Abstract: Implementations include methods of controlling a haptic response comprising receiving a force signal from a force sensor; determining a force magnitude associated with the force signal; comparing the force magnitude with an initial threshold force amount to determine whether the force magnitude exceeds the initial threshold force amount; measuring an elapsed time that the force magnitude exceeds the initial threshold force amount; comparing the elapsed time to a minimum elapsed time; if the elapsed time being greater than the minimum elapsed time, generating a haptic feedback control signal, the haptic feedback control signal causing a haptic actuator to propagate a plurality of pressure waves at a propagation frequency, the propagation frequency being proportional to the force magnitude; and generating a scroll control signal that causes a menu system to scroll through a plurality of menu options provided by the menu system at a scroll frequency associated with the propagation frequency.

Abstract: Various implementations include a switch assembly that includes a housing and at least two printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are disposed within the housing and are axially arranged relative to each other. One or more force sensors are disposed on one of the PCBs, and, in some implementations, the one or more force sensors receive force input received by a touch overlay plate. Signals from the force sensors are processed to determine a magnitude, acceleration, and/or location of the force input, and a haptic feedback response is received by the touch overlay plate. The haptic feedback response is based on the force magnitude, acceleration, and/or location of input, according to some implementations. Axially arranging the PCBs reduces the footprint of the switch assembly and allows for the inclusion of more electrical components in the switch assembly, according to some implementations.

Abstract: Implementations include methods of controlling a haptic response comprising receiving a force signal from a force sensor; determining a force magnitude associated with the force signal; comparing the force magnitude with an initial threshold force amount to determine whether the force magnitude exceeds the initial threshold force amount; measuring an elapsed time that the force magnitude exceeds the initial threshold force amount; comparing the elapsed time to a minimum elapsed time; if the elapsed time being greater than the minimum elapsed time, generating a haptic feedback control signal, the haptic feedback control signal causing a haptic actuator to propagate a plurality of pressure waves at a propagation frequency, the propagation frequency being proportional to the force magnitude; and generating a scroll control signal that causes a menu system to scroll through a plurality of menu options provided by the menu system at a scroll frequency associated with the propagation frequency.

Abstract: Various implementations include a switch assembly that includes a housing and at least two printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are disposed within the housing and are axially arranged relative to each other. One or more force sensors are disposed on one of the PCBs, and, in some implementations, the one or more force sensors receive force input received by a touch overlay plate. Signals from the force sensors are processed to determine a magnitude, acceleration, and/or location of the force input, and a haptic feedback response is received by the touch overlay plate. The haptic feedback response is based on the force magnitude, acceleration, and/or location of input, according to some implementations. Axially arranging the PCBs reduces the footprint of the switch assembly and allows for the inclusion of more electrical components in the switch assembly, according to some implementations.

Abstract: In a touch screen environment, a computer calculates an effective position and updated effective positions of simultaneous or sequential touch events by calculating average coordinates of the touch events using force measurements. The average coordinates correspond to computerized maps of the user interface and z coordinates correspond to an average force at the x and y locations. The effective positions are used to determine if the user's touches move across multiple virtual input areas having priority and non-priority relationships. By expanding a virtual input area of the map for those areas having a priority label relative to a different non-priority virtual input area, the computer effectuates appropriate functions depending on where the most recent effective position lies.

Abstract: Implementations include a display assembly for a switch assembly, comprising a display assembly touch overlay plate, wherein at least a portion of the display assembly touch overlay plate is comprised of a transparent or translucent material; a display, wherein the display is disposed underneath the display assembly touch overlay plate and wherein at least a portion of the display is visible through the portion of the display assembly touch overlay plate; a display assembly first housing and a display assembly second housing, wherein the display assembly touch overlay plate is in communication with the display assembly first housing, wherein a force applied to the display assembly touch overlay plate is at least partially transmitted from the display assembly touch overlay plate to the display assembly first housing to a switch assembly through a central portion of the display assembly first housing.

Abstract: Implementations include methods of controlling a haptic response comprising receiving a force signal from a force sensor; determining a force magnitude associated with the force signal; comparing the force magnitude with an initial threshold force amount to determine whether the force magnitude exceeds the initial threshold force amount; measuring an elapsed time that the force magnitude exceeds the initial threshold force amount; comparing the elapsed time to a minimum elapsed time; if the elapsed time being greater than the minimum elapsed time, generating a haptic feedback control signal, the haptic feedback control signal causing a haptic actuator to propagate a plurality of pressure waves at a propagation frequency, the propagation frequency being proportional to the force magnitude; and generating a scroll control signal that causes a menu system to scroll through a plurality of menu options provided by the menu system at a scroll frequency associated with the propagation frequency.

