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`POWER OF ATTORNEY T0 PROSECUTE APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE USPTO
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`as aI1orney[a] or agent(s) to represent the undersigned before the United Stes Patent and Tradernerit Oi-Hoe tUSPTI:i] in connection with
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`immersion Corporation
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`Immersion Ex. 2005-1
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`Am1tAgarwa1 V. Immersion Corp_, 1PR2016-00307
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`37 CFR 3.73 b .
`I hereby appoint:
`Practitioners associated with the Customer Number:
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`[3 Praotitlonerts} named below (if more than ten patentpraiatitioners are to be named. then a customer number must be used):
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`34300
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`Immersion Ex. 2005-1
`Amit Agarwal v. Immersion Corp., IPR2016-00807
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`

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`Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt
`
`Application Number:
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`13352113
`
`International Application Number:
`
`Confirmation Number:
`
`Title of Invention:
`
`Method And Apparatus For Providing Tactile Sensations
`
`First Named lnventormpplicant Name:
`
`Kenneth M. Martin
`
`Customer Number:
`
`34300
`
`Filer:
`
`Carl E. Sande-r5:’Laura Smith
`
`Filer Authorized By:
`
`Carl E. Sanders
`
`Attorney Docket Number:
`
`51 8511821825 (IMM147.C3)
`
`Receipt Date:
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`31—JAN—2012
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`Filing Date:
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`Time Stamp:
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`11:41:21
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`Application Type:
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`Utility under 35 USC 111[a}
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`Payment information:
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`Submitted with Payment
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`no
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`File Listing:
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`Document
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`Document Descflphon
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`We Name
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`Warnings:
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`Transmittal of New Application
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`Uti|ityTransmitta|821825.pdf
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`Info rmation:
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`File Size{Bytesh'
`Message Digest
`91 ?'B7
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`r-H3.|3Hd'3Ba'.?t'I'.|l-l.FHl\I‘v13l.\‘Huit.'ulJjdfilcrld
`'.".1L-3 I
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`Part i'.zip (ifapp|.}
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`Immersion Ex. 2005-2
`Amit Agarwal v. Immersion Corp., IPR2016-00807
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`A
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`1' Dt Sh
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`ee
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`Appl Ication DataSheetB2182S.
`pdf
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`333834
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`t-clru .-"Jiii=-_-'n'n'. ‘JHLI .-' Ll)-iJl1'i|\»hLu I in-n im-1'9|li-
`I It
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`Warnings:
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`Information:
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`This is not an USPTO supplied ADS Fillable forrn
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`Specification
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`Specification821B25.pdf
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`2213601
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`‘ll Ill I H1 H1 J‘ N1!-|'H-I {-18}: 1511 1 L urjfiubi I P? .- .1
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`Drawing5821825.pdf
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`I151 I AJ-1|
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`I I‘) Itibtlll) J Lu.‘ | 2 t3|i‘H| I Fiiiflcl-I
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`313435
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`Oath or Declaration filed
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`Declarationszi 825.pdf
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`ti‘)-I frl -.'HIu rI.vf11'-F-13 -J‘.u'.T£3NJ_i Zr.".|1|._-I]-lfilrJI I
`DEW:
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`Assignee showing of ownership per 37
`CFR 3.73(b}.
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`StatementUnder37CFR373BWit
`hAs5ignrnent821825.pdf
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`Power of Attorney
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`Powc-rofAttorney821825.pdf
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`'u|:i2uiiF!i.I'_1 J'i‘.'1’3uO1 I JH'3rIr..'Ir. itI'4h1'u-1I1|:iz
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`Total Files Size (in bytes}
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`3549364
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`AmitAgarwa1 V. Immersion Corp., 1PR2016-00807
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`This Acknowledgement Receipt evidences receipt on the noted date by the USPTO of the indicated documents,
`characterized by the applicant, and including page counts, where applicable. It serves as evidence of receipt similar to a
`Post Card, as described in MPEP 503.
