U.S. patent application number 16/584443 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-01 for reluctance haptic engine for an electronic device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Darya Amin-Shahidi, Denis G. Chen, Alex M. Lee, Alex J. Lehmann, Etienne Marecal, Alex J. Speltz.
Application Number | 20210096647 16/584443 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004395331 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-01 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20210096647 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amin-Shahidi; Darya ; et
al. |
April 1, 2021 |
Reluctance Haptic Engine for an Electronic Device
Abstract
A reluctance haptic engine for an electronic device includes a
core, an attractor, and one or more flexible support members. The
core and/or the attractor may be coupled to an input structure,
such as a button cap, trackpad cover, touchscreen cover, or the
like. In an unactuated configuration, flexible support members
maintain a gap between the core and the attractor. An electrical
current may be applied to one or more conduction loops of the core
to actuate the reluctance haptic engine and provide a haptic output
by moving the input structure. The electrical current may cause a
magnetic flux that results in a reluctance force that pulls the
attractor and the core together and causes the input structure to
move (e.g., translate, rotate, oscillate, vibrate, or deform) to
produce a haptic output.
Inventors: |
Amin-Shahidi; Darya; (San
Jose, CA) ; Lee; Alex M.; (Sunnyvale, CA) ;
Chen; Denis G.; (San Jose, CA) ; Lehmann; Alex
J.; (Sunnyvale, CA) ; Speltz; Alex J.; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Marecal; Etienne; (Sunnyvale,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apple Inc. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004395331 |
Appl. No.: |
16/584443 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05G 5/03 20130101; G06F
3/04142 20190501; G05G 1/02 20130101; G06F 2203/04105 20130101;
G05G 2505/00 20130101; G06F 3/041 20130101; G06F 3/03547 20130101;
G06F 1/169 20130101; G06F 3/016 20130101; G06F 1/1616 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01; G05G 1/02 20060101 G05G001/02; G05G 5/03 20060101
G05G005/03; G06F 1/16 20060101 G06F001/16; G06F 3/0354 20060101
G06F003/0354; G06F 3/041 20060101 G06F003/041 |
Claims
1. An electronic device comprising: an enclosure; an input
structure defining an input surface; a reluctance haptic engine
positioned beneath the input surface, and comprising: an attractor;
a core separated from the attractor by a gap in an unactuated
configuration of the reluctance haptic engine, the core comprising
a conduction loop configured to receive an electrical current to
generate a reluctance force that causes a transition from the
unactuated configuration to an actuated configuration by reducing
the gap between the attractor and the core; a first flexible
support member positioned on a first side of the core and coupled
to the attractor and the core, the first flexible support member
comprising a sensing element configured to generate a sensing
signal; and a second flexible support member positioned on a second
side of the core opposite the first side of the core, the first
flexible support member and the second flexible support member
configured to: in the unactuated configuration, maintain the gap
between the core and the attractor; and during the transition from
the unactuated configuration to the actuated configuration of the
reluctance haptic engine, deform as the gap between the attractor
and the core is reduced; and a processing unit configured to:
detect an input received at the input surface using the sensing
signal generated by the sensing element; and cause the electrical
current to be applied to the conduction loop to produce a haptic
output at the input surface.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein: the attractor is
coupled to the input structure; the attractor is configured to move
toward the core as the gap is reduced, thereby displacing at least
a portion of the input surface towards the core to produce the
haptic output; the core further comprises: first and second tabs
extending from the first side of the core; and third and fourth
tabs extending from the second side of the core; the first flexible
support member extends between the first and second tabs; the
second flexible support member extends between the third and fourth
tabs.
3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein: a first end portion
of the first flexible support member is attached to the first tab;
a second end portion of the first flexible support member is
attached to the second tab; a third end portion of the second
flexible support member is attached to the third tab; a fourth end
portion of the second flexible support member is attached to the
fourth tab; the first flexible support member is coupled to the
attractor by a first spacer attached to the first flexible support
member between the first end portion and the second end portion;
and the second flexible support member is coupled to the attractor
by a second spacer attached to the second flexible support member
between the third end portion and the fourth end portion.
4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein: a first middle
portion of the first flexible support member between the first end
portion and the second end portion is configured to deform as the
gap between the attractor and the core is reduced; and a second
middle portion of the second flexible support member between the
first end portion and the second end portion is configured to
deform as the gap between the attractor and the core is
reduced.
5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein: the attractor is
fixed with respect to the enclosure; the core is configured to move
relative to the attractor and the enclosure; a first end portion of
the first flexible support member is fixed with respect to the
enclosure; a second end portion of the first flexible support
member is fixed with respect to the core; and the input structure
is coupled to a middle portion of the first flexible support member
between the first end portion and the second end portion.
6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein: the input structure
comprises a shaft extending through an opening defined in the
enclosure; and the shaft is attached to the middle portion of the
first flexible support member.
7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein: the sensing element
is a first sensing element; the sensing signal is a first sensing
signal; the second flexible support member comprises a second
sensing element configured to generate a second sensing signal; and
the processing unit is configured to detect the input received at
the input surface using the first sensing signal and the second
sensing signal.
8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the first and second
sensing elements comprise strain sensors.
9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the haptic output is
produced in response to the input received at the input
surface.
10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein producing the haptic
output comprises translating the input structure along either: a
path that is parallel to the input surface; or a path that is
perpendicular to the input surface.
11. An electronic device comprising: an enclosure; a processing
unit; a display positioned at least partially within the enclosure;
and a reluctance haptic engine positioned within the enclosure and
comprising: a core comprising a conduction loop that is operably
coupled to the processing unit; an attractor configured to: move
toward the core in response to a reluctance force generated by an
electrical current in the conduction loop; and move away from the
core in response to the electrical current in the conduction loop
being ceased; and a flexible support member coupling the attractor
to the core and comprising a sensing element operably coupled to
the processing unit, the flexible support member configured to:
provide a biasing force to maintain a gap between the attractor and
the core in an absence of the electrical current in the conduction
loop; deform to allow the attractor to move toward the core in
response to the reluctance force generated by the electrical
current in the conduction loop; and provide the biasing force to
cause the attractor to move away from the core in response to the
electrical current in the conduction loop being ceased, wherein:
the attractor moving toward the core produces a first portion of a
haptic output along an external surface of the electronic device;
the attractor moving away from the core produces a second portion
of the haptic output along the external surface of the electronic
device the sensing element is configured to output a signal that
varies based on the deformation of the flexible support member; and
the processing unit is configured to determine a characteristic of
the haptic output using the signal.
12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein: the processing unit
is further configured to: adjust the haptic output by changing a
signal characteristic of the electrical current in the conduction
loop based on the characteristic of the haptic output.
13. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the characteristic
is at least one of a position, displacement, velocity, or
acceleration of the attractor.
14. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein: the electronic
device comprises an input structure defining an input surface; and
the reluctance haptic engine is positioned beneath the input
structure and configured to produce haptic outputs at the input
surface.
15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein: the electronic
device is a laptop; the reluctance haptic engine is a first
reluctance haptic engine positioned beneath a trackpad of the
laptop; the laptop further comprises a second reluctance haptic
engine positioned beneath the trackpad of the laptop; and the first
and second reluctance haptic engines are configured to produce
localized haptic outputs at the trackpad.
16. A method comprising: detecting an input at an electronic device
comprising a reluctance haptic engine with a flexible support
member, detecting the input comprising detecting a deformation of
the flexible support member; in response to the input, determining,
by a processing unit of the electronic device, an output to be
produced by the electronic device; outputting, by the processing
unit, an output signal to provide a haptic output that corresponds
to the determined output; in response to the output signal,
applying an electrical current to a conduction loop of the
reluctance haptic engine to generate a reluctance force to reduce a
gap between an attractor and a core; and reducing the electrical
current to increase the gap between the attractor and the core
using the flexible support member of the reluctance haptic engine;
wherein: reducing the gap produces a first portion of the haptic
output; and increasing the gap produces a second portion of the
haptic output.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein reducing the gap comprises
overcoming a biasing force provided by the flexible support
member.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein: the electrical current is a
first electrical current; and the method further comprises, after
the gap is increased, reducing the gap by applying a second
electrical current to the conduction loop 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. (canceled)
Description
FIELD
[0001] Embodiments relate generally to an electronic watch or other
electronic device. More particularly, the described embodiments
relate a reluctance actuator configured to provide a haptic output
for an electronic device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Some electronic devices are configured to provide haptic
output to a user. In general, it may be advantageous to reduce the
size of a haptic mechanism so that it occupies less space within an
electronic device. Some traditional haptic output devices include
motors and other relatively large actuation mechanisms, which
occupy significant space within device enclosures. The extra space
occupied by traditional haptic mechanisms could be eliminated to
make the device smaller or used for other device components, such
as batteries to provide longer device operation.