Abstract: Various implementations include a switch assembly that includes a housing and at least two printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are disposed within the housing and are axially arranged relative to each other. One or more force sensors are disposed on one of the PCBs, and, in some implementations, the one or more force sensors receive force input received by a touch overlay plate. Signals from the force sensors are processed to determine a magnitude, acceleration, and/or location of the force input, and a haptic feedback response is received by the touch overlay plate. The haptic feedback response is based on the force magnitude, acceleration, and/or location of input, according to some implementations. Axially arranging the PCBs reduces the footprint of the switch assembly and allows for the inclusion of more electrical components in the switch assembly, according to some implementations.

Abstract: Various implementations provide intelligent interruption of waveform-based feedback. Various systems and methods coordinate a transition from a current waveform associated with a current feedback control signal to a subsequent waveform associated with a subsequent feedback control signal such that an amplitude and a direction of a beginning of the subsequent waveform matches an amplitude and a direction of an ending of the current waveform. For example, various implementations include an electronic device that includes a touch sensitive interface, a waveform actuator, a memory, and a processor. The touch sensitive interface includes one or more touch sensors and a touch surface. The touch sensors identify a touch event on the touch surface. For example, touch sensors may include force-based sensors (e.g., MEMS sensors).

Abstract: In a touch screen environment, a computer calculates an effective position and updated effective positions of simultaneous or sequential touch events by calculating average coordinates of the touch events using force measurements. The average coordinates correspond to computerized maps of the user interface and z coordinates correspond to an average force at the x and y locations. The effective positions are used to determine if the user's touches move across multiple virtual input areas having priority and non-priority relationships. By expanding a virtual input area of the map for those areas having a priority label relative to a different non-priority virtual input area, the computer effectuates appropriate functions depending on where the most recent effective position lies.

Abstract: Various implementations include a switch assembly that includes a housing and at least two printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are disposed within the housing and are axially arranged relative to each other. One or more force sensors are disposed on one of the PCBs, and, in some implementations, the one or more force sensors receive force input received by a touch overlay plate. Signals from the force sensors are processed to determine a magnitude, acceleration, and/or location of the force input, and a haptic feedback response is received by the touch overlay plate. The haptic feedback response is based on the force magnitude, acceleration, and/or location of input, according to some implementations. Axially arranging the PCBs reduces the footprint of the switch assembly and allows for the inclusion of more electrical components in the switch assembly, according to some implementations.

Abstract: A haptic communication system includes either a switch assembly or a compilation of discretely installed components. The switch assembly and the installed components utilize a haptic actuator to elicit tactile and/or audibly perceptible haptic outputs. The switch assembly and/or a collective haptic communication system includes a processor communicating with the actuator. Computerized instructions cause the processor to receive a message from an external system, identify either an audio or vibrational output signal, and communicate the output signal to the actuator. The audio or vibrational output signal causes the actuator to propagate a respective pressure wave that elicits an audible or inaudible, vibrational response at the output surface of the actuator. The pressure wave causes tactilely and/or audibly perceptible vibration within the individual switch assembly or within an overall installation such as a seat or steering assembly in a vehicle.

Abstract: Implementations include a display assembly for a switch assembly, comprising a display assembly touch overlay plate, wherein at least a portion of the display assembly touch overlay plate is comprised of a transparent or translucent material; a display, wherein the display is disposed underneath the display assembly touch overlay plate and wherein at least a portion of the display is visible through the portion of the display assembly touch overlay plate; a display assembly first housing and a display assembly second housing, wherein the display assembly touch overlay plate is in communication with the display assembly first housing, wherein a force applied to the display assembly touch overlay plate is at least partially transmitted from the display assembly touch overlay plate to the display assembly first housing to a switch assembly through a central portion of the display assembly first housing.