`
`New Applications Under 35 U.S.C. 111
`lfa new application is being filed and the application includes the necessary components for a filing date [see 37 CFR
`1.53{b}-id] and MPEP 505), a Filing Receipt (37 CFR 1.54} will be issued in due course and the date shown on this
`Acknowledgement Receipt will establish the filing date of the application.
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`National Stage of an International Application under 35 U.S.C. 371
`If a timely submission to enter the national stage of an international application is compliant with the conditions of 35
`U.5.C. 371 and other applicable requirements a Form PCT!DO,"EO!903 indicating acceptance of the application as a
`national stage submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 will be issued in addition to the Filing Receipt, in due course.
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`New International Application Filed with the USPTO as a Receiving Office
`Ifa new international application is being filed and the international application includes the necessary components for
`an international filing date {see PCT Article 11 and MPEP1810], a Notification of the International Application Number
`and ofthe International Filing Date {Form PCT.+‘RO!l05) will be issued in due course, subject to prescriptions concerning
`national security, and the date shown on this Acknowledgement Receipt will establish the international filing date of
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`AmitAgarwa1 V. Immersion Corp., 1PR2016-00807
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`Immersion Ex. 2005-4
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`Immersion Ex. 2005-4
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`

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`Attorney Docket 51851/821825 (IMM147.C3)
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`IVIETI-I01} AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING TACTILE SENSATIONS
`
`CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION
`
`[0001]
`
`This application is a continuation of co~pend.ing US. Patent Application
`
`No. 12/894,489, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Providing Tactile Sensations,”
`
`which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. I 1/693,1 17, filed March 29, 2007,
`
`now US. Patent No. 7,808,488, issued October 5, 2010, entitled “Method and Apparatus
`
`for Providing Tactile Sensations,” which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No.
`
`10/285,450 filed November 1-, 2002, now U.S. Patent No. 7,336,260, issued February 26,
`
`2008, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Providing Tactile Sensations”, which claims
`
`priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/335,493, filed November 1, 2001, and
`
`U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/399,883, filed July 31, 2002, the entirety of all of
`
`which are hereby incorporated by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002]
`
`The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing
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`tactile sensations.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0003]
`
`Conventional electronic devices, such as mobile telephones and Personal
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`Digital Assistants (PDAS), include visual displays. A user of such devices interacts with
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`the visual display using any one of a number of input devices. Examples of such input
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`devices include computer mice, joysticks, trackballs, steering wheels, stylus, tablets.
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`pressure-sensitive spheres, scroll wheels, keyboards, and keypads. The user provides
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`instructions, responses, and other input to the device using such input devices.
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`Amit Agarwal V. Immersion Corp., lPR2016-00807
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`Method andApparatus for Providing
`Haptic Sensations
`
`Attorney Docket S185lf821825 (IMMl47.C3)
`
`[0004]
`
`In conventional mobile telephones and PDAS, confirmation of the input
`
`provided by the user is primarily limited to visual or audible confirmation. In some such
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`devices, physical feedback is provided by conventional mechanical switches in the form
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`of the conventional mechanical feedback of switches, for example the switch closure
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`force-displacement profile. Typically, in such devices, the mechanical feedback provided
`
`by each button is identical. In addition, in such conventional devices, for those buttons
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`that serve multiple functions, the mechanical feedback generally remains the same
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`regardless of the current function of the button.
`
`[0005]
`
`In addition to providing extremely limited and rudimentary mechanical
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`confirmation of button selection, conventional buttons as used, for example, in keypads
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`for mobile telephones and PDAs, provide simple passive touch cues regarding the
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`alignment of keys. Such cues include raised bumps on the center key of a telephone
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`keypad or on the "F"and “G" keys of a keyboard that assist a user in orienting to the
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`pattern of keys in the keypad and keyboard. Again, these physical queues are very
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`limited, and users typically need to view a keypad or keypad for visual confirmation that
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`the correct instructions or information is being entered.
