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`IA. 7584833
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`1141SSLEITQAVIONVEIIEST.:11.313!SEl
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`'BLAME C(f_MM3
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`
`May 19, 201-6
`
`THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT ANNEXED HERETO IS A TRUE COPY FROM
`THE RECORDS OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK
`-OFFICE OF THOSE PAPERS OF THE BELOW IDENTIFIED PATENT
`APPLICATION THAT MET THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE GRANTED A
`FILING DATE UNDER 35 USC 111.
`
`pc
`
`APPLICATION NUMBER: 09/253,132
`FILING DATE: February 18, 1999
`PATENT NUMBER: 6,243,078
`ISSUE DATE; June 05, 2001
`
`THE COUNTRY CODE AND NUMBER OF YOUR PRIORITY
`APPLICATION, TO BE USED FOR FILING ABROAD UNDER THE PARIS
`CONVENTION, IS US09/25-3,132
`
`By Authority of the
`Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property
`and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
`
`Oiv--VAlce
`T. LAWRENCE
`Certifying Officer
`
`•
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 1
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 1
`
`

`
`PATENT APPLICATION SERIAL NO, (cid:9)
`
`
`
`U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`FEE RECORD SHEET
`
`03/02/1939 MASHING 00000004 09253132
`
`01 FC:101 (cid:9)
`02 FC:103 (cid:9)
`03 FC:103 (cid:9)
`
`760.00 OP
`18.00 OP
`108.00 OP
`
`PTO-1556
`(5/87).
`'U.S. GPO: 1998,63-214/80404
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 2
`
`

`
`Fl
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`CERTIFICATE (cid:9) OF EXPRESS MAILING
`... I hereby certify that this paper and tit e documents and/or fees referred to as attached therein are being deposited with the United States Postal A, 2,.....
`Service an February 18, 1999 in an envelope as "Express Mail Post Office to Addressee" service under 37 CFR §1.10, Mailing Label Number 'll
`. EJ383581318 , addressedto - = , ssistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington, DC 20231,
`0
`.
`0 (cid:9)
`41.-...b.
`
`Jame R'Riege
`
`PATENT APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL (37 C.F.R. §-1.53(b))
`
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`Box Patent Application
`Washington, DC 20231
`
`Sir: (cid:9)
`
`This is a request for filing a patent application under 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(b) in the name of inventor:
`Louis B. Rosenberg
`
`For: LOW COST FORCE FEEDBACK POINTING DEVICE
`
`Please find enclosed:
`
`;0.
`
`23 Page(s) of Specification and Claims,
`
`x 01 Page of Abstract,
`x 5 Sheet(s) of informal Drawings,
`
`2 Pages Combined Declaration and Power of Attorney,
`Preliminary amendment.
`Information Disclosure Statement.
`Verified Statement that this filing is by a small entity.
`Assignment of the invention to Immersion Corporation.
`Assignment Recordation Cover Sheet and Assignment recording fee of $40.00.
`Other:
`
`x
`
`The fee has been calculated as shown below.
`
`Number of Without (cid:9)
`Claims (cid:9)
`Extra Fee (cid:9)
`
`Present
`Extra
`
`SMALL ENTITY
`RATE FEE
`$395.00
`
`OR
`
`OR
`
`LARGE ENTITY
`RATE FEE
`$760.00
`
`FILING FEE
`TOTAL
`CLAIMS
`INDEP
`CLAIMS
`
`27 (cid:9)
`
`-
`
`3
`
`20
`
`3
`
`7
`
`0
`
`X09 = $
`
`OR X18 = $126.00
`
`X39 = $
`
`OR X78 = $0.00
`
`[ Multiple Dependent Claim Present
`and Fee Not Previously Paid
`
`TOTAL
`
`$886.00
`
`(Revised 2/98, Rule 53 Trans.) (cid:9)
`
`Page 1 of 2
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 3
`
`