SUMMARY
[0003] Embodiments of the systems, devices, methods, and
apparatuses described in the present disclosure are directed to
reluctance actuators configured to provide haptic outputs at
electronic devices.
[0004] Embodiments described herein may include or take the form of
an electronic device that includes an enclosure, an input structure
defining an input surface, a reluctance haptic engine positioned
beneath the input surface, and a processing unit. The reluctance
haptic engine may include an attractor and a core separated from
the attractor by a gap in an unactuated configuration of the
reluctance haptic engine. The core may comprise a conduction loop
configured to receive an electrical current to generate a
reluctance force that causes a transition from the unactuated
configuration to an actuated configuration by reducing the gap
between the attractor and the core. The reluctance haptic engine
may further include a first flexible support member positioned on a
first side of the core and coupled to the attractor and the core
and a second flexible support member positioned on a second side of
the core opposite the first side of the core. The first flexible
support member and the second flexible support member may be
configured to, in the unactuated configuration, maintain the gap
between the core and the attractor and during the transition from
the unactuated configuration to the actuated configuration of the
reluctance haptic engine, deform as the gap between the attractor
and the core is reduced. The processing unit may be configured to
cause the electrical current to be applied to the conduction loop
to produce a haptic output at the input surface.
[0005] Embodiments described herein may additionally or
alternatively take the form of an electronic device that includes
an enclosure, a display positioned at least partially within the
enclosure, and a reluctance haptic engine positioned within the
enclosure. The reluctance haptic engine may include a core that
includes a conduction loop, and an attractor. The attractor may be
configured to move toward the core in response to a reluctance
force generated by an electrical current in the conduction loop and
move away from the core in response to the electrical current in
the conduction loop being ceased. The reluctance haptic engine may
include a flexible support member coupling the attractor to the
core and configured to provide a biasing force to maintain a gap
between the attractor and the core in an absence of the electrical
current in the conduction loop, deform to allow the attractor to
move toward the core in response to the reluctance force generated
by the electrical current in the conduction loop, and provide the
biasing force to cause the attractor to move away from the core in
response to the electrical current in the conduction loop being
ceased. The attractor moving toward the core may produce a first
portion of a haptic output along an external surface of the
electronic device. The attractor moving away from the core may
produce a second portion of the haptic output along the external
surface of the electronic device.
[0006] Embodiments described herein may additionally or
alternatively take the form of a method for producing a haptic
output at an electronic device using a reluctance haptic engine
with flexible support members. The method may include 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 may
further include 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 to a conduction loop of the reluctance haptic
engine to generate a reluctance force to reduce a gap between an
attractor and a core. The method may further include the step of
reducing the electrical current to increase the gap between the
attractor and the core using a flexible support member of the
reluctance haptic engine. Reducing the gap may produce a first
portion of the haptic output, and increasing the gap may produce a
second portion of the haptic output.
[0007] 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
[0008] 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:
[0009] FIGS. 1A and 1B show functional block diagrams of an example
electronic device that incorporates a reluctance haptic engine with
flexible support members;
[0010] FIG. 2A illustrates an example reluctance haptic engine that
includes an attractor, a core, and flexible support members
configured to define a gap between the attractor and the core and
allow movement between the attractor and the core;
[0011] FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of the various components of
the reluctance haptic engine of FIG. 2A;
[0012] FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-section view of the reluctance
haptic engine of FIG. 2A, taken through section line A-A of FIG.
2A;
[0013] FIGS. 2D and 2E illustrate cross-section views of the
reluctance haptic engine of FIG. 2A, taken through section line B-B
of FIG. 2A;
[0014] FIG. 3A illustrates an example electronic device that may
incorporate a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support
members, configured as a laptop;
[0015] FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the
electronic device of FIG. 3A, showing reluctance haptic engines
positioned beneath a trackpad;
[0016] FIG. 4A illustrates an example electronic device that may
incorporate a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support
members;
[0017] FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate partial cross-section views of
the electronic device of FIG. 4A showing an input structure and a
reluctance haptic engine positioned beneath the input structure,
taken through section line C-C of FIG. 4A;
[0018] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate partial cross-section views of an
electronic device with an example reluctance haptic engine with
flexible support members configured to move an input structure
laterally;
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example method for
producing a haptic output at an electronic device using a
reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members;
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates an example electronic device that may
incorporate a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support
members, configured as an electronic watch; and
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a sample electrical block diagram of an
electronic device that may incorporate a reluctance haptic
engine.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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
[0024] 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.
[0025] The following disclosure relates to an electronic device
having a reluctance haptic engine configured to provide haptic
output to a user of the device. In various embodiments, the
reluctance haptic engine includes a core and an attractor. The core
and/or the attractor may be coupled to an input structure, such as
a button cap, trackpad cover, touchscreen cover, or the like. In an
unactuated configuration, flexible support members maintain a gap
between the core and the attractor. An electrical current may be
applied to one or more conduction loops of the core to actuate the
reluctance haptic engine and provide a haptic output by moving the
input structure. The electrical current may cause a magnetic flux
resulting in a reluctance force that pulls the attractor and the
core together and causes the input structure to move (e.g.,
translate, rotate, oscillate, vibrate, or deform) to produce a
haptic output. In an actuated configuration, a biasing force
applied by the flexible support members to maintain the gap may be
overcome by the reluctance force, and the gap between the core and
the attractor is reduced or closed.
[0026] The movement of the attractor and/or the core may result in
deflection and/or deformation of one or more of the flexible
support members. Said another way, the flexible support members may
transition from a non-deformed state to a deformed state or from a
deformed state to a further-deformed state under the applied
reluctance force, resulting in and/or allowing the movement of the
attractor toward the core. When the electrical currents applied to
the one or more conduction loops are reduced or ceased, the biasing
force of the flexible support members may overcome the reluctance
force and cause the biasing members to transition from a deformed
state to the non-deformed state (or from a deformed state to a
less-deformed state), thereby separating the actuator and the core
(e.g., moving the actuator away from the core) and/or
reestablishing the gap.
[0027] As used herein, the terms "deform" or "deformation" may be
used to refer to any change in shape or form of a component,
including as a result of bending, torsion, tensile forces shear
forces, compressive forces, or the like. As used herein, the terms
"deflect" or "deflection" may refer to displacement of a component
or a portion thereof from one position to another.
[0028] In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine may be used to
detect inputs to the electronic device. The flexible support
members may deflect or deform in response to a force applied to the
input structure, for example by a user input. The flexible support
members may include one or more sensing elements that may be used
to sense inputs based on measuring deflection and/or deformation of
the flexible support members. For example, the sensing elements may
include one or more strain sensors positioned along the flexible
support members and configured to output a signal that varies based
on the deflection and/or deformation of the flexible support
members.
[0029] In some cases, the signals provided by the sensing elements
may be used to determine spatial parameters of the attractor, the
core, and/or the input structure. The parameters may include, but
are not limited to a position, displacement, velocity, and
acceleration. The spatial parameters determined from the signals
provided by the sensing elements may be used to determine a
location and/or magnitude (e.g., force measurement) of an input to
the input member. For example, a location and/or magnitude of an
input may be determined by determining a difference between output
signals of two or more sensing elements. The magnitude of one or
more output signals may be used to estimate a magnitude of force
applied to the input member.
[0030] A first flexible support member may be coupled to a first
side of the core, and a second flexible support member may be
coupled to a second side of the core that is opposite the first
side. Positioning the flexible support members on opposite sides of
the core may provide enhanced stability for the attractor and/or
the core and may allow the sensing elements positioned along the
flexible support members to more effectively be used to detect the
locations and/or magnitudes of inputs and/or feedback related to
haptic outputs.
[0031] As used herein, the terms "haptic output" and "tactile
output" may 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, or input device, or another device
component that forms an input surface of the electronic device. In
some cases, a reluctance haptic engine may vibrate, displace,
and/or deflect a device component (e.g., an enclosure, a cover, or
an input device) to produce a haptic output at an 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 reluctance haptic engine may cause a
first device component (for example, a cover) to vibrate,
oscillate, rotate and/or translate relative to another device
component (for example, an enclosure) to produce a haptic output
that may be perceived by a user.