`
`[0006]
`
`When a flat surface interface device is used, such as a touchpad for a
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`computer or PDA, these simple mechanical cues are unavailable to the user. Often,
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`touchpads are combined with flat-panel display screens that display one or more
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`graphically generated buttons or softkeys. Normally, the soflkeys are visible through the
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`touchpad. A user"s contact. with the touchpad in an area defined by a sofikey provides the
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`electronic device having the touchpad with the input associated with that softkey.
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`Amit Agarwal V. Immersion Corp., 1PR2016-00807
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`Method and Apparatusfor Providing
`Haptic Sensations
`
`Attorney Docket S1851/821825 (IMMI 47.C3)
`
`[0007]
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`The use of electronic devices using such conventional mechanical buttons
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`and touchpad arrangements are particularly difficult to use in distracting environments or
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`when the user is attempting to perform another task simultaneously with using the
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`electronic device. For example, if the other task involves operating a motor vehicle or
`
`heavy machinery, it may be difficult or impossible for a user to simultaneously use such
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`an electronic device because such devices typically require the user to look at the device,
`
`at least briefly, when interacting with the device. In addition, electronic devices relying
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`on softkeys can be difficult to read in bright light environments such as in bright sunlight
`
`and can contain very small fonts and graphics that are difficult to read and select.
`
`[0003]
`
`Some conventional touchpads include vibratory feedback to the user of the
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`touchpad. U.S. Patent No. 5,977,867 is one example. Such conventional systems and
`
`methods are limited, though. They lack a full range of fimctionality assistance to a user
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`interacting with an electronic device. Moreover, such systems and methods still require
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`considerable visual attention from the user.
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`SUMMARY
`
`[0009]
`
`The present invention comprises products and processes for providing
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`tactile sensations to input devices or electronic devices. Input devices include mechanical
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`input devices (such as, for example, mechanical switches) and non-mechanical input
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`devices (such as, for example, touchpads). Tactile feedback is provided by using an
`
`actuator or other means in communication with the input device or electronic device. A
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`controller may be employed to receive signals from the input devices and to control the
`
`actuator. Tactile feedback to an input device or electronic device may be provided in
`
`response to one or more events or situations. Such an event or situation may be any one
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`Amit Agarwal V. Immersion Corp., lPR20l6-00807
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`Method and Appararusjbr Providing
`Hapric Sensations
`
`Attorney Docket 5 1 351/821825 (IMMl47.C3)
`
`designated. Examples of such events and situations include the level of pressure placed
`
`on an input device; the availability or lack of availability of a function associated with an
`
`input device; and the function, menu, or mode of operation associated with an input
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`device"s activation. A variety of feedback types and combinations may be selected.
`
`Mobile telephones and PDAS benefit from employing such products and processes, but
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`other devices benefit as well. The advantages offered by the various embodiments of the
`
`present invention may be understood by examining this specification.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0010]
`
`Figure 1 is a perspective View of an embodiment of an apparatus
`
`according to the present invention;
`
`[0011]
`
`Figure 2 is a plan view of another embodiment of an apparatus according
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`to the present invention;
`
`[0012]
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`Figure 3 is a plan view of an electronic device including an embodiment
`
`of the present invention;
`
`[0013]
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`Figure 4 is a schematic representations through line 4-4 of Figure 3;
`
`[0014]
`
`Figure 5 is a plan view of another electronic device including another
`
`embodiment of the present invention;
`
`[0015]
`
`Figure 6 is a schematic representations through line 6-6 of Figure 5;
`
`[0016]
`
`Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the apparatus in
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`an electronic device:
`
`[0017]
`
`Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to the present
`
`invention;
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`
`Method and Apparatus for Providing
`Haptic Sensations
`
`Attorney Docket 51851/821825 (IMMl47.C3)
`
`[0018]
`
`Figure 9 is a table illustrating a first set of data to be used in one
`
`embodiment of the present invention; and
`
`[0019]
`
`Figure 10 is a table illustrating a second set of data to be used in another
`
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0020]
`
`The present invention includes methods and systems for providing tactile
`
`sensations. One embodiment includes methods and systems for providing tactile
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`sensations to input devices, both mechanical and non—mechanical (for example soft-keys
`
`that are computer generated and displayed on a screen). Embodiments of the present
`
`invention can be utilized in wide variety of electronic devices including telephones,
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`mobile telephones, remote controls, gamepads, joystick handles, automotive controls
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`(radios, Compact Disc (CD) players, automobile functions, etc.), consumer electronics
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`devices, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAS), personal computers, laptop computers,
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`portable gaming devices, pagers, I-pagers, audio equipment, televisions, security or alarm
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`systems, Automated Teller Machines (ATM), calculators, home appliances, and white
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`goods.