`
`Enclosed is our Check No. 10270_ in the amount of $926.00 to cover the filing fee,
`additional claim fee, and assignment recordation fee.
`If the required fees are missing or any additional fees are required to facilitate filing the
`enclosed application, please charge such fees or credit any overpayment to Deposit Account
`No. 50-0384 (Order. No. IMM1P065). A copy of this sheet is enclosed.
`
`4,‘ s R. Riegel
`Registration No. 36,651
`
`Date:
`
`2 8/99
`
`P.O. Box 52037
`Palo Alto, CA 94303-0746
`Telephone: (408) 467-1900
`
`Attorney Docket No. IMM1P065
`
`.14
`
`Lli
`
`(Revised 2/98, Rule 53 Trans.)
`
`Page 2 of 2
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 4
`
`

`
`z (cid:9)
`x (cid:9)
`
`Enclosed is our Check No. 10270 in the amount of $926.00 to cover the filing fee,
`additional claim fee, and assignment recordation fee.
`If the required fees are missing or any additional fees are required to facilitate filing the
`enclosed application, please charge such fees or credit any overpayment to Deposit Account
`No, 50-0384 (Order No. IMM1P065). A copy of this sheet is enclosed.
`
`Date: (cid:9)
`
`2 A8/7 7
`
`P.O. Box 52037
`Palo Alto, CA 94303-0746
`Telephone: (408) 467-1900
`
`Attorney Docket No. IMM1P065
`
`(cid:9) 1-72
`R. R. Riegel'
`kg
`stration No. 36,651
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 5
`
`

`
`LOW COST FORCE FEEDBACK POINTING DEVICE
`
`BY INVENTOR
`Louis B. Rosenberg
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending parent patent applications serial
`no. 09/156,802, filed September 17, 1998 on behalf of Shahoian et al., entitled, "Improvements
`in Haptic Feedback Control Devices," and serial no. 09/103,281, filed June 23, 1998 on behalf of
`Louis Rosenberg, entitled, "Low Cost Force Feedback Device with Actuator for Non-Primary
`Axis," both assigned to the assignee of this present application, and both of which are
`incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`WI 5 (cid:9)
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to interface devices for allowing humans to
`interface with computer systems, and more particularly to computer interface devices that allow
`the user to provide input to computer systems and allow computer systems to _provide force
`feedback to the user.
`
`20 (cid:9)
`
`A user can interact with an environment displayed by a computer to perform functions
`and tasks on the computer, such as playing a game, experiencing a simulation or-virtual reality
`environment, using a computer aided design system, operating a graphical user interface (GUI),
`etc. Common human-computer interface devices used for such interaction include a joystick,
`mouse, trackball, steering wheel, stylus, tablet, pressure-sensitive sphere, or the like, that _is
`25 connected to the computer system controlling the displayed- environment. Typically, the
`computer updates the environment in response to the user's manipulation of _a physical
`manipulandum such as a joystick handle or mouse, and provides visual and audio feedback to the-
`user utilizing the display screen and audio speakers. The computer senses the user's-
`manipulation of the user object through sensors provided on the interface device that send
`locative signals to the computer. For example, the computer displays a cursor-or other graphical
`object in a graphical environment, where the location of the cursor is responsive to the motion of
`the user object.
`
`30 (cid:9)
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 6
`
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`

`
`In some interface devices, tactile and/ox haptic feedback is also provided to the user, more
`generally known as "force feedback." These types of interface devices can provide physical'
`sensations which are felt by the user manipulating a user manipulandum of the interface device.
`For example, the Logitech Wingman Force joystick controller from Logitech, Inc. or the Feelit
`5 Mouse from Immersion CorporatiOn may be connected to a computer and provides forces in the
`degrees of freedom of motion of the joystick or mouse to a user of the controller. One or more
`motors or other actuators are coupled to the joystick or mouse and are connected to the
`controlling computer system. The computer system controls forces on the joystick or mouse in
`conjunction and coordinated with displayed events and interactionsby sending control signals or
`10 commands to the actuators. The computer system can thus convey physical force sensations to
`the user in conjunction-with other supplied feedback as _the user is grasping or contacting the
`physical object of the interface device. For example, when the user moves the manipulatable
`object and-causes a displayed cursor to interact vYith a different displayed gaphical object, the
`computer can issue a command that causes the actuator to output a force on the physical object,
`conveying a feel sensation to th-e user.
`
`ix 15 (cid:9)
`
`t7i
`FiE (cid:9)
`
`One problem with current force feedback controllers in the home consurner_market is the
`high manufacturing cost of such devices, which makes the devices expensive for the consumer.
`A large part of this manufacturing _expense is due to the inclusion of multiple actuators and
`corresponding control electronics in the force feedback device. In addition, high quality
`20 mechanical and force transmission -components such as linkages and-bearings must be provided
`to accurately transmit forces from the actuators to the user manipulandum and to allow accurate
`sensing of the motion of the user object. These components are complex and require greater
`precision in their manufacture than many of the other components in an interface device, and
`thus further-add to the cost of the device. A need therefore exists for a force feedback device that
`25 is lower in cost to manufacture yet offers the user force feedback to enhance the interaction with
`computer applications.
`
`Docket No. IMM1P065 (cid:9)
`
`2
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 7
`
`

