TW201020895A - Electroactive polymer transducers for tactile feedback devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Electroactive polymer transducers for sensory feedback applications in user interface devices are disclosed.

Description

201020895 IX. INSTRUCTIONS: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to providing sensing feedback using an electroactive polymer converter. [Prior Art] Many well-known user interface devices typically respond to the user's efforts to apply tactile feedback (transmitting information to the user via force applied to the user's body). Examples of user interface devices that can be applied to the tactile back to the library include a keyboard, a touch screen, a computer mouse, a trackball, a sharp pen, and the like. The form of the tactile feedback system provided by the type of interface device, such as vibration, pulsation, spring force, etc., is a user directly (eg, via a touch of the screen), indirectly (eg, via a mobile phone in one The wallet or the inner basin of the handbag is “one of the vibrating effects of the birth” or in the sense of sound (for example, by moving one of the moving bodies, which interferes with the pressure in the traditional, upper production, but does not produce an audio signal). One of the user interface devices with tactile feedback can be an input = its 'receive" one of the actions initiated by the user, and at the same time provide a tactile feedback of the touch door indicating that the action has started - output Device. In fact, by the force exerted by the user, 'changes the position of a user interface, some contact or touch part or surface (such as a button) along at least one degree of freedom, in order to change the position of the contact portion And affecting the tactile feedback, the application must reach the minimum threshold. Realize or register the change of the position of the contact part: causing a back stress (such as rebound, vibration, pulsation), which is also applied Use: On the contact part of the device to be used, the force is transmitted to the user through the user's sense of touch. J36439.doc 201020895 Applying a rebound or "Double-phase" type of tactile ^ is also used by the feedback One of the commonly used examples of the interface device is a button on a mouse. The button moves until the applied force reaches a certain threshold. At this time, the button (4) is easily moved downward and then stopped. The feeling of this collection is defined as, click on the button. The force applied by the user is due to the response (relative) force felt by the user 'which is substantially along one of the sleeves perpendicular to the surface of the button.

In another-fund, when the system-type person enters on the touch screen, the screen usually confirms the input by the on-screen-graphic change _ along with the audible prompt. - Touch screens provide graphical feedback through visual cues on the screen (such as color or shape changes). A touchpad provides visual feedback through one of the cursors on the screen. While the above tips provide feedback, the most intuitive and effective feedback from the hand-initiated input device is a tactile feedback, such as a keyboard key stop device or a mouse wheel stop device. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate tactile feedback on the touch screen. Tactile feedback capabilities are known to improve user productivity and efficiency, especially in data entry environments. The inventors of the present invention have further improved this productivity and efficiency by further improving the characteristics and quality of the tactile sensation transmitted to a user. It would be more beneficial if one of the sensing feedback mechanisms was provided by the ease of low cost manufacturing to provide such improvements without increasing (preferably reducing) the space, size and/or quality requirements of known tactile backhaul devices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes apparatus, systems, and methods involving an electroactive transducer for sensing applications. In one variation, a user interface device with sensing feedback is provided. One of the advantages of the present invention is that when a 136439.doc 201020895 input on a sensor board is triggered or a software is triggered to trigger a dynamic, a touch screen or a user equipped with touch: electronic device Provide a touch feedback method. The touch screen should be rigid or flexible depending on the desired interface of the user interface device

The system described herein includes a system for displaying to a user: a user interface device comprising a user device configured to provide a user or a sensor a tactile contact-user interface surface, the screen configured to display the information; a frame at least a portion of the gem; and an electroactive polymer material 其's coupled to the screen and the An input between the frames 'where the input is generated by the user applies an electric field to the electroactive &amp; polymer material, which causes the electroactive polymer material to displace in a manner sufficient to produce a force for the user to tactilely observe At least one of the screen and the sensor panel. The user interface device described herein can be configured for tactile contact by a user, and wherein the input of the input signal is caused by tactile contact made by the user "or, or in addition, the user interface device can be grouped State to accept user input and for the generation of the input signal. The system described herein also typically includes a control system for responding to a triggering force against one of the screens to control the amount of displacement of the electroactive polymer converter. The movement of the screen can be in any number of directions. For example, in the lateral direction with respect to one of the frames, in the axial direction relative to the frame, or both. In some variations, the electroactive polymer material is 'encapsulated to form a gasket' and wherein the gasket is mechanically coupled between the frame and the screen. 