`
`[0021]
`
`Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 1
`
`shown in Figure 1 includes an input device 2 having multiple positions for
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`communicating a plurality of input signals. The input device 2 can be any device capable
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`of transmitting an input signal. In the embodiment shown, the input device 2 is a rocker-
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`type switch. The rocker switch 2 shown can pivot or rock between two positions in which
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`the rocker switch contacts and activates one of two rubber switches 3 containing
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`conductive pads. The use of rubber switches 3 provides the advantage of allowing the
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`
`Method and Apparatusfor Providing
`Haptic Sensations
`'
`
`Attorney Docket 51851/821825 (IMMI 47.C3)
`
`user to still feel a substantial vibration or force through the input device 2 when the user
`
`had fully depressed the switch. Suitable rubber switches are available and known in the
`
`art. In other embodiments, the input device may include an analog switch, a force sending
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`resistor, 21 strain gauge based sensor, a capacitative touch switch, a scroll wheel, a mini-
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`joystick, a touchpad, a touch screen, a 3-way switch, a 4-way switch, a 5-way switch, or
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`other input device. Each position of the input device 2 corresponds to one of the input
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`signals.
`
`[0022]
`
`The input device 2 and rubber switches 3 are mounted on a Printed Circuit
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`Board (PCB) 4 in the embodiment shown to facilitate electrical communication between
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`the input device 2 and an electronic device (not shown). The PCB 4 can be custom
`
`shaped according to the device into which the apparatus 1 is placed. The PCB 4 also
`
`provides for secure mounting within the device by including, for example, a plurality of
`
`holes 5 to accept fasteners for securing to the electronic device. In another embodiment,
`
`the input device 2 can be directly connected or mounted in the electronic device.
`
`[0023]
`
`The apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 also includes a vibrotactile actuator 6
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`in communication with the input device 2. Preferably, the actuator 6 is configured to
`
`output a plurality of distinct tactile feedback sensations to the input device 2. Suitable
`
`tactile sensations include vibrations, for example, jolts and textures, and a plurality of
`
`distinct tactile sensations can be created by varying the frequency, amplitude and
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`waveform output by the actuator 6. The actuator 6 is selected to deliver the desired tactile
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`sensations to the input device 2. The actuator 6 shown in Figure 1 is a voice coil actuator.
`
`Other suitable actuators include, for example, piezo-electric actuators, eccentric mass
`
`actuators, moving magnet actuators, and friction brakes in contact with metal shafts. In
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`Method and Apparatusfor Providing
`Hapric Sensations
`
`Attorney Docket 51851/821825 (IMM147.C3)
`
`addition, the actuator can include a flexure, for example an arrangement of flexible
`
`material, coupled to the rotating shaft of a DC motor or step motor to transform the
`
`rotation of the motor shaft into vibrations or other haptic sensations. Various
`
`arrangements of a flexure coupled to a motor may be used as an actuator. For example,
`
`U.S. Patent Application No. 09/585,741, filed June 2, 2000, illustrates suitable
`
`arrangements of flexures and motors for use as an actuator in embodiments of the present
`
`invention. The entire disclosure of the application No. 09/585,741 is incorporated herein
`
`by reference. Tactile sensations can also be delivered to the input. device 2 from a speaker
`
`included with an electronic device into which the apparatus is placed, for example the
`
`speaker in a mobile telephone or in a personal computer.
