System and method for display of multiple data channels on a single haptic display

A method of producing a haptic effect comprising:

• receiving a first notification signal;
• receiving a second notification signal;
• generating a notification parameter using the first notification signal and the second notification signal;
• comparing the notification parameter to a foreground haptic threshold;
• if the notification parameter is greater than or equal to the foreground haptic threshold,
• generating an interaction parameter using a foreground haptic effect signal;
• if the notification parameter is less than the foreground haptic threshold, generating an interaction parameter using a background haptic effect signal;
• and
• applying a drive signal to a haptic output device according to the interaction parameter;
• and further comprising:
• receiving a plurality of haptic effect notifications N over a time period T;
• generating a notification frequency ratio using N and T;
• comparing the notification frequency ratio to the foreground haptic threshold;
• if the notification frequency ratio is less than the foreground haptic threshold, generating an interaction parameter using the background haptic effect signal;
• if the notification frequency ratio is greater than or equal to the foreground haptic threshold, generating an interaction parameter using the foreground haptic effect signal;
• and
• applying a drive signal to the haptic output device according to the interaction parameter.