[0032] In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine is coupled to an
enclosure of the electronic device and provides haptic outputs that
may be tactilely perceived by the user along one or more portions
of an external surface (such as an input or output surface) of the
electronic device. In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine 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 reluctance haptic engine 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.
[0033] 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
outputted through or at a particular location or region along a
particular external surface of the electronic device, such as at an
input surface or a portion thereof, while being imperceptible or
absent from other external surfaces (or another portion of the
particular external surface). The reluctance haptic engines
described herein may produce localized haptic outputs causing
vibration, deflection, or movement at particular locations or
regions of the external surfaces 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 surfaces and may be
imperceptible or less perceptible at one or more other locations or
regions of the external surfaces of the electronic device.
[0034] 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 key, a crown, a
trackpad, 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.
[0035] In some cases, the haptic outputs described herein are
global haptic outputs. As used herein, the term "global haptic
output" may refer to a haptic output that is produced in a large
area and, in some cases, across or through substantially all of the
external surfaces of the electronic device. As described herein, a
reluctance haptic engine may cause a mass or weighted member to
move and, in some cases, oscillate, to produce a perceptible
vibration or tactile effect along the external surfaces of the
electronic device. In general, global haptic outputs are not meant
to be localized to any particular location or region of the
external surfaces 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.
[0036] 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 wiredly,
wirelessly, or some combination thereof.
[0037] These and other embodiments are discussed with reference to
FIGS. 1A-8. 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.
[0038] FIGS. 1A and 1B show functional block diagrams of an example
electronic device 120 that incorporates a reluctance haptic engine
with flexible support members. The electronic device 120 may
include a device enclosure 122, a reluctance haptic engine 100, one
or more input devices 130, one or more output devices 132, a
display 134, and a processing unit 126 positioned at least
partially within the enclosure 122.
[0039] The reluctance haptic engine 100 may be positioned at least
partially within the enclosure 122 of the electronic device 120 and
may be configured to provide haptic outputs along an external
surface (e.g., an input surface 124) of the electronic device 120.
In various embodiments, the reluctance haptic engine 100 may
provide localized haptic outputs at particular locations or regions
of the external surfaces of the electronic device 120. In some
cases, the reluctance haptic engine 100 may provide global haptic
outputs along the external surfaces of the electronic device.
[0040] In some cases, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the reluctance
haptic engine 100 may be positioned beneath and/or coupled to an
input structure 140 that defines an input surface 124 of the
electronic device 120. The input structure 140 may be a portion of
a device housing or cover, such as a top case of a laptop computer.
In some cases, the input structure 140 is at least a portion of an
input device 130, such as a button, crown, trackpad, key, or the
like. For example, the input structure 140 may be a button cap, a
keycap, a trackpad cover, a crown body, or the like. In some cases,
the input structure 140 is a cover positioned over a display, such
as a touchscreen display. In some cases, the input structure 140 is
a portion of the enclosure 122 of the electronic device 120 and is
continuous with one or more additional portions of the enclosure.
Inputs received at the input surface 124 and/or haptic outputs
provided at the input surface 124 by the reluctance haptic engine
100 may cause the input structure 140 or portions thereof to deform
or deflect with respect to other portions of the input structure
140 and/or other portions of the components defining the external
surfaces of the electronic device.
[0041] In some cases, the input structure 140 may be a separate
component from one or more other portions of the enclosure 122 of
the electronic device 120, such as a housing member 138. In some
cases, the housing member 138 and the input structure 140 cooperate
to define at least part of the external surfaces of the electronic
device 120. In some cases, the input structure 140 is positioned in
an opening 142 defined by the housing member 138. The input
structure 140 may be configured to move (e.g., rotate, translate,
or the like) relative to one or more additional components of the
electronic device 120, such as the housing member 138. For example,
the input structure 140 may be configured to translate inward and
outward (e.g., up and down with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B) with
respect to the housing member 138. Inputs received at the input
surface 124 and/or haptic outputs provided at the input surface 124
by the reluctance haptic engine 100 may cause the input structure
140 or portions thereof to move (e.g., translate, rotate, or the
like), deform, or deflect with respect to other portions of the
input structure and/or other portions of the components defining
the external surfaces of the electronic device.
[0042] In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine 100 is
positioned beneath a structure that is not a portion of an input
device (e.g., a portion of the enclosure 122) and/or the reluctance
haptic engine 100 provides haptic outputs at one or more surfaces
that are not input surfaces.
[0043] The reluctance haptic engine 100 may include an attractor
102 and a core 104. The attractor 102 may be coupled to the core
104 by one or more flexible support members 106. The flexible
support members 106a, 106b may be formed of a compliant or bendable
material that allows the relative movement between the attractor
102 and the core 104. FIG. 1A shows the reluctance haptic engine
100 in an unactuated configuration in which the attractor 102 and
the core 104 are spaced apart by a gap 108. In some cases, the
flexible support members 106 may provide a biasing force to
maintain the gap between the attractor 102 and the core 104 (e.g.,
in the absence of an electrical current in the conduction loops
110). The reluctance haptic engine 100 may include one or more
spacers (e.g., spacers 116) between the flexible support members
106 and the attractor 102 and/or the core 104 that help to define
the gap 108. FIG. 1B shows the reluctance haptic engine 100 in an
actuated configuration in which the gap 108 between the attractor
102 and the core 104 is reduced or eliminated. The reluctance
haptic engine 100 may actuate (e.g., transition from an unactuated
configuration to an actuated configuration) in response to a
reluctance force generated within the reluctance haptic engine;
this reluctance force may be generated in response to a force
applied to the reluctance haptic engine, such as by a user input on
the input surface 124 of the input structure 140.
[0044] The core 104 may include one or more conduction loops 110
(e.g., electromagnetic coils, electrically conductive coils, wire
loops, other electrically conductive materials, and the like).
Electrical currents (e.g., alternating current, electromagnetic
signals, drive signals, and the like) induced in the conduction
loops 110 may generate magnetic flux. The magnetic flux passing
through the attractor 102 and/or the core 104 causes a reluctance
force that results in attraction between the attractor 102 and the
core 104. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the attraction may result in
displacement of the attractor 102 toward the core 104, reducing or
closing the gap 108 and thereby displacing at least a portion of
the input surface 124 towards the core to produce the haptic
output. Actuation of the reluctance haptic engine 100 may produce a
haptic output or a portion thereof. The haptic output may be
localized along at least a portion of the input structure 140
and/or a global haptic output along a larger portion or a
substantial entirety of the enclosure 122.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1B, actuation of the reluctance haptic
engine 100 may be accompanied by deformation of one or more of the
flexible support members 106. During the transition from the
unactuated configuration to the actuated configuration of the
reluctance haptic engine 100, the flexible support members 106a,
106b may deform as the gap between the attractor 102 and the core
104 is reduced. Said another way, the flexible support member 106
may transition from a non-deformed state (e.g., as shown in FIG.
1A) to a deformed state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B), or from a
deformed state to a further-deformed state, as a result of the
applied reluctance force, in accordance with the displacement of
the attractor 102 toward the core 104. When the reluctance force is
reduced or ceases (e.g., when the electrical currents applied to
the conduction loops 110 are reduced or ceased) or when the input
force is reduced or ceased, the biasing force of the flexible
support members 106 may overcome the reluctance force and/or the
input force and cause the biasing members to transition from a
deformed state to the non-deformed state (or from a deformed state
to a less-deformed state), thereby displacing the attractor 102
away from the core 104 and/or reestablishing the gap 108.
Displacing the attractor 102 away from the core 104 may produce a
haptic output or a portion thereof.
[0046] The attractor 102 may be attached or otherwise coupled to a
component (e.g., the input structure 140) defining the input
surface 124 of the electronic device 120. In some cases, the
attractor 102 is the input structure 140. The core 104 may be fixed
with respect to the enclosure 122 such that the core does not move
with respect to the enclosure 122. The core 104 may be attached or
otherwise coupled to a frame 114 that is fixed with respect the
enclosure 122 (e.g., housing member 138) the attractor 102 moves
relative to the core 104, the frame 114, and/or the housing member
138. The displacement of the attractor 102 may cause a
corresponding movement and/or deformation of the portion of the
input surface 124 defined by the input structure 140. For example,
as shown in FIG. 1B, the input surface 124 may be displaced
downward, or toward the core 104, as the attractor 102 moves toward
the core. In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine 100 is
coupled to the input structure 140 by one or more connection
elements 112. The connection elements 112 may transfer motion from
the reluctance haptic engine 100 to the input structure 140,
thereby producing a haptic output along, or, or through the input
surface 124.