`
`[0024]
`
`Although the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 includes one input device 2 and
`
`one actuator 6, other embodiments include a plurality of input devices, all in
`
`communication with a single actuator. Alternatively, an embodiment can include a
`
`plurality of actuators each in communication with at least one input device. Various
`
`arrangements of actuators in combination with input devices are suitable for use in the
`
`present invention. For example, US. Patent Application No. 09f263,263, filed July 26,
`
`2001, published on March 21, 2002, as U.S. Patent Pub. No. US2002/0033795 illustrates
`
`actuators in combination with input devices that may be used in embodiments of the
`
`present invention. The entire disclosure of application No. 09/263,263, Pub. No.
`
`2002/0033795 is incorporated herein by reference.
`
`[0025]
`
`As mentioned, the actuator 6 is in communication with the input device 2.
`
`In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the actuator 6 is in communication with the input
`
`device 2 through a cantilevered beam or lever arms '7 attached to the pivoting rocker,
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`Method and Apparatus for Providing
`Hoptic Sensations
`
`Attorney Docket 5185 1r’82l82S (IMMl4?.C3)
`
`amplifying the effective forces of the actuator 6 felt by the user. The tactile sensations
`
`generated by the actuator 6 propagate through the lever arm 7 to the input device 2.
`
`Suitable materials for the lever arm 7 are capable of transmitting the tactile sensations
`
`and can be, for example, metal. The lever arm 7 shown includes one or more bends 8 to
`
`fit within the electronic device in which the apparatus 1 is disposed. Different shapes of
`
`bends may be used to fit within the electronic device. In another embodiment, the
`
`actuator 6 is mounted directly to the input device 2 or to any component of the input
`
`device. Alternatively, the actuator 6 is mounted to the PCB 4 to which the input device is
`
`attached, communicating tactile sensations to the input device through the PCB. In
`
`another embodiment, the actuator is an existing eccentric mass motor as is used, for
`
`example, as a vibrating ringer in a pager or mobile telephone.
`
`[0026]
`
`The vibrotactile actuator 6 can also be mounted to a portion of the case or
`
`housing of the electronic device in which the apparatus 1 is disposed, communicating the
`
`tactile sensations to the entire electronic device. In one embodiment, two actuators can be
`
`incorporated in the case or back of an electronic device, for example the case of a mobile
`
`phone in an area that contacts the user"s hand. This arrangement effectively doubles the
`
`amplitude of the tactile sensation, and the user"s fingers do not tend to attenuate the
`
`tactile sensation.
`
`[0027]
`
`The apparatus 1 also includes a controller 9 in communication with the
`
`input device 2 to receive the input signals therel'rorn. The controller 9 can also receive
`
`additional information from the input device 2 including the position of the input device 2
`
`and the amount of pressure applied to the input device 2. In one embodiment, the input
`
`signal includes information related to the amount of pressure applied to the input device
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`

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`Method and Apparatusfor Providing
`Hapric Sensations
`
`Attorney Docket 51851/821825 (IMM14?.C3)
`
`2, information related to the position of the input device 2, or a combination of
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`information about pressure and position. In addition to being in communication with the
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`input device 2, the controller 9 is in communication with the actuator 6 to produce a
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`tactile sensation in the actuator 6 corresponding to the input or input signal received by
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`the controller 9 from the input device 2.
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`[0028]
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`The controller 9 is located in a suitable location according to the needs of
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`the device in which the apparatus 1 is placed. In one embodiment, the controller 9 is
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`attached to the PCB 4 as shown in Figure 1. Suitable controllers, include, for example,
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`digital logical processors capable of processing -input, execute algorithms, and generate
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`output as necessary to created the desired tactile sensations in the input device in
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`response to the inputs received from that input device. Such controllers may include a
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`microprocessor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and state machines.
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`Such controllers include, or may be in communication with, media, for example
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`computer readable media, which stores instructions that, when executed by the controller,
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`cause the controller to perform the steps described herein as carried out, or assisted, by a
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`controller. On embodiments of a suitable computer-readable medium includes an
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`electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage or transmission device capable of providing
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`a processor, such as the processor in a web server, with computer-readable instructions.