`
`
`
`The present invention is directed to a low-cost interface device connected to a computer
`system, the interface device having a simple actuator for low cost force feedback for enhancing
`5 interactions and manipulations in a displayed graphical environment.
`
`More specifically, the present invention relates to a force feedback interface device that is
`coupled to a host computer system which implements a host application program. In one
`embodiment, the force feedback device is a mouse that is physically contacted by a user and
`movable in a planar workspace. The mouse includes a sensor device able to detect the movement
`10 of said mouse in the planar workspace and to output sensor signals representative of that
`movement. A button is coupled to a housing of the mouse, and a sensor detects a position of the
`button, such that when the button is pressed by the user to a predetermined position, a command
`signal is sent to the host computer. An actuator coupled to the button of the mouse and operative
`to apply an output force in the degree of freedom of_the button. Preferably, a linear voice coil
`actuator is used. The button sensor can be a contact switch or a continuous-range sensor. The
`output force is preferably correlated with interaction of a controlled cursor with other graphical
`objects in a graphical environment displayed by the host computer. The force can be a jolt,
`vibration, constant force, texture force, or other type of force.
`
`15
`
`(cid:9) (cid:9)(cid:9) (cid:9)
`
`SUMMARY THE INVENTION
`
`25
`
`In a different embodiment, a force feedback pointing device having a cylindrical member
`20 is described. The cylindrical member is physically contacted by a user and may be rotated about
`an axis and translated along that axis to provide sensor signals representative of the rotation and
`translation. The sensor signals are used by the host computer to control a position of a graphical
`object in a displayed graphical environment, such as a cursor. The rotation controls one axis of
`motion of the cursor, such as vertical, and the translation controls a second axis of motion of the
`cursor, such as horizontal. A command sensor is also provided that detects a motion of the
`cylindrical member in a degree of freedom approximately perpendicular to the translation, such
`that when the cylindrical member is pressed by the user to a predetermined position in the
`perpendicular degree of freedom, a command signal is sent to the host computer. Finally, an
`actuator applies an output force in the perpendicular degree of freedom of the cylindrical
`30 member. The output force is correlated with an interaction of the cursor with a different
`graphical object in the graphical environment.
`
`The present invention advantageously provides a force feedback device that is
`significantly lower in cost than other types of force feedback devices and is thus quite suitable
`for home consumer applications. A single actuator can be provided that directly applies force in
`
`Docket No. IMM1P065 (cid:9)
`
`3
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 8
`
`

`
`(cid:9) (cid:9)
`
`5
`
`the degree of freedom of a button of a mouse or to the command gesture motion of a pointing
`device such as a cylinder. The actuator does not output force in a main sensed degree of freedom
`of the device, thus allowing sensors to read the position of the user object without substantial
`interference from forces and also simplifying the control of output forces. Furthermore, the
`actuator of the present invention can provide a variety of different types of force sensations to
`enhance the user's experience and interface with a computer application.
`
`A
`
`These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled
`in the art upon a reading of the following specification of the invention and a study of the several
`figures of the drawing.
`
`Docket No. IMM1P065 (cid:9)
`
`4
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 9
`
`

