US 7,742,036 · Granted 2010-06-22

The Haptic Feedback Patent That Makes Your Phone Feel What You Touch

Imagine if your phone could vibrate in different ways depending on what you're doing — a gentle buzz for a text, a sharper pulse for a game controller, a different rhythm for a notification. This patent covers a system that lets devices switch between different vibration modes automatically, each tuned to a specific frequency range so the feedback feels right for that moment.

Curated and verified by the IsItPatented Editorial team

The plain-English version

What it protects

The claim covers a haptic device that can operate in multiple distinct modes, where each mode is tied to its own frequency range, plus a controller that can switch between these modes by sending different control schemes to the device. What's protected here is the combination of the multi-mode haptic system and the method of dynamically selecting which mode to activate based on the application or user interaction.

Why it matters

This patent underpins a core capability in modern consumer electronics: the ability to deliver different types of vibrations for different purposes without requiring multiple physical motors. It's foundational to how smartphones, game controllers, wearables, and other touch-enabled devices create nuanced tactile feedback that makes digital interaction feel more natural and responsive.

Real-world use

When you play a mobile game and feel a sharp rumble for an impact, then switch to a messaging app and feel a gentler pulse for an incoming text, you're experiencing different haptic modes this patent covers.

Original USPTO abstract

A haptic device having a plurality of operational modes, including a first operational mode and a second operational mode is provided. The first operational mode is associated with a frequency range. The second operational mode is associated with a frequency range that is different from the frequency range of the first operational mode. A controller is coupled to the haptic device, and is configured to send the haptic device a plurality of control schemes. Each control scheme is uniquely associated with an operational mode from the plurality of operational modes.

Patent details

Publication number: US 7,742,036
Filing date: 2004-06-23
Grant date: 2010-06-22
Assignee: Immersion Corporation
Inventor(s): GRANT DANNY A., TIERLING KOLLIN M., CRUZ-HERNANDEZ JUAN MANUEL, GOLDENBERG ALEX S.
CPC class: G06F3/016

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