The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 05, 2010
Filed:
Mar. 29, 2007
Kenneth M. Martin, Los Gatos, CA (US);
Steven P. Vassallo, Redwood City, CA (US);
Alex S. Goldenberg, Portola Valley, CA (US);
Alexander Jasso, Los Altos, CA (US);
Kollin Tierling, Milpitas, CA (US);
Kenneth M. Martin, Los Gatos, CA (US);
Steven P. Vassallo, Redwood City, CA (US);
Alex S. Goldenberg, Portola Valley, CA (US);
Alexander Jasso, Los Altos, CA (US);
Kollin Tierling, Milpitas, CA (US);
Immersion Corporation, San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
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.