136439.doc 201020895 The electroactive polymer material can be lightly bonded between the frame and the glory in any number of configurations. The fit can include at least one spring member between the frame and the screen. In some variations of the device, the electroactive polymer material comprises at least one electroactive transducer having at least one spring member. • In another variation, the electroactive polymer material comprises a plurality of wrinkles or folds. In another variation of the user interface device, the device includes a screen, and the sensor has a sensor surface configured to provide tactile contact to the user or the sensor panel, the screen being configured to Displaying the information; a frame around at least a portion of the glory; and an electroactive polymer material coupled between the sensor surface and the frame, wherein the input is generated by the user The signal causes an electric field to be applied to the electroactive polymer material that causes the electroactive polymer material to displace at least one of the screen and the sensor panel in a manner sufficient to produce a force sufficient for the user to tactilely observe. The apparatus and system of the present invention provides greater versatility as it can be applied to many input device types and provides back-feed from multiple input components. This system is also advantageous because it does not substantially increase the mechanical complexity of the device or increase the mass and weight of the device. The system also performs its function without any mechanical sliding or rotating elements, making the system durable, easy to assemble and easy to manufacture. The invention can be applied to any type of user interface device, including but not limited to a touchpad, a touch screen or a numeric keypad or for a computer, a telephone, a PDA, a video game console, a GPS system, a kiosk application, etc. Similar to 136439.doc 201020895. With regard to other details of the invention, the materials of the relevant art can be applied to materials and alternate related configurations. The method-based aspect of the present invention is equally effective in terms of additional actions for normal or logical applications. In addition, the present invention has been described in connection with a number of examples, which are not intended to be limited to the various embodiments of the invention. The present invention may be modified in various ways and equivalents (whether or not specifically described herein or are not included in the present invention for the sake of simplicity) without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Any number of individual parts or subassemblies shown can be integrated into their design. These or other changes can be made or guided by the design principles used in the assembly. These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the <RTIgt; [Embodiment] The apparatus, system and method of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As described above, devices that require a user interface can be improved by using tactile feedback on the user's screen of the device. Figure VIII and ... illustrate a simple example of such a device 190. Each device includes a display 232 for one of the user input or viewing data. The display screen is coupled to one of the body or frame 234 of the device. It is obvious that any number of devices are included in the scope of the present disclosure, whether or not they are portable (such as mobile phones, computers, manufacturing equipment, etc.) or fixed to other non-portable structures (such as a screen of an information display panel). , cash dispenser, etc. For the purposes of this disclosure, a display screen can also include a touchpad type device in which 136439.doc •10-201020895 input or interaction occurs on a monitor or away from actual touch The position of the control board (such as a laptop touchpad). Many design considerations have led to the selection and use of advanced dielectric elastomers (also known as "electroactive polymers" ("ΕΑΡ)) to make converters, especially In seeking tactile feedback from the 8.2 screen, such considerations include potential power, power = degrees, power conversion/consumption, size, weight cost, response time, duty cycle, service demand, environmental impact, etc. Therefore, in many In application

The germanium technology provides an ideal replacement for piezoelectric shape memory alloys (SMA) and electromagnetic devices such as motors and solenoids. A converter includes two thin film electrodes having elastic properties and separated by a thin elastic dielectric material. When a voltage difference is applied to the electrodes, the oppositely charged electrodes attract each other, thereby compressing the polymer interposed therebetween. Electrical layer. When the electrodes are pulled closer together, the dielectric polymer film becomes thinner &amp; axial component compressed due to expansion in the flat direction and the y-axis component. 2A-2B show a portion of a user interface device 230 having a display screen 232 having a surface that is displayed by the user entity in response to information, control or stimulation on the screen. The display screen 234 can be any type of trackpad or screen panel, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (LED) or the like. In addition, the change of the interface device 230 may include a display screen 232 (eg, a &quot;dummy, screen)' in which an image (such as a projector or graphics overlay) is transposed on the screen. The screen may include a conventional monitor. Or even a fixed information (such as a common symbol or display) - screen. 136439.doc 201020895 In any case, the display screen 232 includes a frame 234 (or a housing or any other structure that mechanically connects the screen to the device via a direct connection or one or more grounding elements) and An electroactive polymer (EAp) converter 236 that couples the screen 232 to the frame or housing 234. As described herein, the chirp converters can be placed along one edge of the screen 232, or an array of one of the EAP converters can be placed in contact with a portion of the screen 232 that is spaced away from the frame or housing 234. 2A and 2B illustrate a basic user interface device in which an encapsulated xenon converter 236 forms a movable washer. Any number of movable washers εαρ 236 can be coupled between the touch screen 232 and the frame 234. Sufficient movable washers 236 are typically provided to create the desired tactile feel. However, the amount will typically vary with a particular application. In one variation of the device, touch screen 232 can include a display screen or a sensor panel (where the display screen is behind the sensor panel). The figures show the user interface device 230 that the touch screen 232 circulates between inactive and active states. FIG. 2A shows a user interface device 230 in which the touch screen 2 2 2 is in an inactive state. In this case, no electric field is applied to the sigma converter 236, which allows the converters to be in a stationary state. Figure 2A shows the user interface device 23A after a user input triggers the εαρ converter 236 to be in an active state, wherein the converter 236 causes the display screen 232 to move in the direction indicated by arrow 238. Alternatively, the displacement of one or more of the chirp converters 236 can be varied to cause the display screen 232 to produce an azimuthal movement (e.g., one area of the uniform movement screen 232 (rather than the entire display screen 232) can be displaced a greater extent than the other area. ). It will be apparent that one of the coupling 136439.doc 12 201020895 to the user interface device 230 control system can be configured to cycle the ΕΑΡ 236 and/or change the amount of deflection of the ΕΑΡ 236 at a desired frequency. 