`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a mouse of the present invention connected to a host
`computer;
`
`5 (cid:9)
`
`FIGURE 2 is a side cross sectional view of the mouse of Fig. 1;
`
`FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of a voice coil actuator suitable for use with the
`present invention;
`
`FIGURE 4 is a block diagram of the mouse and host computer of the present invention;
`
`FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatic view of a display screen showing graphical objects
`40 associated with force-sensations output using-the mouse of the present invention; and
`
`FIGURES -6a and 6b are perspective and side elevational views, respectively, of a second
`pointing device of the present invention providing low cost force feedback.
`
`Docket No. 1MPI7P065
`
`5
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 10
`
`

`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a force feedback mouse interface system 10 of the
`present invention capable of providing input to a host computer based on the user's manipulation
`5 of the mouse and capable of providing force feedback to the user of the mouse system based on
`events occurring in a program implemented by the host computer. Mouse system 10 includes a
`mouse 12 and a host computer 14. It should be noted that the term "mouse" as used herein,
`indicates an object generally shaped to be grasped or contacted from above and moved within a
`substantially planar workspace (and additional degrees of freedom if available). Typically, a
`10 mouse is a smooth or angular shaped compact unit that snugly fits under a user's hand, fingers,
`and/or palm, but can be implemented as a grip, finger cradle, cylinder, sphere, planar object, etc.
`
`1,4
`
`??.7120
`
`Mouse 12 is an object that is preferably grasped or gripped and manipulated by a user.
`By "grasp," it is meant that users may releasably engage a portion of the object in some fashion;
`such as by hand, with their fingertips, etc. In the described embodiment, mouse 12 is shaped so
`that a user's fingers or hand may comfortably grasp the object and move it in the provided
`degrees of freedom in physical space. For example, a user can move mouse 12 to provide planar
`two-dimensional input to a computer system to correspondingly move a- computer generated
`graphical object, such as a cursor or other image, in a graphical environment provided by
`computer 14 or to control a virtual character, vehicle, or other entity in a game or simulation. In
`addition, mouse 12 preferably includes one or more buttons 16a and 16b to allow the user to
`provide additional commands to the computer system. The mouse 12 may also include
`additional buttons. For example, a thumb button can be included on one side of the.housing of
`mouse 12.
`
`25 (cid:9)
`
`Mouse 12 preferably includes an actuator 18 which is operative to produce forces on one
`or more buttons of the mouse 12. This operation is described in greater detail below with
`reference to Fig. 2.
`
`Mouse 12 rests on a ground surface 22 such as a tabletop or mousepad. A user grasps the
`mouse 12 and moves the mouse in a planar workspace on the surface 22 as indicated by arrows
`24. Mouse 12 may be moved anywhere on the ground surface 22, picked up and placed in a
`30 different location, etc. A frictional ball and roller assembly (not shown) is provided on the
`underside of the mouse 12 to translate the motion of the mouse 12 into electrical position signals,
`which are sent to a host computer 14 over a bus 20 as is well known to those skilled in the art. In
`other embodiments, different mechanisms can be used to convert mouse motion to position or
`motion signals received by the host computer.
`
`Docket No. IMM1P065 (cid:9)
`
`6
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 11
`
`

