20240028124. INTEGRATED VIRTUAL BUTTON MODULE, INTEGRATED VIRTUAL BUTTON SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF DETERMINING USER INPUT AND PROVIDING USER FEEDBACK simplified abstract (UltraSense Systems, Inc.)
INTEGRATED VIRTUAL BUTTON MODULE, INTEGRATED VIRTUAL BUTTON SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF DETERMINING USER INPUT AND PROVIDING USER FEEDBACK
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Hao-Yen Tang of San Jose CA (US)
Hsiou-Yuan Liu of Boston MA (US)
Yonghuan David Ren of San Jose CA (US)
Mo Maghsoudnia of San Jose CA (US)
INTEGRATED VIRTUAL BUTTON MODULE, INTEGRATED VIRTUAL BUTTON SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF DETERMINING USER INPUT AND PROVIDING USER FEEDBACK - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240028124 titled 'INTEGRATED VIRTUAL BUTTON MODULE, INTEGRATED VIRTUAL BUTTON SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF DETERMINING USER INPUT AND PROVIDING USER FEEDBACK
Simplified Explanation
The integrated virtual button module described in the patent application includes a transducer, microcontroller, and driver circuit. The transducer has a strain-sensing element and generates signals. The microcontroller obtains data from the signals and determines user inputs based on the data. The driver circuit receives user feedback data and generates a user feedback signal. It is electronically connected to an actuator. The user feedback data are determined based on the user inputs. The actuator emits haptic and/or audio signals when driven by the user feedback signal.
- The integrated virtual button module includes a transducer, microcontroller, and driver circuit.
- The transducer has a strain-sensing element and generates signals.
- The microcontroller obtains data from the signals and determines user inputs.
- The driver circuit receives user feedback data and generates a user feedback signal.
- The driver circuit is electronically connected to an actuator.
- The user feedback data are determined based on the user inputs.
- The actuator emits haptic and/or audio signals when driven by the user feedback signal.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Virtual buttons in electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles.
- Touch-sensitive surfaces in automotive interfaces and control panels.
- Virtual keyboards and input devices in virtual reality and augmented reality systems.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Provides a more intuitive and interactive user interface compared to traditional physical buttons.
- Enables the creation of customizable and adaptable input systems.
- Reduces the need for physical buttons, leading to sleeker and more compact device designs.
Benefits of this technology:
- Enhanced user experience through tactile and audio feedback.
- Increased flexibility in user input methods.
- Improved accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- Reduction in mechanical wear and tear compared to physical buttons.
Original Abstract Submitted
in some embodiments, an integrated virtual button module includes a first transducer, a microcontroller, and a first driver circuit. the first transducer includes a transient strain-sensing element and is configured to generate first signals. the microcontroller is configured to obtain first data from the first signals and determine user inputs in accordance with at least the first data. the first driver circuit is configured to receive user feedback data and to generate a first user feedback signal in accordance with the user feedback data. the first driver circuit is electronically couplable to a first actuator. the user feedback data are determined in accordance with at least the user inputs. the first actuator emits a haptic signal and/or a first audio signal when driven by the first user feedback signal. embodiments of an integrated virtual button system and a method of determining user input and providing user feedback are also disclosed.