3 and 3 illustrate another variation of a user interface device 230 having a display screen 232 over a flexible film 240 for protecting the display screen 232. Likewise, the apparatus can include a plurality of movable washers 236 236 that couple display screen 232 to a base or frame 234. In response to a user input, when an electric field is applied to ΕΑρ 236, the screen 232 is displaced along with the film 240, causing displacement, causing the device 23 to advance into an active state. 4 illustrates an additional variation of a user interface device 23 having a spring biased 薄膜ρ film 240 positioned adjacent one edge of the display screen 232. The tantalum film 240 can be placed adjacent to one of the perimeters of the screen or only at a location that allows the screen to produce tactile feedback to the user. In this variation, a passive compliant washer 244 provides a force against the screen 232 such that the diaphragm 242 is in a tensioned state. After an electric field 242 is supplied to the thin film _ (again, after a signal is generated by a user input), the ruthenium film 242 is relaxed to cause displacement of the screen 232. As indicated by arrow 246, user input device 230 can be configured to cause movement of screen 232 in any direction relative to the deflection provided by washer 244. In addition, actuation less than all of the diaphragm 242 causes the screen 232 to produce non-uniform movement. Figure 5 illustrates another variation of a user interface device 23. In this example, a plurality of compliant washers 244 are used to couple display screen 232 to a frame 234 and the driving force for display 232 is a plurality of 致ρ actuator diaphragms 248. The actuator diaphragm 248 is spring biased and can be driven by an electric field 136439.doc 201020895. As shown, the ΕΑΡ actuator diaphragm 248 has opposing diaphragms on either side of a spring. In this configuration, the opposite side of the actuator diaphragm 248 is activated such that the assembly is strictly at a neutral point. The ΕΑΡ actuator diaphragm 248 acts as a biceps and triceps, as opposed to controlling the motion of a person's arm. Although not shown, the actuator diaphragms 248 can be stacked to provide a two-phase output action and/or to amplify the output for use in a more robust application, as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 11/085,798 and 11/085,804. . _ Figures 6A and 6B show another variation of a user interface 230 having a film or film 242 between a display 232 and a frame 234 at a plurality of points or grounding elements 252. Coupling to accommodate enemies or folds in the έαρ film 242. Applying an electric field to the ruthenium film 242 as shown in Fig. 6A causes the display screen 232 to be displaced in the wrinkle direction or deflected relative to the frame 240. The user interface 232 can include a biasing spring 25A, as desired, coupled between the display 232 and the frame 234 and/or a flexible protective film 240 that covers a portion (or all) of the display screen 232. It should be noted that the above figures schematically illustrate an exemplary configuration of such a haptic feedback device using a diaphragm or transducer. Many variations (such as variations of the device) are within the scope of the present disclosure. The implementation of the ΕΑΡ converter can move only one sensor board or component (eg, triggering after user input and providing a signal to one of the ΕΑΡ converters) Component) Instead of the entire screen or board assembly. In any application, the feedback displacement of a display screen or sensor panel caused by the ΕΑΡ component may be specifically in the plane sensed as lateral movement or may be out of plane (eg sensed as vertical displacement) , or The εΑΡ converter 136439.doc • 14· 201020895 material is segmented to provide an addressable/movable section independently to provide angular displacement of the plate element. Further, any number of enthalpy converters or membranes may be incorporated into the user interface devices described herein (as disclosed in the above-listed applications and patents). Variations in the devices described herein allow the entire sensor panel (or touch screen) of the device to be used as a haptic feedback component. This allows for a wide range of functionality. For example, in response to a virtual key tapping the screen, the screen can be bounced once or it can be returned to one of the scroll elements (e.g., a slider) on the screen to output a continuous bounce to effectively activate the non-roller mechanical stop device. By using a control system, the three-dimensional structure can be simulated by reading the precise position of the user's finger on the screen and correspondingly moving the roving panel to form a two-dimensional contour. Assuming that there is sufficient screen displacement and the screen has significant quality, the repetition of the screen is a reversal of the vibration function of the mobile phone. This functionality can be used to slap the text 'where a tactile &quot;bump&quot; represents a (vertical) scrolling of a line of text, thereby simulating the device. In the context of video games, the present invention provides more interactivity and finer motion control in the vibratory vibration motor used in the φ advanced technology video game system. In the case of a touchpad, • Xiao provides physical hints to improve material interaction and accessibility, especially for visually impaired people. The chirp converter can be configured to shift in proportion to an applied voltage, which helps to program a control system for use with the subject's tactile readback device. For example, the software wide algorithm converts the gray scale of the pixel into a chirp converter to continuously measure the pixel grayscale value at the tip of the screen cursor and translate it into a proportional shift by the chirp converter. A general three-dimensional tissue can be felt or sensed by moving a finger on the entire 136439.doc -15- 201020895 touchpad. A similar algorithm can be applied to a web page. After moving a finger on an image, the border of the icon is returned to the user as a bump or a buzz button in the web page organization. For normal users, this will provide a completely new sensing experience, and for visually impaired viewers browsing the site, this will add an indispensable feedback. ' For a number of reasons, ΕΑΡ converters are well suited for applications such as “small weight and smallest components” because they provide a very low profile and are therefore ideal for sensing/tactile feedback applications. in. An example of a ΕΑΡ converter and its construction is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,368,862 ' 7,362,031 ' 7,320,457 ' 7,259,503 ' 7,233,097 ' 7,224,106 ' 7,211,937 ' 7,199,501 ' 7,166,953 ' 7,064,472 ' 7,062,055 ' 7,052,594 ' 7,049,732 ' 7,034,432 ' 6,940,221 ' 6,911,764 ' 6,891,317 ' 6,882,086 ' 6,876,135 &gt; 6,812,624 &gt; 6,809,462 ' 6,806,621 ' 6,781,284 ' 6,768,246 ' 6,707,236 ' 6,664,718 ' 6,628,040 ' 6,586,859 ' 6,583,533 ' 6,545,384 &gt; — 6,543,110, 6,376,971 and 6,343,129; and the US published patent 'Application 2006/0208610, 2008 /0022517, 2007/0222344, 2007/0200468, 2007/0200467, 2007/0200466, 2007/0200457, 2007/0200454, 2007/0200453, 2007/0170822, 2006/0238079, 2006/0208610, 2006/0208609 and 2005/0157893 The entire contents of these cases are incorporated herein by reference. