to the respective electromagnet. In an
embodiment, the first set of electromagnets 416a-416d may be
electrically connected to a first signal generator, and the second
set of electromagnets 426a-426d may be electrically connected to a
second signal generator, or also electrically connected to the
first signal generator. Further, in this embodiment, the first
layer 412 of actuatable material may be electrically connected to a
third signal generator. When the first signal generator and/or the
second signal generator is activated, relative movement between the
permanent magnet 417 and any set of the first set of electromagnets
416a-416d and the second set of electromagnets 426a-426d may be
created.
[0094] As further illustrated in FIG. 9, the third layer 419a that
supports (or is part of) the permanent magnet 417 may be disposed
between the first actuation component 411 and the second layer 415.
In an embodiment, the third layer 419a may include magnetized
particles embedded in an encapsulating material (e.g., a polymer).
In an embodiment, the third layer 419a may be formed from a single
piece of only magnetized material. In an embodiment, the third
layer 419a may be suspended within or otherwise attached to the
haptic actuator 410 via a spring-like element or material, such as
one or more springs 422, 424 or other elastic material (e.g., an
elastomer). The spring-like element or material may allow the
permanent magnet 417 as well as the third layer 419a to move
relative to the first set of electromagnets 416a-416d and relative
to the second set of electromagnets 426a-426d. Such a movement may
vibrate the third layer 419a, and such a vibration may transfer to
the first actuation component 411 or to another component of the
actuator 410. As a result, a vibrotactile effect is generated.
[0095] In an embodiment, the spring-like element or material may
attach the third layer 419a to the spacers 413a, 413b. In an
embodiment, each of the first layer 412, the second layer 415, and
the third layer 419a may have a thickness that is in a range from
10 um to 100 um, or from 100 um to 1 mm. In an embodiment, the
haptic actuator 410 may be attached to a spacer 420 via tabs 414a,
414b. The spacer 420 may be similar to the spacer 220 in FIG. 1B,
and may be used to provide clearance between the outward-facing
surface 411b of the first actuation component 411 and an object in
contact with the spacer 420.
[0096] In an embodiment, a control unit (e.g., control unit 230)
may selectively activate only one set of the first set of
electromagnets 416a-416d and the second set of electromagnets
426a-426d, or may selectively activate both the first set and the
second set of electromagnets 416a-416d, 426a-426d. In an
embodiment, when only one set (e.g., the first set of
electromagnets 416a-416d) of the first set of electromagnets
416a-416d and the second set of electromagnets 426a-426d is
activated, the resulting magnetic fields may cause the permanent
magnet 417 of the third layer 419a to move along an axis A that is
perpendicular to a surface (e.g., 411a) of the first actuation
component 411, to a surface (e.g., 415b) of the second layer 415,
or to a surface of the third layer 419a (e.g., as perpendicular or
normal motion). In an embodiment, when both the first set of
electromagnets 416a-416d and the second set of electromagnets
426a-426d are activated, the haptic actuator 410 may behave as a
voice coil, in which the permanent magnet 417 and the
electromagnets 416a-416d, 426a-426d may exert a Lorentz force on
each other. In such an embodiment, the permanent magnet 417 of the
third layer 419a may be actuated to move along an axis that is
parallel to a surface of the first actuation component 411, a
surface of the second layer 415, or a surface of the third layer
419a (e.g., as lateral motion). Thus, in an embodiment, a control
unit of the haptic actuator 410 may be configured to determine,
based on a desired direction of actuation of the third layer 419a,
whether to actuate only the first set of electromagnets 416a-416d,
actuate only the second set of electromagnets 426a-426d, or actuate
both the first set of electromagnets 416a-416d and the second set
of electromagnets 426a-426d. For instance, in response to a
determination to actuate the third layer 418 in a direction
perpendicular to the first layer 411, the control unit may activate
only the first set of electromagnets 416a-416d or activate only the
second set of electromagnets 426a-426d. In response to a
determination to actuate the third layer 418 in a direction
parallel to the first layer 411, the control unit may activate both
the first set of electromagnets 416a-416d and the second set of
electromagnets 426a-426d.
[0097] While FIG. 9 illustrates the magnetized material of the
permanent magnet 417 being disposed on a middle (third) layer 419a,
and the electromagnets 416a-416d, 426a-426d being disposed on the
first actuation component 411 and the second layer 415, in another
embodiment this arrangement may be reversed. In such an embodiment,
one or more electromagnets (e.g., electromagnets 416a-416d) may be
disposed on the third layer 419a, while magnetized material of a
permanent magnet is disposed on the first actuation component 411
and on the second layer 415.