[0047] In various embodiments, the positions of the attractor 102
and the core 104 may be reversed from what is shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B. For example, the attractor 102 may be attached or otherwise
coupled to the frame 114 and the core may be attached or otherwise
coupled to the input structure 140, such that movement of the core
104 relative to the attractor 102, the frame 114, and/or the
housing member 138 causes a corresponding displacement and/or
deformation of the portion of the input surface 124 defined by the
input structure 140. As such, while the examples described herein
describe displacement of the attractor 102, they are meant to
encompass examples in which the core 104 is displaced.
[0048] The reluctance haptic engine 100 may provide a haptic output
by deflecting or deforming a portion of the enclosure 122. For
example, the reluctance haptic engine 100 may deflect or displace a
portion of the enclosure 122 inward and/or outward to provide a
haptic output at the input surface 124. Deflection or other
movement of the enclosure 122 against a user's skin may produce a
haptic output can be perceived by the user.
[0049] The reluctance haptic engine 100 may provide a haptic output
by oscillating, vibrating, translating and/or rotating a component
of the electronic device 120 relative to other components of the
electronic device 120. For example, the reluctance haptic engine
100 may cause the input structure 140 to move relative to one or
more other portions of the enclosure 122 of the electronic device
120. The movement of the input structure 140 may be inward, (e.g.,
downward with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B), outward (e.g., upward
with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B), lateral (e.g., left-to-right
and/or right-to-left with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B), vibratory,
oscillating, or some combination thereof. In some cases, the haptic
output provided by the reluctance haptic engine 100 corresponds to
an input received at the input structure 140. For example, in
response to an inward force applied to the input structure 140
(e.g., downward with respect to FIG. 1B), the reluctance haptic
engine 100 may produce a haptic output that moves the input
structure 140 inward to accompany the inward force.
[0050] In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine 100 may provide
a global haptic output by moving a mass or weighted member within
the enclosure. The reluctance haptic engine 100 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 120.
[0051] The attractor 102 may be or include a permanent magnet
(e.g., formed of or including a magnetic material), an
electromagnet, or it may be or include a ferromagnetic element
(e.g., formed of or including ferromagnetic material) that does not
produce a magnetic field absent the influence of another magnetic
field. Example magnetic materials include, but are not limited to,
magnetized iron, nickel, and/or cobalt alloys (e.g., steel),
ferrite, or other suitable materials. Example ferromagnetic
materials include, but are not limited to, unmagnetized iron,
nickel, and/or cobalt alloys (e.g., steel), ferrite, or other
suitable materials. In some cases, the attractor 102 is formed of
or includes an iron-cobalt alloy with equal parts iron and cobalt
(e.g., FeCo50). The type of material used for the attractor 102 may
depend on various factors, such as the particular electromagnetic
interaction that the haptic output system uses to produce the
haptic output.
[0052] The core 104 may be or include any suitable material or
combination of materials, including metal, plastic, composites,
ceramics, and the like. The core 104 may be or include a permanent
magnet, or it may be or include a ferromagnetic element that does
not produce a magnetic field absent the influence of another
magnetic field. In some cases, the core 104 is formed of or
includes an iron-cobalt alloy with equal parts iron and cobalt
(e.g., FeCo50). In some cases, the core 104 is formed of or
includes stainless steel, such as grade 430 stainless steel. The
type of material used for the core 104 may depend on various
factors, such as the particular electromagnetic interaction that
the haptic output system uses to produce the haptic output.
[0053] The reluctance haptic engine 100 may produce haptic outputs
in response to receiving one or more signals from the processing
unit 126. In some cases, the haptic outputs may correspond to
inputs received by the electronic device 120 and/or outputs
provided by the electronic device. The haptic outputs may
correspond to operational states, events, or other conditions at
the electronic device 120, 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 reluctance haptic engine
100 may be operably coupled to the processing unit 126 via a
connector 128a and/or via one or more additional components of the
electronic device 120. In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine
100 may produce audio outputs in addition to or as an alternative
to producing haptic outputs. For example, actuation of the
reluctance haptic engine 100 may produce a sound. Audio outputs may
be produced in response to any of the conditions, inputs, or the
like discussed above with respect to haptic outputs. In some cases,
audio outputs and haptic outputs are produced by the same actuation
or actuations of the reluctance haptic engine 100.
[0054] As noted above, the reluctance haptic engine 100 may actuate
(e.g., transition from an unactuated configuration to an actuated
configuration) in response to a reluctance force generated within
the reluctance haptic engine and/or in response to a force applied
to the reluctance haptic engine, such as by a user input on the
input structure 140. In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine
may include sensing elements that may be used to determine whether
and to what degree the haptic device has been actuated, either by
an input or a reluctance force.
[0055] Still with respect to FIG. 1B, the flexible support members
106a, 106b may include one or more sensing elements 118 that may be
used to sense actuation based on measuring deflection and/or
deformation of the flexible support members 106a, 106b. As noted
above, the flexible support members 106a, 106b may deflect or
deform in response to actuation of the reluctance haptic engine,
for example by a user input and/or a reluctance force. The sensing
elements 118 may include one or more sensors (e.g., strain sensors)
positioned along the flexible support members 106a, 106b and
configured to output a signal that varies based on the deflection
and/or deformation of the flexible support members. Additionally or
alternatively, other types of sensing elements may be used for
sensing actuation. As one example, the reluctance haptic engine 100
may include one or more capacitive sensors. A first capacitive
electrode may be positioned on the attractor 102 and a second
capacitive electrode may be positioned on the core 104, and a
change in a capacitance between the two electrodes may be used to
determine the relative position of the core and the attractor.
Similarly, a first capacitive electrode may be positioned on a
flexible support member 106a, 106b, and a second capacitive
electrode may be positioned on the frame 114.
[0056] In some cases, the signals provided by the sensing elements
118 may be used to determine spatial parameters of the attractor
102, the core 104, the flexible support members 106a, 106b, and/or
the input structure 140. The spatial parameters may include, but
are not limited to a position, displacement, velocity, and
acceleration. The spatial parameters determined from the signals
provided by the sensing elements 118 may be used to determine a
location and/or magnitude (e.g., force measurement) of an input to
the input structure 140. For example, a location of an input may be
determined by determining a difference between output signals of
two or more sensing elements 118. The magnitude of one or more
output signals may be used to estimate a magnitude of force applied
to the input structure 140.
[0057] In some cases, the processing unit 126 may analyze detected
changes in inductance between the attractor and the core to detect
inputs. In some embodiments an isolated inductive sensing coil may
be positioned on the frame 114 and may be used to detect inputs by
detecting a change in an air gap between the frame 114 and the
flexible support member(s) 106a and/or 106b. Additionally or
alternatively, an isolated inductive sensing coil may be positioned
on or otherwise coupled to a flexible support member 106a and/or
106b, and may be used to detect inputs by detecting a change in an
air gap between the flexible support member(s) 106a and/or 106b and
the frame 114.
[0058] In some cases, in response to detecting an input to the
input structure 140, the processing unit 126 causes the reluctance
haptic engine 100 to produce a haptic output. For example, in
response to receiving an inward (e.g., downward with respect to
FIGS. 1A and 1B) press on the input structure 140, the reluctance
haptic engine 100 may produce a haptic output by generating a
reluctance force that applies a further inward force on the input
structure 140 to accentuate the user input.
[0059] In some cases, the signals provided by the sensing elements
118 may be used to determine characteristics of haptic outputs
provided by the reluctance haptic engine 100. Characteristics of
the haptic outputs may include a strength of the haptic output, a
frequency of movement associated with the haptic output, or the
like. The processing unit 126 may determine the haptic output
characteristics by using the signals provided by the sensing
elements 118 to determine spatial parameters of the attractor 102,
the core 104, the flexible support members 106a, 106b and/or the
input structure 140 caused by a reluctance force. The processing
unit 126 may use the determined spatial parameters and/or haptic
output characteristics to adjust the haptic outputs by changing
signal characteristics (e.g., frequency, amplitude, waveform, etc.)
of the electrical current provided to the conduction loops 110.
[0060] A first flexible support member 106 may be coupled to a
first side of the core 104, and a second flexible support member
106 may be coupled to a second side of the core 104 that is
opposite the first side, as shown in FIG. 1A. Positioning the
flexible support members 106 on opposite sides of the core may
provide enhanced stability for the attractor 102 and/or the core
104 and may allow the sensing elements 118 positioned along the
flexible support members to more effectively be used to detect the
locations and/or magnitudes of inputs and/or feedback related to
haptic outputs.