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`Other examples of suitable media include, but are not limited to, a floppy disk, CD-ROM,
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`magnetic disk, memory chip, ROM, RAM, ASIC, configured processor, all optical
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`media, all magnetic tape or other magnetic media, or any other medium from which a
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`computer processor can read. Also, various other forms of computer-readable media may
`
`Amit Agarwal V. Immersion Corp., 1PR20l6-00807
`
`Immersion Ex. 2005-13
`
`Immersion Ex. 2005-13
`Amit Agarwal v. Immersion Corp., IPR2016-00807
`
`

`
`Method and Apparatusfor Providing
`Haptic Sensations
`
`Attorney Docket 51851/821825 (IMMl47.C3)
`
`transmit or carry instructions to a computer, including a router, private or public network,
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`or other transmission device or channel.
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`[0029]
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`In one embodiment, the apparatus 1 includes a dedicated controller 9 for
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`use specifically with the apparatus 1. This embodiment is particularly well suited for
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`applications where the apparatus 1 is ret1'o—fitted into an existing electrical or electronic
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`device. In another embodiment, the controller 9 is the microprocessor or Central
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`Processing Unit (CPU) of the electronic device in which the apparatus 1 is disposed. The
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`apparatus 1 can also include additional circuitry such as the drive circuitry (not shown)
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`necessary to create the tactile sensations in the actuator 6 in response to input from the
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`controller 9 and a memory medium for storing data to be accessed by the controller 9 for
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`example a correlation between the tactile sensations to be produced in the actuator 6 and
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`the input information or input signal received from the input device 2.
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`[0030]
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`Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the present invention. An
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`apparatus 60 shown in Figure 2 includes multiple input devices. These multiple input
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`devices include twelve fixed or pre-assigned alphanumeric input buttons 10a-l, three pre-
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`assigned function buttons Ila-c, and three assignable function buttons 12a-c. The
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`plurality of inputs devices are arranged according to the electronic device in which the
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`apparatus 60is situated. In the embodiment shown, the plurality of input devices are
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`arranged as the keys in a key pad for a telephone or mobile telephone.
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`[0023] Embodiments of the present invention include an input device having a means for
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`determining or sensing pressure. The input device is capable of resolving multiple levels
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`of pressure placed on the input device, and of transmitting a signal associated with the
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`10
`
`AmitAgarwa1 V. Immersion Corp., 1PR20l6-00807
`
`Immersion Ex. 2005-14
`
`Immersion Ex. 2005-14
`Amit Agarwal v. Immersion Corp., IPR2016-00807
`
`

`
`Method and Apparatus for Providing
`Hapric Sensations
`
`Attorney Docket 51851/821825 (IMMl47.C3)
`
`level of pressure placed on the input device. These multiple levels of pressure may be
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`defined by, for example, the physical location of, or distance traveled by, a switcl1—type
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`input device in the x-plane when pressed by a user (higher I lower), the magnitude of
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`pressure placed on a touchpad-type input device, or other means.
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`[0031]
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`The buttons of Figure 2 are illustrative of such an embodiment. Each of
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`the alphanumeric input buttons 10 shown in Figure 2 is a keypad button. Each of the
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`buttons 10 is capable of resolving multiple levels of pressure placed on the buttons 10.
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`For example, the button 10i (corresponding to the number 9 on the keypad) is capable of
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`resolving five levels of pressure placed on the button l0i. In the embodiment shown, the
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`first level is a state in which no pressure is placed on the button by a user, the second
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`level being a first magnitude of pressure placed on the button (greater than no pressure
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`placed by the user), the third level being a second magnitude of pressure placed on the
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`button (where the second magnitude of pressure is different from or greater than the first
`magnitude), the fourth level being a third magnitude ofpressure placed on the button I
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`(where the third magnitude is different from or greater than the second magnitude), and
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`the fifth level being a fourth magnitude of pressure placed on the button (where the fourth
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`magnitude is different from or greater than the third).
