How Laptops Create Localized Vibrations on Their Surfaces

Apple's patent describes a laptop design that delivers tiny, distinct vibrations to specific parts of its surface, like a trackpad or palm rest, without those vibrations being felt in the areas right next to them.

What it covers

This patent describes a laptop computing device that provides precise haptic (touch-based) feedback in very specific areas. The laptop's lower portion, which includes the keyboard and trackpad, is designed with multiple "discrete haptic regions" (Claim 1) that touch each other. Each of these regions has its own "haptic actuator" (Claim 1) that can make it vibrate. The key feature is that when one region vibrates, a user touching an "abutting" (next to) region will not feel that vibration (Claim 1). For example, a specific part of a trackpad could provide a click sensation, while the area immediately surrounding it remains still. Claim 2 specifies that the active region deforms by at least 10 microns, while an abutting region deforms by less than 10 microns.

What it doesn't cover

• —Haptic feedback that is felt broadly across a large surface, like an entire trackpad vibrating uniformly.
• —Devices where haptic output in one region is easily perceptible in an immediately adjacent region.
• —Haptic feedback systems that do not involve distinct, separate haptic regions.
• —Haptic feedback that does not cause a physical deformation of the device's outer surface (Claim 8).
• —Haptic systems in devices that are not specifically laptop computing devices (Claim 1).

The clever bit

The novelty lies in creating haptic outputs that are highly localized and *imperceptible* in immediately adjacent areas. This precision is achieved by carefully coupling individual actuators to specific "discrete haptic regions" and potentially using techniques like destructive interference (Claim 6) to cancel out unwanted vibrations, ensuring a clean, precise tactile experience.

Why it matters

This technology allows for more nuanced and precise tactile feedback on laptop surfaces. Instead of a whole trackpad clicking, a user could feel distinct sensations in different parts of the trackpad, or even in the palm rest (Claim 9), providing richer interaction without distracting vibrations elsewhere. This could enhance virtual button feels or provide warnings in specific areas, making interactions more intuitive and immersive.

Real-world examples

• 1.Apple MacBook Force Touch trackpads
• 2.Gaming laptop palm rests providing specific in-game feedback
• 3.Virtual keyboards on flat surfaces that simulate key presses