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate an example of a structure of a ruthenium film or film 10. A thin elastic dielectric film or layer 12 is sandwiched between a compliant or bendable electrode plate or layer 14 and 16 136439.doc -16·201020895 to form a capacitive structure or film. The length of the dielectric layer &quot;丨&quot; and width "W" and the length and width of the composite structure are much larger than their thickness &quot;t&quot;. Typically, the dielectric layer has a thickness ranging from about 丨〇 μη! to about 100 μηη. The total thickness of the sinuous structure is in the range of from about 25 μm to about 1 〇 cm. In addition, the elastic modulus, thickness and/or microscopic structure of the electrodes 14, 16 need to be selected such that the additional hardness contributed to the actuator is generally lower than the hardness of the dielectric layer 12, the dielectric layer 12 having A relatively low modulus of elasticity (e.g., less than about 1 〇〇 MPa and usually less than about 1 〇 MPa), but may be thicker than each of the electrodes. Electrodes suitable for such compliant capacitive structures are capable of withstanding cyclic stresses greater than about 1% without failure due to mechanical fatigue. As can be seen from Figure 7B, the different charges in the two electrodes 14, 16 will attract each other when a voltage is applied across the electrodes and the electrostatic attraction compresses the dielectric film 12 (along the Z-axis). This causes the dielectric film 12 to deflect as the electric field changes. Since the electrodes 14, 16 are compliant, their shape varies with the dielectric layer 12. In general, deflection refers to any displacement, expansion, contraction, torsion, ❿'s steepness or regional stress' or any other deformation of the portion of the dielectric film U. (d) The use of a capacitive structure 10 (collectively referred to as &quot;converter&quot;) in the form of a fit architecture (e.g., -frame) that can be used to generate mechanical work. Various converter architectures are disclosed and illustrated in the above patent references. By applying a pressure, the converter film 1 〇 is continuously deflected until the mechanical force balances the electrostatic force that drives the deflection. These mechanical forces include the elastic return force of the dielectric layer, the compliance or stretching of the electrodes 14, 16 and any external resistance provided by the handle to one of the transducers (7) and/or the load. The resulting deflection of the transducer 1 施加 due to the application of electricity can also depend on many other factors, such as the dielectric constant of the elastomeric material and its magnitude and hardness. Removing the voltage difference and the induced charge results in a counter effect. In some cases, electrodes 14 and 16 may cover a limited portion of the film relative to the total area of dielectric film 12. This prevents electrical breakdown around the edge of the dielectric or deflection of the custom in its particular portion. During deflection, a movable region (which is a portion of the dielectric material that has sufficient electrostatic force to deflect the portion) can be used as an external spring force on the active region. More specifically, the material outside the active area can be deflected or expanded to resist or deflect the active area. The dielectric film 12 can be strained in advance. This pre-strain improves the transition between electrical energy and mechanical energy, i.e., the pre-strain allows the dielectric film 12 to deflect more and provide greater mechanical work. The pre-strain of a film can be described as a dimension in one direction relative to the pre-strain, and the pre-strain in the direction after pre-straining can include elastic deformation of the dielectric film and can be, for example, by tension The film is stretched down and one or more edges are formed while stretching. The pre-strain can be applied at the boundary of the film or only for a portion of the film, and the pre-deformation can be performed by using a rigid frame or by hardening a portion of the crucible. The details of the converter structure of Figures 7A and 7 and other similar compliant structures and their concepts are more fully described in the many referenced patents and publications disclosed herein. In addition to the above-described diaphragm, the sensing or tactile feedback user interface device can include a chirp converter designed to produce lateral movement. For example, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the components of the actuator 3〇, 136439.doc -18* 201020895 are available in the form of an elastic film (EAP). a converter ι that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy (as described above). The resulting mechanical energy is in the form of a physical &quot;displacement&quot; of an output member, here in the form of a disc 28. Referring to Figures 9A through 9C, the erbium converter film 10 includes two working pairs of thin elastic-electrodes 32 &amp;, 3 and 343, 34b, wherein each working pair is separated by a thin layer 26 of resilient dielectric polymer (e.g., by Acrylic acid, polyfluorene oxide, poly(formic acid), thermoplastic elastomer, hydrocarbon rubber, fluoroelastomer or the like). When a voltage difference is applied to each of the oppositely charged electrodes (e.g., across electrodes 32a and 32b, and across electrode 3 and 34b), the opposing electrodes attract each other to compress the dielectric polymerization therebetween. Object layer 26. When the electrodes are pulled closer together, the dielectric polymer 26 becomes thinner (i.e., the z-axis component shrinks) due to expansion in the flat direction (i.e., the x and y-axis component expansion) (see Figure 9B). And the axis reference of 9C). In addition, the same charge distributed on each of the electrodes causes the conductive particles embedded in the electrode to repel each other', resulting in expansion of the elastic electrode and the dielectric film. This causes the dielectric layer 0 26 to deflect as the electric field changes. Since the electrode materials are also compliant, the electrode layers change shape with the dielectric layer 26. In general, deflection refers to any displacement, expansion, contraction 'torsion, linear or regional