`
`ti
`
`Mouse 12 is coupled to the computer 14 by a bus 20, which communicates signals
`between mouse 12 and computer 14 and may also, in some preferred embodiments, provide
`power to the mouse 12. Components such as actuator 18 require power that
`(cid:9) be supplied from
`a conventional serial port or through an interface such as a USB or Firewire bus. In other
`5 embodiments, signals can be sent between mouse 12 and computer 14 by wireless
`transmission/reception.
`
`Host computer 14 is preferably a personal computer or workstation, such as a PC
`compatible computer or Macintosh personal computer, or a Sun or Silicon Graphics workstation.
`For example, the computer 14 can operate_under the WindowsTM , MacOS, Unix, or MS-DOS
`10 operating system. Alternatively, host computer system 14 can be one of a variety of home video
`game systems commonly connected to a television set, such as systems available from. Nintendo,
`Sega, or Sony. In other embodiments, host computer system 14 can be a "set top box" which can
`be used, for example, to provide interactive television functions to users, or a "network-' or
`"internet-computer" which allows users to interact with a local or global network using standard
`415 connections and protocols such as used for the Internet and World Wide Web. Host computer
`preferably includes a host microprocessor, random access memory (RAM), read only memory
`(ROM), input/output (110) circuitry, and other components of computers well-known to those
`skilled-in the art.
`
`Host computer 14 preferably implements a host application program with which a user is
`CC 20 interacting via mouse 12 and other peripherals-, if appropriate, and which may include force
`feedback functionality. For_example, the host application program can be a-simulation, video
`game, Web page or browser that implements HTML or VRML instructions, scientific analysis
`program, virtual reality training program or application, or other application program that utilizes
`input of mouse 12 and outputs force feedback commands to the mouse. 12. Herein, for
`25 simplicity, operating systems such as WindowsTM, MS-DOS, MacOS, Unix, etc. are also referred
`to as "application programs." In one preferred embodiment, an application program utilizes a
`graphical user interface (GUI) to present options to a user and receive input from the user.
`Herein, computer 14 may be referred as displaying "graphical objects" or "computer objects."
`These objects are not physical objects, but are -logical software unit collections -of data and/or
`30 procedures that may be displayed as images by computer L4 on display screen_ 26, as is well
`known to those skilled in the art. A displayed cursor or a simulated cockpit of an aircraft might
`be considered a graphical object. The host application program checks for input signals received
`from the electronics and sensors of mouse 12, and outputs force values and/or commands to be
`converted into forces output for mouse 12. Suitable software drivers which -interface such
`35 simulation software with computer input/output (I/O) devices are available from Immersion
`Human Interface Corporation of San Jose, California._
`
`Docket No. IMM1P065 (cid:9)
`
`7
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 12
`
`

`
`Display device 26 can be included in host computer 14 and can be a standard display
`screen (LCD, CRT, flat panel, etc.), 3-D goggles, or any other visual output device. Typically,
`the host application provides images to be displayed on display device 26 and/or other feedback,
`such as auditory signals. For example, display screen 26 can display images from a GUI.
`
`As shown in Figure 1, the host computer may have its own "host frame" 28 which is
`displayed on the display screen 26. In contrast, the mouse 12 has its own workspace or "local
`frame" 30 in which the mouse 12 is moved. In a position control paradigm, the position (or
`change-L*1 position) of a user-controlled graphical object, such as a cursor, in host frame 28
`corresponds to a position (or Change in position) of the mouse 12 in the local frame 30. The
`offset between the object in the host frame and the object in the local frame can be changed by
`the user-by indexing, i.e., moving the mouse while no change in input is provided to the host
`computer, such as by lifting the mouse from a surface and placing it down at a different location.
`
`In alternative embodiments, the force feedback provided to button 16a can be applied to
`buttons of other interface and control devices. For example, buttons of a hand-held remote
`control device used to select functions of a television, video cassette recorder, sound stereo,
`internet or network computer (e.g., Web-TVT,m), a gamepad controller for console video game
`systems, etc,_
`
`FIGURE 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the mouse 12 of Fig. 1. In a preferred
`embodiment, mouse 12 includes a standard mouse ball 40 for providing directional input to the
`computer system. Ball 40 is a sphere that extends partially out the bottom surface of the mouse
`and rolls in a direction corresponding to the motion of the mouse on a planar surface 22. For
`example, when the mouse 12 is moved in a direction indicated by arrow 42 (y direction), the ball
`rotates in place in a direction shown by arrow 44. The ball motion is tracked by a cylindrical
`roller 46 which is coupled to a sensor 48 for detecting the motion of the mouse. A similar roller
`and sensor 28 is used for the x-direction which is perpendicular to the y-axis. Other types of
`mechanisms for detecting planar motion of the mouse 12 can be used in other embodiments; for
`example, an optical sensor can be built-into the surface 22 to detect the position of an emitter or
`transmitter in mouse 12 and thus detect the position of the mouse 12 on the surface 22,
`
`25 (cid:9)
`
`Buttons 16a and/or -16b are selected by the user as a "command gesture" when the user
`30 wishes to input a command signal to the host computer 14. The user pushes the button 16a down
`(in the degree of freedom of the button approximately along axis z) toward the actuator 18 to
`provide a command to the computer, The command signal, when received by the host computer,
`can manipulate the graphical environment in a variety of ways. For example, a graphical object
`positioned under the cursor such as an icon, button, slider thumb, menu item, or web link can be
`
`Docket No. IMM1P065 (cid:9)
`
`8
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 13
`
`

