Precisely Stopping Device Vibrations for Better Touch Feedback
This patent describes a method for precisely stopping the tiny vibrations in a device, like a phone, by sending a special 'braking' signal to make touch feedback feel sharper and more controlled.
Original patent title: “Haptic device with linear resonant actuator”
This patent describes a method for precisely stopping the tiny vibrations in a device, like a phone, by sending a special 'braking' signal to make touch feedback feel sharper and more controlled. Granted to Immersion in 2017 with 16 claims and 33 forward citations, and it is expected to expire in 2036.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes a haptic output device that generates precise vibrations. It works by first sending a 'driving signal' to an actuator to start a vibration. The clever part is how it stops the vibration: a processor calculates a specific 'braking signal' based on the driving signal's frequency. This braking signal has a 'reverse phase' and is sent at a precisely determined time and strength to quickly cancel out any lingering vibration. For example, when your smartphone gives a short, crisp 'tap' feedback for a button press, this technology helps ensure that the vibration starts and stops very cleanly, preventing a mushy or prolonged buzz. ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1 specifically covers scenarios where the driving signal's frequency is different from the actuator's natural resonant frequency, while Claim 12 covers when it's the same.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Haptic effects generated by actuators that are not linear resonant actuators, such as eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motors (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 7).
- Stopping vibrations without using a distinct 'braking signal' that has a reverse phase to the driving signal (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1, 12).
- Braking signals whose frequency is not the resonant frequency of the actuator (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1) or the same as the driving signal (Claim 12).
- Systems where the starting time and amplitude of the braking signal are not determined based on the driving signal's frequency (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1, 12).
- Haptic feedback that relies solely on turning off the driving signal without an active braking pulse to stop the vibration.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The innovation lies in actively and precisely canceling out lingering vibrations using a calculated 'braking signal' with a reverse phase. Instead of just letting the vibration fade naturally, which can feel mushy, this patent teaches how to apply a counter-pulse at exactly the right time and strength to achieve an immediate, crisp stop, even if the initial vibration wasn't perfectly tuned to the actuator's natural resonance.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Most modern smartphone lock screens and keyboards
Gaming controllers with advanced rumble features
Smartwatches providing subtle notifications
Automotive infotainment systems with touch feedback
Medical devices requiring tactile user interfaces
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Precise haptic feedback significantly enhances the user experience in many electronic devices. A crisp, immediate vibration feels more responsive and intentional than a prolonged buzz. This technology allows device manufacturers to create more realistic and satisfying touch interactions, making virtual buttons feel more like physical ones and improving the clarity of notifications or alerts. It's a key component in making devices feel more premium and intuitive.
Filed
November 4, 2016
Granted
May 16, 2017
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Immersion Corp, the assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, is a leading company specializing in haptic technology and licensing its innovations to various manufacturers. Major consumer electronics companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google integrate advanced haptic feedback into their smartphones, tablets, and wearables, often relying on or developing similar precise control methods. Companies producing gaming peripherals and automotive components also incorporate such haptic solutions.
Market impact
This type of technology has significantly improved the quality of haptic feedback in consumer electronics, moving beyond simple buzzes to nuanced, crisp sensations. It has enabled products to offer more sophisticated user interfaces where tactile feedback enhances usability and immersion. The ability to precisely control vibrations became a competitive differentiator, driving manufacturers to invest in better haptic components and control algorithms to improve the overall user experience.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes a haptic output device that generates precise vibrations. It works by first sending a 'driving signal' to an actuator to start a vibration. The clever part is how it stops the vibration: a processor calculates a specific 'braking signal' based on the driving signal's frequency. This braking signal has a 'reverse phase' and is sent at a precisely determined time and strength to quickly cancel out any lingering vibration. For example, when your smartphone gives a short, crisp 'tap' feedback for a button press, this technology helps ensure that the vibration starts and stops very cleanly, preventing a mushy or prolonged buzz. Claim 1 specifically covers scenarios where the driving signal's frequency is different from the actuator's natural resonant frequency, while Claim 12 covers when it's the same.
The clever bit
The innovation lies in actively and precisely canceling out lingering vibrations using a calculated 'braking signal' with a reverse phase. Instead of just letting the vibration fade naturally, which can feel mushy, this patent teaches how to apply a counter-pulse at exactly the right time and strength to achieve an immediate, crisp stop, even if the initial vibration wasn't perfectly tuned to the actuator's natural resonance.
What it does not cover
- Haptic effects generated by actuators that are not linear resonant actuators, such as eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motors (Claim 7).
- Stopping vibrations without using a distinct 'braking signal' that has a reverse phase to the driving signal (Claim 1, 12).
- Braking signals whose frequency is not the resonant frequency of the actuator (Claim 1) or the same as the driving signal (Claim 12).
- Systems where the starting time and amplitude of the braking signal are not determined based on the driving signal's frequency (Claim 1, 12).
- Haptic feedback that relies solely on turning off the driving signal without an active braking pulse to stop the vibration.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
31/40
Moderately cited
Claim breadth
11/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
10/20
Granted 5–10 years ago
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$187K – $599K
Midpoint $374K · 10.2 yr remaining · industry ×1.6
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
16 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Jiang, L., & Cruz-Hernandez, J. M. (2017). Precisely Stopping Device Vibrations for Better Touch Feedback (U.S. Patent No. 9,652,041). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9652041/haptic-device-with-linear-resonant-actuator
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Precisely Stopping Device Vibrations for Better Touch Feedback cover?
This patent describes a method for precisely stopping the tiny vibrations in a device, like a phone, by sending a special 'braking' signal to make touch feedback feel sharper and more controlled.
Who owns patent US 9652041?
Immersion owns this patent, granted in 2017.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on November 4, 2036, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 9652041 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 33 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
Precise haptic feedback significantly enhances the user experience in many electronic devices. A crisp, immediate vibration feels more responsive and intentional than a prolonged buzz. This technology allows device manufacturers to create more realistic and satisfying touch interactions, making virtual buttons feel more like physical ones and improving the clarity of notifications or alerts. It's a key component in making devices feel more premium and intuitive.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Haptic effects generated by actuators that are not linear resonant actuators, such as eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motors (Claim 7).
Patent monitoring