U.S. patent application number 16/820450 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-15 for electronic device having a haptic device with an actuation member and a restoration mechanism.
The applicant listed for this patent is Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Brenton A. Baugh, Benjamin G. Jackson, Megan A. McClain, Steven J. Taylor.
Application Number | 20200326779 16/820450 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004751491 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-15 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200326779 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jackson; Benjamin G. ; et
al. |
October 15, 2020 |
Electronic Device Having a Haptic Device with an Actuation Member
and a Restoration Mechanism
Abstract
A haptic device for an electronic device includes an actuation
member formed from a shape-memory alloy (SMA) material that changes
shape (e.g., expands or contracts) in response to an applied
electrical current. In some cases, the haptic devices described
herein also include a restoration mechanism that restores the
actuation member to its original shape or to a similar shape. The
change in the shape of the actuation member and the restoration of
the shape of the actuation member may produce a haptic output at
the electronic device.
Inventors: |
Jackson; Benjamin G.;
(Belmont, CA) ; Baugh; Brenton A.; (Los Altos
Hills, CA) ; McClain; Megan A.; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Taylor; Steven J.; (San Jose, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apple Inc. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004751491 |
Appl. No.: |
16/820450 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62832860 |
Apr 11, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/016 20130101;
G06F 3/015 20130101; G06F 3/0447 20190501; G06F 3/0488 20130101;
G06F 2203/04106 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01; G06F 3/0488 20060101 G06F003/0488; G06F 3/044 20060101
G06F003/044 |
Claims
1. An electronic watch comprising: an enclosure; a touch-sensitive
display positioned at least partially within the enclosure; a
processing unit operably coupled to the touch-sensitive display;
and a haptic device positioned at least partially within the
enclosure and configured to provide a haptic output along an
external surface of the enclosure, the haptic device comprising: an
actuation member formed from a shape-memory alloy material and
configured to contract in response to a signal generated by the
processing unit and produce at least a portion of the haptic
output; and a restoration mechanism coupled to the actuation member
and configured to elongate the actuation member after a contraction
of the actuation member.
2. The electronic watch of claim 1, wherein: the actuation member
is a first actuation member formed from a first shape-memory alloy
material; the signal is a first signal; the restoration mechanism
comprises a second actuation member formed from a second
shape-memory alloy material; and the second actuation member is
configured to contract in response to a second signal generated by
the processing unit.
3. The electronic watch of claim 1, wherein: the enclosure
comprises a cover defining at least a part of a front external
surface of the enclosure and a contact member defining at least a
part of a rear external surface of the enclosure; a graphical
output of the touch-sensitive display is visible along the front
external surface; the rear external surface is configured to
contact a body part of a user; and the haptic device is configured
to produce the haptic output along the rear external surface by
moving the contact member relative to the cover.
4. The electronic watch of claim 3, wherein the haptic output is
coordinated with a change in the graphical output.
5. The electronic watch of claim 3, wherein the haptic device is
configured to rotate the contact member.
6. The electronic watch of claim 3, wherein the haptic device is
configured to translate the contact member along either: a path
that is parallel to the front external surface; or a path that is
perpendicular to the front external surface.
7. The electronic watch of claim 1, wherein: the electronic watch
comprises a crown that is configured to receive a rotational input;
and the haptic output is provided in response to the rotational
input.
8. The electronic watch of claim 1, wherein: the actuation member
is a first actuation member; the signal is a first signal; the
shape-memory alloy material is a first shape-memory alloy material;
the first actuation member is configured to produce a first portion
of the haptic output; and the restoration mechanism includes a
second actuation member that is configured to produce a second
portion of the haptic output in response to a second signal.
9. An electronic device comprising: an enclosure; a display
positioned at least partially within the enclosure; an actuation
member comprising a shape-memory alloy and positioned within the
enclosure, the actuation member configured to change from a first
shape to a second shape in response to an electrical signal; a
restoration mechanism coupled to the actuation member and
configured to restore the actuation member from the second shape to
the first shape; and a processing unit operably coupled to the
actuation member and configured to cause the electrical signal to
be applied to the actuation member, wherein: changing the actuation
member from the first shape to the second shape produces a first
portion of a haptic output along an external surface of the
enclosure; and restoring the actuation member from the second shape
to the first shape produces a second portion of the haptic output
along the external surface of the enclosure.
10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein: the enclosure
comprises: a cover positioned over the display; a housing member
defining an opening; and a rear cover positioned in the opening and
coupled to the actuation member; and the actuation member causes
the rear cover to move relative to at least one of the cover or the
housing member to produce the first portion of the haptic
output.
11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein: changing the
actuation member from the first shape to the second shape causes
the rear cover to move in a first direction; and restoring the
actuation member from the second shape to the first shape causes
the rear cover to move in a second direction that is opposite to
the first direction.
12. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the actuation member
causes the rear cover to rotate relative to at least one of the
cover or the housing member.
13. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein: the rear cover
comprises an electrode for determining an electrocardiogram; and
the haptic output is provided in response to determining the
electrocardiogram.
14. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein: the actuation member
is a first actuation member; the shape-memory alloy is a first
shape-memory alloy; and the restoration mechanism comprises a
second actuation member formed from a second shape-memory
alloy.
15. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the restoration
mechanism comprises a spring.
16. A method for producing a haptic output using an actuation
member comprising a shape-memory alloy, the method comprising:
detecting an input at an electronic device using a processing unit
of the electronic device; in response to the input, producing an
output signal; in response to the output signal, applying an
electrical current to an actuation member thereby causing the
actuation member to contract and produce a first portion of the
haptic output; and elongating the actuation member using a
restoration mechanism thereby producing a second portion of the
haptic output.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein elongating the actuation member
of the electronic device comprises applying a tensile force to the
actuation member using the restoration mechanism.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein: the electrical current is a
first electrical current; and the method further comprises, after
the actuation member is elongated, contracting the actuation member
by applying a second electrical current to the actuation member to
produce a third portion of the haptic output.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein: the method further comprises
displaying a graphical output using a touch-sensitive display; and
detecting the input comprises detecting a touch input along the
touch-sensitive display.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein: detecting the input comprises
determining an electrocardiogram using one or more voltages
detected using the electronic device; and the haptic output is
provided in response to determining the electrocardiogram.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application of and
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/832,860, filed Apr. 11, 2019, and titled "Electronic Device
Having a Haptic Device with an Actuation Member and a Restoration
Mechanism," the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The described embodiments relate generally to an electronic
watch or other electronic device. More particularly, the described
embodiments relate to providing haptic feedback using an actuation
member formed from a shape-memory alloy.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Modern day electronic devices have a broad range of
functionality and have become more portable and compact. Some
portable electronic devices may be adapted to receive user input
and, in response, provide an output or other response. Some
portable electronic devices include a speaker or other type of
output device that is adapted to provide an output to a user.
However, some traditional output devices are bulky and may not be
optimized for various user feedback scenarios. The systems and
techniques described herein may be used to provide a compact output
device for a portable electronic device that may provide advantages
over some traditional systems.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the systems, devices, methods, and
apparatuses described in the present disclosure are directed to an
electronic watch or other electronic device having a haptic device
with an actuation member formed from a shape-memory alloy and a
restoration mechanism, and methods for providing haptic outputs
using the haptic device.
[0005] The embodiments described herein include an electronic watch
having an enclosure, a touch-sensitive display, a processing unit,
and a haptic device. The touch-sensitive display may be positioned
at least partially within the enclosure. The processing unit may be
operably coupled to the touch-sensitive display. The haptic device
may be positioned at least partially within the enclosure and
configured to provide a haptic output along an external surface of
the enclosure. The haptic device may include an actuation member
formed from a shape-memory alloy material and configured to
contract in response to a signal generated by the processing unit
and produce at least a portion of the haptic output. The haptic
device may further include a restoration mechanism coupled to the
actuation member and configured to elongate the actuation member
after a contraction of the actuation member.
[0006] In some embodiments, the actuation member is a first
actuation member formed from a first shape-memory alloy material
and the signal is a first signal. The restoration mechanism may
include a second actuation member formed from a second shape-memory
alloy material. The second actuation member may be configured to
contract in response to a second signal generated by the processing
unit.
[0007] In some cases, the enclosure includes a cover defining at
least a part of a front external surface of the enclosure and a
contact member defining at least a part of a rear external surface
of the enclosure. A graphical output of the touch-sensitive display
may be visible along the front external surface. The rear external
surface may be configured to contact a body part of a user. The
haptic device may be configured to produce the haptic output along
the rear external surface by moving the contact member relative to
the cover. In some cases, the haptic output may be coordinated with
a change in the graphical output. In some cases, the haptic device
is configured to rotate the contact member. In some cases, the
haptic device is configured to translate the contact member along
either a path that is parallel to the front external surface or a
path that is perpendicular to the front external surface.
[0008] In some cases, the electronic watch additionally includes a
crown that is configured to receive a rotational input, and the
haptic output is provided in response to the rotational input. In
some cases, the actuation member is configured to produce a first
portion of the haptic output and the restoration mechanism is
configured to produce a second portion of the haptic output. In
some cases, the signal is a first signal, and the processing unit
is further configured to produce a second signal after the
restoration mechanism elongates the actuation member, and the
actuation member is configured to produce a third portion of the
haptic output in response to the second signal.
[0009] The embodiments described herein further include an
electronic watch having an enclosure, a display, an actuation
member, a restoration mechanism, and a processing unit. The display
may be positioned at least partially within the enclosure. The
actuation member may comprise a shape-memory alloy and may be
positioned within the enclosure. The actuation member may be
configured to change from a first shape to a second shape in
response to an electrical current or electrical signal. The
restoration mechanism may be coupled to the actuation member and
may be configured to restore the actuation member from the second
shape to the first shape. The processing unit may be operably
coupled to the actuation member and configured to cause the
electrical current or electrical signal to be applied to the
actuation member. Changing the actuation member from the first
shape to the second shape may produce a first portion of a haptic
output along an external surface of the enclosure. Restoring the
actuation member from the second shape to the first shape may
produce a second portion of the haptic output along the external
surface of the enclosure.
[0010] In some cases, the enclosure includes a cover positioned
over the display, a housing member defining an opening, and a rear
cover positioned in the opening and coupled to the actuation
member. The actuation member may cause the rear cover to move
relative to at least one of the cover or the housing member to
produce the haptic output. In some cases, changing the actuation
member from the first shape to the second shape causes the rear
cover to move in a first direction and restoring the actuation
member from the second shape to the first shape causes the rear
cover to move in a second direction that is opposite to the first
direction. In some cases, the actuation member causes the rear
cover to rotate relative to at least one of the cover or the
housing member. In some cases, the rear cover includes an electrode
for determining an electrocardiogram and the haptic output is
provided in response to determining the electrocardiogram.
[0011] In some cases, the actuation member is a first actuation
member, and the restoration mechanism includes a second actuation
member. In some cases, the restoration mechanism includes a
spring.
[0012] The embodiments described herein further include a method
for producing a haptic output using an actuation member comprising
a shape-memory alloy. The method includes the steps of detecting an
input at the electronic device, and in response to the input,
determining, by a processing unit of the electronic device, an
output to be produced by the electronic device. The method further
includes the steps of outputting, by the processing unit, an output
signal to provide a haptic output that corresponds to the
determined output and, in response to the output signal, applying
an electrical current or electrical signal to an actuation member
of the electronic device to contract the actuation member. The
method further includes the step of elongating the actuation member
using a restoration mechanism of the electronic device. Contracting
the actuation member produces a first portion of the haptic output
and elongating the actuation member produces a second portion of
the haptic output.
[0013] In some cases, the electrical current is a first electrical
current and the method further includes contracting the actuation
member after the actuation member is elongated by applying a second
electrical current to the actuation member to produce a third
portion of the haptic output.
[0014] In some cases, the method further includes displaying a
graphical output using a touch-sensitive display and detecting the
input comprises detecting a touch input along the touch-sensitive
display.
[0015] In some cases, detecting the input includes determining an
electrocardiogram using one or more voltages detected at the
electronic device, and the haptic output is provided in response to
determining the electrocardiogram.