`
`selected using the command gesture. Application programs can be executed or an action can be
`initiated in a game or simulation using the command gesture.
`
`5 (cid:9)
`
`In one embodiment, an electrical lead 51 can be made to contact a sensing lead 53 as with
`any mechanical switch to determine a simple on or off state of the button. An optical_ switch or
`other type of digital sensor can alternatively be provided to detect a button press. In a different
`continuous-range button embodiment, a sensor can be used to detect the precise position of the
`button 16a in its range of motion (degree of freedom). For example, each position of the button
`can be sensed as a different analog value and used as an analog value or a digital value in
`processing the -button position. This allows the host computer 14 (or local microprocessor) to
`10 determine the position of the button and to control a force output based on that position, as
`described in greater detail with respect to Fig. 4.
`
`In the present invention, button lba is actuated using actuator 18 for providing forces in a
`direction shown by arrow 50, which is approximately perpendicular to the plane of motion of the
`mouse 12, i.e. in the degree of freedom of button 16. Actuator 18 is preferably a linear
`electromagnetic actuator as described with reference to Fig. 3, but can be other types of actuators
`in other embodiments. Actuator 18 includes a stationary portion 54, such as a magnet, and a
`linearly-moving portion 56, such as a coil. In other embodiments, the stationary portion can be
`the coil and the moving portion can be the magnet. The stationary portion 54 is coupled to the
`housing 52 of the mouse 12, and the moving portion 56 is coupled -to the button 16a to output
`=0 20 force on the button 16a.
`
`The actuator 18 can output a linear force that moves the button 16a up-or down on the z-
`axis as shown by arrow 50. The button 1 ba can be pivotable at a hinge 62 which can be
`implemented in a variety of ways. For example, a flexible plastic between button lba and
`housing 52 can act as a hinge, or a mechanical rotatable hinge can be used. The button 16a
`25 preferably has a limit to motion down provided by a stop 60, which can be part of or coupled to
`the housing 52. The button 16a can thus move a distance d from a rest position to the lowest
`position before the stop prevents further movement. hi some embodiments, the button. 16a can
`also have a stop limiting upward travel away from the housing 52 to a desired distance. A
`mechanical spring can also be included for button 16a, for example, to bias the button toward its
`30 rest position (if the hinge 62 does not perform that function). Alternatively, a repulsive magnet
`pair can be used to perform the same function as the mechanical spring.
`
`Button 16b (see Fig. 1) can also (or alternatively) be provided with forces in other
`embodiments. For example, a single actuator 18 can provide forces simultaneously to both
`buttons 16a and 16b by coupling the moving portion 56 to both buttons. Alternatively, each
`35 button 16 can be provided with its own actuator, so that two actuators 18 are included in mouse
`
`Docket No. IMM1P065 (cid:9)
`
`9
`
`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 14
`
`

