US 2020/0089360 A1Published application

Input device with haptic feedback

AssigneeApple Inc.

InventorsYi-Heng SEN, Alex J. SPELTZ, Alex M. LEE

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Abstract

Haptic feedback can be provided to a user via an input device to give a user a richer interaction experience with the input device and host device. The input device can include a magnet and a host device can include an array of coils. The coils can be driven to generate a magnetic field (or one or more magnetic fields) that can exert a force on the input device to provide haptic feedback. In some examples, the haptic feedback can be a push force pushing the input device away from the device or a pull force pulling the input device toward the device. In some examples, the haptic feedback can guide the input device using lateral forces. The haptic feedback described herein can be used for writing, drawing or actuating virtual input controls in a user interface.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An electronic device comprising:

a touch screen;
an array of coils disposed beneath the touch screen;
and
processing circuitry capable of:
displaying a user interface on the touch screen;
measuring capacitive coupling between an input device and the touch screen;
in accordance with a determination that the input device is within a threshold distance of the touch screen, driving one or more coils in the array of coils with one or more signals to generate one or more magnetic fields, the one or more magnetic fields exerting a force on the input device touching or proximate to the touch screen, wherein driving the one or more coils in the array of coils comprises driving the one or more coils corresponding to one or more user interface elements in the user interface displayed on the touch screen;
and
in accordance with a determination that the input device is not within the threshold distance of the touch screen, forgoing driving the one or more coils in the array of coils with the one or more signals.

6 more elements

A method comprising:

displaying a user interface on a touch screen;
measuring capacitive coupling between an input device and the touch screen;
in accordance with a determination that the input device is within a threshold distance of the touch screen, driving one or more coils in an array of coils with one or more signals to generate one or more magnetic fields, the one or more magnetic fields exerting a force on the input device touching or proximate to the touch screen, wherein driving the one or more coils in the array of coils comprises driving the one or more coils corresponding to one or more user interface elements in the user interface displayed on the touch screen;
and
in accordance with a determination that the input device is not within the threshold distance of the touch screen, forgoing driving the one or more coils in the array of coils with the one or more signals.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 16/133,350Filed 17 Sep 2018
Published: 19 Mar 2020
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification11 codes

G06F 3/0416
Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means: control or interface arrangements specially adapted for…
G06F 3/0446
By capacitive means: using a grid-like structure of electrodes in at least two directions, e.g. using row and column electrodes
G06F 3/016
Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer: input arrangements with force or tactile…
G06F 3/03545
With detection of two-dimensional [2D] relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D…