Ferromagnetic user interfaces
US8400410B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 2009 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/016
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Ferromagnetic user interfaces are described. In embodiments, user interface devices are described that can detect the location of movement on a user-touchable portion by sensing movement of a ferromagnetic material. In some embodiments sensors are arranged in a two dimensional array, and the user interface device can determine the location of the movement in a plane substantially parallel to the two-dimensional array and the acceleration of movement substantially perpendicular to the two-dimensional array. In other embodiments, user interface devices are described that can cause a raised surface region to be formed on a ferrofluid layer of a user-touchable portion, which is detectable by the touch of a user. Embodiments describe how the raised surface region can be moved on the ferrofluid layer. Embodiments also describe how the raised surface region can be caused to vibrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.