Controlling Haptic Sensations For Vibrotactile Feedback Interface Devices

United States Patent Application	20090278819
Kind Code	A1
Goldenberg; Alex S. ; et al.	November 12, 2009

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Controlling Haptic Sensations For Vibrotactile Feedback Interface Devices

Abstract

An apparatus comprises an actuator that includes an eccentric mass that is coupled to a rotatable shaft of the actuator which defines an axis of rotation. A circuit is coupled to the actuator, the circuit is configured to produce a control signal such that, when the control signal is received by the actuator. The actuator is configured to produce a force effect having a magnitude and a frequency by rotating the mass about the axis of rotation in a first direction. The magnitude of the vibration is based on a duty cycle of the control signal and independent of the frequency. An obstacle member is coupled to the actuator and includes a compliance portion configured to increase energy in the movement of the mass in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the mass comes into contact with the obstacle member.

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Inventors:	Goldenberg; Alex S.; (Mountain View, CA) ; Alarcon; Ramon; (Santa Clara, CA)
Correspondence Name and Address:	PATENT DEPARTMENT (51851);KILPATRICK STOCKTON LLP 1001 WEST FOURTH STREET WINSTON-SALEM NC 27101 US
Assignee Name and Adress:	IMMERSION CORPORATION San Jose CA