Providing Haptic Feedback To User-Operated Switch

United States Patent Application	20090207129
Kind Code	A1
Ullrich; Christopher J. ; et al.	August 20, 2009

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Providing Haptic Feedback To User-Operated Switch

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed herein for generating haptic feedback, tactile feedback, or force feedback to an electromechanical switch that is toggled by a user. In one specific example among many possible embodiments, a switch feedback system is disclosed. The switch feedback system comprises a user-operated switch, which is operable to toggle between one of an open state and a closed state. The switch feedback system also includes electrical circuitry in electrical communication with the user-operated switch, wherein the electrical circuitry is configured to react to a change of state of the user-operated switch. The system also includes a haptic feedback device in electrical communication with the user-operated switch and in physical communication with the user-operated switch. The haptic feedback device is configured to detect the change of state of the user-operated switch and provide a haptic feedback to the user-operated switch in response to the detected change of state.

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Inventors:	Ullrich; Christopher J.; (Ventura, CA) ; Kingsley-Jones; Stephen; (Santa Cruz, CA) ; Levin; Michael; (Los Altos, CA)
Correspondence Name and Address:	WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC ATTN: PATENT DOCKETING, P.O. BOX 7037 ATLANTA GA 30357-0037 US
Assignee Name and Adress:	Immersion Corporation San Jose CA
Serial No.:	031984
Series Code:	12
Filed:	February 15, 2008