Back to results
US 2004/0164971 A1Published application
Haptic pads for use with user-interface devices
AssigneeImmersion Corporation
InventorsVincent Hayward, Ramon Alarcon, Louis B. Rosenberg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention relate to haptic devices for use with a variety of computer/video interface devices. Such haptic devices can work in conjunction with and thereby provide “haptic augmentations” to otherwise conventional user-interface devices, including a variety of computer mice known in the art, irrespective of their types and manufactures. Such haptic devices can also be used to convey information to a user by way of haptic sensations.
Claims33
An apparatus, comprising:
- a contact surface;
- and
- an actuator coupled to the contact surface, the actuator configured to receive a control signal and output a haptic effect to the contact surface, the control signal being responsive to an input from a user-interface device physically distinct from and removably coupled to the contact surface.
An apparatus, comprising:
- a support, including a base member;
- a contact surface, pivotally coupled to the support;
- and
- an actuator, disposed between the base member and the contact surface, the actuator configured to receive a control signal and output a haptic effect to the contact surface.
1 more element
An apparatus, comprising:
- a first member, including a contact surface;
- a second member;
- and
- an electroactive polymer, disposed between the first and second members, the electroactive polymer configured to deform in a direction substantially perpendicular to the contact surface under application of a control signal from the first and second members, the control signal being responsive to an input from a user-interface device removably coupled to the contact surface.
1 more element
An apparatus, comprising:
- a contact surface, adapted for hand use;
- and
- an actuator coupled to the contact surface, the actuator configured to receive a control signal generated by a processor responsive to an internal event, and output a haptic effect to the contact surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.