stress, or any other deformation of a portion of dielectric layer 26. This deflection can be used to generate mechanical work. At the time of manufacture of the transducer 20, the elastic film is stretched and held under a pre-strain condition by two relatively rigid frame sides 8a, 8b. It has been found that the pre-strain improves the dielectric strength of the polymer layer 26, thereby improving the conversion between electrical energy and mechanical energy', i.e., the pre-strain allows the film to deflect more and provides greater mechanical work 136439.doc -19- 201020895 . The electrode material is typically applied after the pre-strained polymer layer, but may also be applied in advance. Two electrodes are provided on the same side of layer 26 (herein referred to as electrode pairs on the same side, electrodes 32a and 34a on top side 26a of dielectric layer 26 (see Figure 9B) and dielectric layer 26 The electrodes 32b and 34b (see Fig. 9C) on the bottom side 26b are electrically insulated from each other by an inactive area or gap 25. The opposing electrodes on opposite sides of the polymer layer are from two sets of working electrode pairs, i.e., electrodes 32a and 32b in one working electrode pair and electrodes 34a and 34b in the other working electrode pair. Preferably, each of the same side electrode pairs has the same polarity, and the electrodes of each working electrode pair are opposite in polarity, i.e., electrodes 32a and 32b are oppositely charged and electrodes 34&amp; and 34b are oppositely charged. Each electrode has an electrical contact portion 35 that is configured for electrical connection to a voltage source (not shown). In a non-specific embodiment, each electrode has a semi-circular configuration in which the same pair of side electrodes define a substantially circular pattern for receiving a centrally disposed arrangement on each side of the dielectric layer 26. Rigid output discs 2〇a, 20b. The discs 20a, 2〇1) are secured to the centrally exposed outer surfaces 26a, 26b of the polymer layer 26 to sandwich the layers 26 therebetween, the function of which is discussed below. The coupling between the disc and the membrane can be mechanical or can be provided by an adhesive. In general, the disc 2Ga' 2GbA is adjusted to be small with respect to the converter frames Ua, 22b. More specifically, the ratio of the diameter of the disc to the diameter of the inner ring of the frame should be such that the greater the ratio of the diameter of the disc to the diameter of the frame applied to the converter membrane, the greater the force of the feedback signal or movement. The linear displacement of the disc is lower. Alternatively, the lower the ratio, the lower the output force and the greater the linear displacement. 136439.doc 201020895 Depending on the electrode configuration, converter 10 can function in a single or dual phase mode. In a configured manner, the mechanical displacement of the output components of the target sensing feedback device (i.e., the two coupled disks 2a and 20b) is laterally non-perpendicular. In other words, the sensing feedback or output force of the sensing/tactile feedback device of the present invention (shown by the double-headed arrow 6〇b in FIG. 10) is parallel to the display surface 232 and perpendicular to the input force 6〇a. In the direction of the sense, the signal is not in a direction perpendicular to the display surface 232 of the user interface and parallel to the direction of the input force (in the opposite or upward direction) applied by the user's finger 38 (eg, The force shown by arrow 60a in Figure 10. Depending on the rotational alignment of the electrode pair about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the transducer 10 and relative to the position of the display surface 232 in the mode (ie, single phase or two phases) used to operate the transducer, this lateral movement can be 360. In any direction within. For example, the lateral feedback action can be relative to the direction of advancement of the user's finger (or palm or handle, etc.) from side to side or from top to bottom (both of which are two-phase actuation). While those skilled in the art will appreciate certain other actuator configurations that provide feedback for one of the contact surfaces that traverse or perpendicular to the tactile feedback device, the overall distribution of one of the devices so configured is greater than the foregoing design. Figures 9D through 9G illustrate an example of one of an array of electroactive polymers that can be placed across the display screen of the device. In this example, the voltage and ground sides 200a and 220b of a tantalum film array 200 used in an array of one of the xenon actuators used in the tactile feedback device of the present invention are respectively shown (see Fig. 9F). Membrane array 200 includes an array of electrodes that are provided in a matrix configuration to increase space and power efficiency. The high voltage side 2〇〇a of the ruthenium film array provides an electrode pattern 2〇2 extending vertically on the material of the dielectric film 208 (according to the viewpoint shown in Fig. 136439.doc 201020895 Φ). Each pattern 202 includes a pair of high voltage lines 2〇2a, 202b. The opposite or ground side 2〇〇b of the die provides an electrode pattern 206 that operates laterally (i.e., horizontally) relative to the high voltage electrode. Each pattern 206 includes a pair of ground lines 206a, 2061, each pair of relatively high voltage and ground lines (2〇2a, 2〇6a and 202b, 206b) providing a separately activatable electrode pair such that the opposing electrodes are The activation provides a two phase output action in the direction indicated by arrow 212. In FIG. 9F, in an exploded view of one of the arrays 204 of the erector converters 222, the ΕΑρ film array 2 供 (the electrode patterns displayed on the top and bottom sides of the dielectric film) are known to be assembled, An array of the ΕΑρ converters is illustrated in Fig. 9G in an assembled form to illustrate that the β ΕΑρ film array 2 is sandwiched between the opposing: arrays 2! 4a, 214b, wherein one of the _ positions is located in an open area Output disc 218 defines each of the individual frame segments 216 within each of the two arrays. The frame/disc segment 216 and each of the electrode configurations form a chirp converter 222. Additional component layers can be added to the transducer array 2〇4 depending on the desired application and the type of actuator. The transducer array 220 can be integrally incorporated into a user interface array, such as a display screen, a sensor surface, or a touchpad. When the sensing/tactile feedback device 2 is operated in a single phase mode, only one of the actuators 3's working pair is activated at any time. A single phase operation of the actuator 3 can be controlled using a single high voltage power supply. When the voltage is applied to the pair of working electrode pairs of the single selection, the converter film is activated. The file (half) will expand so that the wheel is released in the plane in the direction of the inactive portion of the converter film. Figure 11 illustrates the operation of the two working electrode pairs alternately in a single phase mode relative to the neutral position 136439.doc •22 201020895