[0061] The flexible support members 106a, 106b may be formed of any
suitable material or combination of materials, including metal,
plastic, composites, ceramics, and the like. The flexible support
members 106a, 106b may be formed of a compliant or bendable
material that allows the relative movement between the attractor
102 and the core 104. In some cases, the flexible support members
106a, 106b are formed of stainless steel, such as grade 301
stainless steel. The spacers 116 may be formed of any suitable
material or combination of materials, including metal, plastic,
composites, ceramics, and the like. In some cases, the spacers 116
are formed of stainless steel, such as grade 301 stainless steel.
The frame 114 may be formed of any suitable material or combination
of materials, including metal, plastic, composites, ceramics, and
the like. In some cases, the frame 114 is formed of stainless
steel, such as grade 316 stainless steel. In various embodiments,
the spacers 116 and/or the frame 114 may be omitted from the
reluctance haptic engine 100. For example, the flexible support
members 106a, 106b may be directly attached to the attractor 102
and/or the core 104, or the attractor 102 and/or the core 104 may
be directly attached to the enclosure 122 (or coupled to the
enclosure via one or more additional components of the electronic
device 120).
[0062] In various embodiments, the display 134 may be positioned at
least partially within the enclosure 122. The display 134 provides
a graphical output, for example associated with an operating
system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic
device 120. 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
126 of the electronic device 120, for example by a connector 128b.
In some cases, the graphical output of the display 134 is visible
along at least a portion of an external surface of the electronic
device 120.
[0063] In various embodiments, a graphical output of the display
134 is responsive to inputs provided at the display and one or more
additional input devices 130. For example, the processing unit 126
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
reluctance haptic engine 100 corresponds to the graphical output of
the display 134. In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine 100
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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] Broadly, the input devices 130 may detect various types of
input, and the output devices 132 may provide various types of
output. The input structure 140, either alone or in combination
with the reluctance haptic engine 100 may be an example of an input
device 130. Similarly, the input structure 140, either alone or in
combination with the reluctance haptic engine 100 may be an example
of an output device 132. The processing unit 126 may be operably
coupled to the input devices 130 and the output devices 132, for
example by connectors 128c and 128d. The processing unit 126 may
receive input signals from the input devices 130, in response to
inputs detected by the input devices. The processing unit 126 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 electronic device 120. 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 126 and/or an associated companion device. In some cases, the
output devices 132 may include a speaker, and the processing unit
126 may cause the speaker to produce an audio output in conjunction
with a haptic output provided using the reluctance haptic engine
100. Examples of suitable processing units, input devices, output
devices, and displays, are discussed in more detail below with
respect to FIG. 10.
[0066] FIG. 2A illustrates an example reluctance haptic engine 200
that includes an attractor 202, a core 204, and flexible support
members 206a, 206b configured to define a gap between the attractor
and the core and allow movement between the attractor and the core.
FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of the various components of the
reluctance haptic engine 200. The core 204 may include multiple
layered components. For example, the core may include layered
components 204a, 204b, 204c, and 204d. The layered construction of
the core 204 may simplify manufacturing by allowing the components
to be stamped and subsequently attached or coupled together. This
may provide advantages over molding, machining, or other
manufacturing techniques.
[0067] As the attractor 202 is depressed, whether by a reluctance
force caused by electrical currents in the conduction loops 210, a
force applied to the attractor 202 (e.g., by a user input), or some
combination thereof, the flexible support members 206a, 206b deform
to allow the attractor 202 to move relative to the core 204, as
shown and described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 2D
and 2E.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 2B, the core 204 may include tabs 250
extending from opposing sides of the core. The tabs 250 may be
configured to be attached or otherwise coupled to opposing ends of
the flexible support members 206a, 206b. For example, a first end
portion 236a of the flexible support member 206a may be attached to
a first tab 250, and a second end portion 236b of the flexible
support member 206b opposite the first end portion 236a may be
attached to a second tab 250. The flexible support member 206a may
extend between the first and second tabs 250. The flexible support
member 206b may be similarly positioned with respect to third and
fourth tabs 250 extending from an opposite side of the core 204. A
middle portion of each flexible support member 206a, 206b between
the end portions of the flexible support member may deform as the
gap between the attractor and the core is reduced.
[0069] The flexible support members 206a, 206b extend between tabs
of the core 204 and may allow the central portion of the flexible
support members 206a, 206b to deform or deflect. This, in turn,
allows relative movement of the attractor 202 with respect to the
core 204. In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine 200 includes
one or more spacers that couple the attractor 202 to the flexible
support members 206a, 206b. A spacer 216 may be positioned between
the attractor 202 and each flexible support member 206a, 206b to
transfer force from the attractor 202 to the flexible support
members. The spacer 216 may be positioned between the end portions
236a, 236b of the flexible support members 206a, 206b. In some
cases, the spacer 216 concentrates forces applied to the attractor
202 to a central portion of each flexible support member 206a, 206b
so that the bending of the flexible support members is constrained
along less of its length.
[0070] Two tabs 250 may extend from a first side of the core 204
and two tabs 250 may extend from a second side of the core opposite
the first side. In various embodiments the core 204 may include
more or fewer tabs 250. A first flexible support member 206a may be
coupled to the tabs 250 extending from the first side of the core
204, and a second flexible support member 206b may be coupled to
the tabs 250 extending from the second side of the core 204 that is
opposite the first side, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0071] Positioning the flexible support members 206a, 206b on
opposite sides of the core may provide enhanced stability for the
attractor 202 and may allow sensing elements 218a, 218b positioned
along the flexible support members to more effectively be used to
detect the locations and/or magnitudes of inputs and/or feedback
related to haptic outputs.
[0072] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the reluctance haptic engine 200
may include two flexible support members 206a, 206b that are
parallel to one another and separated by a gap. In various
embodiments, the reluctance haptic engine 200 may include more or
fewer flexible support members. In some cases, the reluctance
haptic engine 200 may include one or more additional flexible
support members that extend beneath the attractor 202 in a
direction that is 90 degrees offset from the direction that the
flexible support members 206a, 206b extend (e.g., 90 degrees offset
from a direction from the first end portion 236a to the second end
portion 236b). Said another way, the additional flexible support
members may be rotated 90 degrees compared to the flexible support
members 206a, 206b along a plane that is parallel to the top
surface of the attractor 202.
[0073] As noted above, each flexible support members 206a, 206b may
include one or more sensing elements (e.g., sensing elements 218a,
218b) that may be used to sense actuation based on measuring
deflection and/or deformation of the flexible support members 206a,
206b. As noted above, the flexible support members 206a, 206b may
deflect or deform in response to actuation of the reluctance haptic
engine, for example by a user input and/or a reluctance force. The
sensing elements 218a, 218b may include one or more sensors (e.g.,
strain sensors) positioned along each flexible support member and
configured to output a signal that varies based on the deflection
and/or deformation of the flexible support members.
[0074] The spatial parameters determined from the signals provided
by the sensing elements 218a, 218b may be used to determine a
location and/or magnitude (e.g., force measurement) of an input. In
some cases, the signals provided by the sensing elements 218a, 218b
may be used to determine characteristics of haptic outputs provided
by the reluctance haptic engine 200, which may be used to adjust
the haptic outputs by changing signal characteristics (e.g.,
frequency, amplitude, waveform, etc.) of the electrical current
provided to the conduction loops 210.
[0075] In some cases, the sensing elements 218a, 218b may be
positioned on opposite sides of the spacer 216. For example, as
shown in FIG. 2B, the sensing element 218a may be positioned
between the first end portion of the flexible support member 206a
and the spacer 216, and the sensing element 218b may be positioned
between the second end portion of the flexible support member 206a
and the spacer 216. The sensing elements 218a, 218b may output
different signals that may be compared to determine characteristics
of an input or haptic output.
[0076] The attractor 202 may include wings 252 that extend from
opposite sides of the attractor 202. The wings 252 may be
configured to fit between the tabs 250 to allow the attractor 202
to depress past the tabs 250.
[0077] FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-section view of the reluctance
haptic engine 200, taken through section line A-A of FIG. 2A. As
shown in FIG. 2C, the flexible support members 206a, 206b maintain
a gap 208 between the attractor 202 and the core 204. As electrical
current is applied to the conduction loops 210, magnetic flux
(represented by lines 254) is generated, which produces a
reluctance force that draws the attractor 202 toward the core 204,
and actuating the reluctance haptic engine 200 by closing or
reducing the gap 208.
