Method and apparatus for providing tactile sensations

• Main Authors: MARTIN KENNETH M, TIERLING KOLLIN M, VASSALLO STEVEN P, GOLDENBERG ALEX S, JASSO ALEXANDER
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 17.04.2012
• Subjects: ADVERTISING; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND,DEAF OR MUTE; ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICESUSING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION; CALCULATING; COMPUTING; COUNTING; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DIAGRAMS; DISPLAY; EDUCATION; EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING; GLOBES; PHYSICS; PLANETARIA; SEALS

Products and processes for providing tactile sensations to input devices or electronic devices are provided. Input devices include mechanical input devices (such as, for example, mechanical switches) and non-mechanical input devices (such as, for example, touchpads). Tactile feedback is provided by using an actuator or other means in communication with the input device or electronic device. A controller may be employed to receive signals from the input devices and control the actuator. Tactile feedback to an input device or electronic device may be provided in response to one or more events or situations. Such an event or situation may be any one designated. Examples of such events and situations include the level of pressure placed on an input device; the availability or lack of availability of a function associated with an input device; and the function, menu, or mode of operation associated with an input device's activation. A variety of feedback types and combinations may be selected.