# US 2014/0191973 A1 · Thin profile user interface device and method providing localized haptic response > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0191973 A1 - Document ID: US20140191973A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/735,804 - Filed: 2013-01-07 - Published: 2014-07-10 - Earliest claimed: 2013-01-07 - Assignees: Strategic Polymer Sciences, Inc. - Applicants: Strategic Polymer Sciences, Inc. - Inventors: Brian C. Zellers; Li Jiang; Christophe Ramstein; Stephen Davis; M. Fabrice Domingues Dos Santos - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140191973A1 ## CPC - G06F 3/016: {Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user} - G06F 1/1626: {with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]} - G06F 1/1632: {External expansion units, e.g. docking stations} - G06F 3/0202: {Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device} - H01H 13/85: characterised by tactile feedback features - G06F 2200/1633: Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer - H01H 2003/008: {with a haptic or a tactile feedback controlled by electrical means, e.g. a motor or magnetofriction} - H01H 2215/05: electromechanical - H10N 30/857: Macromolecular compositions - G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N) - H01H: ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K17/00) - H10N: ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR ## Abstract Electromechanical polymer (EMP) actuators are used to create haptic effects on a user interface deface, such as a keyboard. The keys of the keyboard may be embossed in a top layer to provide better key definition and to house the EMP actuator. Specifically, an EMP actuator is housed inside an embossed graphic layer that covers a key of the keyboard. Such a keyboard has a significant user interface value. For example, the embossed key provides the tactile effect of the presence of a key with edges, while allowing for the localized control of haptic vibrations. For such applications, an EMP transducer provides high strains, vibrations or both under control of an electric field. Furthermore, the EMP transducer can generate strong vibrations. When the frequency of the vibrations falls within the acoustic range, the EMP transducer can generate audible sound, thereby functioning as an audio speaker. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A user interface device capable of providing a localized haptic response in communication with a controller, comprising: a force-sensing layer including one or more force-sensing sensors; and one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers each aligned to a corresponding one of the force sensing sensor, wherein one or more of the force-sensing sensors detects a force, the controller activates the corresponding ones of EMP transducers to provide the localized haptic response to the force. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the user interface device comprises a keyboard. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the force-sensing sensors comprise a force-sensing resistor material. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, further comprises a covering layer covering the force-sensing layer and the EMP transducers, and wherein the EMP transducers are attached to an underside of the covering layer. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The user interface device of claim 4, further comprising a spacer layer provided between the covering layer and the force-sensing layer, wherein the spacer layer has a plurality of cavities each aligned with one of the force-sensing sensors, so as to accommodate the corresponding EMP transducer. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The user interface device of claim 5, further comprising a cushion attached to the EMP transducer between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing sensor. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The user interface device of claim 6, wherein the cushion is provided annular with a circular cross section, in two or more parallel strips, in four or more cubes, annular with a rectangular cross section. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The user interface device of claim 6, wherein the cushion is provided a thickness such that the total thickness of the EMP transducer and the cushion is less than the thickness of the spacer layer. ### Claim 9 (depends on 5) The user interface device of claim 5, wherein between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing layer is provided an air gap. ### Claim 10 (depends on 4) The user interface device of claim 4, wherein the covering layer has a plurality of raised or embossed portions each aligned with one of the force-sensing sensors, so as to accommodate the corresponding EMP transducer. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The user interface device of claim 10, further comprising a cushion attached to the EMP transducer between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing sensor. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The user interface device of claim 11, wherein the cushion is provided annular with a circular cross section, in two or more parallel strips, in four or more cubes, annular with a rectangular cross section. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The user interface device of claim 11, wherein the cushion is provided a thickness such that the total thickness of the EMP transducer and the cushion is less than the thickness of the spacer layer. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) The user interface device of claim 10, wherein between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing layer is provided an air gap. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the response comprises a mechanical vibration having frequency components within the range of 1-400 Hz. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the response comprises a mechanical vibration that generates an audible sound. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The user interface device of the claim 1, further comprises a rigid substrate on which the force-sensing layer is attached. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, wherein each EMP transducer has a response latency of less than 40 milliseconds. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, wherein each EMP transducer has a decay time of less than 40 milliseconds. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, wherein each EMP transducer comprises EMP layers that are each between 0.1 um to 10 um thick. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) The user interface device of claim 20, wherein each EMP layer is 5 microns thick or less. ### Claim 22 (depends on 20) The user interface device of claim 20, wherein each EMP layer is 3 microns thick or less. ### Claim 23 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the EMP transducers each comprise a material containing an electrostrictive polymer, which comprises one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of a polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer of vinylidene fluoride. ### Claim 24 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the EMP transducers each comprise a material containing an electrostrictive polymer, which comprises a polymer selected from a group of polymers consisting of: P(VDFx-TrFEy-CFE1-x-y) (CFE: chlorofluoroethylene), P(VDFx-TrFEy-CTFE1-x-y) (CTFE: chlorotrifluoroethylene), Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-vinylidede chloride) (P(VDF-TrFE-VC)), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TFE-CTFE)), poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene), poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-tetrafluoroethylene), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-tetrafluoroethylene), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tri fluoroethylene-vinyl fluoride), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-vinyl fluoride), poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether)), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoro (methyl vinyl ether)), poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-bromotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene), poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-vinylidene chloride), and poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene vinylidene chloride), where x has a value in the range between 0.5 and 0.75, y has a value in the range between 0.45 and 0.2. ### Claim 25 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the EMP transducers each comprise a material containing an electrostrictive polymer, which comprises a P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) or P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE) terpolymer. ### Claim 26 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the EMP transducers each comprise a material containing an electrostrictive polymer, which comprises a high energy electron irradiated P(VDF-TrFE). ### Claim 27 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the EMP transducers each comprise a material containing an electrostrictive polymer, which comprises a blend of electrostrictive polymers with PVDF and PVDF copolymers. ### Claim 28 (depends on 27) The user interface device of claim 27, wherein the blend includes one or more of P(VDF-CTFE), P(VDF-HFP), P(VDF-CFE), P(VDF-TrFE), and P(VDF-TFE) polymers. ### Claim 29 (depends on 1) The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the force-sensing sensors include an EMP transducer. ### Claim 30 A method in a user interface device capable of providing a localized haptic response and which is in communication with a controller, the method comprising: including in a force-sensing layer one or more force-sensing sensors; and aligning one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers each to a corresponding one of the force sensing sensor; and upon the one or more of the force-sensing sensors detecting a force, activating the corresponding ones of EMP transducers to provide the localized haptic response to the force. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the user interface device comprises a keyboard. ### Claim 32 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the force-sensing sensors comprise a force-sensing resistor material. ### Claim 33 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, further comprises providing a covering layer over the force-sensing layer and the EMP transducers, and wherein the EMP transducers are attached to an underside of the covering layer. ### Claim 34 (depends on 33) The method of claim 33, further comprising providing a spacer layer between the covering layer and the force-sensing layer, wherein the spacer layer has a plurality of cavities each aligned with one of the force-sensing sensors, so as to accommodate the corresponding EMP transducer. ### Claim 35 (depends on 34) The method of claim 34, further comprising attaching a cushion to the EMP transducer between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing sensor. ### Claim 36 (depends on 35) The method of claim 35, wherein the cushion is provided annular with a circular cross section, in two or more parallel strips, in four or more cubes, annular with a rectangular cross section. ### Claim 37 (depends on 34) The method of claim 34, wherein the cushion is provided a thickness such that the total thickness of the EMP transducer and the cushion is less than the thickness of the spacer layer. ### Claim 38 (depends on 35) The method of claim 35, wherein between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing layer is provided an air gap. ### Claim 39 (depends on 34) The method of claim 34, wherein the covering layer has a plurality of raised portions each aligned with one of the force-sensing sensors, so as to accommodate the corresponding EMP transducer. ### Claim 40 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32, further comprising attaching a cushion to the EMP transducer between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing sensor. ### Claim 41 (depends on 40) The method of claim 40, wherein the cushion is provided annular with a circular cross section, in two or more parallel strips, in four or more cubes, annular with a rectangular cross section. ### Claim 42 (depends on 40) The method of claim 40, wherein the cushion is provided a thickness such