[0016] In addition to the example aspects and embodiments described
above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and by study of the following
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The disclosure will be readily understood by the following
detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements,
and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of an example
electronic device that incorporates a haptic device with an SMA
actuation member and a restoration mechanism;
[0019] FIGS. 2A-2B show an example of an electronic watch that may
incorporate a haptic device with an actuation member formed from a
shape-memory alloy material and a restoration mechanism;
[0020] FIGS. 3A-3C show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device having an SMA actuation member and a restoration
mechanism installed in an example electronic device;
[0021] FIGS. 4A-4C show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device having an SMA actuation member and a restoration
mechanism installed in an example electronic device;
[0022] FIGS. 5A-5C show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device having an SMA actuation member and a restoration
mechanism installed in an example electronic device;
[0023] FIGS. 6A-6F show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device having an SMA actuation member and a restoration
mechanism installed in an example electronic device;
[0024] FIGS. 7A-7C show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device having an SMA actuation member and a restoration
mechanism installed in an example electronic device;
[0025] FIGS. 8A-8C show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device having an SMA actuation member and a restoration
mechanism installed in an example electronic device;
[0026] FIGS. 9A-9B show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device having an SMA actuation member and a restoration
mechanism installed in an example electronic device;
[0027] FIGS. 10A-10C show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device having an SMA actuation member and a restoration
mechanism installed in an example electronic device;
[0028] FIG. 11 shows an example method for providing haptic
feedback using a haptic device with an actuation member formed from
a shape-memory alloy material; and
[0029] FIG. 12 shows a sample electrical block diagram of an
electronic device that may incorporate a haptic device, as
described herein.
[0030] The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying
figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between
adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures.
Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching
or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for
particular materials, material properties, element proportions,
element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated
elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for
any element illustrated in the accompanying figures.
[0031] Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions
and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various
features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and
the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented
therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to
facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described
herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or
illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any
preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the
exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to representative
embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be
understood that the following description is not intended to limit
the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is
intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as
can be included within the spirit and scope of the described
embodiments as defined by the appended claims.
[0033] The following disclosure relates to an electronic device
(e.g., an electronic watch) having a haptic device for providing
haptic outputs to a user of the device. In various embodiments, the
haptic device includes an actuation member formed at least
partially from a shape-memory alloy (SMA) material that changes
shape (e.g., expands or contracts) in response to an applied
electrical current or electrical signal. The actuation member
(referred to herein as an "SMA actuation member") may produce a
haptic output along a surface of the electronic device. In some
cases, the haptic devices described herein also include a
restoration mechanism that restores the SMA actuation member to its
original shape or to a similar shape. The change in the shape of
the SMA actuation member and the restoration of the shape of the
SMA actuation member may combine to produce a haptic output at the
electronic device.
[0034] As noted above, an SMA actuation member may contract from a
first shape to a second shape in response to an applied electrical
current or electrical signal. Once the electrical current ceases or
is reduced below a threshold, the SMA actuation member may elongate
(e.g., expand) from the second shape to the first shape or to a
shape between the first and second shapes. In some cases, the SMA
actuation member may be successively or repeatedly contracted
several times to produce multiple portions of a haptic output. In
many cases, the time required for elongation of the SMA actuation
member is sufficiently long that it limits the number of successive
contractions and elongations that can occur in a given time
period.
[0035] The restoration mechanisms described herein may apply a
tensile force to an SMA actuation member to increase the speed of
elongation and reduce the time required for elongation. As a
result, an SMA actuation member may be contracted and elongated
more frequently, and can provide more haptic outputs or portions of
haptic outputs in a given time period.
[0036] As used herein, the terms "haptic output" and "tactile
output" may be used to refer to outputs produced by the electronic
device that may be perceived through user touch. Examples of haptic
outputs include vibrations, deflections, and other movements of a
device enclosure, a device cover, and input device, or another
device component that forms a portion of the external surface of
the electronic device. In some cases, a haptic device may vibrate
and/or deflect a device component (e.g., an enclosure, a cover, or
an input device) to produce a haptic output at a portion of the
external surface of the device defined by the device component. In
some cases, haptic outputs may be produced by relative movement of
one or more device components with respect to one or more
additional device components. As one example, a haptic device may
cause a first device component (e.g., a cover) to vibrate,
oscillate, rotate, and/or translate relative to another device
component (e.g., an enclosure) to produce a haptic output that may
be perceived by a user.
[0037] In some cases, the haptic device is coupled to an enclosure
of the electronic device, and the haptic device provides haptic
outputs that may be tactilely perceived by the user along one or
more portions of an external surface of the electronic device. In
some cases, the haptic device is coupled to a contact member that
moves (e.g., oscillates, vibrates, translates, or rotates) with
respect to other components of the electronic device, such as a
housing member, to provide haptic outputs. Translation may include
inward and outward translation, lateral translation, and other
movement of the contact member. In some cases, the haptic device
provides haptic outputs by deflecting a portion of an enclosure of
the electronic device. Different types of movement may be used to
provide different haptic outputs.
[0038] In some cases, the haptic outputs described herein are
localized haptic outputs. As used herein, the term "localized
haptic output" may be used to refer to a haptic output that is
primarily perceived along a particular location or region of the
external surface of the electronic device. The particular location
or region may correspond to a portion of the exterior of the
electronic device that is likely to be contacted by the user and
thereby more readily perceived without producing the output along
an entirety of the exterior of the electronic device. The haptic
devices described herein may produce localized haptic outputs
causing vibration, deflection, or movement at particular locations
or regions of the external surface of the electronic device. In
some cases, a localized haptic output may be felt strongly at one
or more locations or regions of the external surface and may be
imperceptible or less perceptible at one or more other locations or
regions of the external surface of the electronic device.
[0039] As suggested above, a localized haptic output may be
provided at one or more locations that are configured to be
contacted by a user. For example, localized haptic outputs may be
provided at a rear surface of an electronic watch that is
configured to contact a user's wrist while the watch is worn. In
some cases, localized haptic outputs may provide feedback regarding
inputs received at particular locations of the electronic device.
For example, localized haptic outputs may be provided at and/or
near an input device (e.g., a button, a crown, or a touchscreen) to
provide feedback related to an input provided at the input device.
In other cases, localized haptic outputs may provide other types of
feedback or information to users.
[0040] In some cases, the haptic outputs described herein are
global haptic outputs. As used herein, the term "global haptic
output" may be used to refer to a haptic output that is caused by a
moving mass or other inertial effect. As described herein, a haptic
device may cause a mass or weighted member to move and, in some
cases, oscillate, to produce a perceptible vibration or tactile
effect along an external surface of the electronic device. In
general, a global haptic output may be produced over a large area
and, in some cases, substantially all of the external surfaces or a
substantial entirety of an exterior of the electronic device. In
general, global haptic outputs are not meant to be localized to any
particular location or region of the external surface of the
electronic device. In some cases, global haptic outputs may provide
feedback that is not related to a specific location on the
electronic device. For example, global haptic outputs may be
provided for alerts received at the electronic device. In other
cases, global haptic outputs may provide other types of feedback or
information to users.
[0041] The term "attached," as used herein, may be used to refer to
two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the
like that are physically affixed, fastened, and/or retained to one
another. The term "coupled," as used herein, may be used to refer
to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts, or
the like that are physically attached to one another, operate with
one another, communicate with one another, are in electrical
connection with one another, and/or otherwise interact with one
another. Accordingly, while elements attached to one another are
coupled to one another, the reverse is not required. As used
herein, "operably coupled" or "electrically coupled" may be used to
refer to two or more devices that are coupled in any suitable
manner for operation and/or communication, including wired,
wirelessly, or some combination thereof.
[0042] As noted above, the actuation members described herein may
be formed at least partially from one or more shape-memory alloy
(SMA) materials that change shape (e.g., expands or contracts) in
response to an applied electrical current. Examples of SMA
materials include copper alloys (e.g., copper-aluminum-nickel),
nickel alloys (e.g., nickel-titanium), zinc alloys (e.g.,
copper-zinc-aluminum), cobalt alloys (e.g., cobalt-nickel-gallium
alloys), silver alloys (e.g., silver-cadmium), titanium alloys
(e.g., titanium-niobium), gold alloys (e.g., gold-cadmium), iron
alloys, and other alloy materials.
[0043] These and other embodiments are discussed with reference to
FIGS. 1-12. However, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect
to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be
construed as limiting.
[0044] FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of an example
electronic device 100 that incorporates a haptic device 150 with an
SMA actuation member and a restoration mechanism. In some examples,
the device 100 may be an electronic watch. The electronic device
100 may include a device enclosure 116, a haptic device 150, a
crown 121, one or more input devices 130, one or more output
devices 132, a display 134, and a processing unit 111 positioned at
least partially within the enclosure 116.
[0045] In some cases, the electronic device 100 includes a haptic
device 150 positioned at least partially within the enclosure 116
and configured to provide haptic outputs along an external surface
of the electronic device 100. As noted above, the haptic device may
include an actuation member formed from a shape-memory alloy that
changes shape (e.g., expands or contracts) in response to an
applied current or other electrical signal. The SMA actuation
member may be configured to contract in response to a signal
generated by the processing unit 111 and produce at least a portion
of a haptic output. As described herein, the processing unit may
produce an electrical signal that is used to trigger the generation
of an electrical current or other electrical signal that drives the
SMA actuation member. The SMA actuation member is not typically
driven directly by the signal produced by the processing unit.
[0046] In some cases, the haptic device 150 also includes a
restoration mechanism that restores (e.g., elongates) the SMA
actuation member to its original shape or to a similar shape. The
changes in the shape of the SMA actuation member (e.g., contraction
and/or elongation) may combine to produce a haptic output at the
electronic device 100. For example, the SMA actuation member may
produce a first portion of a haptic output and the restoration
mechanism may produce a second portion of a haptic output. As
described herein, the restoration mechanism may include a spring, a
mechanical restoring member, and/or another actuation member formed
from the same or another SMA material.
[0047] The haptic device 150 may produce haptic outputs in response
to receiving one or more signals from the processing unit 111. In
some cases, the haptic outputs may correspond to inputs received by
the electronic device 100 (e.g., a rotational input received by the
crown 121) and/or outputs provided by the electronic device (e.g.,
a graphical output provided by the display 134). The haptic outputs
may correspond to operational states, events, or other conditions
at the electronic device 100, including inputs received at the
electronic device (e.g., touch inputs, rotational inputs,
translational inputs), outputs of the electronic device (e.g.,
graphical outputs, audio outputs, haptic outputs), applications and
processes executing on the electronic device, predetermined
sequences, user interface commands (e.g., volume, zoom, or
brightness controls, audio or video controls, scrolling on a list
or page, and the like), and the like. The haptic device 150 may be
operably coupled to the processing unit 111 via a connector 136a
and/or via one or more additional components of the electronic
device 100.
[0048] In various embodiments, the haptic device 150 is coupled to
the enclosure 116 to provide the haptic output along one or more
external surfaces of the electronic device 100 defined by the
enclosure 116 or other components of the electronic device 100. For
example, the enclosure 116 may define a front external surface 190a
and a rear external surface 190b of the device 100. In some cases,
the SMA actuation member and/or the restoration mechanism of the
haptic device 150 may be coupled to the enclosure 116 and may
deflect or otherwise move one or more portions of the enclosure 116
to produce a haptic output.
[0049] In some cases, the enclosure 116 includes one or more
separate components. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the enclosure
116 may include a cover 118, a housing member 180, and a contact
member 182. In some cases, the cover 118 defines at least part of
the front external surface 190a, and the housing member 180 and the
contact member 182 cooperate to define at least part of the rear
external surface 190b. In some cases, the cover 118 is positioned
at over and/or at least partially in an opening 110 defined by the
housing member 180. In some cases, the contact member 182 is
positioned in an opening 181 defined by the housing member 180.
[0050] In various embodiments, the haptic device 150 may provide
local haptic outputs along the external surface of the electronic
device 100 (e.g., one or more locations along the front external
surface 190a, the rear external surface 190b, or elsewhere along
the electronic device 100). In some cases, the haptic device 150
may provide global haptic outputs along the external surface of the
electronic device.
[0051] In some cases, the haptic device 150 may provide a haptic
output by moving a component of the enclosure 116 relative to other
components of the enclosure or the electronic device 100. For
example, the haptic device 150 may oscillate, vibrate, translate,
and/or rotate the contact member 182 relative to the housing member
180 and/or the cover 118 to provide a haptic output at the rear
external surface 190b. In some cases, the contact member 182 and/or
the housing member 180 may be positioned so that they are likely to
be in contact with a user when the device 100 is being used.