The relationship between the force of the sense feedback signal (i.e., the output disc displacement) of the actuator 30 and the stroke is set. As shown in the figure, the respective forces and displacements of the output discs are equal in the opposite direction. Figure 11B illustrates the resulting nonlinear relationship between the output displacement of the actuator operating in this single-phase mode and the applied voltage. By sharing the dielectric film &quot;mechanical&quot; the two electrode pairs can be used, for example, to move the output disc in the opposite direction. Therefore, when two electrode pairs are operated, a voltage is applied to the first working electrode pair (phase 丨) to move the output disk 2G' in one direction and the voltage is applied to the second electrode pair (phase). 2) Move the output disc 2〇 in the opposite direction. As the various plots in Figure UB reflect a linear change in the voltage of the actuator, the displacement of the actuator is nonlinear. The acceleration of the output disc during the shift can also be controlled by the time-varying operation of the two phases to enhance the tactile feedback effect. The actuator can also be divided into more than two phases that can be independently activated to enable more complicated actions of the output disc. In order to achieve greater displacement of one of the output members or components, and thus provide a larger sensing feedback signal to the user, operating the actuator 3 in both phase modes, ie simultaneously starting the two portions of the actuator . Fig. 12A illustrates the relationship between the force of the output disc "sense feedback signal" and the stroke when the actuator is operated in the two-phase mode. As shown, the forces and strokes of the two portions 32, 34 of the actuator in this mode are in the same direction and have an amplitude that is the force of the actuator when operating in a single phase mode. It is twice the magnitude. Figure 12B illustrates the linear relationship between the output displacement of the actuator and the applied voltage when operating in the two phase mode. The mechanically coupled portions 32, 34 of the actuator are electrically connected in series and, for example, as shown in Figure 4 of the block diagram of Figure 3, 136439.doc -23- 201020895 201020895

The equation controls the relationship between the electrical output of its common electrode 55' common electrode 55 and the displacement (or blocking force) of the output component (in any configuration). In this mode of operation, the non-linear voltage responses of the two portions 32, 34 of the actuator 30 are effective against each other to produce a linear money response. By using control circuitry 44 for each portion of the actuator and switching assemblies 46a, 46b, this linear relationship allows for fine tuning by using different types of waveforms supplied to the switch assemblies by the control circuitry. Spectrum and modulate the performance of the actuator. Another advantage of using circuit 40 is that it reduces the number of switching circuits and power supplies required to operate the sensing feedback device. Without the use of circuit 40, two separate power supplies and four switching assemblies are required. The &amp; reduces the complexity and cost of the circuit while improving the relationship between the control voltage and the actuator displacement, i.e., making it more linear.

Various types of mechanisms can be applied to convey the input force 6 〇 a from the user to achieve the desired sensing feedback 60b (see Fig. 1A). For example, a capacitive or resistive sensor 50 (see Figure 13) can be loaded in the user interface panel 4 to sense the mechanical force exerted by the user on the user contact surface input. The electrical output 52 is supplied from the sensor 5 to the control circuit 44 according to the mode and waveform provided by the control circuit, which in turn triggers the switch assembly 46 &amp; 4 to apply the voltage from the power supply 42 to the sense feedback Respective Converter Portions 32, 34° of the Device Another variation of the present invention relates to a hermetic sealed EAF actuator to minimize any effects of moisture or moisture condensation that may occur on the diaphragm. For various embodiments described below, the ΕΑΡ actuator is sealed in a barrier that is substantially separate from the other components of the haptic feedback device. The barrier film or casing 136439.doc -24· 201020895 can be made, for example, of a flute, which is preferably heat sealed or similar to minimize leakage of moisture into the sealing film. The barrier film or portion of the outer casing may be made of a suitable material to allow for improved mechanical engagement of the actuator within the outer casing to the outer one of the outer casing. Each of the device embodiments can utilize the feedback action of the actuator, &lt;output member, to the contact surface of the operator's input surface (e.g., a numeric keypad) while minimizing the closure of the seal Any damage in the actuator package. Various exemplary methods for engaging the action surface of the actuator to the user interface contact surface are also provided. In terms of methods, the primary method ❹ can include each of the machines and/or activities associated with the use of the device. Also, the method implicitly uses the device to form part of the invention. Other methods focus on the manufacture of such devices. Figure 14A shows an example of a flat array of EAp actuators 204 coupled to a user input device 19A. As shown, the array of ΕΑΡ actuators 2〇4 covers a portion of the screen 232 and is coupled to a frame 234 of the device 190 via a bracket 256. In this variation, the bracket 256 provides a spacing for the movement of the actuator 2〇4 from the screen 232. The array of actuators 204 in one variation of the device 19 can be a plurality of discrete actuators or an array of actuators behind the user interface surface or screen 232, depending on the desired application. Figure 14 is a bottom plan view of the device 190 of Figure 14; As indicated by arrow 254, the cymbal actuator 204 can allow the screen 232 to move along an axis as an alternative to or in combination with one of the movements in one of the directions perpendicular to the screen 232. With regard to other details of the invention, the materials of the relevant art can be applied to materials and alternate related configurations. In general, other aspects of the operation of the logic application are also effective in the method-oriented aspect of the present invention. 