[0078] FIGS. 2D and 2E illustrate cross-section views of the
reluctance haptic engine 200, taken through section line B-B of
FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2D, the flexible support members 206a,
206b may be attached or otherwise coupled to tabs 250 of the core
204. FIG. 2A shows the reluctance haptic engine 200 in an
unactuated configuration in which the attractor 202 and the core
204 are spaced apart by a gap 208. The flexible support members
206a, 206b and spacers 216 may define the gap 208 between the
attractor 202 and the core 204.
[0079] FIG. 2E shows the reluctance haptic engine 200 in an
actuated configuration in which the gap 208 between the attractor
202 and the core 204 is reduced or eliminated. The reluctance
haptic engine 200 may actuate (e.g., transition from an unactuated
configuration to an actuated configuration) in response to a
reluctance force generated within the reluctance haptic engine
and/or in response to a force applied to the reluctance haptic
engine, such as by a user input on the input structure 240. In some
cases, the attractor 202 contacts the core 204 in an actuated
configuration. In some cases, the attractor 202 does not contact
the core 204 in an actuated configuration. Actuation of the
reluctance haptic engine 200 may produce a haptic output or a
portion thereof. The haptic output may be a localized haptic output
along at least a portion of the input structure 140 and/or a global
haptic output along a larger portion or a substantial entirety of
the enclosure 122.
[0080] As noted above, the flexible support members 206a, 206b may
deform as the reluctance haptic engine 200 actuates (e.g., as the
attractor 202 moves toward the core 204). When the reluctance force
is reduced or ceases (e.g., when the electrical currents applied to
the conduction loops 210 are reduced or ceased) or when the input
force is reduced or ceased, the biasing force of the flexible
support members 206a, 206b may overcome the reluctance force and/or
the input force and cause the biasing members to transition from a
deformed state to the non-deformed state (or from a deformed state
to a less-deformed state), thereby displacing the attractor 202
away from the core 204 and/or reestablishing the gap 208.
Displacing the attractor 202 away from the core 204 may produce a
haptic output or a portion thereof, similar to actuation of the
reluctance haptic engine 100 discussed above.
[0081] Similar to the reluctance haptic engine 100, the flexible
support members 206a, 206b may include one or more sensing elements
that may be used to sense actuation based on measuring deflection
and/or deformation of the flexible support members. As noted above,
the flexible support members 206a, 206b may deflect or deform in
response to actuation of the reluctance haptic engine, for example
by a user input and/or a reluctance force. The sensing elements may
include one or more sensors (e.g., strain sensors) positioned along
the flexible support members 206a, 206b and configured to output a
signal that varies based on the deflection and/or deformation of
the flexible support members.
[0082] FIG. 3A illustrates an example electronic device 320 that
may incorporate a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support
members, configured as a laptop. The laptop 320 is similar to the
electronic devices discussed herein, and may include similar
features and/or components, including an enclosure 322 comprising
an upper portion 322a hingedly coupled to a lower portion 322b. A
display 334 is located in the upper portion 322a of the enclosure
322. The electronic device 320 further includes input structures
340a and 340b, which define input surfaces 324a, 324b of the
electronic device 320, respectively. In the example of FIG. 3A, the
input structure 340a is implemented as a trackpad or trackpad
cover, and the input structure 340b is implemented as a key or
keycap of a keyboard.
[0083] FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the
electronic device 320, showing reluctance haptic engines 300
positioned beneath the trackpad 340a. The reluctance haptic engines
300 may be similar to other reluctance haptic engines discussed
herein, and may include the same or similar features and
functionality. The trackpad 340a may be positioned in an opening
defined in the lower portion 322b of the enclosure. The electronic
device 320 may include a frame 345 configured to couple the
reluctance haptic engines 300 to the lower portion 322b of the
enclosure. The trackpad 340a may include multiple layers, such as a
cover layer (e.g., a glass cover layer) defining the input surface
324a, a touch-sensitive layer (e.g., a touch PCB) configured to
detect locations and/or forces of inputs received on the input
surface 324a, spacer layers, adhesive layers, and the like.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 3B, multiple reluctance haptic engine 300
may be positioned beneath the trackpad 340a. The reluctance haptic
engines 300 may be used to provide localized haptic outputs at
different locations along the input surface 324a, for example by
bending or deflecting the trackpad 340a downward. The reluctance
haptic engines 300 may additionally be used to sense inputs
received at the trackpad 340a. For example, sensors positioned on
the flexible support members of the haptic devices may be
configured to detect the location and/or magnitude of one or more
inputs to the trackpad 340a as well as to provide feedback
regarding haptic outputs as discussed above.
[0085] FIG. 4A illustrates an example electronic device 420 that
may incorporate a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support
members. The electronic device 420 is a portable electronic device
such as a smartphone, tablet, portable, media player, mobile
device, or the like. The electronic device 420 includes an
enclosure 422 at least partially surrounding a display 434, and one
or more input structures 440a and 440b defining input surfaces
424a, 424b, respectively. The input structures 440a and 440b of the
electronic device 420 may be similar to the input structures
discussed herein and may include similar structure and/or
functionality. The electronic device 420 can also include one or
more internal components (not shown) typical of a computing or
electronic device, such as, for example, one or more processing
units, memory components, network interfaces, and so on.
[0086] The input structures 440a and 440b may be configured to
control various functions and components of the electronic device
420, such as a graphical output of the display 434, an audio
output, powering the electronic device on and off, and the like. An
input structure 440a, 440b may be configured, for example, as a
power button, a control button (e.g., volume control), a home
button, or the like.
[0087] The enclosure 422 provides a device structure, defines an
internal volume of the electronic device 420, and houses device
components. In various embodiments, the enclosure 422 may be
constructed from any suitable material, including metals (e.g.,
aluminum, titanium, and the like), polymers, ceramics (e.g., glass,
sapphire), and the like. In one embodiment, the enclosure 422 is
constructed from multiple materials. The enclosure 422 can form an
external surface or partial external surface and protective case
for the internal components of the electronic device 420, and may
at least partially surround the display 434. The enclosure 422 can
be formed of one or more components operably connected together,
such as a front piece and a back piece. Alternatively, the
enclosure 422 can be formed of a single piece operably connected to
the display 434.
[0088] The display 434 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. The display 434 provides a graphical output, for
example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/or
applications of the electronic device 420. In one embodiment, the
display 434 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. In various
embodiments, a graphical output of the display 434 is responsive to
inputs provided to the input structures 440a and 440b.
[0089] FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate partial cross-section views of
the electronic device 420 showing the input structure 440a and a
reluctance haptic engine 400 positioned beneath the input
structure, taken through section line C-C of FIG. 4A. The input
structure 440a may be positioned in a recess 450 in the enclosure
422. The input structure 440a may include or be coupled to one or
more shafts 452 extending through openings 454 into an interior
volume 456 of the electronic device 420. The input structure 440a
may be attached or otherwise coupled to a reluctance haptic engine
400 configured to provide haptic outputs and/or detect inputs at
the input surface 424a of the input structure 440a. As shown in
FIG. 4B, each of the shafts 452 may be attached or otherwise
coupled to a flexible support member 406a, 406b to couple the input
structure 440a to the reluctance haptic engine 400. The reluctance
haptic engine 400 may include an attractor 402, a core 404,
conduction loops 410, and the flexible support members 406a,
406b.
[0090] A first end of each flexible support member 406a, 406b may
be attached or otherwise coupled to the enclosure 422 (e.g., by a
spacer 416), the frame 414, or another component of the electronic
device. A second end of each flexible support member 406a, 406b may
be attached or otherwise coupled to a core 404 such that the core
404 is able to move relative to the enclosure 422, the frame 414,
and/or the attractor 402. A first end portion of a first flexible
support member 406a may be fixed with respect to (e.g., coupled or
attached to) a first side of the core 404, and a first end portion
of a second flexible support member 406b may be fixed with respect
to (e.g., coupled or attached to) a second side of the core 404
that is opposite the first side, as shown in FIG. 4B. Second end
portions of the first and second flexible support members 406a,
406b may be fixed with respect to (e.g., coupled or attached to)
the enclosure. The input structure 440a may be coupled or attached
to a middle portion of each flexible support member 406a, 406b, for
example by the shafts 452.
[0091] Positioning the flexible support members 406a, 406b on
opposite sides of the core may provide enhanced stability for the
core 404 and/or the input structure 440a, and may allow sensing
elements positioned along the flexible support members to more
effectively be used to detect the locations and/or magnitudes of
inputs and/or feedback related to haptic outputs.