that the total thickness of the EMP transducer and the cushion is less than the thickness of the spacer layer. ### Claim 43 (depends on 39) The method of claim 39, wherein between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing layer is provided an air gap. ### Claim 44 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the response comprises a mechanical vibration having frequency components within the range of 1-400 Hz. ### Claim 45 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the response comprises a mechanical vibration that generates an audible sound. ### Claim 46 (depends on 30) The method of the claim 30, further comprises attaching a rigid substrate to the force-sensing layer. ### Claim 47 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein each EMP transducer has a response latency of less than 40 milliseconds. ### Claim 48 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein each EMP transducer has a decay time of less than 40 milliseconds. ### Claim 49 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein each EMP transducer comprises EMP layers that are each between 0.1 um to 10 um thick. ### Claim 50 (depends on 49) The method of claim 49, wherein each EMP layer is 5 microns thick or less. ### Claim 51 (depends on 49) The method of claim 49, wherein each EMP layer is 3 microns thick or less. ### Claim 52 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the EMP transducers each comprise a material containing an electrostrictive polymer, which comprises one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of a polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer of vinylidene fluoride. ### Claim 53 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the EMP transducers each comprise a material containing an electrostrictive polymer, which comprises a polymer selected from a group of polymers consisting of: P(VDFx-TrFEy-CFE1-x-y) (CFE: chlorofluoroethylene), P(VDFx-TrFEy-CTFE1-x-y) (CTFE: chlorotrifluoroethylene), Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-vinylidede chloride) (P(VDF-TrFE-VC)), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TFE-CTFE)), poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene), poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-tetrafluoroethylene), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-tetrafluoroethylene), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tri fluoroethylene-vinyl fluoride), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-vinyl fluoride), poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether)), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoro (methyl vinyl ether)), poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-bromotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene), poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene), poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-vinylidene chloride), and poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene vinylidene chloride), where x has a value in the range between 0.5 and 0.75, y has a value in the range between 0.45 and 0.2. ### Claim 54 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the EMP transducers each comprise a material containing an electrostrictive polymer, which comprises a P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) or P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE) terpolymer. ### Claim 55 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the EMP transducers each comprise a material containing an electrostrictive polymer, which comprises a high energy electron irradiated P(VDF-TrFE). ### Claim 56 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the EMP transducers each comprise a material containing an electrostrictive polymer, which comprises a blend of electrostrictive polymers with PVDF and PVDF copolymers. ### Claim 57 (depends on 56) The method of claim 56, wherein the blend includes one or more of P(VDF-CTFE), P(VDF-HFP), P(VDF-CFE), P(VDF-TrFE), and P(VDF-TFE) polymers. ### Claim 58 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein the force-sensing sensors include an EMP transducer. ### Claim 59 A portable computing device comprising: a tablet computer; a protective covering provided to cover one side of the tablet computer having a first configuration in which the protective covering is flat against that side of the tablet computer and a second configuration in which the protective covering is folded to serve as a stand for propping up the tablet computer; and a keyboard having two sides provided to cover the other side of the tablet computer, the keyboard having (i) a first configuration wherein, when the tablet computer is propped by the protective covering serving as the stand, one side of the keyboard is opened up for data input, and (ii) a second configuration wherein the keyboard rests flat against that other side of the tablet computer and avails the other side of the keyboard for data input, wherein each side of the keyboard comprises: a force-sensing layer including one or more force-sensing sensors; and one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers each aligned to a corresponding one of the force sensing sensor, wherein one or more of the force-sensing sensors detects a force, the controller activates the corresponding ones of EMP transducers to provide the localized haptic response to the force. ### Claim 60 (depends on 59) The portable computing device of claim 59, wherein the force-sensing sensors comprise a force-sensing resistor material. ### Claim 61 (depends on 59) The portable computing device of claim 59, further comprises a covering layer covering the force-sensing layer and the EMP transducers, and wherein the EMP transducers are attached to an underside of the covering layer. ### Claim 62 (depends on 61) The portable computing device of claim 61, further comprising a spacer layer provided between the covering layer and the force-sensing layer, wherein the spacer layer has a plurality of cavities each aligned with one of the force-sensing sensors, so as to accommodate the corresponding EMP transducer. ### Claim 63 (depends on 62) The portable computing device of claim 62, further comprising a cushion attached to the EMP transducer