Movement of the contact member 182 relative to the housing member
180 against the user's skin may produce a haptic output that can be
perceived by the user. In some cases, the haptic device translates
or oscillates the contact member 182 along a path that is parallel
to an external surface of the electronic device (e.g., the front
external surface 190a or the rear external surface 190b). In some
cases, the haptic device translates or oscillates the contact
member 182 along a path that is perpendicular to an external
surface of the electronic device (e.g., the front external surface
190a or the rear external surface 190b).
[0052] In some cases, the contact member 182 is configured to
rotate relative to the housing member 180 or the cover 118. For
example, the contact member 182 may have a round (e.g., circular)
perimeter and the contact member 182 may be positioned in a round
opening in the housing member 180. The contact member 182 may
rotate relative to the housing member 180, for example as shown
with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C. Rotation of the contact member 182
relative to the housing member 180 against the user's skin may
produce a haptic output that can be perceived by the user. In some
cases, the contact member 182 moving (e.g., rotating) relative to
the housing member 180 produces a shear force on the user's skin,
which may be perceived differently or give a different sensation
than a vibration or translation of the contact member 182.
[0053] In some cases, the haptic device 150 may provide a haptic
output by deflecting a portion of the enclosure 116. For example,
the haptic device 150 may deflect a portion of the housing member
180 inward and/or outward to provide a haptic output at the rear
external surface 190b. In some cases, the enclosure 116 does not
include the contact member 182. For example, the contact member 182
shown in FIG. 1 may be replaced with a portion of the housing
member 180 that is continuous with the rest of the housing member
180. The portion of the housing member 180 may be configured to
deflect or otherwise provide a haptic output along the rear
external surface 190b. Deflection or other movement of the housing
member 180 against the user's skin may produce a haptic output that
can be perceived by the user.
[0054] In some cases, the haptic device 150 may provide a global
haptic output by moving a mass or weighted member within the
enclosure 116. For example, the contact member 182 shown in FIG. 1
may be a mass or weighted member positioned within the enclosure
116. The haptic device 150 may cause the mass or weighted member to
move and, in some cases, oscillate, to produce a perceptible
vibration or tactile effect along an external surface of the
electronic device 100.
[0055] In some cases, the haptic device 150 may provide a haptic
output at the front external surface 190a by translating and/or
rotating the cover 118 relative to other components of the
enclosure 116, such as the housing member 180. In some cases, the
haptic device 150 may provide a haptic output along a portion of
the external surface of the electronic device 100 defined by one or
more input devices, such as a crown 121, a button, or the like. In
some cases, the haptic device 150 oscillates, vibrates, rotates,
and/or translates an input device or a portion of an input device
relative to one or more additional components of the electronic
device 100.
[0056] In various embodiments, the haptic device 150 may be
directly connected to a component of the electronic device 100 that
defines an external surface of the electronic device, including the
enclosure 116, an input device, or another component. In some
cases, the haptic device 150 is coupled to the relevant
component(s) defining the external surface by a connector 151. The
connector 151 may transfer motion from the haptic device 150 to the
component(s) defining the external surface to produce the haptic
output along the external surface.
[0057] In some cases, the electronic device 100 includes a crown
121 configured to receive translational inputs, rotational inputs,
and/or touch inputs. Inputs received at the crown 121 may result in
changes in outputs provided by the electronic device 100 such as a
graphical output of the display 134, and/or otherwise modify
operations of the electronic device. In some cases, the crown 121
may be positioned along a side of the enclosure 116, and may extend
through an opening 123 defined in the enclosure. The crown 121 may
include a user-rotatable crown body 120 and a shaft 122. The crown
body 120 may be positioned at least partially outside of the device
enclosure 116 and may be coupled to the shaft 122. In some cases,
the shaft 122 extends from the crown body 120 and extends through
the opening 123.
[0058] In some cases, the device 100 may include a conductive
portion that may be used to perform an ECG measurement. The crown
body 120 or another input device 130 may define a conductive
surface for receiving touch inputs. In some cases, the conductive
surface functions as an electrode to sense voltages or signals
indicative of one or more touch inputs and/or biological
parameters, such as an electrocardiogram, of a user in contact with
the conductive surface. The enclosure 116 may define a
touch-sensitive or conductive surface that is electrically coupled
to the processing unit 111 and also functions as an electrode. The
processing unit 111 may determine an electrocardiogram using
outputs of the electrodes of the crown body 120 and the enclosure
116. In various embodiments, the crown 121 is electrically isolated
from the enclosure 116, for example to allow separate measurements
at the electrodes. In various embodiments, the crown body 120 may
be electrically coupled to the processing unit 111 or another
circuit of the electronic device 100, for example via a connector
136b and/or the shaft 122.
[0059] In various embodiments, the display 134 may be positioned at
least partially within the enclosure 116. The display 134 provides
a graphical output, for example associated with an operating
system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic
device 100. In one embodiment, the display 134 includes one or more
sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch,
multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from
a user. The display 134 is operably coupled to the processing unit
111 of the electronic device 100, for example by a connector 136c.
In some cases, the graphical output of the display 134 is visible
along the front external surface 190a.
[0060] In various embodiments, a graphical output of the display
134 is responsive to inputs provided at the crown 121, the display,
or another input device 130. For example, the processing unit 111
may be configured to modify the graphical output of the display 134
in response to determining an electrocardiogram, receiving
rotational inputs, receiving translational inputs, or receiving
touch inputs. In some cases, a haptic output provided by the haptic
device 150 corresponds to the graphical output of the display 134.
In some cases, the haptic device 150 may produce a haptic output
that is coordinated with a change in the graphical output of the
display 134. For example, the haptic output may be produced at or
near the same time as the change in the graphical output of the
display 134. In some cases, a time that the haptic output is
produced overlaps a time that the graphical output of the display
134 changes.
[0061] The display 134 can be implemented with any suitable
technology, including, but not limited to, liquid crystal display
(LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic
light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic
electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display
technology. In some cases, the display 134 is positioned beneath
and viewable through the cover 118.
[0062] Broadly, the input devices 130 may detect various types of
input, and the output devices 132 may provide various types of
output. The processing unit 111 may be operably coupled to the
input devices 130 and the output devices 132, for example by
connectors 136d and 136e. The processing unit 111 may receive input
signals from the input devices 130, in response to inputs detected
by the input devices. The processing unit 111 may interpret input
signals received from one or more of the input devices 130 and
transmit output signals to one or more of the output devices 132.
The output signals may cause the output devices 132 to provide one
or more outputs. Detected input at one or more of the input devices
130 may be used to control one or more functions of the device 100.
In some cases, one or more of the output devices 132 may be
configured to provide outputs that are dependent on, or manipulated
in response to, the input detected by one or more of the input
devices 130. The outputs provided by one or more of the output
devices 132 may also be responsive to, or initiated by, a program
or application executed by the processing unit 111 and/or an
associated companion device. Examples of suitable processing units,
input devices, output devices, and displays, are discussed in more
detail below with respect to FIG. 12.
[0063] FIGS. 2A-2B show an example of an electronic watch 200 that
may incorporate a haptic device with an actuation member formed
from a shape-memory alloy material and a restoration mechanism. The
structure and functionality of the electronic watch 200 may be
similar to the structure and functionality of the electronic watch
100 discussed above with respect to FIG. 1. Other devices that may
incorporate the haptic devices described herein include other
wearable electronic devices, other timekeeping devices, other
health monitoring or fitness devices, other portable computing
devices, mobile phones (including smart phones), tablet computing
devices, digital media players, virtual reality devices, audio
devices (including earbuds and headphones), and the like.
[0064] The electronic watch 200 may include a watch body 212 and a
watch band 214. The watch body 212 may include an enclosure 216. As
noted above, in some cases, the haptic device of the electronic
watch 200 provides haptic outputs that may be felt along one or
more portions of the enclosure 216. The enclosure 216 may contain
one or more components of the electronic watch 200 and may define
at least part of an external surface of the electronic watch. The
haptic device may provide haptic outputs along one or more portions
of the external surface defined by the enclosure 216.
[0065] In some cases, the enclosure 216 defines a front external
surface 290a (shown in FIG. 2A) that faces away from a user's skin
when the watch 200 is worn by a user and a rear external surface
290b (shown in FIG. 2B) that faces toward the user's skin (e.g.,
opposite the front external surface 290a). In some cases, the
haptic device of the electronic watch provides haptic outputs at an
area 282 along the rear external surface 290b of the watch.
[0066] In some cases, the area 282 may be defined by a separate
component that is capable of rotating and/or translating relative
to other components of the electronic watch 200 (e.g., similar to
contact member 182 above) to provide haptic outputs. Alternatively,
the area 282 may be a portion of a larger component of the
enclosure 216 that deflects or otherwise moves to provide haptic
outputs.
[0067] In some cases, the enclosure 216 may include a housing
member 280. In some cases, at least a portion of the housing member
280 faces toward a user's skin when the watch 200 is worn.
Alternatively, the enclosure 216 may include two or more housing
members. For example, the enclosure 216 may include a front housing
member that faces away from a user's skin when the watch 200 is
worn by a user, and a rear housing member that faces toward the
user's skin. In some cases, haptic outputs are provided at the
housing member 280 and may be tactilely perceived by a body part of
the user that is in contact with the electronic watch 200. The one
or more housing members may be metallic, plastic, ceramic, glass,
or other types of housing members (or combinations of such
materials).
[0068] In some cases, as shown in FIG. 2B, the enclosure 216 may
include a contact member (e.g., a rear cover 260). In some cases,
the haptic device provides haptic outputs at the rear cover 260. In
some cases, the haptic device may cause the rear cover 260 to move
relative to the housing member 280, the cover 218, and/or other
components of the electronic watch 200.
[0069] In some cases, the rear cover 260 is positioned over and/or
within an opening defined in the housing member 280. The rear cover
260 may be capable of rotating and/or translating relative to the
housing member 280 to provide haptic outputs.
[0070] In some cases, the rear cover 260 is positioned over one or
more additional components of the electronic watch 200. For
example, in some cases, the electronic watch 200 includes a
wireless charging coil positioned beneath the rear cover 260, and
the rear cover 260 is capable of transmitting wireless charging
signals from a wireless charger external to the enclosure 216 and
through the rear cover 260 to the wireless charging coil. In some
cases, the rear cover 260 is formed of a material that is suitable
for transmitting wireless charging signals, including plastic,
ceramic, or glass.
[0071] In some cases, the electronic watch 200 includes one or more
biosensors positioned beneath the rear cover 260, for example to
detect a biological parameter (e.g., a heart rate) of a user. In
some cases, the biosensors include optical heart rate sensors that
transmit optical signals through the rear cover 260 to a user's
skin, and receive reflected optical signals through the rear cover
that may be processed to determine the biological parameter(s). In
some cases, the rear cover 260 is formed of a material that is
suitable for transmitting optical signals, including plastic,
ceramic, or glass.
[0072] In some cases, the rear cover 260 may have one or more
conductive electrodes positioned thereon. The one or more
electrodes on the additional cover may be used to determine a
biological parameter, such as a heart rate, an ECG, or the like. In
some cases, the electrodes are used in combination with one or more
additional electrodes, such as a surface of a crown or other input
device. In some cases, the electronic watch 200 includes two
electrodes positioned along a rear surface of the electronic watch
200 (e.g., along a surface of the rear cover 260) and the
electrodes may be configured to contact a wrist of the user. A
third conductive electrode may be positioned along another surface
of the electronic watch 200 (e.g., along the enclosure 216, the
crown 221, and/or the button 230) and may be configured to be
contacted by a finger or other portion of the user's body in order
to facilitate an ECG or other heart- or health-related
measurement.
[0073] Returning to FIG. 2A, in some cases, the enclosure 216 may
include a cover 218 facing away from a user's skin as the watch 200
is worn. In some cases, the cover 218 is mounted to or coupled to
the housing member 280. The cover 218 and/or portions of the
housing member 280 may define the front external surface 290a of
the electronic watch 200. In some cases, the haptic device may be
coupled to the cover 218 and may be capable of providing haptic
outputs at the front external surface 290a.
[0074] The cover 218 may be positioned over and protect a display
mounted within the enclosure 216 (e.g., display 134 of FIG. 1). The
display may be viewable by a user through the cover 218. In some
cases, the cover 218 may be part of a display stack, which may
include touch sensing or force sensing capability. The display may
be configured to depict a graphical output of the watch 200, and a
user may interact with the graphical output (e.g., using a finger,
stylus, or other pointer). As one example, the user may select (or
otherwise interact with) a graphic, icon, or the like presented on
the display by touching or pressing (e.g., providing touch input)
on the display at the location of the graphic. In some cases, the
haptic outputs provided by the haptic device correspond to the
graphical output of the display and/or inputs received via the
display.