[0092] The attractor 402 may be fixed with respect to the enclosure
422 such that the attractor 402 does not move with respect to the
enclosure. The core 404 may be configured to move with respect to
the attractor 402 and/or the enclosure 422. In some cases, the
enclosure 422 may be coupled or otherwise attached to the frame 414
and/or another component that is fixed with respect to the
enclosure 422.
[0093] FIG. 4B shows the reluctance haptic engine 400 in an
unactuated configuration in which the attractor 402 and the core
404 are spaced apart by a gap 408. The flexible support members
406a, 406b and/or the spacers 416 may maintain the gap 408 between
the attractor 402 and the core 404.
[0094] FIG. 4C shows the reluctance haptic engine 400 in an
actuated configuration in which the gap 408 between the attractor
402 and the core 404 is reduced or eliminated. The reluctance
haptic engine 400 may actuate (e.g., transition from an unactuated
configuration to an actuated configuration) in response to a
reluctance force generated within the reluctance haptic engine
and/or in response to a force applied to the reluctance haptic
engine, such as by a user input on the input structure 440a. As
shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the attractor 402 may be fixed with
respect to a frame 414 and/or the enclosure 422, and the core 404
may move toward the attractor 402 as the reluctance haptic engine
400 actuates. In some cases, the attractor 402 contacts the core
404 in an actuated configuration. In some cases, the attractor 402
does not contact the core 404 in an actuated configuration.
Actuation of the reluctance haptic engine 400 may produce a haptic
output or a portion thereof. The haptic output may be a localized
haptic output along at least a portion of the input surface 424a of
the input structure 440a and/or a global haptic output along a
larger portion or a substantial entirety of the enclosure 422.
[0095] As noted above, the flexible support members 406a, 406b may
deform as the reluctance haptic engine 400 actuates (e.g., as the
core 404 moves toward the attractor 402). When the reluctance force
is reduced or ceases (e.g., when the electrical currents applied to
the conduction loops 410 are reduced or ceased) or when the input
force is reduced or ceased, the biasing force of the flexible
support members 406 may overcome the reluctance force and/or the
input force and cause the biasing members to transition from a
deformed state to the non-deformed state (or from a deformed state
to a less-deformed state), thereby displacing the attractor 402
away from the core 404 and/or reestablishing the gap 408.
Displacing the attractor 402 away from the core 404 may produce a
haptic output or a portion thereof, similar to actuation of the
reluctance haptic engines 100, 200 discussed above.
[0096] Similar to the reluctance haptic engine 100, the flexible
support members 406a, 406b may include one or more sensing elements
that may be used to sense actuation based on measuring deflection
and/or deformation of the flexible support members. As noted above,
the flexible support members 406a, 406b may deflect or deform in
response to actuation of the reluctance haptic engine, for example
by a user input and/or a reluctance force. The sensing elements may
include one or more sensors (e.g., strain sensors) positioned along
the flexible support members 406a, 406b and configured to output a
signal that varies based on the deflection and/or deformation of
the flexible support members.
[0097] The core 404 and/or the conduction loop 410 may be
communicably coupled to a processing unit or other circuitry of the
electronic device 420 via a connectors 428a. In some cases, the
connector may be or include one or more traces in a flex or other
cable. In some cases, multiple connectors may be incorporated into
a single flex or cable.
[0098] The flexible support members 406a, 406b may be communicably
coupled to a processing unit or other circuitry of the electronic
device 420 via connectors 428b, 428c. In some cases, the connectors
may be or include one or more traces in a flex or other cable. In
some cases, multiple connectors may be incorporated into a single
flex or cable.
[0099] Even though in FIGS. 4B and 4C the attractor 402 is shown as
fixed with respect to the frame 414 and/or the enclosure 422 and
the core 404 is shown as movable relative to the enclosure 422
and/or the frame 414, in various embodiments within the scope of
this disclosure, the core 404 may be fixed relative to the frame
414 and/or the enclosure 422 and the attractor 402 may be movable
relative to the frame 414 and/or the enclosure 422.
[0100] The reluctance haptic engine 400 of FIGS. 4B and 4C may
translate the input structure 440a along a path that is
perpendicular to the input surface (e.g., up and down with respect
to FIGS. 4B and 4C). In various embodiments, reluctance haptic
engines may be configured to move input structures in different
directions or in multiple directions. For example, FIGS. 5A and 5B
illustrate partial cross-section views of an electronic device with
an example reluctance haptic engine 500 with flexible support
members configured to translate an input structure 540 along a path
that is parallel to an input surface 524 (e.g., left and right with
respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B). The reluctance haptic engine 500 may
be positioned beneath an input structure 540 defining the input
surface 524 and positioned in a recess 550 in the enclosure 522 of
an electronic device and/or at least partially within an interior
volume of the electronic device. The attractor 502 may be attached
or otherwise coupled to the input structure 540. The attractor 502
may be positioned laterally adjacent to one or more cores 504a,
504b such that attraction between the attractor and the core(s)
causes lateral (e.g., left-to-right or right-to-left) movement of
the attractor and the input structure 540. In some cases, the
attractor 502 is positioned between two cores 504a and 504b and
separated therefrom by gaps 508a and 508b, respectively.
[0101] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the flexible support members
506a, 506b may attach or otherwise couple the input structure 540
to the enclosure 522. In some cases, the flexible support members
506a, 506b may attach or otherwise couple the input structure 540
to a frame or another component that is fixed with respect to the
enclosure 522. As noted above, the flexible support members 506a,
506b may be formed of a compliant or bendable material that allows
the relative movement between the attractor 502 and the cores 504a,
504b.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 5B, as electrical current is applied to the
conduction loops 510a of the core 504a, magnetic flux is generated,
which produces a reluctance force that causes the attractor 502 to
move toward the core 504a, which closes or reduces the gap 508a and
causes the input structure 540 to move laterally (e.g., to the left
with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B). Similarly, as electrical current
is applied to the conduction loops 510b of the core 504b, magnetic
flux is generated, which produces a reluctance force that causes
the attractor 502 to move toward the core 504b, which closes or
reduces the gap 508b and causes the input structure 540 to move
laterally (e.g., to the right with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B). The
conduction loops 510a, 510b may be energized in a sequence that
causes bi-directional movement of the input structure 540 (e.g.,
rightward and leftward with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B).
[0103] In some cases, the attractor 502 contacts the core(s) 502a,
502b in the actuated configuration. As noted above, the flexible
support members 506a, 506b may deform as the attractor moves left
and/or right. When the electrical signals are removed or reduced,
the flexible support members 506a, 506b may cause the input
structure 540 to return to the position shown in FIG. 5A to
reestablish the gaps 508a, 508b.
[0104] The cores 504a, 504b and/or the conduction loops 510a, 510b
may be communicably coupled to a processing unit or other circuitry
of the electronic device via a connectors 528a, 528b. In some
cases, the connectors may be or include one or more traces in a
flex or other cable. In some cases, multiple connectors may be
incorporated into a single flex or cable.
[0105] As noted above, the flexible support members 506a, 506b may
include one or more sensing elements configured to determine the
position, displacement, velocity, acceleration and other spatial
parameters of the input structure 540a. The determined spatial
parameters may be used, for example by a processing unit of the
electronic device 520 to determine locations and/or forces of
inputs to the input structure 540, as well as to provide feedback
regarding haptic outputs as discussed above. The flexible support
members 506a, 506b may be communicably coupled to a processing unit
or other circuitry of the electronic device 520 via connectors
528c, 528d. In some cases, the connectors may be or include one or
more traces in a flex or other cable. In some cases, multiple
connectors may be incorporated into a single flex or cable.
[0106] In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the attractor 502 is shown as fixed with
respect to the input structure 540 and the cores 504a, 504b is
shown as fixed relative to the enclosure. However, in various
embodiments within the scope of this disclosure, the cores 504a,
504b may be fixed relative to the input structure 540 and the
attractor 502 may be fixed relative to the enclosure 522.
[0107] The reluctance haptic engine 400 of FIGS. 4B and 4C is
configured to move the input structure 440a up and down with
respect to FIGS. 4B and 4C, or in and out with respect to the
surface of the enclosure 422. The reluctance haptic engine 500 of
FIGS. 5A and 5B is configured to move the input structure 540 left
and right with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B. In various embodiments,
reluctance haptic engines may be configured to move input
structures in different directions or in multiple directions. A
reluctance haptic engine 500 may include multiple coils and/or
actuators configured to move an input structure in multiple
directions. For example, any number of the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 1A-5B may be combined to move an input surface laterally
and/or in and out with respect to an enclosure.