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`[0032]
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`In button l0i, each of levels two through five is associated with a distinct
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`input signal. When the button l0i is in its first state, then the button 10i does not transmit
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`an input signal. When pressure is applied to the button 10i by a user that exceeds the first
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`magnitude of pressure, the button l0i transmits a first signal to the controller 9. When
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`greater pressure is applied to the button l0i that exceeds the second magnitude of
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`pressure, the button 10i transmits a second signal to the controller. When still greater
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`1]
`
`AmitAgarwa1 V. Immersion Corp., lPR2016-00807
`
`Immersion Ex. 2005-15
`
`Immersion Ex. 2005-15
`Amit Agarwal v. Immersion Corp., IPR2016-00807
`
`

`
`Method and Apparalusfor Providing
`Haptic Sensations
`
`Attorney Docket 51851/821825 (IMM147.C3)
`
`pressure is applied to the button 10i that exceeds the third magnitude of pressure, the
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`button 10i transmits a third signal to the controller. When even greater pressure is applied
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`to the button 10i that exceeds the fourth magnitude of pressure, the button 10i transmits a
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`fourth signal to the controller. The structural arrangement of the communication by the
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`button I0i to the controller 6 of an input signal is further illustrated in Fig. 4, described
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`below.
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`[0033]
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`Each of the levels two through five of button mi (and thus each of their
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`associated signals) is associated with a letter, W-Z. The second level is associated with
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`the letter W, the third level is associated with the letter X, and so on. The second level is
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`associated with the letter W, the third level is associated with the letter X, and so on. In
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`the embodiment shown, the key 10i has five positions corresponding to no pressure, and
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`the letters W, X, Y, and Z. In an alternative embodiment, the key 10i has six positions
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`corresponding to no pressure, the number "9,"and the letters W, X, Y, and Z.
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`[0034]
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`In the embodiment shown, the alphanumeric buttons 10 are all capable of
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`resolving five levels of pressure. In alternative embodiments, the various buttons are
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`capable of resolving differing levels of pressure. For example, in an alternative
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`embodiment, while the button 10i is capable of resolving five levels of pressure, the
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`button 10b (corresponding to the number 2 on the keypad) is capable of resolving four
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`levels of pressure placed on the button 10b (the first level being no pressure placed on the
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`button). Like button 10i, the levels resolved by button 10b in the alternative embodiment
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`are each associated with a distinct input signal, and are each associated with a distinct
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`letter of the alphabet, AC.
`
`12
`
`AmitAgarwa1 V. Immersion Corp., 1PR2016-00807
`
`Immersion Ex. 2005-16
`
`Immersion Ex. 2005-16
`Amit Agarwal v. Immersion Corp., IPR2016-00807
`
`

`
`Method and Apparatusfor Providing
`Haptic Sensations
`
`Attorney Docket 51851/821825 ('IMMl47.C3)
`
`[0035]
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`The pre-assigned fitnction buttons lla-c of the apparatus 1 are keypad
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`push buttons. Each of the buttons 11a-c is capable of resolving three levels of pressure
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`placed on the buttons 11a-c no pressure, a first magnitude of pressure (greater than none),
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`and a second magnitude of pressure (greater than the first magnitude). Examples of
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`functions carried out by such pre-assigned function buttons 11 a—c include "Send"11a,
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`"Power" 11b, and "End Call"11c.
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`[0036]
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`In the embodiment shown, each of the pre—assigned function buttons 11 a-
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`c is configured such that the first magnitude of pressure is an amount of pressure that
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`signifies that a user"s finger is "hovering" over, or touching with more than passing force,
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`the button. Each is also configured such that the second magnitude of pressure is an
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`amount of pressure that signifies that a user"s finger applies when the user wishes to
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`activate the button.
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`[0037]
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`Thus, in the embodiment shown, when a user“s finger "hovers"over the
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`"Send"button 11c, a first signal is transmitted by the button 11c to the controller. And,
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`when a user"s finger activates the "Send" button 1 lo, a second signal is transmitted by the
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`button 1 1c to the controller.