Abstract: A haptic actuator for generating haptic feedbacks to provide perceptions of different characteristics is provided. The haptic actuator includes a vibration mechanism and a striking mechanism. The vibration mechanism, in response to a receipt of a predetermined electric power, applies a steady vibration to a vibrating body. The striking mechanism, in response to the receipt of an electric power larger than the predetermined electric power, strikes the vibrating body in order to provide a haptic feedback to the vibrating body. The haptic actuator is able to apply a vibration according to the vibration mechanism and a vibration according to the striking mechanism to the vibrating body.

Abstract: To appropriately control an input portion by haptic feedback an electronic device has a vibration generator vibrating an input portion in response to contact with the input portion, a driving circuit portion supplying a driving signal having an acceleration period including a first pulse of a predetermined pulse width vibrating the vibration generator by resonance and a deceleration period including a second pulse of a phase opposite to the phase of the first pulse to the vibration generator, and a vibration control portion changing the number of first pulses included in the driving signal supplied to the vibration generator by the driving circuit portion according to the operating environment.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method, including: displaying, on a touch sensitive display, a data structure composed of a plurality of keys in a keyboard window; determining, using a processor, at least one key to display in the keyboard window; receiving, at an input device, user input; changing, based on user input, the keys to be displayed in the keyboard window; and selecting a key based on user input, using the touch sensitive display screen, from the keys displayed in the keyboard window. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are disclosed. The system includes a command module that generates haptic commands; a haptic actuator; a drive circuit that applies a first driving voltage in response to a first haptic command and applies a second driving voltage in response to a second haptic command. The apparatus includes a haptic actuator; a DC power supply; a first power supply circuit that outputs a first DC voltage; a second power supply circuit that outputs a second DC voltage higher than the first DC voltage; a drive circuit that applies a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage; and a controller that designates an operating mode. The method includes generating a first haptic command and a second haptic command; applying a first driving voltage to a haptic actuator; and applying a second driving voltage to the haptic actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving an actuator using a shape memory alloy is provided. The apparatus includes an actuator having a shape memory alloy, a pulse signal generating device for generating a pulse signal, and a switch for applying a pseudo single pulse voltage signal to the actuator. The pseudo single pulse voltage signal is generated by performing switching control of a predetermined voltage according to a set of successive micro-pulse signals.

Abstract: A keyboard that can yield a favorable keying feeling to a user is disclosed. The keyboard includes multiple keys, a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure used for pressing a key, a haptic device configured to generate haptic feedback that involves a micro vibration, and a feedback control unit configured to issue a signal used for driving the haptic device according to the pressure that the pressure sensor has sensed. In response to one-time key pressing, the feedback control unit issues a drive signal for generating a first haptic feedback when the pressure that the pressure sensor has sensed reaches a first threshold value, and a drive signal for generating a second haptic feedback when the pressure that the pressure sensor has sensed reaches a second threshold value.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic apparatus capable of separating a portable information device and an accessory device easily while preventing the coupled state of both devices from being released accidentally. The electronic apparatus includes: a state detector provided in either the portable information device or the accessory device to detect whether the electronic apparatus is in a predetermined stable position; an intention detector that detects whether there is an intention of detaching the portable information device from the accessory device; and a control unit that operates a coupling mechanism when it is detected from an output of the state detector that the electronic apparatus is in the stable position, and when it is detected from an output of the intention detector that there is the intention of detaching the portable information device from the accessory device.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic apparatus capable of separating a portable information device and an accessory device easily while preventing the coupled state of both devices from being released accidentally. The electronic apparatus includes: a state detector provided in either the portable information device or the accessory device to detect whether the electronic apparatus is in a predetermined stable position; an intention detector that detects whether there is an intention of detaching the portable information device from the accessory device; and a control unit that operates a coupling mechanism when it is detected from an output of the state detector that the electronic apparatus is in the stable position, and when it is detected from an output of the intention detector that there is the intention of detaching the portable information device from the accessory device.

Abstract: A haptic feedback system configured to apply an impact to an electronic device is provided. The haptic feedback system includes a haptic actuator that makes reciprocating motion, a drive circuit that applies to the haptic actuator a drive voltage composed of a predetermined number of basic pulse voltages for acceleration, and a controller that controls an average voltage of a subset of the basic pulse voltages.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products for simulating a physical keyboard are disclosed. One apparatus includes a processor for an information handling device and a memory that stores code executable by the processor. The code is executable by the processor to detect an input mechanism contacting a key area for displaying a flat keyboard and emit a first sensory feedback to a user in response to detecting the input mechanism contacting the key.

Abstract: A pointing device is disclosed. The pointing device includes an operation cap having an operation surface fitted into a stud. The stud is fixed to a keyboard plate with a screw from below together with a sensor plate. A waterproof material is provided between the stud and the keyboard plate. Multiple pressure sensors are arranged below the keyboard plate. The pressure sensors are applied with a predetermined pressure beforehand. When the operation surface is depressed, the stud and the sensor plate slide and move downward while being tilted to reduce the detection pressures of the pressure sensors. Since the pressure sensors exist below the keyboard plate, the operation cap can be downsized, and the pressure sensors can be protected from impact to the operation cap.

