Nokia's Haptikos tactile feedback tech revealed in patent application

It's been a while since we've heard anything about Nokia's Haptikos tactile touch screen technology, but with the unearthing of some juicy patent details, we finally know what's going on here. Basically, the tech uses layers under the touchscreen to allow control of surface roughness and friction. The patent describes a "plurality of closely space voltage controllable protruberances" that can raise or lower based on where the user is touching the screen, resulting in what feels like resistance and tactile feedback. Filled with fluid, the protruberances increase fiction and help users feel like they're actually touching something rather than poking at a plane of glass. No word on any devices with the new haptic tech, but we wouldn't be surprised to see this show up in some of their new touchy-feely handsets in the near future.

[Via Unwired View]

Read - Patent Application (warning: PDF)

[retro77 @ Jul 8th 2008 7:11PM]

I see what you did there.

[warrrennnnn @ Jul 8th 2008 7:18PM]

I felt what you did there.

[HUNG @ Jul 8th 2008 7:15PM]

EXPECTING IT TO COME OUT OF THE AIMED N99, THE END OF THE N-SERIES

[Inkreef @ Jul 8th 2008 7:19PM]

Expecting you to stop using CAPS LOCK.
Thanks.

[HUNG @ Jul 8th 2008 10:25PM]

expecting your mom tonight.

[scott @ Jul 8th 2008 10:47PM]

just expecting...

[warrrennnnn @ Jul 8th 2008 7:17PM]

hmm. sexy?

[derX @ Jul 8th 2008 7:25PM]

WTF IS SEXY ABOUT A PATENT?

/abusing caps lock key

[N30 G30 @ Jul 9th 2008 9:05AM]

patents that make money are sexy.

[Reader @ Jul 8th 2008 7:26PM]

If I poke it enough will it turn into a fairy?

[Dimitri @ Jul 8th 2008 7:38PM]

If they can put this technology into a touch keyboard and mouse device (think Fingerworks with tactile feedback), I would spend a whole lot of money for that device.

Too bad Jobs bought out Touchstream's technology and suddenly stopped selling those keyboards, which were the only devices that helped a lot of us folks with RSI.

[kccboy2004 @ Jul 8th 2008 7:38PM]

This is stupid.

Unless Apple came up with it first, it ain't authentic.

Yet another "Me to" phone no doubt.

[helloUser @ Jul 8th 2008 8:03PM]

Are you an apple fanboy?

[Darth Abe @ Jul 8th 2008 8:48PM]

Who can even tell?
It's like he's trying to parody fanboys but he's not funny so it's confusing.

[fred @ Jul 8th 2008 8:55PM]

The real ones are so close to the parody that it's hard to tell sometimes.

[Ricardo @ Jul 8th 2008 7:44PM]

"...and help users feel like they're actually touching something rather than poking at a plane of glass"

So, glass isn't something?

[deyanimay @ Jul 8th 2008 9:03PM]

i think he meant pushing something down and feeling it move.

[Tom G @ Jul 8th 2008 7:46PM]

I cant imagine how using a screen like this would feel...
Be interesting to see how it is used because i cant imagine there being enough depth to make any use of it anyway.

[4vo @ Jul 8th 2008 7:50PM]

This is exciting, but I'm not sure I'm ready to actually touch "something" yet.

[sleet01 @ Jul 8th 2008 8:20PM]

Protuberances. Protrude. Different words.

[Decoy @ Jul 8th 2008 8:37PM]

Filled with fluid, the protruberances increase fiction.

There's enough fiction out already.

[DaddyNautilus @ Jul 8th 2008 8:53PM]

It's going to be on the Blackberry Thunder/9500

http://crackberry.com/touchscreen-blackberry-thunder-keyboard-utilize-haptic-technology-amazing-implementation

[deyanimay @ Jul 8th 2008 9:04PM]

This is a nokia patent, there are different types of haptic touch screens the bb thunder will not have this exact type.

[brentb37043 @ Jul 8th 2008 11:36PM]

iPhone, First!

[seedjar @ Jul 9th 2008 1:31AM]

The protuberances increase fiction!
REMARKABLE!

[Pdexter @ Jul 9th 2008 4:17AM]

There's already device that uses this or a prototype. It was introduced months ago.
http://www.intomobile.com/2007/11/06/nokia-shows-off-some-seriously-cool-haptic-feedback-touchscreen-tech-haptikos-takes-haptic-feedback-to-a-whole-new-level.html

[Pdexter @ Jul 9th 2008 4:18AM]

If this tech dosen't come in the 5800(tube) it will most probally come in the rumoured N series TS device.

[N30 G30 @ Jul 9th 2008 9:07AM]

I don't think any of these companies are getting "it". we need a screen that actually raises up so we can differentiate where the keys are located without having to lift up our thumbs.