Haptic interface for laptop computers and other portable devices

An apparatus, comprising:

• a substantially-planar contact surface;
• a processor configured to receive a first signal associated with a position on the contact surface and to output a second signal associated with the first signal;
• and
• an actuator configured to receive the second signal from the processor, the actuator operable to move the contact surface in a direction substantially parallel to the contact surface based at least in part on the second signal, wherein the actuator is a first actuator, and the direction substantially parallel to the contact surface is a first direction, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a second actuator configured to move the contact surface in a second direction substantially parallel to the contact surface.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a substantially-planar contact surface;
• a sensor in communication with the contact surface, the sensor configured to output a first signal associated with a position on the contact surface;
• and
• an actuator configured to receive a second signal associated with the first signal, the actuator operable to move the contact surface in a direction substantially parallel to the contact surface based at least in part on the second signal, wherein the actuator comprises a rotary actuator coupled to the contact surface via a linkage, the linkage configured to convert a rotary force output by the actuator to a linear force, the linear force causing the contact surface to move in the direction substantially parallel to the contact surface.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a substantially-planar contact surface;
• a sensor in communication with the contact surface, the sensor configured to output a first signal associated with a position on the contact surface;
• and
• an actuator configured to receive a second signal associated with the first signal, the actuator operable to move the contact surface in a direction substantially parallel to the contact surface based at least in part on the second signal, wherein the actuator is a first actuator, and the direction substantially parallel to the contact surface is a first direction, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a second actuator, the second actuator configured to move the contact surface in a second direction substantially parallel to the contact surface.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a substantially-planar contact surface;
• a sensor in communication with the contact surface, the sensor configured to output a first signal associated with a position on the contact surface;
• an actuator configured to receive a second signal associated with the first signal, and to output a rotary force based at least in part on the second signal;
• and
• a flexure coupled to the actuator, the flexure configured to convert the rotary force output by the actuator to a linear force, the linear force operable to cause the contact surface to move.