between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing sensor. ### Claim 64 (depends on 63) The portable computing device of claim 63, wherein the cushion is provided annular with a circular cross section, in two or more parallel strips, in four or more cubes, annular with a rectangular cross section. ### Claim 65 (depends on 63) The portable computing device of claim 63, wherein the cushion is provided a thickness such that the total thickness of the EMP transducer and the cushion is less than the thickness of the spacer layer. ### Claim 66 (depends on 62) The portable computing device of claim 62, wherein between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing layer is provided an air gap. ### Claim 67 (depends on 61) The portable computing device of claim 61, wherein the covering layer has a plurality of raised or embossed portions each aligned with one of the force-sensing sensors, so as to accommodate the corresponding EMP transducer. ### Claim 68 (depends on 67) The portable computing device of claim 67, further comprising a cushion attached to the EMP transducer between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing sensor. ### Claim 69 (depends on 68) The portable computing device of claim 68, wherein the cushion is provided annular with a circular cross section, in two or more parallel strips, in four or more cubes, annular with a rectangular cross section. ### Claim 70 (depends on 68) The portable computing device of claim 68, wherein the cushion is provided a thickness such that the total thickness of the EMP transducer and the cushion is less than the thickness of the spacer layer. ### Claim 71 (depends on 67) The portable computing device of claim 67, wherein between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing layer is provided an air gap. ### Claim 72 (depends on 61) The portable computing device of claim 61, wherein the response comprises a mechanical vibration having frequency components within the range of 1-400 Hz. ### Claim 73 (depends on 61) The portable computing device of claim 61, wherein the response comprises a mechanical vibration that generates an audible sound. ### Claim 74 (depends on 59) The portable computing device of claim 59, wherein the force-sensing sensors include an EMP transducer. ### Claim 75 A keyboard, comprising a substrate having a first surface and a second surface on opposite sides of the substrate wherein, embedded at each of said first and second surfaces: a force-sensing layer including one or more force-sensing sensors; and one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers each aligned to a corresponding one of the force sensing sensor, wherein one or more of the force-sensing sensors detects a force, the controller activates the corresponding ones of EMP transducers to provide the localized haptic response to the force. ### Claim 76 (depends on 75) The keyboard of claim 75, wherein the force-sensing sensors comprise a force-sensing resistor material. ### Claim 77 (depends on 75) The keyboard of claim 75, further comprises a covering layer covering the force-sensing layer and the EMP transducers, and wherein the EMP transducers are attached to an underside of the covering layer. ### Claim 78 (depends on 75) The keyboard of claim 75, further comprising a spacer layer provided between the covering layer and the force-sensing layer, wherein the spacer layer has a plurality of cavities each aligned with one of the force-sensing sensors, so as to accommodate the corresponding EMP transducer. ### Claim 79 (depends on 75) The keyboard of claim 75, further comprising a cushion attached to the EMP transducer between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing sensor. ### Claim 80 (depends on 79) The keyboard of claim 79, wherein the cushion is provided annular with a circular cross section, in two or more parallel strips, in four or more cubes, annular with a rectangular cross section. ### Claim 81 (depends on 79) The keyboard of claim 79, wherein the cushion is provided a thickness such that the total thickness of the EMP transducer and the cushion is less than the thickness of the spacer layer. ### Claim 82 (depends on 78) The keyboard of claim 78, wherein between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing layer is provided an air gap. ### Claim 83 (depends on 75) The keyboard of claim 75, wherein the covering layer has a plurality of raised or embossed portions each aligned with one of the force-sensing sensors, so as to accommodate the corresponding EMP transducer. ### Claim 84 (depends on 83) The keyboard of claim 83, further comprising a cushion attached to the EMP transducer between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing sensor. ### Claim 85 (depends on 81) The keyboard of claim 81, wherein the cushion is provided annular with a circular cross section, in two or more parallel strips, in four or more cubes, annular with a rectangular cross section. ### Claim 86 (depends on 84) The keyboard of claim 84, wherein the cushion is provided a thickness such that the total thickness of the EMP transducer and the cushion is less than the thickness of the spacer layer. ### Claim 87 (depends on 83) The keyboard of claim 83, wherein between the EMP transducer and the force-sensing layer is provided an air gap. ### Claim 88 (depends on 75) The keyboard of claim 75, wherein the response comprises a mechanical vibration having frequency components within the range of 1-400 Hz. ### Claim 89 (depends on 75) The keyboard of claim 75, wherein the response comprises a mechanical vibration that generates an audible sound. ### Claim 90 (depends on 75) The keyboard of claim 75, wherein the force-sensing sensors include an EMP transducer. ### Claim 91 (depends on 1) A keyboard having a substrate with a first surface and a second surface on opposite sides of the substrate, the keyboard incorporating the portable computing device of claim 1 into the substrate at each of the first and second surfaces. ### Claim 92 (depends on 30) In a keyboard having a substrate with a first surface and a second surface on opposite sides of the substrate, a method comprising performing the steps of claim 30 at each of the first and second surfaces of the substrate.