`
`12. Furthermore, additional buttons can be included and can be similarly provided with forces,
`such as a third button between buttons 16a and 16h, a thumb wheel having button capability,
`and/or one or more thumb buttons provided on the side of the housing 52- of the mouse 12. In
`some embodiments, the actuator 18 also includes a physical spring which biases the button 16a
`to a position different than rest position shown in Fig. 2. In an alternate embodiment, the
`actuator 18 can be a rotary-actuator that outputs a rotational force (torque) on hinge 62 to apply
`force on the button in a rotary degree of freedom (which may appear to the user to be a linear
`degree of freedom_ due to the small range of motion of the button 16a).
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`5 (cid:9)
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`In other embodiments, the button force feedback as described above can be combined
`10 with an embodiment that provides an actuator-to apply force to a portion of the housing 52, such
`as a pivotable top portion of the housing. -Such an embodiment is described-in greater detail in
`co-pending application serial number 09/103,281, incorporated herein by reference.
`
`td
`
`FIGURE 3 is a schematic view of a one embodiment_80 of actuator 18 suitable for use
`with the present invention. Actuator 80 is a voice-coil actuator that includes a magnet portion 82
`ttS (which is the stationary portion 54) and a bobbin 84 (which is the moving portion 56). The
`magnet portion 82 is grounded and the bobbin 84 is moved relative to the magnet portion. In
`other embodiments, the bobbin 84 can be grounded and the magnet portion 82 can be moved.
`Magnet portion 82 includes a housing 88 made ofa metal-such as steel. A magnet 90 is provided
`within the housing 8-8 and -a-pole-piece 92 is positioned on magnet 90. Magnet 90 provides a
`magnetic field 94 that uses steel housing 88 as a flux return path. Pole piece 92 focuses the flux
`into the gap between pole piece 92 and housing 88. The length of the pole piece 92 is designated
`as 4 as shown. The housing 88, magnet portion 82, and bobbin 84 are preferably cylindrically
`shaped, but can also be provided as other shapes in other embodiments.
`
`Bobbin 84 is operative to move linearly with respect to magnet portion 88. Bobbin 84
`25 includes a support member 96 and a coil 98 attached to the support member 96. The coil is
`preferably wound about the-support member 96 in successive loops. The mouse button 16a is
`coupled to the support member 96. The length of the coil is designated as Lc in Fig. 3. When
`the bobbin is moved, the coil 98 is moved through the magnetic field 94. An electric current T is
`flowed through the coil 98 via electrical connections 99. As is well known to those skilled in the
`art, the electric current -fn the coil generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field from the coil
`then interacts with the magnetic field 94 generated by magnet 90 to produce a force. The
`magnitude or strength of the force is dependent on the magnitude of the current that is applied to
`the coil and the strength of the magnetic field. Likewise, the direction of the force depends on
`the direction of the current in the coil. The operation and implementation of force using
`
`30 (cid:9)
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`Docket No. lkiM1P065 (cid:9)
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`10
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`APPLE INC.
`EXHIBIT 1012 - PAGE 15
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`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
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`(cid:9) (cid:9)
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`5
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`magnetic fields is well known to those skilled in the art. One example of voice coil actuators is
`provided in Patent No. 5,805,140, which is incorporated herein by reference.
`
`The length of coil Lc and length of pole piece Lp can be adjusted to suit a particular
`application. For example, to provide a long stroke of bobbin 96 and an approximately constant
`force to be output over the linear range of motion of the bobbin, the length of coil Lc is greater
`than the length of the pole piece 4, such as two to three times greater. However, in most
`embodiments, only a short stroke of bobbin 96 is required, and the coil length Lc can be made
`close to or the same as the length of the pole piece 4.
`
`Actuator 80 is a low cost, low power component that is well suited to the low cost
`10 embodiment of the present invention. Actuator 80 has a high bandwidth and a small range of
`motion as required by the present invention. In other embodiments, different types of actuators
`can be used. For example, linear voice magnet, linear solenoid, DC current controlled linear
`motor, a linear stepper motor controlled with pulse width modulation of an applied voltage, a
`pneumatic/hydraulic actuator, a torquer (motor with limited angular range), etc. Also, passive
`actuators can be used, such as magnetic particle brakes or fluid-controlled passive actuators. In
`yet other embodiments, a rotary actuator can be used to output a torque in a rotary degree of
`freedom on a shaft, which is converted -to linear force and motion through a transmission, as is
`well known to those skilled in the art.
`
`FIGURE 4 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the force feedback system
`7-;20 of the present invention including a local microprocessor and a host computer system.
`
`Host computer system 14 preferably includes a host microprocessor 100, a clock 102, a
`display screen 26, and an audio output device 104. The host computer also includes other well
`known components, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and
`input/output (1/0) electronics (not shown). Display screen 26 displays images of a simulation,
`25 game environment, operating system application, etc. Audio output device 104, such as
`speakers, is preferably coupled to host microprocessor 100 via amplifiers, filters, and other
`circuitry well known to those skilled in the art and provides sound output to user when an "audio
`event" occurs during the implementation of the host application program. Other types of
`peripherals can also be coupled to host processor 100, such as storage devices (hard disk drive,
`30 CD ROM drive, floppy disk drive, etc.), printers, and other input and output devices.
`
`Mouse 12 is coupled to host computer, system 14 by a bi-directional bus 20 The bi-
`directional bus sends signals in eit