Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Anteneh Detamo

Tianyu Zhao

Thomas Joseph Longo

Colin Roman Donahue

Computing devices and methods for producing vibrations in computing devices are disclosed. In one example, a computing device comprises a chassis that includes a trackpad comprising a printed circuit board. A haptic actuator assembly comprises at least one conductive coil formed on or affixed to the printed circuit board, and at least one magnet rigidly affixed to the chassis. The magnet is spaced from and not mechanically coupled to the at least one conductive coil. A memory stores instructions executable by a processor to receive a haptic event requests, determine that the trackpad is not in use, and at least on condition of receiving the haptic event request and determining that the trackpad is not in use, cause a driver signal to be sent to the conductive coil(s) to cause the at least one magnet to produce user-perceptible vibrations in the chassis beyond the trackpad.

Computing device with haptic trackpad

Variations in the manufacturing, tolerances, and environmental conditions, for example, of haptic trackpads can cause mechanical properties to vary click-by-click and unit-by-unit. Also, as time goes, mechanical wear or material degradation within each trackpad may change its mechanical properties. All of which may cause the haptic response received by the user to vary across similarly designed trackpads, and also change over time on the same trackpad. This may be interpreted by the user as an indication of low product quality. The following describes in detail haptic trackpads including accelerometers that enable active control and/or calibration. This allows for a more uniform user experience across a manufacturing run of trackpads and/or throughout the projected life of individual trackpads.

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Lynnwood, WA, United States of America

Anteneh Detamo