[0108] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 600 for
producing a haptic output at an electronic device using a
reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members. At block
610, the electronic device detects an input at the electronic
device. For example, the input may be an input to a button or other
input structure. As another example, the input may be a rotational
input at a crown detected by sensing rotational movement of the
crown. As still another example, the input may be a touch input
detected along a touch-sensitive display. 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.
[0109] At block 620, the processing unit determines an output to be
produced by the electronic device in response to the input received
at block 610. In some cases, the output is determined in response
to detecting the input at block 610. In some cases, the output
corresponds to one or more characteristics of the input detected at
block 610. For example, the output may correspond to a force of the
input, a location of the input, 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.
[0110] In some cases, determining the output at block 620 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.
[0111] At block 630, the processing unit outputs an output signal
to provide a haptic output that corresponds to the output
determined at block 620. The output signal may be transmitted to a
reluctance haptic engine of the electronic device to direct the
reluctance haptic engine to produce the haptic output.
[0112] At block 640, in response to receiving the output signal
from the processing unit, the electronic device applies electrical
current to conduction loops of a reluctance haptic engine to cause
the reluctance haptic engine to actuate (e.g., move from an
unactuated configuration to an actuated configuration). In some
cases, actuation of one or more reluctance haptic engines produces
a first portion of the haptic output, for example by causing an
input structure to move. As noted above, a gap between an attractor
and a core of the reluctance haptic engine may be reduced or closed
(e.g., the attractor may move toward the core and/or the core may
move toward the attractor), thereby moving an input structure
coupled to the attractor or the core (e.g., along a path that is
parallel to an input surface of the input structure, along a path
that is perpendicular to the input surface, or along a different
path).
[0113] In some cases, following actuation of the reluctance haptic
engine, the electrical current may be ceased, reduced, or otherwise
changed, which causes the reluctance haptic engine to be restored
(either partially or fully) to its initial configuration (e.g., to
reestablish a gap between an attractor and one or more cores). As
noted above, a gap between an attractor and a core of the
reluctance haptic engine may be increased or restored (e.g., the
attractor may move away from the core and/or the core may move away
from the attractor), thereby moving an input structure coupled to
the attractor or the core (e.g., along a path that is parallel to
an input surface of the input structure, along a path that is
perpendicular to the input surface, or along a different path).
[0114] In some cases, one or more reluctance haptic engines being
restored produces a second portion of the haptic output, for
example by causing the input structure to move. As noted above, in
some cases, flexible support members of the reluctance haptic
engine at least partially causes the restoration of the reluctance
haptic engine, for example by applying a biasing force to move the
attractor and/or the core(s) to an initial position.
[0115] In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine being restored
may prepare the reluctance haptic engine for a subsequent
actuation. In various embodiments, once the reluctance haptic
engine has been restored (either partially or fully), it may be
subsequently actuated by applying additional electrical current to
the conduction loops (e.g., in response to receiving another output
signal from the processing unit) to provide a third portion of the
haptic output. The reluctance haptic engine may be subsequently
restored (either partially or fully) to its initial configuration
(either partially or fully), which may provide a fourth portion of
the haptic output. Actuation and restoration may be repeated to
repeatedly move the input structure in alternating directions to
produce one or more haptic outputs and/or portions thereof.
[0116] The method 600 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 600.
Similarly, steps of the method 600 may be performed in different
orders than the example order discussed above. The method 600
refers to providing haptic outputs in response to an input, but
this is just one example. Haptic outputs may also be provided in
response to a system state, an application operation on a device, a
device state (e.g., temperature), application or system alerts
(e.g., calendar alerts, notifications, alarms, and the like),
incoming communications, push notifications, and so on.
[0117] FIG. 7 illustrates an example electronic device 720 that may
incorporate a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support
members, configured as an electronic watch. The electronic watch
720 is similar to the electronic devices discussed herein, and may
include similar features and/or components, including a device
enclosure 722, one or more input structures 740a, 740b, one or more
output devices, a display positioned beneath the cover 774, and a
processing unit positioned at least partially within the enclosure
722.
[0118] In some cases, the electronic device 720 includes a crown
740b configured to receive translational inputs, rotational inputs,
and/or touch inputs. Inputs received at the crown 740b may result
in changes in outputs provided by the electronic device 720 such as
a graphical output of the display, and/or otherwise modify
operations of the electronic device. In some cases, the crown 740b
may be positioned along a side of the enclosure 722, and may extend
through an opening defined in the enclosure. The crown 740b may
include a user-rotatable crown body and a shaft. The crown body may
be positioned at least partially outside of the device enclosure
722 and may be coupled to the shaft. In some cases, the shaft
extends from the crown body and extends through the opening defined
in the enclosure.
[0119] In some cases, the electronic watch 720 may include a
conductive portion that may be used to perform an ECG measurement.
The crown body or another input structure 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 722 may define a
touch-sensitive or conductive surface that is electrically coupled
to the processing unit and also functions as an electrode. The
processing unit may determine an electrocardiogram using outputs of
the electrodes of the crown body and the enclosure 722. In various
embodiments, the crown 740b is electrically isolated from the
enclosure 722, for example to allow separate measurements at the
electrodes. In various embodiments, the crown body may be
electrically coupled to the processing unit or another circuit of
the electronic device 720, for example via a connector and/or the
shaft.
[0120] FIG. 8 illustrates a sample electrical block diagram of an
electronic device 800 that may incorporate a reluctance haptic
engine. The electronic device may in some cases take the form of
any of the electronic devices described with reference to FIGS.
1A-7, or other portable or wearable electronic devices. The
electronic device 800 can include a display 812 (e.g., a
light-emitting display), a processing unit 802, a power source 814,
a memory 804 or storage device, an input device 806 (e.g., a crown,
a button), and an output device 810 (e.g., a reluctance haptic
engine).
[0121] The processing unit 802 can control some or all of the
operations of the electronic device 800. The processing unit 802
can communicate, either directly or indirectly, with some or all of
the components of the electronic device 800. For example, a system
bus or other communication mechanism 816 can provide communication
between the processing unit 802, the power source 814, the memory
804, the input device(s) 806, and the output device(s) 810.
[0122] The processing unit 802 can be implemented as any electronic
device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or
instructions. For example, the processing unit 802 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.
[0123] It should be noted that the components of the electronic
device 800 can be controlled by multiple processing units. For
example, select components of the electronic device 800 (e.g., an
input device 806) may be controlled by a first processing unit and
other components of the electronic device 800 (e.g., the display
812) 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 802 may determine a
biological parameter of a user of the electronic device, such as an
ECG for the user.
[0124] The power source 814 can be implemented with any device
capable of providing energy to the electronic device 800. For
example, the power source 814 may be one or more batteries or
rechargeable batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the power
source 814 can be a power connector or power cord that connects the
electronic device 800 to another power source, such as a wall
outlet.
[0125] The memory 804 can store electronic data that can be used by
the electronic device 800. For example, the memory 804 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 804 can be configured as any type of
memory. By way of example only, the memory 804 can be implemented
as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable
memory, other types of storage elements, or combinations of such
devices.
[0126] In various embodiments, the display 812 provides a graphical
output, for example associated with an operating system, user
interface, and/or applications of the electronic device 800. In one
embodiment, the display 812 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 812 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 812 is
operably coupled to the processing unit 802 of the electronic
device 800.
[0127] The display 812 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 812 is positioned beneath
and viewable through a cover that forms at least a portion of an
enclosure of the electronic device 800.
[0128] In various embodiments, the input devices 806 may include
any suitable components for detecting inputs. Examples of input
devices 806 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 806 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 802.
[0129] As discussed above, in some cases, the input device(s) 806
include a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) integrated
with the display 812 to provide a touch-sensitive display.
Similarly, in some cases, the input device(s) 806 include a force
sensor (e.g., a capacitive force sensor) integrated with the
display 812 to provide a force-sensitive display.
[0130] The output devices 810 may include any suitable components
for providing outputs. Examples of output devices 810 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 810 may be configured to receive one or more
signals (e.g., an output signal provided by the processing unit
802) and provide an output corresponding to the signal.
[0131] In some cases, input devices 806 and output devices 810 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.
[0132] The processing unit 802 may be operably coupled to the input
devices 806 and the output devices 810. The processing unit 802 may
be adapted to exchange signals with the input devices 806 and the
output devices 810. For example, the processing unit 802 may
receive an input signal from an input device 806 that corresponds
to an input detected by the input device 806. The processing unit
802 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 802 may then send an output signal to
one or more of the output devices 810, to provide and/or change
outputs as appropriate.
[0133] 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.
* * * * *