Haptic modules with independently controllable vertical and horizontal mass movements

Abstract

Electronic devices and methods for creating various haptic effects. In one example, an electronic device may include a first haptic module for creating a first haptic effect, the first haptic module having a first weight member that selectively moves in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the first haptic module; a second haptic module for creating a second haptic effect, the second haptic module having a second weight member that selectively moves in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the second haptic module; and a processor for controlling the first and second haptic modules. In one example, the processor selectively activates either the first haptic module or the second haptic module based on one or more events or conditions, such as the current orientation or position of the electronic device.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An electronic device, comprising:
 a first haptic module for creating a first haptic effect, the first haptic module having a first weight member that selectively moves in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the first haptic module;   a second haptic module for creating a second haptic effect, the second haptic module having a second weight member that selectively moves in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the second haptic module; and   a processor for controlling the first and second haptic modules.   
     
     
         2 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first haptic module includes a frame member, a weight member positioned within the frame member, and an actuator wire coupled with the weight member and the frame member. 
     
     
         3 . The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the actuator wire is formed from a shape memory alloy. 
     
     
         4 . The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein when the actuator wire receives an electrical current, the actuator wire shortens, thereby vertically moving the first weight member from a first position to a second position. 
     
     
         5 . The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein when the electrical current decreases, the actuator wire returns to an original length and the first weight member moves vertically to return to the first position. 
     
     
         6 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the second haptic module includes a frame member, a weight member positioned within the frame member, and an actuator wire coupled with the weight member and the frame member, wherein the frame member defines one or more slots that guide movement of the weight member within the frame member. 
     
     
         7 . The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the weight member has a pin and the actuator wire is routed around a portion of the pin. 
     
     
         8 . The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein when the actuator wire receives an electrical current, the actuator wire shortens, thereby horizontally moving the second weight member from a first position to a second position. 
     
     
         9 . The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein when the electrical current decreases, the actuator wire returns to an original length and the second weight member moves horizontally to return to the first position. 
     
     
         10 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the processor selectively activates either the first haptic module or the second haptic module based on one or more events. 
     
     
         11 . The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the one or more events include an orientation of the electronic device. 
     
     
         12 . An electronic device, comprising:
 a haptic module for creating a haptic effect, the haptic module having frame, a weight member positioned within the frame, and an actuator wire coupled between the weight member and the frame, wherein when the actuator wire receives an electrical signal, the actuator wire shortens thereby moving the weight member within the frame to create the haptic effect; and   a processor for controlling the haptic module.   
     
     
         13 . The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the haptic module is configured so that the weight member moves in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the frame. 
     
     
         14 . The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the haptic module is configured so that the weight member moves in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the frame. 
     
     
         15 . The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the actuator wire is formed from a shape memory alloy. 
     
     
         16 . The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the processor selectively activates the haptic module based on one or more events. 
     
     
         17 . The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more events include an orientation of the electronic device. 
     
     
         18 . A method of creating a haptic feedback effect in an electronic device, comprising:
 providing a first haptic module configured to move a first weight member in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the first haptic module to create a first haptic feedback effect;   providing a second haptic module configured to move a second weight member in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the second haptic module to create a second haptic feedback effect;   determining an orientation of the electronic device; and   responsive to determining operation, activating either the first haptic module to create the first haptic feedback effect or activating the second haptic module to create the second haptic feedback effect.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein if the determining operation determines that the orientation of the electronic device is substantially horizontal, then the activation operation activates the first haptic module to create the first haptic feedback effect. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein if the determining operation determines that the orientation of the electronic device is substantially vertical, then the activation operation activates the second haptic module to create the second haptic feedback effect.