[0075] As used herein, the term "cover" may be used to refer to any
transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent surface made out of
glass, a crystalline material (such as sapphire or zirconia),
plastic, or the like. Thus, it should be appreciated that the term
"cover," as used herein, encompasses amorphous solids as well as
crystalline solids. In some examples, the cover 218 may be a
sapphire cover. The cover 218 may also be formed of glass, plastic,
or other materials.
[0076] The watch body 212 may include at least one input device or
selection device, such as a crown, scroll wheel, knob, dial,
button, or the like, which may be operated by a user of the watch
200. In some embodiments, the watch 200 includes a crown 221 that
includes a crown body 220 and a shaft (not shown in FIG. 2A). The
enclosure 216 may define an opening through which the shaft
extends. The crown body 220 may be attached and/or coupled to the
shaft, and may be accessible to a user exterior to the enclosure
216.
[0077] The crown body 220 may be user-rotatable, and may be
manipulated (e.g., rotated, pressed) by a user to rotate or
translate the shaft. The shaft may be mechanically, electrically,
magnetically, and/or optically coupled to components within the
enclosure 216. A user's manipulation of the crown body 220 and
shaft may be used, in turn, to manipulate or select various
elements displayed on the display, to adjust a volume of a speaker,
to turn the watch 200 on or off, and so on. The crown body 220 may
be operably coupled to a circuit within the enclosure 216 (e.g., a
processing unit), but electrically isolated from the enclosure 216.
As discussed above, the crown 221 may include a conductive
electrode used to measure an ECG or other health-related
measurement.
[0078] The enclosure 216 may also include an opening through which
a button 230 protrudes. In some embodiments, the input devices
(e.g., the crown body 220, scroll wheel, knob, dial, button 230, or
the like) may be touch sensitive, conductive, and/or have a
conductive surface, and a signal route may be provided between the
conductive portion of the input device and a circuit within the
watch body 212. In some cases, the haptic device may be coupled to
an input device and may be capable of providing haptic outputs at
one or more portions of the external surface of the watch 200
defined by the input device. In some cases, the haptic outputs
provided by the haptic device correspond to the inputs received via
the input device.
[0079] The enclosure 216 may include structures for attaching the
watch band 214 to the watch body 212. In some cases, the structures
may include elongate recesses or openings through which ends of the
watch band 214 may be inserted and attached to the watch body 212.
In other cases (not shown), the structures may include indents
(e.g., dimples or depressions) in the enclosure 216, which indents
may receive ends of spring pins that are attached to or threaded
through ends of a watch band to attach the watch band to the watch
body.
[0080] The watch band 214 may be used to secure the watch 200 to a
user, another device, a retaining mechanism, and so on. In some
cases, the haptic device may be coupled to the watch band 214 and
may be capable of providing haptic outputs at one or more portions
of the external surface of the watch 200 defined by the watch
band.
[0081] In some cases, a haptic device of the electronic watch 200
may provide a global haptic output by moving a mass or weighted
member within the enclosure 216. The haptic device may cause the
mass or weighted member to move and, in some cases, oscillate, to
produce a perceptible vibration or tactile effect along an external
surface of the electronic watch 200.
[0082] In some examples, the watch 200 may lack any or all of the
cover 218, the display, the crown 221, or the button 230. For
example, the watch 200 may include an audio input or output
interface, a touch input interface, a force input or haptic output
interface, or other input or output interface that does not require
the display, crown 221, or button 230. The watch 200 may also
include the aforementioned input or output interfaces in addition
to the display, crown 221, or button 230. When the watch 200 lacks
the display, the front side of the watch 200 may be covered by the
cover 218, or by a metallic or other type of housing member.
[0083] As noted above, the haptic devices discussed herein may
include an actuation member formed at least partially from an SMA
material that changes shape (e.g., expands or contracts) in
response to an applied current and a restoration mechanism that
restores the SMA actuation member to its original shape or to a
similar shape. The change in the shape of the SMA actuation member
and the restoration of the shape of the SMA actuation member may
combine to produce a haptic output at the electronic watch 200.
[0084] FIGS. 3A-3C show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device 350 having an SMA actuation member 352a and a
restoration mechanism 356, installed in an example electronic
device 300. The example electronic device 300 of FIGS. 3A-3C may
have similar structure, components, and functionality as other
electronic devices discussed herein. FIG. 3A illustrates a contact
member 382 positioned in an opening 381 of a housing member 380.
The contact member 382 and/or the housing member 380 may define an
external surface of the electronic device. In some cases, the
haptic device 350 causes the contact member 382 to translate or
oscillate laterally (e.g., left to right and right to left with
respect to FIG. 3A) relative to the housing member 380. In some
cases, the lateral translation or oscillation is along a path that
is parallel to an external surface of the electronic device (e.g.,
the front external surface or the rear external surface). The
translation or oscillation may produce a vibration or tactile
effect along the external surface of the electronic device 300.
[0085] In some cases, the haptic device 350 includes an SMA
actuation member 352a and a restoration mechanism 356. The SMA
actuation member 352a and the restoration mechanism 356 may couple
the contact member 382 to other components of the electronic
device. In some cases, the SMA actuation member 352a is positioned
between and coupled to a first side of the contact member 382 and
the housing member 380. In some cases, the restoration mechanism
356 is positioned between and coupled to a second, opposite side of
the contact member 382 and the housing member 380.
[0086] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 352a contracts from
a first shape having a first length to a second shape having a
second, shorter length in response to a signal received from the
processing unit 311, and, after the contraction, the restoration
mechanism 356 elongates the SMA actuation member 352a to the first
shape or a similar shape (e.g., a third shape having a length
between the length of the first shape and the length of the second
shape).
[0087] FIG. 3A shows the contact member 382 in a first position. In
some cases, the first position is a default position of the contact
member 382. In some cases, in the first position, the contact
member 382 is evenly spaced between walls of the opening 381. The
contact member 382 may be flush with the external surface of the
housing member 380, or it may be recessed or protruding relative to
the external surface.
[0088] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 352a is responsive
to a signal from the processing unit 311, which may cause a current
or other electrical signal to be applied to the SMA actuation
member 352a, thereby causing the SMA actuation member 352a to
contract. As shown in FIG. 3B, contraction of the SMA actuation
member 352a may cause the contact member 382 to translate rightward
from the first position shown in FIG. 3A to a second position shown
in FIG. 3B. The spring 354 may expand to allow the movement of the
contact member 382 to the second position as shown in FIG. 3B. The
rightward translation of the contact member 382 may produce a first
portion of a haptic output.
[0089] As discussed previously, the restoration mechanism 356 may
include an SMA member. In the present example, the restoration
mechanism 356 includes a second SMA actuation member 352b and a
spring 354 coupled together in series. The SMA actuation members
352a and 352b may be electrically coupled to a processing unit 311
(e.g., by connectors 336a and 336b) and configured to contract in
response to receiving signals from the processing unit 311.
[0090] In the present example and in many of the examples described
herein, the restoration mechanism 356 may include both a spring 354
and a second SMA actuation member 352b. Alternatively, the spring
354 may be omitted and the restoration mechanism 356 may rely
primarily on the second SMA actuation member 352b to provide a
restoration force to the first SMA actuation member 352a.
[0091] As noted above, in many cases, the time required for
elongation of the SMA actuation member 352a is sufficiently long
that it limits the number of successive contractions and
elongations that can occur in a given time period. In some cases,
the restoration mechanism 356 elongates the SMA actuation member
352a after the contraction to prepare the SMA actuation member 352a
for a subsequent contraction. Following the application of the
current to the SMA actuation member 352a, the applied current is
ceased, which allows the SMA actuation member 352a to begin
elongating back to the first shape or a similar shape. At this
point, the spring 354 may also begin to contract, which exerts a
tensile force on the SMA actuation member 352a. In some cases, an
additional signal is applied to the second SMA actuation member
352b, causing the second SMA actuation member to contract, which
exerts an additional tensile force on the first SMA actuation
member 352a. The tensile force(s) may accelerate or otherwise
assist the elongation of the SMA actuation member 352a, causing the
SMA actuation member 352a to elongate faster and/or more completely
than if no tensile force was applied.
[0092] As the restoration mechanism 356 elongates the SMA actuation
member 352a, the contact member 382 may move from right to left
with respect to FIG. 3B. In some cases, the leftward translation of
the contact member 382 may produce a second portion of the haptic
output. In some cases, the restoration mechanism 356 returns the
contact member 382 to the first position shown in FIG. 3A. In other
cases, the restoration mechanism 356 may move the contact member
382 to a third position to the left of the first position, as shown
in FIG. 3C.
[0093] In various embodiments, once the SMA actuation member 352a
has been elongated (either partially or fully), it may be
subsequently contracted in response to receiving another signal
from the processing unit 311 and subsequently elongated by the
restoration mechanism 356. Contraction and elongation may be
repeated to repeatedly move the contact member 382 in alternating
directions (e.g., left to right and right to left with respect to
FIGS. 3A-3C) to produce one or more haptic outputs and/or portions
thereof.
[0094] In various embodiments, a compliant member may be disposed
between the contact member 382 and the housing member 380. The
compliant member may form a seal between the contact member 382 and
the housing member 380 to exclude contaminants from the interior of
the electronic device, while still allowing the contact member 382
to move relative to the housing member 380 to produce a haptic
output.
[0095] In some cases, either of the spring 354 or the SMA actuation
member 352b may be omitted from the restoration mechanism 356. The
directions of movement described with respect to FIGS. 3A-3C are
examples for illustrative purposes only. In various embodiments,
the directions of movement may be different from those
described.
[0096] FIGS. 4A-4C show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device 450 having an SMA actuation member 452 and a
restoration mechanism 456, installed in an example electronic
device 400. The example electronic device 400 of FIGS. 4A-4C may
have similar structure, components, and functionality as other
electronic devices discussed herein. FIG. 4A illustrates a contact
member 482 positioned in an opening 481 of a housing member 480. In
some cases, the haptic device 450 causes the contact member 482 to
translate or oscillate in and out of the opening 481 (e.g., up and
down with respect to FIG. 4A) relative to the housing member 480 to
provide a haptic output. In some cases, the translation or
oscillation is along a path that is perpendicular to an external
surface of the electronic device (e.g., the front external surface
of the rear external surface). The translation may cause the
contact member 482 to protrude from and/or be recessed with respect
to the housing member 480. The translation or oscillation may
produce a vibration or tactile effect along the external surface of
the electronic device 400.
[0097] In some cases, the haptic device 450 includes an SMA
actuation member 452 and a restoration mechanism 456. The SMA
actuation member 452 and the restoration mechanism 456 may couple
the contact member 482 to other components of the electronic
device. In some cases, the SMA actuation member 452 and the
restoration mechanism 456 are positioned between and coupled to a
first side of the contact member 482 and a support member 484. The
support member 484 may be a portion of the housing member 480 or
may be attached to the housing member 480.
[0098] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 452 is responsive to
a signal produced by the processing unit 411, which causes a
current to be applied to the SMA actuation member 452, thereby
causing the SMA actuation member 452 to contract. As shown in FIG.
4B, contraction of the SMA actuation member 452 may cause the
contact member 482 to translate upward from the first position
shown in FIG. 4A to a second position shown in FIG. 4B. The upward
translation of the contact member 482 may produce a first portion
of a haptic output. FIG. 4A shows the contact member 482 in a first
position. In some cases, the first position is a default position
of the contact member 482.
[0099] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 452 contracts from a
first shape having a first length to a second shape having a
second, shorter length in response to a signal received from the
processing unit 411, and, after the contraction, the restoration
mechanism 456 elongates the SMA actuation member 452 to the first
shape or a similar shape (e.g., a third shape having a length
between the length of the first shape and the length of the second
shape). The SMA actuation member 452 may be electrically coupled to
a processing unit 411 (e.g., by connectors 436a and 436b) and
configured to contract in response to receiving signals from the
processing unit 411.
[0100] As noted above, in many cases, the time required for
elongation of the SMA actuation member 452 is sufficiently long
that it limits the number of successive contractions and
elongations that can occur in a given time period. In some cases,
the restoration mechanism 456 elongates the SMA actuation member
452 after the contraction to prepare the SMA actuation member 452
for a subsequent contraction. Following the application of the
current to the SMA actuation member 452, the applied current is
ceased, which allows the SMA actuation member to begin elongating
back to the first shape or to a similar shape.