136439.doc • 25- 201020895, although there have been several examples (as to be seen, the invention is not limited to the present invention:: the invention described or indicated in each of the various features. =- Variations can be used in consideration of equivalents 3 The present invention makes various changes and the present invention is replaced by a detailed description or is not included in the present month for the sake of simplicity, without departing from the design of the present invention. In the integration of the (four) county has a real spirit and 粑 #. Available in individual parts or sub-assemblies for use in awards π ° ° . You can borrow 2 δ ° x U ride or feed these changes or other changes. ❿ , 2 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , A reference to an early project includes the possibility of having multiple identical projects. More specifically, the singular forms, the singular and the singular and the singular and And the scope of the following patent application ^ The use of the article allows "at least - a &quot; subject matter 1 step-by-step note, - Hai and other Shen Qing patent scope can be drafted to exclude any optional components. Again, this expression is intended to be used as a previous basis Use such proprietary terms (such as &quot;alone&quot; or &quot;only&quot; and similar words) or use a "negative" restriction in conjunction with the details of the components of the patent application. In the absence of such proprietary terms, the knives in the scope of the patent include &quot; should allow for the inclusion of any additional components, whether or not a given number of components are listed within the scope of the patent application, or The addition of a feature can be considered as a property of one of the components proposed in the scope of the patent application. In the meantime, unless expressly defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein are given the broadest meaning of the invention, and the scope of the patent application. 136439.doc -26- 201020895 In summary, the breadth of the present invention is not limited to the examples provided. That is, the following patent claims are claimed. [Simple description of the drawings] When combined with the schematic drawings &lt;Reading Shaw, the above detailed description can be used to have an excellent understanding of the present invention. To promote understanding, the same reference numerals have been used (wherever practicable) to designate similar elements in the drawings. The following figures are included in the drawings: Figure 1 illustrates the user interface of the tactile feedback when the - ΕΑΡ converter is connected to the display - the display screen or the sensor and the main body of the device. Some examples. Figures 2A and 2B show a cross-sectional circle of a user interface device that includes a display screen having a surface that reacts with a tactile feedback response to a user input. Figures 3 and 3 illustrate a cross-sectional view of another variation of a user interface device having a display screen covered by a thin film of active EAp formed as an active loop. Figure 4 illustrates another variation of a user interface device having a spring biased dome located adjacent one edge of the display screen. Figure 5 shows a - user interface | set - section view in which the display curtain is spliced to a frame using a plurality of responsive washers and the driving force for display is a plurality of ΕΑΡ actuator media . Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the user interface 23〇 of a thin film or film coupled between the display and the display. 136439.doc -27. 201020895 Figures 7A and 7B illustrate top perspective views of a transducer before and after applying a voltage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 8A and 8B show exploded top and bottom perspective views, respectively, for a user interface mounting and Y &lt;-sensing feedback device. Figure 9 is a top plan view of one of the electroactive polymer converters assembled in accordance with the present invention; Figures 9A and 9C are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the membrane portion of the actuator of Figure 8, specifically illustrating the actuator The second phase group dimension. Figures 9D and 9 illustrate an example of an array of electroactive polymer converters placed across a surface of a display screen spaced from a frame of the device. Figures 9F and 9G are exploded and assembled views, respectively, of an array of actuators used in one of the user interface devices disclosed herein. Figure 10 illustrates a side view of a user interface device and a finger that is operatively in contact with a contact surface of the device. Figures 11A and 11B graphically illustrate the force versus stroke and voltage response curves of the actuators of Figures 9A through 9C, respectively, operating in a single phase mode. Figures 12A and 12B graphically illustrate the force versus stroke and voltage response curves of the actuators of Figures 9A through 9C, respectively, operating in a two phase mode. Figure 13 is a block diagram of a circuit including power supply and control electronics for operating the sensing feedback device. 14A and 14B are partial cross-sectional views showing one example of a flat array of EAp actuators coupled to a user input device. Variations of the invention are contemplated from the figures. 136439.doc •28· 201020895 [Description of main component symbols] 2 Sensory/tactile feedback device 4 User interface panel 8a Rigid frame side 8b Rigid frame side 10 Converter film/converter/ΕΑΡ film or film/capacitor structure 12 Electrical layer/film 14 electrode (plate)

16 Electrode (plate) 20a Disc 20b Disc 22a Converter frame 22b Converter frame 25 Gap 26 Dielectric polymer layer 26a Top surface 26b of outer surface/dielectric layer 26 Bottom side 28 of outer surface/dielectric layer 26 Disc 30 Actuator 32 Part 32a of the actuator Elastic electrode 32b Elastic electrode 34 Part 34a of the actuator Elastic electrode 136439.doc -29- 201020895 34b Elastic electrode 35 Electrical contact portion 38 Finger 42 Power supply 44 Control circuit 46a Switch Assembly 46b Switch Assembly 50 Sensor ❹ 52 Electrical Output 55 Common Electrode 60a Input Force 60b Sensory Feedback 190 User Input Device 200a Voltage Side 200b Ground Side 202a High Voltage Line 202b High Voltage Line '204 Converter Array / ΕΑΡ Actuator 206 Electrode pattern 206a Ground line 206b Ground line 208 Dielectric film 214a Frame array 214b Frame array 136439.doc -30- 201020895 216 Frame segment 218 Output disc 220 Converter array 222 ΕΑΡ Converter 230 User interface device 232 Display surface / display /display 234 frame 236 ΕΑΡ converter

240 flexible film 242 ΕΑΡ film 244 passive compliant gasket 248 ΕΑΡ actuator diaphragm 250 biasing spring 252 grounding element 256 bracket