Abstract: A haptic actuator for generating haptic feedbacks to provide perceptions of different characteristics is provided. The haptic actuator includes a vibration mechanism and a striking mechanism. The vibration mechanism, in response to a receipt of a predetermined electric power, applies a steady vibration to a vibrating body. The striking mechanism, in response to the receipt of an electric power larger than the predetermined electric power, strikes the vibrating body in order to provide a haptic feedback to the vibrating body. The haptic actuator is able to apply a vibration according to the vibration mechanism and a vibration according to the striking mechanism to the vibrating body.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are disclosed. The system includes a command module that generates haptic commands; a haptic actuator; a drive circuit that applies a first driving voltage in response to a first haptic command and applies a second driving voltage in response to a second haptic command. The apparatus includes a haptic actuator; a DC power supply; a first power supply circuit that outputs a first DC voltage; a second power supply circuit that outputs a second DC voltage higher than the first DC voltage; a drive circuit that applies a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage; and a controller that designates an operating mode. The method includes generating a first haptic command and a second haptic command; applying a first driving voltage to a haptic actuator; and applying a second driving voltage to the haptic actuator.

Abstract: A control method and an electronic device include a first subsystem, a second subsystem, and shared devices used by the first subsystem and the second subsystem. The electronic device has a first state in which both the first subsystem and the second subsystem are in a working state, and a second state in which the first subsystem is in a non-working state and the second subsystem is in the working state. The method includes acquiring a first instruction generated by the first subsystem and transmitted to the shared devices during a switching process between the first state and the second state. The method includes acquiring a second instruction generated when the electronic device switches between the first state and the second state. The state of the shared devices is controlled based on the first instruction and the second instruction.

Abstract: A keyboard device is disclosed. The keyboard device includes a base, a key top, a film actuator, a position sensor, and a controller. The key top is movably arranged on the upper surface side of the base. Disposed between the base and the key top, the film actuator bends according to an applied voltage. Also disposed between the base and the key top, the position sensor detects a position of the key top. The controller applies a voltage to the film actuator in order to generate a repulsive force corresponding to the position of the key top detected by the position sensor.

Abstract: A method of driving an actuator using a shape memory alloy is provided. An impact-driven actuator is activated by a pulse voltage generated by an action of a transistor. A keyboard outputs a key event at the timing of an input operation. A stress monitoring unit calculates a stress amount of an impact-driven actuator based on parameters of a key event and a pulse voltage. A stress adjustment unit changes the parameter of the pulse voltage when the stress amount reaches a permissible value. The parameter may be a wave crest value or a pulse width of the pulse voltage. The stress adjustment section is also able to stop the action of the impact-driven actuator in response to a key event corresponding to a break code.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving an actuator using a shape memory alloy is provided. The apparatus includes an actuator having a shape memory alloy, a pulse signal generating device for generating a pulse signal, and a switch for applying a pseudo single pulse voltage signal to the actuator. The pseudo single pulse voltage signal is generated by performing switching control of a predetermined voltage according to a set of successive micro-pulse signals.

Abstract: A keyboard that can yield a favorable keying feeling to a user is disclosed. The keyboard includes multiple keys, a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure used for pressing a key, a haptic device configured to generate haptic feedback that involves a micro vibration, and a feedback control unit configured to issue a signal used for driving the haptic device according to the pressure that the pressure sensor has sensed. In response to one-time key pressing, the feedback control unit issues a drive signal for generating a first haptic feedback when the pressure that the pressure sensor has sensed reaches a first to threshold value, and a drive signal for generating a second haptic feedback when the pressure that the pressure sensor has sensed reaches a second threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and program product that can reduce noise caused by haptic feedback are provided. One apparatus includes a display that displays a cursor. The apparatus includes an input device that detects a user operation and generates operation data for operating the cursor based on the user operation. The apparatus also includes a haptic feedback device that provides haptic feedback based on the operation of the cursor. The apparatus includes a control device that controls the operation of the cursor based on the operation data, and modifies the operation data to reduce noise caused by the haptic feedback during a time period in which the haptic feedback is generated.

Abstract: A pointing device for a portable computer is disclosed. The pointing device includes an operation cover for covering a first and second pressure sensors. The pointing device also includes one front operation surface and two rear pressure faces. Detection axes are arranged in a vertical direction, and the pressure faces are so inclined that normal lines will approach each other above the operation surface. The operation surface is applied with depression pressure P1 including a horizontal component Ph and a vertical component Pv. Even when any position on the operation surface is pressed down, pressure P2a detected by the first pressure sensor becomes greater than pressure P3a detected by the second pressure sensor.