[0101] In some cases, the restoration mechanism 456 includes a
spring that is compressed as the contact member 482 translates
upward (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4B). The spring may exert a downward
force on the contact member 482, which in turn applies a tensile
force on the SMA actuation member. In some cases, the restoration
mechanism 456 includes an SMA actuation member that expands or
elongates in response to an applied current. The expansion of the
SMA actuation member may exert a downward force on the contact
member 482, which in turn applies a tensile force on the SMA
actuation member. The tensile force(s) may accelerate the
elongation of the SMA actuation member 452, causing the SMA
actuation member to elongate faster and/or more completely than if
no tensile force was applied.
[0102] In the present example and in many of the examples described
herein, the restoration mechanism 456 may include a spring, a
spring and a second SMA actuation member, or a second SMA actuation
member without a spring. As discussed previously, the spring may be
omitted and the restoration mechanism 456 may rely primarily the
second SMA actuation member to provide a restoration force to the
(first) SMA actuation member 452. Similar to the (first) SMA
actuation member 452, a second SMA actuation member of the
restoration mechanism 456 may be responsive to a signal produced by
the processing unit 411, which causes a drive current or other
electrical signal to alter a shape and/or length of the second SMA
actuation member.
[0103] As the restoration mechanism 456 elongates the SMA actuation
member 452, the contact member 482 may move downward with respect
to FIG. 4B. In some cases, the downward translation of the contact
member 482 may produce a second portion of the haptic output. In
some cases, the restoration mechanism 456 returns the contact
member 482 to the first position shown in FIG. 4A. In other cases,
the restoration mechanism 456 may move the contact member 482 to a
third position below the first position, as shown in FIG. 4C.
[0104] In various embodiments, once the SMA actuation member 452
has been elongated (either partially or fully), it may be
subsequently contracted in response to receiving another signal
from the processing unit 411 and subsequently elongated by the
restoration mechanism 456. Contraction and elongation may be
repeated to repeatedly move the contact member 482 up and down to
produce one or more haptic outputs and/or portions thereof.
[0105] In various embodiments, a compliant member may be disposed
between the contact member 482 and the housing member 480. The
compliant member may form a seal between the contact member 482 and
the housing member 480 to exclude contaminants from the interior of
the electronic device, while still allowing the contact member 482
to move relative to the housing member 480 to produce a haptic
output.
[0106] The directions of movement described with respect to FIGS.
4A-4C are examples for illustrative purposes only. In various
embodiments, the directions of movement may be different from those
described.
[0107] FIGS. 5A-5C show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device 550 having an SMA actuation member 552a and a
restoration mechanism 556, installed in an example electronic
device 500. The example electronic device 500 of FIGS. 5A-5C may
have similar structure, components, and functionality as other
electronic devices discussed herein. FIG. 5A illustrates a contact
member 582 positioned in an opening 581 of a housing member 580. In
some cases, the haptic device 550 causes the contact member 582 to
rotate (e.g., clockwise and counter-clockwise with respect to FIG.
5A) with respect to the housing member 580 to provide a haptic
output. In some cases, the contact member 582 rotates around an
axle 583 that is fixed with respect to the housing member 580. The
rotation may produce a vibration or tactile effect along the
external surface of the electronic device 500.
[0108] In some cases, the haptic device 550 includes an SMA
actuation member 552a and a restoration mechanism 556. The SMA
actuation member 552a and the restoration mechanism 556 may couple
the contact member 582 to other components of the electronic
device. In some cases, the SMA actuation member 552a is coupled to
and positioned between a support member 588a of the electronic
device and a connection point 589 of the contact member 582. In
some cases, the restoration mechanism 556 is coupled to and
positioned between a support member 588b and the connection point
589 of the contact member 582. The support members 588a and 588b
may be portions of the housing member 580 or may be attached to the
housing member 580 or another component of the electronic
device.
[0109] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 552a contracts from
a first shape having a first length to a second shape having a
second, shorter length in response to a signal received from the
processing unit 511, and, after the contraction, the restoration
mechanism 556 elongates the SMA actuation member 552 to the first
shape or a similar shape (e.g., a third shape having a length
between the length of the first shape and the length of the second
shape). FIG. 5A shows the contact member 582 in a first position.
In some cases, the first position is a default position of the
contact member 582.
[0110] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 552a is responsive
to a signal produced by the processing unit 511, which may cause a
current or other electrical signal to be applied to the SMA
actuation member 552a, thereby causing the SMA actuation member
552a to contract. As shown in FIG. 5B, contraction of the SMA
actuation member 552a may cause the contact member 582 to rotate
counter-clockwise from the first position shown in FIG. 5A to a
second position shown in FIG. 5B. The spring 554 may expand to
allow the movement of the contact member 582 to the second position
as shown in FIG. 5B. The counter-clockwise rotation of the contact
member 582 may produce a first portion of a haptic output.
[0111] The restoration mechanism 556 may include a second SMA
actuation member 552b and a spring 554 coupled together in series.
The SMA actuation members 552a and 552b may be electrically coupled
to a processing unit 511 (e.g., by connectors 536a and 536b) and
configured to contract in response to receiving signals from the
processing unit 511.
[0112] In the present example and in many of the examples described
herein, the restoration mechanism 556 may include a spring 554, a
spring 554 and a second SMA actuation member 552b, or a second SMA
actuation member 552b without a spring. As discussed previously,
the spring 554 may be omitted and the restoration mechanism 556 may
rely primarily on the second SMA actuation 552b member to provide a
restoration force to the first SMA actuation member 552a. Similar
to the first SMA actuation member 552a, the second SMA actuation
member 552b of the restoration mechanism 556 may be responsive to a
signal produced by the processing unit 511, which causes a drive
current or other electrical signal to alter a shape and/or length
of the second SMA actuation member 552b.
[0113] As noted above, in many cases, the time required for
elongation of the SMA actuation member 552a is sufficiently long
that it limits the number of successive contractions and
elongations that can occur in a given time period. In some cases,
the restoration mechanism 556 elongates the SMA actuation member
552a after the contraction to prepare the SMA actuation member 552a
for a subsequent contraction. Following the application of the
current to the SMA actuation member 552a, the applied current is
ceased, which allows the SMA actuation member to begin elongating
back to the first shape or a similar shape.
[0114] At this point, the spring 554 may also begin to contract,
which exerts a tensile force on the SMA actuation member 552a. In
some cases, an additional signal is applied to the second SMA
actuation member 552b, causing the second SMA actuation member 552b
to contract, which exerts an additional tensile force on the first
SMA actuation member 552a. The tensile force(s) may accelerate the
elongation of the SMA actuation member 552a, causing the SMA
actuation member 552a to elongate faster and/or more completely
than if no tensile force was applied.
[0115] As the restoration mechanism 556 elongates the SMA actuation
member 552a, the contact member 582 may rotate clockwise. In some
cases, the clockwise rotation of the contact member 582 may produce
a second portion of the haptic output. In some cases, the
restoration mechanism 556 returns the contact member 582 to the
first position shown in FIG. 5A. In other cases, the restoration
mechanism 556 may rotate the contact member 582 to a third
position, as shown in FIG. 5C.
[0116] In various embodiments, once the SMA actuation member 552a
has been elongated (either partially or fully), it may be
subsequently contracted in response to receiving another signal
from the processing unit 511 and subsequently elongated by the
restoration mechanism 556. Contraction and elongation may be
repeated to repeatedly move the contact member 582 in alternating
directions (e.g., clockwise and counter-clockwise) to produce one
or more haptic outputs and/or portions thereof.
[0117] In various embodiments, a compliant member may be disposed
between the contact member 582 and the housing member 580. The
compliant member may form a seal between the contact member 582 and
the housing member 580 to exclude contaminants from the interior of
the electronic device, while still allowing the contact member 582
to move relative to the housing member 580 to produce a haptic
output.
[0118] In some cases, either of the spring 554 or the SMA actuation
member 552b may be omitted from the restoration mechanism 556. The
directions of movement described with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C are
examples for illustrative purposes only. In various embodiments,
the directions of movement may be different from those
described.
[0119] FIGS. 6A-6F show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device 650 having an SMA actuation member 652a and a
restoration mechanism 656, installed in an example electronic
device 600. The example electronic device 600 of FIGS. 6A-6F may
have similar structure, components, and functionality as other
electronic devices discussed herein. FIG. 6A illustrates a contact
member 682 positioned in an opening 681 of a housing member 680. In
some cases, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the haptic device 650 causes
the contact member 682 to translate or oscillate laterally (e.g.,
left to right and right to left with respect to FIG. 6A) relative
to the housing member 680. In some cases, the lateral translation
or oscillation is along a path that is parallel to an external
surface of the electronic device (e.g., the front external surface
or the rear external surface). The translation or oscillation may
produce a vibration or tactile effect along the external surface of
the electronic device 600.
[0120] In some cases, the haptic device 650 includes an SMA
actuation member 652a and a restoration mechanism 656. The SMA
actuation member 652a and the restoration mechanism 656 may couple
the contact member 682 to other components of the electronic
device. In some cases, the SMA actuation member 652a is coupled to
a support member 688a. In some cases, a spring 654a couples the SMA
actuation member 652a to the support member 688a. The SMA actuation
member 652a may be coupled to a connector 651 that is attached to
the contact member 682.
[0121] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 652a contracts from
a first shape having a first length to a second shape having a
second, shorter length in response to a signal received from the
processing unit 611, and, after the contraction, the restoration
mechanism 656 elongates the SMA actuation member 652a to the first
shape or a similar shape (e.g., a third shape having a length
between the length of the first shape and the length of the second
shape).
[0122] FIG. 6A shows the contact member 682 in a first position. In
some cases, the first position is a default position of the contact
member 682. In some cases, in the first position, the contact
member 682 is evenly spaced between walls of the opening 681. The
contact member 682 may be flush with the external surface of the
housing member 680, or it may be recessed or protruding relative to
the external surface.
[0123] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 652a is responsive
to a signal from the processing unit 611, which may cause a current
or other electrical signal to be applied to the SMA actuation
member 652a, thereby causing the SMA actuation member 652a to
contract. As shown in FIG. 6B, contraction of the SMA actuation
member 652a may cause the contact member 682 to translate rightward
from the first position shown in FIG. 6A to a second position shown
in FIG. 6B. The spring 654b may expand to allow the movement of the
contact member 682 to the second position as shown in FIG. 6B. The
rightward translation of the contact member 682 may produce a first
portion of a haptic output. As the contact member 682 moves
rightward with respect to FIG. 6B, the block member 655 may engage
support members 688c and 688d to stop or reduce the rightward
movement. The support members 688a-688d may be portions of the
housing member 680 or may be attached to the housing member 680 or
another component of the electronic device.
[0124] The restoration mechanism 656 may include a second SMA
actuation member 652b and a second spring 654b coupled together in
series. In some cases, the restoration mechanism 656 includes a
block member 655 positioned between the second SMA actuation member
652b and the second spring 654b. The SMA actuation members 652a and
652b may be electrically coupled to a processing unit 611 (e.g., by
connectors 636a and 636b) and configured to contract in response to
signals from the processing unit 611. As mentioned previously, the
SMA actuation members 652a and 652b may be driven by drive
circuitry that is configured to produce the electrical current or
other electrical signal required to alter the shape and/or length
of the SMA actuation members 652a and 652b. Thus, it is not
necessary that the SMA actuation members 652a and 652b be driven
directly by the processing unit 611.
[0125] In the present example and in many of the examples described
herein, the restoration mechanism 656 may include a spring 654b, a
spring 654b and a second SMA actuation member 652b, or a second SMA
actuation member 652b without a spring 654b. As discussed
previously, the spring 654b may be omitted and the restoration
mechanism 656 may rely primarily on the second SMA actuation 652b
member to provide a restoration force to the first SMA actuation
member 652a. Similar to the first SMA actuation member 652a, the
second SMA actuation member 652b of the restoration mechanism 656
may be responsive to a signal produced by the processing unit 611,
which causes a drive current or other electrical signal to alter a
shape and/or length of the second SMA actuation member 652b.
[0126] As noted above, in many cases, the time required for
elongation of the SMA actuation member 652a is sufficiently long
that it limits the number of successive contractions and
elongations that can occur in a given time period. In some cases,
the restoration mechanism 656 elongates the SMA actuation member
652a after the contraction to prepare the SMA actuation member 652a
for a subsequent contraction.
