# US 12,001,598 B2 · Information output device

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 12,001,598 B2
- Document ID: US12001598B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 18/192,140
- Filed: 2023-03-29
- Published: 2023-08-10
- Granted: 2024-06-04
- Earliest claimed: 2018-05-16
- Assignees: Dot Incorporation
- Applicants: Dot Incorporation
- Inventors: Ju Yoon Kim; Ji Ho Kim; Hyeon Cheol Park
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12001598B2

## CPC

- G06F 3/01: Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer (G06F3/16 takes precedence)
- G06F 3/016: {Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user}
- G08B 6/00: Tactile signalling systems, e.g. tactile personal calling systems
- H05K 5/06: Hermetically-sealed casings {(specially adapted for small components H05K5/0095)}
- G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)
- G08B: SIGNALLING SYSTEMS, e.g. PERSONAL CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- H05K: PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

## Abstract

This application relates to an information output apparatus. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a casing including an expression surface and an expression hole formed in the expression surface. The apparatus also includes a protrusion provided to reciprocate such that at least a part thereof protrudes out of the expression hole and information is expressed on the expression surface. The apparatus also includes a driving module located inside the casing and connected to the protrusion to move the protrusion.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An information output apparatus comprising:
a casing comprising an expression surface and an expression hole formed in the expression surface;
a protrusion configured to cause information to be expressed on the expression surface based on at least a part of the protrusion protruding from the expression hole of the expression surface;
a driving module located inside the casing and connected to the protrusion to move the protrusion; and
a skin module located facing the expression surface, the skin module comprising a film having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface facing the expression surface,
wherein the casing comprises an active region in which the protruding of the protrusions are activated and a non-active region outside the active region,
wherein the film is separated from the expression surface in the active region, and
wherein the skin module comprises a spacer located between the film and the casing in the non-active region.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The information output apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive film between the spacer and the casing.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The information output apparatus of claim 1, wherein the film and the spacer are integrally provided.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The information output apparatus of claim 1, wherein the casing further comprises:
a groove corresponding to the active region, wherein the protrusion is disposed in the groove.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The information output apparatus of claim 4, further comprising an adhesive film between the film and the casing outside the groove.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The information output apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first coupling unit is located on at least a part of the casing, and
the skin module comprises:
a support unit coupled at least to an edge of the film and configured to be coupled to the casing.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The information output apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a sealing unit located at least one of between the support unit and the casing and between the film and the casing.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The information output apparatus of claim 1, wherein the film has no through-hole formed therein.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The information output apparatus of claim 1, wherein the expression surface at least partially vertically overlaps the driving module.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The information output apparatus of claim 1, wherein the skin module is configured to allow a user to sense a movement of the protrusion through tactile sensing transferred from the first surface of the film to the second surface of the film.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The information output apparatus of claim 1, wherein the film is disposed above the expression surface.