Method and apparatus for providing multi-point haptic feedback texture systems

Abstract

A method and apparatus for generating haptic surface texture with a deformable surface layer are disclosed. The haptic device includes a flexible surface layer, a haptic substrate, and a deforming mechanism. The flexible surface layer is made of elastic materials and is capable of reconfiguring its surface characteristics. The haptic substrate, in one embodiment, provides a first pattern in response to a first activating signal. Alternatively, the haptic substrate is capable of providing a second pattern in accordance with a second activating signal. The deforming mechanism is configured to change the flexible surface from a first surface characteristic to a second surface characteristic in accordance with the first pattern.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A haptic device for a user interface device, the haptic device comprising:
 a sensor;   a flexible touch sensitive surface layer comprising a flexible display, the flexible touch sensitive surface layer configured to change its surface characteristics;   a haptic substrate coupled to the flexible touch sensitive surface layer and configured to generate a first physical surface pattern in response to a first activation signal based at least in part on an input signal received from the sensor; and   a deforming mechanism coupled to the flexible touch sensitive surface layer and configured to deform the flexible touch sensitive surface layer to a first surface characteristic having a similar pattern as the first physical surface pattern.   
     
     
         32 . The haptic device of  claim 31 , wherein the input signal indicates a touch on the flexible touch sensitive surface layer. 
     
     
         33 . The haptic device of  claim 31 , wherein the haptic substrate is configured to provide a second physical surface pattern in response to a second activation signal based at least in part on the input signal and the deforming mechanism is configured to deform the flexible touch sensitive surface layer to a second surface characteristic having a similar pattern as the second physical surface pattern. 
     
     
         34 . The haptic device of  claim 31 , wherein the flexible display is configured to deform along with a deformation of the flexible touch sensitive surface layer. 
     
     
         35 . The haptic device of  claim 31 , wherein the first physical surface pattern includes at least one of a button, a switch, a slider, a detent, a telephone key pad, a calculator button array, a computer key pad, a keyboard, or a radio panel. 
     
     
         36 . The haptic device of  claim 31 , wherein the haptic substrate comprises multiple actuators wherein each actuator is configured to be independently activated to form the first physical surface pattern. 
     
     
         37 . The haptic device of  claim 36 , wherein the first activation signal is based at least in part on a display signal received from the flexible display. 
     
     
         38 . The haptic device of  claim 37 , wherein the first physical surface pattern illustrates at least one of a terrain or texture of a graphical representation displayed on the flexible display. 
     
     
         39 . The haptic device of  claim 31 , wherein the haptic substrate is configured to generate a confirmation feedback to confirm an input selection. 
     
     
         40 . The haptic device of  claim 31 , wherein the deforming mechanism provides at least one of a pulling force or a pushing force to cause the flexible touch sensitive surface layer to deform. 
     
     
         41 . The haptic device of  claim 31 , wherein the first physical surface pattern includes at least one of a shape, terrain or texture. 
     
     
         42 . The haptic device of  claim 31 , wherein the user interface device includes an automotive data input system or a computer touch surface. 
     
     
         43 . A method of providing a haptic texture surface for a user interface device, the method comprising:
 generating a first physical surface pattern using a haptic substrate in response to a first activation signal based at least in part on an input signal received from a sensor;   activating a deforming mechanism to generate a deforming force configured to deform a flexible touch sensitive surface layer, wherein the flexible touch sensitive surface layer is coupled to the haptic substrate and comprises a flexible display; and   changing a surface texture of the flexible touch sensitive surface layer to a first surface characteristic having a similar pattern as the first physical surface pattern.   
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the input signal indicates a touch on the flexible touch sensitive surface layer. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 43 , further comprising:
 generating a second physical surface pattern using the haptic substrate in response to a second activation signal based at least in part on the input signal;   activating the deforming mechanism to generate the deforming force configured to deform the flexible touch sensitive surface layer; and   changing the surface texture of the flexible touch sensitive surface layer to a second surface characteristic having a similar pattern as the second physical surface pattern.   
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein changing the surface texture of the flexible touch sensitive surface layer comprises deforming the flexible display along with a deformation of the flexible touch sensitive surface layer. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the first physical surface pattern includes at least one of a button, a switch, a slider, a detent, a telephone key pad, a calculator button array, a computer key pad, a keyboard, or a radio panel. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein generating the first physical surface pattern using the haptic substrate further includes activating multiple actuators of the haptic substrate independently to form the first physical surface pattern. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein activating the deforming mechanism to generate the deforming force further comprises:
 activating a vacuum generator and creating a vacuum between the flexible touch sensitive surface layer and the first physical surface pattern; and   providing at least one of a pulling force or a pushing force to cause the flexible touch sensitive surface layer to deform.   
     
     
         50 . A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program code, which when executed by a processor is configured to cause the processor to:
 generate a first physical surface pattern using a haptic substrate in response to a first activation signal based at least in part on an input signal received from a sensor;   activate a deforming mechanism to generate a deforming force configured to deform a flexible touch sensitive surface layer, wherein the flexible touch sensitive surface layer is coupled to the haptic substrate and comprises a flexible display; and   change a surface texture of the flexible touch sensitive surface layer to a first surface characteristic having a similar pattern as the first physical surface pattern.