[0127] Following the application of the current to the SMA
actuation member 652a, the applied current is ceased, which allows
the SMA actuation member 652a to begin elongating back to the first
shape or a similar shape. At this point, the spring 654b may also
begin to contract, which exerts a tensile force on the SMA
actuation member 652a. In some cases, an additional signal is
applied to the second SMA actuation member 652b, causing the second
SMA actuation member to contract, which exerts an additional
tensile force on the first SMA actuation member 652a. The tensile
force(s) may accelerate the elongation of the SMA actuation member
652a, causing the SMA actuation member 652a to elongate faster
and/or more completely than if no tensile force was applied.
[0128] As the restoration mechanism 656 elongates the SMA actuation
member 652a, the contact member 682 may move from right to left
with respect to FIG. 6B. In some cases, the leftward translation of
the contact member 682 may produce a second portion of the haptic
output. In some cases, the restoration mechanism 656 returns the
contact member 682 to the first position shown in FIG. 6A. In other
cases, the restoration mechanism 656 may move the contact member
682 to a third position to the left of the first position, as shown
in FIG. 6C. In some cases, a spring 654a is positioned between the
SMA actuation member 652a and the support member 688a. The spring
654a may expand as the second SMA actuation member 652b contracts
to allow the contact member 682 to move farther to the left. In
some cases, the spring 654a may exert a tensile force on the SMA
actuation members 652a and 652b to elongate the SMA actuation
members.
[0129] In various embodiments, once the SMA actuation member 652a
has been elongated (either partially or fully), it may be
subsequently contracted in response to receiving another signal
from the processing unit 611 and subsequently elongated by the
restoration mechanism 656. Contraction and elongation may be
repeated to repeatedly move the contact member 682 in alternating
directions (e.g., left to right and right to left with respect to
FIGS. 6A-6C) to produce one or more haptic outputs and/or portions
thereof.
[0130] In various embodiments, a compliant member may be disposed
between the contact member 682 and the housing member 680. The
compliant member may form a seal between the contact member 682 and
the housing member 680 to exclude contaminants from the interior of
the electronic device, while still allowing the contact member 682
to move relative to the housing member 680 to produce a haptic
output.
[0131] FIGS. 6A-6C show the contact member 682 translating or
oscillating laterally, but in various embodiments, the haptic
device 650 may cause the contact member 682 to move in other ways
to produce a vibration or tactile effect along the external surface
of the electronic device 600, including rotating, rocking, or
translating or oscillating in other directions. As shown in FIGS.
6D-6F, the haptic device 650 may cause the contact member to pivot
or rock relative to the housing member 680.
[0132] Turning to FIG. 6D, the contact member 682 and/or the
connector 651 may be attached to a pivot point 690 about which the
contact member and/or the connector rotate. As shown in FIG. 6E, as
the SMA actuation member 652a contracts, the lower end 651a of the
connector 651 moves to the right, which causes the connector 651
and the contact member 682 to pivot around the pivot point 690 in a
counter-clockwise direction, thereby causing the contact member 682
to rock in a leftward direction. As shown in FIG. 6F, as the SMA
actuation member 652b contracts, the bottom end 651a of the
connector 651 moves to the left, which causes the connector 651 and
the contact member 682 to pivot around the pivot point 690 in a
clockwise direction, thereby causing the contact member 682 to rock
in a rightward direction.
[0133] As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 6A-6C, contraction
and elongation of the SMA actuation members may be repeated to
repeatedly rock or pivot the contact member 682 in alternating
directions (e.g., left to right and right to left with respect to
FIGS. 6A-6C) to produce one or more haptic outputs and/or portions
thereof.
[0134] In some cases, either of the spring 654 or the SMA actuation
member 652b may be omitted from the restoration mechanism 656. The
directions of movement described with respect to FIGS. 6A-6F are
examples for illustrative purposes only. In various embodiments,
the directions of movement may be different from those
described.
[0135] FIGS. 7A-7C show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device having an SMA actuation member 752a and a restoration
mechanism 756, installed in an example electronic device 700. The
example electronic device 700 of FIGS. 7A-7C may have similar
structure, components, and functionality as other electronic
devices discussed herein. FIG. 7A illustrates a contact member 782
positioned in an opening 781 of a housing member 780. In some
cases, the haptic device 750 causes the contact member 782 to
translate or oscillate laterally (e.g., up and down with respect to
FIG. 7A) relative to the housing member 780. In some cases, the
lateral translation or oscillation is along a path that is parallel
to an external surface of the electronic device (e.g., the front
external surface or the rear external surface). The translation or
oscillation may produce a vibration or tactile effect along the
external surface of the electronic device 700.
[0136] In some cases, the haptic device 750 includes an SMA
actuation member 752a and a restoration mechanism 756. A first end
of the SMA actuation member 752a may be coupled to the contact
member 782, and a second end of the SMA actuation member 752a may
be engaged with a block member 755 of the restoration mechanism
756. For example, a support member 788d may constrain upward
movement of the block member 755, and an engagement member 757 may
retain the SMA actuation member 752a to the block member while
allowing the block member to slide (e.g., left and right) with
respect to the engagement member and the SMA actuation member. In
some cases the contact member 782 is coupled to a support member
788a. In some cases, a spring 754a couples the contact member 782
to the support member 788a. The spring 754a may be coupled to the
contact member 782 on a first side, and the SMA actuation member
752a may be coupled to the contact member on a second, opposite
side.
[0137] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 752a contracts from
a first shape having a first length to a second shape having a
second, shorter length in response to a signal received from the
processing unit 711, and, after the contraction, the spring 754a
elongates the SMA actuation member 752a to the first shape or a
similar shape (e.g., a third shape having a length between the
length of the first shape and the length of the second shape).
[0138] FIG. 7A shows the contact member 782 in a first position. In
some cases, the first position is a default position of the contact
member 782. The contact member 782 may be flush with the external
surface of the housing member 780, or it may be recessed or
protruding relative to the external surface.
[0139] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 752a is responsive
to a signal from the processing unit 711, which causes a current to
be applied to the SMA actuation member 752a, thereby causing the
SMA actuation member 752a to contract. As shown in FIG. 7B,
contraction of the SMA actuation member 752a may cause the contact
member 782 to translate downward from the first position shown in
FIG. 7A to a second position shown in FIG. 7B. The spring 754a may
expand to allow the movement of the contact member 782 to the
second position as shown in FIG. 7B. The downward translation of
the contact member 782 may produce a first portion of a haptic
output.
[0140] The restoration mechanism 756 may include the block member
755 positioned between and coupled to a second spring 754b and a
second SMA actuation member 752b. The second spring 754b may be
coupled to a support member 788b, and the second SMA actuation
member 752b may be coupled to a support member 788c. The SMA
actuation members 752a and 752b may be electrically coupled to a
processing unit 711 (e.g., by connectors 736a and 736b) and
configured to contract in response to receiving signals from the
processing unit 711.
[0141] In the present example and in many of the examples described
herein, the restoration mechanism 756 may include a spring 754b, a
spring 754b and an additional SMA actuation member, or an
additional SMA actuation member without a spring 754b. As discussed
previously, the spring 754b may be omitted and the restoration
mechanism 756 may rely primarily on the additional SMA actuation
member to provide a restoration force to the (second) SMA actuation
member 752b. Similar to the second SMA actuation member 752b, the
additional SMA actuation member of the restoration mechanism 756
may be responsive to a signal produced by the processing unit 711,
which causes a drive current or other electrical signal to alter a
shape and/or length of the second SMA actuation member.
[0142] As noted above, in many cases, the time required for
elongation of the SMA actuation member 752a is sufficiently long
that it limits the number of successive contractions and
elongations that can occur in a given time period. In some cases,
the spring 754a elongates the SMA actuation member 752a after the
contraction to prepare the SMA actuation member 752a for a
subsequent contraction.
[0143] Following the application of the current to the SMA
actuation member 752a, the applied current is ceased, which allows
the SMA actuation member 752a to begin elongating back to the first
shape or a similar shape. At this point, the spring 754a may also
begin to contract, which exerts a tensile force on the SMA
actuation member 752a. The tensile force(s) may accelerate the
elongation of the SMA actuation member 752a, causing the SMA
actuation member 752a to elongate faster and/or more completely
than if no tensile force was applied.
[0144] As the spring 754a elongates the SMA actuation member 752a,
the contact member 782 may move upward with respect to FIG. 7B. In
some cases, an additional signal is applied to the second SMA
actuation member 752b, causing the second SMA actuation member to
contract. This may cause the spring 754b to expand and the block
member 755 to move rightward with respect to FIG. 7B, which allows
the engagement member 757 to slide along a sloped surface of the
block member 755, thereby allowing the contact member 782 to move
upward.
[0145] In some cases, the upward translation of the contact member
782 may produce a second portion of the haptic output. In some
cases, the restoration mechanism 756 and/or the spring 754a return
the contact member 782 to the first position shown in FIG. 7A. In
other cases, the restoration mechanism 756 and/or the spring 754a
may move the contact member 782 to a third position above the first
position, as shown in FIG. 7C.
[0146] In various embodiments, once the SMA actuation member 752a
has been elongated (either partially or fully), it may be
subsequently contracted in response to receiving another signal
from the processing unit 711 and subsequently elongated by the
restoration mechanism 758. Contraction and elongation may be
repeated to repeatedly move the contact member 782 in alternating
directions (e.g., up and down with respect to FIGS. 7A-7C) to
produce one or more haptic outputs and/or portions thereof.
[0147] In various embodiments, a compliant member may be disposed
between the contact member 782 and the housing member 780. The
compliant member may form a seal between the contact member 782 and
the housing member 780 to exclude contaminants from the interior of
the electronic device, while still allowing the contact member 782
to move relative to the housing member 780 to produce a haptic
output.
[0148] In some cases, either of the spring 754b or the SMA
actuation member 752b may be omitted from the restoration mechanism
756. The directions of movement described with respect to FIGS.
7A-7C are examples for illustrative purposes only. In various
embodiments, the directions of movement may be different from those
described.
[0149] FIGS. 8A-8C show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device having an SMA actuation member 852 and a restoration
mechanism 856, installed in an example electronic device 800. The
example electronic device 800 of FIGS. 8A-8C may have similar
structure, components, and functionality as other electronic
devices discussed herein. FIG. 8A illustrates a contact member 882
positioned in an opening 881 of a housing member 880. In some
cases, the haptic device 850 causes the contact member 882 to
rotate (e.g., clockwise and counter-clockwise with respect to FIG.
8A) with respect to the housing member 880 to provide a haptic
output. In some cases, the contact member 882 rotates around an
axle 883 that is fixed with respect to the housing member 880. The
rotation may produce a vibration or tactile effect along the
external surface of the electronic device 800.
[0150] In some cases, the haptic device 850 includes an SMA
actuation member 852 and a restoration mechanism 856. A first end
of the SMA actuation member 852 may be coupled to a support member
888a, and a second end of the SMA actuation member 852 may be
coupled to a support member 888b. In some cases, the SMA actuation
member 852 contracts from a first shape having a first length to a
second shape having a second, shorter length in response to a
signal received from the processing unit 811, and, after the
contraction, the restoration mechanism 856 may elongate the SMA
actuation member 852 to the first shape or a similar shape (e.g., a
third shape having a length between the length of the first shape
and the length of the second shape).
[0151] The restoration mechanism 856 may include block members 857a
and 857b and springs 854a and 854b. The SMA actuation member 852a
may extend partially around and contact the block members 857a and
857b, which are coupled by the springs 854a and 854b to a support
member 888d. FIG. 8A shows the contact member 882 in a first
position. In some cases, the first position is a default position
of the contact member 882.
[0152] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 852 is responsive to
a signal produced by the processing unit 811, causing a current to
be applied to the SMA actuation member 852, thereby causing the SMA
actuation member 852 to contract. In some cases, a spring constant
of the spring 854a is much lower than a spring constant of the
spring 854b, so contraction of the SMA actuation member 852 causes
the spring 854a to compress significantly more than the spring
854b. As shown in FIG. 8B, contraction of the SMA actuation member
852 and the resulting compression of the spring 854a causes the
contact member 882 to rotate counter-clockwise from the first
position shown in FIG. 8A to a second position shown in FIG. 8B.
The counter-clockwise rotation of the contact member 882 may
produce a first portion of a haptic output.
[0153] The spring 854a may continue to compress until it reaches a
support member 888c, which stops movement of the block member 857.