136439.doc -31 -

Claims (1)

201020895 X. Patent Application Scope: The user interface device interface for displaying information to a user includes: a glory screen having a user interface for one user to tactilely touch a user interface Surface and a sensor board 'The screen is configured to display this information; , /' μ a frame, which is disposed around at least a portion of the screen; and an electroactive polymer material coupled between the screen and the frame, wherein an electric field is applied to the electric field by the user A living polymeric material that causes the electroactive polymer material to displace at least one of the screen and the sensor panel in a manner that produces a force sufficient for the user to tactilely observe. 2. As requested! The user interface device, wherein the glory is configured for tactile contact by a user, and wherein the input of the input signal is caused by tactile contact made by the user. 3. The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured to accept user input and to generate a signal for the input of the data entry surface. The user interface device of claim 1 further comprising a control system for responding to the amount of displacement of the electroactive polymer converter against the screen. 5. The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the one of the triggering forces is controlled in a lateral direction relative to one of the frames. The movement of the screen is in 6. The user interface device of the β green item 1, the middle age · 4ιΑιΤιΜ_ ^ * total τ output component is mechanically coupled to the user contact surface. I36439.doc 201020895 ❹ The user interface of claim 1 is lightly packed with the electrically active polymeric material 枓U forming a gasket between the truss and the screen. The gasket is mechanically coupled to the frame, such as the user interface device of &quot;Green, 1&quot;, and the electroactive polymer material is directly coupled between the frame and the screen. The user interface device of claim 8 is adapted to enter at least one spring member between the screens. 1) The user interface device of claim 1 further comprising at least a portion of the flexible layer. η. The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the electroactive polymer material comprises at least one electroactive transducer having at least one spring member. 12. The user interface device of claim 1 wherein the electroactive transducer comprises at least one pair of relatively electroactive polymer membranes. 13. The user interface device of claim 11, wherein the electroactive transducer further comprises At least one negative spring rate bias. 14. The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the electroactive polymer material is coupled to the display screen at a plurality of locations. 15. The user interface device of claim 14. Wherein the electroactive polymer material comprises a plurality of wrinkles or folds. 8. The step comprising the step of covering the frame comprises covering the screen 16. The user interface device of claim 1 wherein the electroactive polymer material comprises a proximity An array of at least a portion of an electroactive polymer material of the screen spaced apart from the frame. 17. The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the screen comprises a touchpad 0 136439.doc 201020895 18. a user interface device for displaying information to a user, the user interface comprising: a screen having one configured for one user to tactilely contact a sensor surface and a sensor panel configured to display the information; a frame 'around at least a portion of the screen; and an electroactive polymer material coupled between the surface of the sensor and the frame, wherein an electric field is applied to the input signal by the user The electroactive polymer material displaces the electroactive polymer material in at least one of a surface of the e-curtain and the sensor in a manner that produces a force sufficient for the user to tactilely observe. 19. The user interface device of claim 18, wherein the sensor surface is configured for tactile contact by the user, and wherein the input of the input signal is caused by tactile contact made by the user. 20. The user interface device of claim 18, wherein a data entry surface is configured to receive a user input and to generate the input signal. 21. The user interface device of claim 18, further comprising a control system responsive to controlling the amount of displacement of the electroactive polymer converter against the sensor panel. The triggering force 22. The user of claim 18 is interposed in a device relative to the frame, wherein the sensor plate moves in a lateral direction. Wherein the output member is mechanical, wherein the electroactive polymerization is encapsulated 23. The user interface of claim 18 is coupled to the user contact surface. 24. The user interface device of claim 18, 136439.doc 201020895, material to form a loop, and wherein the gasket is mechanically lightly coupled between the frame and the surface of the sensor. 25. The device of claim 18, wherein the electroactive polymer material is directly coupled between the frame and the surface of the sensor. 26. The user interface of the claim 25, the Du. π lean &quot; face device, further comprising at least one bolus component between the frame and the surface of the delta sensor. 27. The user interface device of claim 18, further comprising covering a flexible layer of at least a portion of the glory. 28. The user interface device of claim 18, wherein the electroactive polymer material comprises at least one electroactive transducer having at least one spring member. 29. The user interface device of claim 28, wherein the electroactive transducer comprises at least one pair of relatively electroactive polymer membranes. 30. The user interface device of claim 28, wherein the electroactive transducer further comprises a negative spring rate bias. 31. The user interface device of claim 18, wherein the electroactive polymer material is coupled to the display screen at a plurality of locations. The user interface device of claim 3, wherein the electroactive polymer material comprises a plurality of open lines or fold lanes. 33. The user interface device of claim 18, wherein the sealing material forms a gasket between the user contact surface and the transducer. 34. The user interface device of claim 18, wherein the sealing material encapsulates the transducer. 35. The user interface device of claim 18, wherein the electroactive polymer material is activated in two phases. 136439.doc 201020895 3 6. The user interface device of claim 18, wherein the material comprises an array of the sensed electroactive polymer material adjacent to the frame. 37. The user interface device of claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the electroactive polymer material in panel 0 comprises a touch 136439.doc