[0098] FIG. 10 illustrates a haptic-enabled device 500 in which a
haptic actuator 510, which may be the same or similar to any one of
the haptic actuators described with reference to FIGS. 2A through
9, is disposed adjacent to an inward-facing surface 505a of a
display device 505. In an embodiment, the display device 505 is a
flexible OLED device. The display device 505 may be viewable
through an outward-facing surface 505b of the display device 505.
In an embodiment, the haptic-enabled device may be a phone or
tablet computer, and may have a housing 502 that includes a casing
503 that forms a rear outer surface 502a of the housing 502. In an
embodiment, the outward-facing surface 505b of the display device
505 may also form at least part of a front outer surface 502b of
the housing 502 of the haptic-enabled device 500. In an embodiment,
the haptic actuator 510 may be similar to the haptic actuator 210,
210b, 210c, 310, or 410. The haptic actuator 510 may include a
first actuation component that is a smart material actuation
component configured to deform the flexible display device 504, and
a second actuation component that is an electromagnet actuation
component configured to vibrate the housing 502.
[0099] In an embodiment, if the haptic-enabled device 500 is a
mobile phone or a smart watch that is able to receive a text
message or a call, a control unit of the haptic-enabled device may
control whether a first actuation component (e.g., smart material
actuation component) or a second actuation component (e.g.,
electromagnet actuation component) of the haptic actuator 510 is
activated based on an urgency or importance of the text or the
call. For instance, the control unit may be configured to determine
that the haptic-enabled device is receiving or has received
communication from another mobile phone, and to determine whether a
priority level of communication exceeds a defined threshold. In
response to a determination that the priority level of the
communication exceeds the defined threshold, the control unit may
be configured to provide a first electrical signal to at least the
second actuation component (e.g., the electromagnet actuation
component), and may cause the first electrical signal to have a
frequency that is in a range of 100 Hz to 200 Hz. In response to a
determination that the priority level of the communication does not
exceed the defined threshold, the control unit may provide a second
electrical signal to at least the first actuation component (e.g.,
the smart material actuation component), and cause the second
electrical signal to have a frequency that is in a range of 1 Hz to
10 Hz. Thus, a call or text message having a low or medium
importance level (e.g., a regular call) may cause the haptic
actuator to generate a haptic effect with low-frequency content
with at least the first actuation component, while a call having a
high importance level (e.g., an urgent call) may cause the haptic
actuator to generate a haptic effect with high frequency content
with the second actuation component. Further, the haptic effect
that is generated for the call of a low or medium level of
importance may have a lower intensity (e.g., lower amount of
movement) than the haptic effect that is generated for the call of
a high level of importance.
[0100] As another example, a haptic actuator may generate a haptic
effect that provides a series of taps corresponding to how many
times a haptic-enabled device (e.g., a mobile phone) has missed a
call from a particular caller. For instance, if a particular user
has a friend who calls the user's mobile phone three times and the
calls are all missed, a control unit of the mobile phone may cause
a haptic actuator (e.g., haptic actuator 210) to output three taps
with a smart material actuation component of the haptic
actuator.
[0101] In another example, when a user is pushing on an outer
surface 502b of a housing of a haptic-enabled device 500, such as
part of a button press, the haptic-enabled device 500 may have a
haptic actuator 510 with a smart material actuation component for
creating a deformation in the outer surface 502b that pushes back
on the user. Further, an electromagnet actuation component of the
haptic actuator may be activated to output vibration as a
confirmation of the press. In some implementations, the frequency
at which the smart material actuation component is activated may
change (e.g., increase) during the outputting of the haptic effect
in order to notify a user of additional information.
[0102] In an embodiment, the embodiments of the haptic actuator
described above may be embedded in a mobile phone, a tablet
computer, a game controller, a virtual reality (VR) or augmented
reality (AR) controller, or a wearable device, such as a
headset.
[0103] While various embodiments have been described above, it
should be understood that they have been presented only as
illustrations and examples of the present invention, and not by way
of limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the
relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention
should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary
embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the
appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood
that each feature of each embodiment discussed herein, and of each
reference cited herein, can be used in combination with the
features of any other embodiment.
* * * * *