At this point, contraction of the SMA actuation member 852 begins
to compress the spring 854b. As shown in FIG. 8C, contraction of
the SMA actuation member 852 and the resulting compression of the
spring 854b causes the contact member 882 to rotate clockwise. In
some cases, the clockwise rotation of the contact member 882 may
produce a second portion of the haptic output. In some cases, the
clockwise rotation returns the contact member 882 to the first
position shown in FIG. 8A. In other cases, the clockwise rotation
may rotate the contact member 882 to a third position, as shown in
FIG. 8C.
[0154] As noted above, in many cases, the time required for
elongation of the SMA actuation member 852 is sufficiently long
that it limits the number of successive contractions and
elongations that can occur in a given time period. In some cases,
the restoration mechanism 856 elongates the SMA actuation member
852 after the contraction to prepare the SMA actuation member 852
for a subsequent contraction. Following the application of the
current to the SMA actuation member 852, the applied current is
ceased, which allows the SMA actuation member to begin elongating
back to the first shape or a similar shape.
[0155] At this point, the springs 854a and 854b may exert tensile
forces on the SMA actuation member 852. The tensile force(s) may
accelerate the elongation of the SMA actuation member 852, causing
the SMA actuation member to elongate faster and/or more completely
than if no tensile force was applied.
[0156] In various embodiments, once the SMA actuation member 852
has been elongated (either partially or fully), it may be
subsequently contracted in response to receiving another signal
from the processing unit 811 and subsequently elongated by the
restoration mechanism 856. Contraction and elongation may be
repeated to repeatedly move the contact member 882 in alternating
directions (e.g., clockwise and counter-clockwise) to produce one
or more haptic outputs and/or portions thereof.
[0157] In various embodiments, a compliant member may be disposed
between the contact member 882 and the housing member 880. The
compliant member may form a seal between the contact member 882 and
the housing member 880 to exclude contaminants from the interior of
the electronic device, while still allowing the contact member 882
to move relative to the housing member 880 to produce a haptic
output.
[0158] The directions of movement described with respect to FIGS.
8A-8C are examples for illustrative purposes only. In various
embodiments, the directions of movement may be different from those
described.
[0159] FIGS. 9A-9B show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device having an SMA actuation member 952 and a restoration
mechanism 956, installed in an example electronic device 900. The
example electronic device 900 of FIGS. 9A-9B may have similar
structure, components, and functionality as other electronic
devices discussed herein. FIG. 8A illustrates a contact member 982
positioned in an opening 981 of a housing member 980. In some
cases, the haptic device 950 causes the contact member 982 to
rotate (e.g., clockwise and counter-clockwise with respect to FIG.
9A) with respect to the housing member 980 to provide a haptic
output. In some cases, the contact member 982 rotates around an
axle 983 that is fixed with respect to the housing member 980. The
rotation may produce a vibration or tactile effect along the
external surface of the electronic device 900.
[0160] In some cases, the haptic device 950 includes an SMA
actuation member 952 and a restoration mechanism 956. A first end
of the SMA actuation member 952 may be coupled to a support member
988, and a second end of the SMA actuation member may be coupled to
a connection point 955 of the contact member 982. In some cases,
the SMA actuation member 952 contracts from a first shape having a
first length to a second shape having a second, shorter length in
response to a signal received from the processing unit 911, and,
after the contraction, the restoration mechanism 956 may elongate
the SMA actuation member 952 to the first shape or a similar shape
(e.g., a third shape having a length between the length of the
first shape and the length of the second shape). FIG. 9A shows the
contact member 982 in a first position. In some cases, the first
position is a default position of the contact member 982.
[0161] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 952 is responsive to
a signal from the processing unit 911, causing a current to be
applied to the SMA actuation member 952, thereby causing the SMA
actuation member 952 to contract. As shown in FIG. 9B, contraction
of the SMA actuation member 952 may cause the contact member 982 to
rotate clockwise from the first position shown in FIG. 9A to a
second position shown in FIG. 9B. The clockwise rotation of the
contact member 982 may produce a first portion of a haptic
output.
[0162] As noted above, in many cases, the time required for
elongation of the SMA actuation member 952 is sufficiently long
that it limits the number of successive contractions and
elongations that can occur in a given time period. In some cases,
the restoration mechanism 956 elongates the SMA actuation member
952 after the contraction to prepare the SMA actuation member for a
subsequent contraction. Following the application of the current to
the SMA actuation member 952, the applied current is ceased, which
allows the SMA actuation member to begin elongating back to the
first shape or a similar shape.
[0163] As the contact member 982 rotates clockwise in response to
the contraction of the SMA actuation member 952, a torsion spring
954 of the restoration mechanism 956 may be rotated. As the SMA
actuation member 952 begins to elongate, the torsion spring 954 may
unwind and exert a counter-clockwise torque on the contact member
982, thereby exerting a tensile force on the SMA actuation member
952. The tensile force may accelerate the elongation of the SMA
actuation member 952, causing the SMA actuation member to elongate
faster and/or more completely than if no tensile force was
applied.
[0164] As the restoration mechanism 956 elongates the SMA actuation
member 952, the contact member 982 may rotate counter-clockwise. In
some cases, the counter-clockwise rotation of the contact member
982 may produce a second portion of the haptic output. In some
cases, the restoration mechanism 956 returns the contact member 982
to the first position shown in FIG. 9A.
[0165] In various embodiments, once the SMA actuation member 952
has been elongated (either partially or fully), it may be
subsequently contracted in response to receiving another signal
from the processing unit 911 and subsequently elongated by the
restoration mechanism 956. Contraction and elongation may be
repeated to repeatedly move the contact member 982 in alternating
directions (e.g., clockwise and counter-clockwise) to produce one
or more haptic outputs and/or portions thereof.
[0166] In various embodiments, a compliant member may be disposed
between the contact member 982 and the housing member 980. The
compliant member may form a seal between the contact member 982 and
the housing member 980 to exclude contaminants from the interior of
the electronic device, while still allowing the contact member 982
to move relative to the housing member 980 to produce a haptic
output.
[0167] The directions of movement described with respect to FIGS.
9A-9B are examples for illustrative purposes only. In various
embodiments, the directions of movement may be different from those
described.
[0168] FIGS. 10A-10C show functional block diagrams of an example
haptic device 1050 having an SMA actuation member 1052a and a
restoration mechanism 1056, installed in an example electronic
device 1000. The example electronic device 1000 of FIGS. 10A-10C
may have similar structure, components, and functionality as other
electronic devices discussed herein. FIG. 10A illustrates a contact
member 1082 positioned in an opening 1081 of a housing member 1080.
In some cases, the haptic device 1050 causes the contact member
1082 to rotate (e.g., clockwise and counter-clockwise with respect
to FIG. 10A) with respect to the housing member 1080 to provide a
haptic output. In some cases, the contact member 1082 rotates
around an axle 1083 that is fixed with respect to the housing
member 1080. The rotation may produce a vibration or tactile effect
along the external surface of the electronic device 1000.
[0169] In some cases, the haptic device 1050 includes an SMA
actuation member 1052a and a restoration mechanism 1056. The SMA
actuation member 1052a and the restoration mechanism 1056 may
couple the contact member 1082 to other components of the
electronic device. In some cases, a first end of the SMA actuation
member 1052 is coupled to a support member 1088a via a spring 1054a
and a block member 1055a, and a second end is coupled to a
connection point 1057 of the contact member 1082. In some cases, a
first end of the restoration mechanism 1056 is coupled to a support
member 1088b, and a second end is coupled to the connection point
1057 of the contact member 1082. The support members 1088a and
1088b may be portions of the housing member 1080 or may be attached
to the housing member 1080 or another component of the electronic
device.
[0170] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 1052a contracts from
a first shape having a first length to a second shape having a
second, shorter length in response to a signal received from the
processing unit 1011, and, after the contraction, the restoration
mechanism 1056 elongates the SMA actuation member 1052 to the first
shape or a similar shape (e.g., a third shape having a length
between the length of the first shape and the length of the second
shape). FIG. 10A shows the contact member 1082 in a first position.
In some cases, the first position is a default position of the
contact member 1082.
[0171] In some cases, the SMA actuation member 1052a is responsive
to a signal from the processing unit 1011, causing a current to be
applied to the SMA actuation member 1052a, thereby causing the SMA
actuation member 1052a to contract. As shown in FIG. 10B,
contraction of the SMA actuation member 1052a may cause the contact
member 1082 to rotate counter-clockwise from the first position
shown in FIG. 10A to a second position shown in FIG. 10B. The
contraction of the SMA actuation member 1052a may cause the spring
1054a to compress. The counter-clockwise rotation of the contact
member 1082 may produce a first portion of a haptic output.
[0172] The restoration mechanism 1056 may include a second SMA
actuation member 1052b, a second block member 1055b, and a second
spring 1054b. The SMA actuation members 1052a and 1052b may be
electrically coupled to a processing unit 1011 (e.g., by connectors
1036a and 1036b) and configured to contract in response to
receiving signals from the processing unit 1011.
[0173] As noted above, in many cases, the time required for
elongation of the SMA actuation member 1052a is sufficiently long
that it limits the number of successive contractions and
elongations that can occur in a given time period. In some cases,
the restoration mechanism 1056 elongates the SMA actuation member
1052a after the contraction to prepare the SMA actuation member
1052a for a subsequent contraction. Following the application of
the current to the SMA actuation member 1052a, the applied current
is ceased, which allows the SMA actuation member to begin
elongating back to the first shape or a similar shape.
[0174] At this point, the spring 1054a may also begin to expand,
which exerts a tensile force on the SMA actuation member 1052a. In
some cases, an additional signal is applied to the second SMA
actuation member 1052b, causing the second SMA actuation member to
contract, which exerts an additional tensile force on the first SMA
actuation member 1052a. The tensile force(s) may accelerate the
elongation of the SMA actuation member 1052a, causing the SMA
actuation member 1052a to elongate faster and/or more completely
than if no tensile force was applied.
[0175] As the restoration mechanism 1056 elongates the SMA
actuation member 1052a, the contact member 1082 may rotate
clockwise. In some cases, the clockwise rotation of the contact
member 1082 may produce a second portion of the haptic output. In
some cases, the restoration mechanism 1056 returns the contact
member 1082 to the first position shown in FIG. 10A. In other
cases, the restoration mechanism 1056 may rotate the contact member
1082 to a third position, as shown in FIG. 10C.
[0176] In various embodiments, once the SMA actuation member 1052a
has been elongated (either partially or fully), it may be
subsequently contracted in response to receiving another signal
from the processing unit 1011 and subsequently elongated by the
restoration mechanism 1056. Contraction and elongation may be
repeated to repeatedly move the contact member 1082 in alternating
directions (e.g., clockwise and counter-clockwise) to produce one
or more haptic outputs and/or portions thereof.
[0177] In various embodiments, a compliant member may be disposed
between the contact member 1082 and the housing member 1080. The
compliant member may form a seal between the contact member 1082
and the housing member 1080 to exclude contaminants from the
interior of the electronic device, while still allowing the contact
member 1082 to move relative to the housing member 1080 to produce
a haptic output.
[0178] The directions of movement described with respect to FIGS.
10A-10C are examples for illustrative purposes only. In various
embodiments, the directions of movement may be different from those
described.
[0179] In various embodiments, the haptic devices described herein
(e.g., haptic devices 150, 350, 450, 650, 750, 850, 950, and 1050)
may be used to provide localized and/or global haptic outputs along
an external surface of an electronic device. In some cases, the
haptic devices described herein may move (e.g., rotate, translate,
oscillate, or vibrate) the contact members described with respect
to FIGS. 1-10C may provide localized haptic outputs by producing a
vibration or tactile effect along a portion of an external surface
of an electronic device. In some cases, the haptic devices
described herein may provide a global haptic output by moving a
mass or weighted member within the enclosure. For example, the
contact member of any of the electronic devices described herein
may be a mass or weighted member positioned within a device
enclosure instead of defining an external surface of the device.
The haptic devices described herein may cause the mass or weighted
member to move and, in some cases, oscillate, to produce a
perceptible vibration or tactile effect along an external surface
of the electronic device.
[0180] FIG. 11 shows an example method 1100 for providing haptic
feedback using a haptic device with an actuation member formed from
a shape-memory alloy material. At block 1102, the electronic watch
detects an input at the electronic device. For example, the input
may be a rotational input at a crown detected by sensing rotational
movement of the crown. As another example, the input may be a touch
input detected along a touch-sensitive display. As still another
example, detecting the input may include determining an
electrocardiogram using one or more voltages detected at the
electronic device. In some cases, the processing unit may determine
whether the input exceeds a threshold level of movement (e.g., a
threshold level of rotational movement, a threshold level of
translation, etc.). In some cases, the method only proceeds if the
input exceeds the threshold level of movement.
