An apparatus and method for providing haptic feedback

• Main Authors: CATALIN GHEORGHIU, JUHA REINHOLD BACKMAN
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 12.08.2015
• Subjects: CALCULATING; COMPUTING; COUNTING; ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING; PHYSICS

An apparatus and method for providing haptic feedback, for example on a cellular smart-phone touch screen. The apparatus comprises: a first conductive trace 3; a second conductive trace 5 overlaying the first conductive trace and configured to move relative to it 11, and; a user input module 9 overlaying the second conductive trace. The conductive traces are configured to receive a current, such that when the current is provided, the second conductive trace 5 moves in direction 11 and provides haptic feedback via the user input module 9. The conductive traces may be printed circuit boards (PCBs) in close proximity, with an electromagnetic field being created therebetween, thus forcing the second conductive trace up towards the user input module, which may be a touch sensitive display, when a current passes through. The current may be provided by a capacitor, and the form of input may be a finger 13. The conductive traces may have identical patterns, and may be connected to each other in series or parallel. A plurality of pairs of conductive traces (figure 5) may be provided under a single user input module in order to provide localized haptic feedback.