Google Patent | Haptic Feedback System

Patent: Haptic Feedback System

Publication Number: 20180348914

Publication Date: 2018-12-06

Applicants: Google LLC

Abstract

Systems and methods associated for providing haptic feedback are provided. For instance, data indicative of a feedback scheme associated with an input mechanism can be accessed. The feedback scheme includes one or more feedback points associated with a position of a moveable portion of the input mechanism. The input mechanism is configured to change positions responsive to an actuation of the input mechanism by a user. One or more positions of the moveable portion of the input mechanism can be determined as the input mechanism is actuated by the user. Operation of one or more feedback motors can be controlled to provide feedback to the user in accordance with the feedback scheme based at least in part on the determined one or more positions of the input mechanism.

BACKGROUND 

Many user interface devices, such as dials, knobs, sliders, switches, toggles, faders, etc. can provide a form of feedback to the user to provide the user with contextual information as to the position or configuration of the device. For instance, a mechanical dial may include one or more detents or notches configured to resist the motion of the dial to provide such feedback. Many user interface devices can be configured to perform multiple applications depending on a context in which the user interface device is operated. For instance, a knob or dial associated with an automobile dash interface can be configured to control an air conditioning system and a volume of an audio system associated with the automobile at separate times as desired by a user. In such implementations, each application may have different feedback requirements. In such instances, conventional mechanical feedback mechanisms may be unable to provide intuitive and informative feedback for each of the multiple applications.

SUMMARY 

Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be learned from the description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments.

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computer-implemented method of providing feedback control. The method includes accessing, by one or more processors, data indicative of a feedback scheme associated with an input mechanism. The feedback scheme includes one or more feedback points associated with a position of a moveable portion of the input mechanism. The input mechanism is configured to change positions responsive to an actuation of the input mechanism by a user. The method further includes determining, by the one or more processors, one or more positions of the moveable portion of the input mechanism as the input mechanism is actuated by the user. The method further includes controlling, by the one or more processors, operation of one or more feedback motors to provide feedback to the user in accordance with the feedback scheme based at least in part on the determined one or more positions of the input mechanism.

Other example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems, apparatus, tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media, user interfaces, memory devices, and electronic devices for providing feedback to a user based on a feedback scheme.