[0181] At block 1104, the processing unit determines an output to
be produced by the electronic device in response to the input
received at block 1102. In some cases, the output is determined in
response to detecting the input at block 1102. In some cases, the
output corresponds to one or more characteristics of the input
detected at block 1102. For example, the output may correspond to a
rotational speed or position of the crown, an output associated
with a rotational input, a user interface command associated with
the user input, or the like. The processing unit may determine one
or more characteristics of the input.
[0182] At block 1106, the processing unit outputs an output signal
to provide a haptic output that corresponds to the output
determined at block 1104. The output signal may be transmitted to a
haptic device of the electronic device to direct the haptic device
to produce the haptic output.
[0183] In some cases, determining the output at block 1104 may
include determining a strength, length, or other characteristics of
a haptic output to be produced. For example, the processing unit
may determine whether to provide a localized haptic output or a
global haptic output based, at least in part, on a characteristic
of the input.
[0184] At block 1108, in response to receiving the output signal
from the processing unit, the haptic device applies a current or
other electrical signal to an SMA actuation member to contract the
SMA actuation member. In some cases, contraction of the SMA
actuation member produces a first portion of the haptic output.
[0185] At block 1110, in response to contracting the SMA actuation
member, the haptic device elongates the SMA actuation member using
a restoration mechanism. In some cases, elongation of the SMA
actuation member produces a second portion of the haptic output. As
noted above, in some cases, elongating the SMA actuation member
includes applying a tensile force to the SMA actuation member using
the restoration mechanism.
[0186] In some cases, the elongation of the SMA actuation member
may prepare the SMA actuation member for a subsequent contraction.
In various embodiments, once the SMA actuation member has been
elongated (either partially or fully), it may be subsequently
contracted by applying an additional electrical current to the SMA
actuation member (e.g., in response to receiving another output
signal from the processing unit) to provide a third portion of the
haptic output. The SMA actuation member may be subsequently
elongated by the restoration mechanism, which may provide a fourth
portion of the haptic output. Contraction and elongation may be
repeated to repeatedly move the contact member in alternating
directions to produce one or more haptic outputs and/or portions
thereof.
[0187] In some cases, a first portion of a haptic output may be
provided by causing the SMA actuation member to contract less than
a total contraction amount and a second portion of a haptic output
may be provided by causing the SMA actuation member to contract an
additional amount.
[0188] The method 1100 is an example method for providing haptic
outputs and is not meant to be limiting. Methods for providing
haptic outputs may omit and/or add steps to the method 1100.
Similarly, steps of the method 1100 may be performed in different
orders than the example order discussed above.
[0189] FIG. 12 shows a sample electrical block diagram of an
electronic device 1200 that may incorporate a haptic device having
an SMA actuation member and a restoration mechanism. The electronic
device may in some cases take the form of any of the electronic
watches or other wearable electronic devices described with
reference to FIGS. 1-11, or other portable or wearable electronic
devices. The electronic device 1200 can include a display 1212
(e.g., a light-emitting display), a processing unit 1202, a power
source 1216, a memory 1204 or storage device, a sensor 1208, an
input device 1206 (e.g., a crown), and an output device 1210 (e.g.,
a crown, a haptic device).
[0190] The processing unit 1202 can control some or all of the
operations of the electronic device 1200. The processing unit 1202
can communicate, either directly or indirectly, with some or all of
the components of the electronic device 1200. For example, a system
bus or other communication mechanism 1218 can provide communication
between the processing unit 1202, the power source 1216, the memory
1204, the sensor 1208, and the input device(s) 1206 and the output
device(s) 1210.
[0191] The processing unit 1202 can be implemented as any
electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting
data or instructions. For example, the processing unit 1202 can be
a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal
processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described
herein, the term "processing unit" is meant to encompass a single
processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple
processing units, or other suitably configured computing element or
elements.
[0192] It should be noted that the components of the electronic
device 1200 can be controlled by multiple processing units. For
example, select components of the electronic device 1200 (e.g., a
sensor 1208) may be controlled by a first processing unit and other
components of the electronic device 1200 (e.g., the display 1212)
may be controlled by a second processing unit, where the first and
second processing units may or may not be in communication with
each other. In some cases, the processing unit 1202 may determine a
biological parameter of a user of the electronic device, such as an
ECG for the user.
[0193] The power source 1216 can be implemented with any device
capable of providing energy to the electronic device 1200. For
example, the power source 1210 may be one or more batteries or
rechargeable batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the power
source 1210 can be a power connector or power cord that connects
the electronic device 1200 to another power source, such as a wall
outlet.
[0194] The memory 1204 can store electronic data that can be used
by the electronic device 1200. For example, the memory 1204 can
store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and
video files, documents and applications, device settings and user
preferences, timing signals, control signals, and data structures
or databases. The memory 1204 can be configured as any type of
memory. By way of example only, the memory 1204 can be implemented
as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable
memory, other types of storage elements, or combinations of such
devices.
[0195] The electronic device 1200 may also include one or more
sensors 1208 positioned almost anywhere on the electronic device
1200. The sensor(s) 1208 can be configured to sense one or more
type of parameters, such as, but not limited to, pressure, light,
touch, heat, movement, relative motion, biometric data (e.g.,
biological parameters), and so on. For example, the sensor(s) 1208
may include a heat sensor, a position sensor, a light or optical
sensor, an accelerometer, a pressure transducer, a gyroscope, a
magnetometer, a health monitoring sensor, and so on. Additionally,
the one or more sensors 1208 can utilize any suitable sensing
technology, including, but not limited to, capacitive, ultrasonic,
resistive, optical, ultrasound, piezoelectric, and thermal sensing
technology. In some examples, the sensors 1208 may include one or
more of the electrodes described herein (e.g., one or more
electrodes on an exterior surface of a cover that forms part of an
enclosure for the electronic device 1200 and/or an electrode on a
crown body, button, or other housing member of the electronic
device 1200).
[0196] In various embodiments, the display 1212 provides a
graphical output, for example associated with an operating system,
user interface, and/or applications of the electronic device 1200.
In one embodiment, the display 1212 includes one or more sensors
and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch,
multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from
a user. For example, the display 12012 may be integrated with a
touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) and/or a force
sensor to provide a touch- and/or force-sensitive display. The
display 1212 is operably coupled to the processing unit 1202 of the
electronic device 1200.
[0197] The display 1212 can be implemented with any suitable
technology, including, but not limited to, liquid crystal display
(LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic
light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic
electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display
technology. In some cases, the display 1212 is positioned beneath
and viewable through a cover that forms at least a portion of an
enclosure of the electronic device 1200.
[0198] In various embodiments, the input devices 1206 may include
any suitable components for detecting inputs. Examples of input
devices 1206 include audio sensors (e.g., microphones), optical or
visual sensors (e.g., cameras, visible light sensors, or invisible
light sensors), proximity sensors, touch sensors, force sensors,
mechanical devices (e.g., crowns, switches, buttons, or keys),
vibration sensors, orientation sensors, motion sensors (e.g.,
accelerometers or velocity sensors), location sensors (e.g., global
positioning system (GPS) devices), thermal sensors, communication
devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), resistive
sensors, magnetic sensors, electroactive polymers (EAPs), strain
gauges, electrodes, and so on, or some combination thereof. Each
input device 1206 may be configured to detect one or more
particular types of input and provide a signal (e.g., an input
signal) corresponding to the detected input. The signal may be
provided, for example, to the processing unit 1202.
[0199] As discussed above, in some cases, the input device(s) 1206
include a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) integrated
with the display 1212 to provide a touch-sensitive display.
Similarly, in some cases, the input device(s) 1206 include a force
sensor (e.g., a capacitive force sensor) integrated with the
display 1212 to provide a force-sensitive display.
[0200] In some cases, the input devices 1206 include a set of one
or more electrodes. An electrode may be a conductive portion of the
device 1200 that contacts or is configured to be in contact with a
user. The electrodes may be disposed on one or more exterior
surfaces of the device 1200, including a surface of an input device
1206 (e.g., a crown), a device enclosure, and the like. The
processing unit 1202 may monitor for voltages or signals received
on at least one of the electrodes. In some embodiments, one of the
electrodes may be permanently or switchably coupled to a device
ground. The electrodes may be used to provide an electrocardiogram
(ECG) function for the device 1200. For example, a 2-lead ECG
function may be provided when a user of the device 1200 contacts
first and second electrodes that receive signals from the user. As
another example, a 3-lead ECG function may be provided when a user
of the device 1200 contacts first and second electrodes that
receive signals from the user, and a third electrode that grounds
the user to the device 1200. In both the 2-lead and 3-lead ECG
embodiments, the user may press the first electrode against a first
part of their body and press the second electrode against a second
part of their body. The third electrode may be pressed against the
first or second body part, depending on where it is located on the
device 1200. In some cases, an enclosure of the device 1200 may
function as an electrode. In some cases, input devices, such as
buttons, crowns, and the like, may function as an electrode.
[0201] The output devices 1210 may include any suitable components
for providing outputs. Examples of output devices 1210 include
audio output devices (e.g., speakers), visual output devices (e.g.,
lights or displays), tactile output devices (e.g., haptic output
devices), communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless
communication devices), and so on, or some combination thereof.
Each output device 1210 may be configured to receive one or more
signals (e.g., an output signal provided by the processing unit
1202) and provide an output corresponding to the signal.
[0202] In some cases, input devices 1206 and output devices 1210
are implemented together as a single device. For example, an
input/output device or port can transmit electronic signals via a
communications network, such as a wireless and/or wired network
connection. Examples of wireless and wired network connections
include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR,
and Ethernet connections.
[0203] The processing unit 1202 may be operably coupled to the
input devices 1206 and the output devices 1210. The processing unit
1202 may be adapted to exchange signals with the input devices 1206
and the output devices 1210. For example, the processing unit 1202
may receive an input signal from an input device 1206 that
corresponds to an input detected by the input device 1206. The
processing unit 1202 may interpret the received input signal to
determine whether to provide and/or change one or more outputs in
response to the input signal. The processing unit 1202 may then
send an output signal to one or more of the output devices 1210, to
provide and/or change outputs as appropriate.
[0204] As described above, one aspect of the present technology is
the gathering and use of data available from various sources to
provide haptic outputs, electrocardiograms, and the like. The
present disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, this
gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely
identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person.
Such personal information data can include demographic data,
location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter
IDs, home addresses, data or records relating to a user's health or
level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication
information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other
identifying or personal information.
[0205] The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such
personal information data, in the present technology, can be used
to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data
can be used to provide electrocardiograms to the user and/or haptic
outputs that are tailored to the user. Further, other uses for
personal information data that benefit the user are also
contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and
fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user's general
wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using
technology to pursue wellness goals.
[0206] The present disclosure contemplates that the entities
responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer,
storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply
with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In
particular, such entities should implement and consistently use
privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as
meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for
maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such
policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be
updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal
information from users should be collected for legitimate and
reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of
those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should
occur after receiving the informed consent of the users.
Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps
for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information
data and ensuring that others with access to the personal
information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures.
Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by
third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy
policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should
be adapted for the particular types of personal information data
being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and
standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For
instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data
may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas
health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations
and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence, different
privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data
types in each country.
[0207] Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also
contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use
of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present
disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can
be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information
data. For example, in the case of haptic feedback and
electrocardiograms or other biometrics, the present technology can
be configured to allow users to select to "opt in" or "opt out" of
participation in the collection of personal information data during
registration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition to
providing "opt in" and "opt out" options, the present disclosure
contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use
of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon
downloading an app that their personal information data will be
accessed and then reminded again just before personal information
data is accessed by the app.
[0208] Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that
personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to
minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk
can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting
data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable,
including in certain health related applications, data
de-identification can be used to protect a user's privacy.
De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing
specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the
amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location
data at a city level rather than at an address level), controlling
how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or
other methods.
[0209] Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers
use of personal information data to implement one or more various
disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates
that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the
need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the
various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered
inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal
information data. For example, haptic outputs may be provided based
on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of
personal information, such as events or states at the device
associated with a user, other non-personal information, or publicly
available information.
[0210] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses
specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the
described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled
in the art that the specific details are not required in order to
practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing
descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are
presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are
not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the
precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art that many modifications and variations are
possible in view of the above teachings.
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