Abstract: Various implementations provide intelligent interruption of waveform-based feedback. Various systems and methods coordinate a transition from a current waveform associated with a current feedback control signal to a subsequent waveform associated with a subsequent feedback control signal such that an amplitude and a direction of a beginning of the subsequent waveform matches an amplitude and a direction of an ending of the current waveform. For example, various implementations include an electronic device that includes a touch sensitive interface, a waveform actuator, a memory, and a processor. The touch sensitive interface includes one or more touch sensors and a touch surface. The touch sensors identify a touch event on the touch surface. For example, touch sensors may include force-based sensors (e.g., MEMS sensors).

Abstract: Implementations include a display assembly for a switch assembly, comprising a display assembly touch overlay plate, wherein at least a portion of the display assembly touch overlay plate is comprised of a transparent or translucent material; a display, wherein the display is disposed underneath the display assembly touch overlay plate and wherein at least a portion of the display is visible through the portion of the display assembly touch overlay plate; a display assembly first housing and a display assembly second housing, wherein the display assembly touch overlay plate is in communication with the display assembly first housing, wherein a force applied to the display assembly touch overlay plate is at least partially transmitted from the display assembly touch overlay plate to the display assembly first housing to a switch assembly through a central portion of the display assembly first housing.

Abstract: A haptic communication system includes either a switch assembly or a compilation of discretely installed components. The switch assembly and the installed components utilize a haptic actuator to elicit tactile and/or audibly perceptible haptic outputs. The switch assembly and/or a collective haptic communication system includes a processor communicating with the actuator. Computerized instructions cause the processor to receive a message from an external system, identify either an audio or vibrational output signal, and communicate the output signal to the actuator. The audio or vibrational output signal causes the actuator to propagate a respective pressure wave that elicits an audible or inaudible, vibrational response at the output surface of the actuator. The pressure wave causes tactilely and/or audibly perceptible vibration within the individual switch assembly or within an overall installation such as a seat or steering assembly in a vehicle.

Abstract: Various implementations include a switch assembly that includes a housing and at least two printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are disposed within the housing and are axially arranged relative to each other. One or more force sensors are disposed on one of the PCBs, and, in some implementations, the one or more force sensors receive force input received by a touch overlay plate. Signals from the force sensors are processed to determine a magnitude, acceleration, and/or location of the force input, and a haptic feedback response is received by the touch overlay plate. The haptic feedback response is based on the force magnitude, acceleration, and/or location of input, according to some implementations. Axially arranging the PCBs reduces the footprint of the switch assembly and allows for the inclusion of more electrical components in the switch assembly, according to some implementations.

Abstract: A haptic communication system includes either a switch assembly or a compilation of discretely installed components. The switch assembly and the installed components utilize a haptic actuator to elicit tactile and/or audibly perceptible haptic outputs. The switch assembly and/or a collective haptic communication system includes a processor communicating with the actuator. Computerized instructions cause the processor to receive a message from an external system, identify either an audio or vibrational output signal, and communicate the output signal to the actuator. The audio or vibrational output signal causes the actuator to propagate a respective pressure wave that elicits an audible or inaudible, vibrational response at the output surface of the actuator. The pressure wave causes tactilely and/or audibly perceptible vibration within the individual switch assembly or within an overall installation such as a seat or steering assembly in a vehicle.

Abstract: Various implementations include a switch assembly that includes a housing and at least two printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are disposed within the housing and are axially arranged relative to each other. One or more force sensors are disposed on one of the PCBs, and, in some implementations, the one or more force sensors receive force input received by a touch overlay plate. Signals from the force sensors are processed to determine a magnitude, acceleration, and/or location of the force input, and a haptic feedback response is received by the touch overlay plate. The haptic feedback response is based on the force magnitude, acceleration, and/or location of input, according to some implementations. Axially arranging the PCBs reduces the footprint of the switch assembly and allows for the inclusion of more electrical components in the switch assembly, according to some implementations.

Abstract: Implementations include a display assembly for a switch assembly, comprising a display assembly touch overlay plate, wherein at least a portion of the display assembly touch overlay plate is comprised of a transparent or translucent material; a display, wherein the display is disposed underneath the display assembly touch overlay plate and wherein at least a portion of the display is visible through the portion of the display assembly touch overlay plate; a display assembly first housing and a display assembly second housing, wherein the display assembly touch overlay plate is in communication with the display assembly first housing, wherein a force applied to the display assembly touch overlay plate is at least partially transmitted from the display assembly touch overlay plate to the display assembly first housing to a switch assembly through a central portion of the display assembly first housing.