Architecture and communication protocol for haptic output devices

Abstract

The embodiments are directed toward an architecture and communication protocol for controlling haptic output devices. According to the embodiments, a composite drive signal is generated that includes a first drive signal to be rendered by a first haptic output device, a second drive signal to be rendered by a second haptic output device, and a packet identifier. A controller includes the first haptic output device that is associated with a first user input element and the second haptic output device associated with a second user input element. The composite drive signal is transmitted to controller, and the execution order of the first and second drive signals is determined based on the packet identifier.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for driving a plurality of actuators, each actuator being associated with one of a plurality of user input elements, the method comprising:
 generating a composite drive signal that includes a first drive signal to be rendered by a first haptic output device, a second drive signal to be rendered by a second haptic output device, and a packet identifier, the first haptic output device associated with a first user input element and the second haptic output device associated with a second user input element;   transmitting, to a controller, the composite drive signal; and   wherein the execution of the first and second drive signals at the controller is based on the packet identifier.