Abstract: A system may include a vehicle. The vehicle may include an array of haptic devices. The system may further include at least one processor configured to: determine a location of an object or occurrence relative to the user; based at least on the location of the object or occurrence relative to the user, select at least one haptic device of the array of haptic devices to be driven and function as a directional haptic alert to the user, wherein the directional haptic alert is indicative of a direction from the user toward the object or occurrence; and output at least one command to cause a driving of the selected at least one haptic device, wherein the driving of the selected at least one haptic device is perceivable by the user as the directional haptic alert.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a chassis, a prime mover supported by the chassis, an operator cab supported by the chassis, a control system including a controller, an operator support positioned within the operator cab and having a seat portion and a backrest portion and an actuator positioned within at least one of the seat portion and the backrest portion. The actuator is in communication with the controller and configured to move in a first pattern in response to a first notification signal from the controller in order to relay information to the operator.

Abstract: A system for passive damping of mechanical vibrations generated by a vibrating structure supported by a support, including a transducer interposed between the vibrating structure and the support to transform mechanical energy of vibrations into electrical energy.

Abstract: Provided is an information output apparatus and method. The information output apparatus includes a plurality of expression members configured to protrude or retract by moving in at least one direction and being sensed by a user when protruding or retracting; an activation area calculator configured to calculate a series of braille letters as an activation area on the plurality of expression members; a non-activation area calculator configured to calculate a space between the braille letters as a non-activation area in the activation area; and a plurality of actuation controllers configured to actuate expression members corresponding to the activation area to protrude or retract and configured to actuate expression members corresponding to the non-activation area to retract.

Abstract: Various techniques for driving phased array systems are described, specifically intended for acoustic phased arrays with applications to mid-air haptics, parametric audio, acoustic levitation and acoustic imaging, including a system: 1) that is capable of mitigating the effect of the changes in the air to provide a consistent haptic experience; 2) that produces trap points in air; 3) that defines phased-array optimization in terms of vectors for the production of more consistent haptic effects; 4) that defines one or more control points or regions in space via a controlled acoustic field; 5) that uses a reduced representation method for the construction of acoustic basis functions; 6) that performs efficient evaluation of complex-valued functions for a large quantity of throughput; 7) that generates a Krylov sub-space of a matrix; and 8) that maximizes an objective described by different control points and/or regions to those used to create the acoustic basis functions.

Abstract: Provided is a decoding device including a decoding unit configured to decode a plurality of pieces of encoded data on the basis of encoding method information that has been received, received bitstream data including the plurality of pieces of encoded data in which a plurality of segments of a tactile signal has been respectively encoded, in which the encoding method information includes information indicating in which encoding method of a plurality of encoding methods the respective segments of the tactile signal have been encoded, the plurality of encoding methods includes a simple tactile encoding method corresponding to a simple tactile signal related to a beginning segment of the tactile signal, the plurality of pieces of encoded data includes simple tactile encoded data in which the simple tactile signal has been encoded in the simple tactile encoding method, and the decoding unit decodes the simple tactile encoded data, in a case where the encoding method information indicates the simple tactile encodi

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vibration motor, including a housing with an accommodation space; a vibration part and a stator contained in the accommodation space; an elastic support suspending and supporting the vibration part in the accommodation space for providing elastic restoring force to the vibration part. The elastic support includes a first fixed part fixed on the vibration part, an elastic arm with one end thereof connected to the first fixed part, and a second fixed part formed by bending another end of the elastic arm and fixed on the housing. An extension direction of the first fixed part is perpendicular to a vibration direction of the vibration part, and an extension direction of the second fixed part is parallel to the vibration direction. Thus, the service life of the elastic support is improved.

Abstract: A temperature stimulus presentation device includes a presentation unit that generates heat at a predetermined temperature, and a control unit that changes an area of the presentation unit depending on whether or not a temperature stimulus is presented.

Abstract: An actuator housing intended to provide haptic feedback in a vehicle includes a container having a recess configured to accommodate an oscillating actuator and an insertion opening that opens into the recess, and a cover configured to at least partially close the insertion opening of the container. The container and the cover are mounted so as to be able to move in translation relative to each other and configured such that, when the oscillating actuator is accommodated in the recess, the oscillation of the oscillating actuator causes the cover to move in translation relative to the container, generating haptic vibration in a direction of movement.

Abstract: The disclosed haptic feedback system may include an actuator, a supply valve coupled to the actuator, an exhaust valve, and a fluidic mass controller communicatively coupled to the supply valve and the exhaust valve. The fluidic mass controller may (1) place the exhaust valve in a state that prevents a fluid from escaping the actuator, (2) activate the supply valve to fill the actuator with an amount of the fluid, (3) determine that the actuator has filled with the amount of the fluid, and then in response to that determination, (4) deactivate the supply valve to trap the amount of the fluid in the actuator. Various other apparatuses, methods, and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a first controller including a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive first acceleration data from an accelerometer; upon determining that the first acceleration data satisfies a first criterion, transmit a wake-up instruction to a second controller; upon determining that the first acceleration data fails to satisfy the first criterion, instruct the accelerometer to send second acceleration data; and upon determining that the second acceleration data satisfies a second criterion, transmit the wake-up instruction to the second controller. The first criterion includes jerk exceeding a jerk threshold.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments for reducing haptic vibrations for electronic devices. Embodiments of an oscillation reduction scheme learned offline are disclosed for minimizing the acceleration for a haptic vibrator. A pattern and braking generation module outputs a pattern signal for amplification and then for driving the haptic vibrator. An accelerometer measures acceleration induced by vibration from the haptic vibrator. The pattern and braking generation module adjusts the pattern signal based on the measured acceleration to identify an optimal amplitude for a braking signal at each time frame. Such a closed-loop braking optimization process may be implemented to achieve an optimal or desired braking scheme for enhanced user haptic feedback.

Abstract: This specification generally discloses an apparatus, system and method for refreshable braille display. The apparatus can include a first base having a contact surface and a plurality of cavities. The contact surface can be configured to receive fingertips. The plurality of cavities can be recessed from the contact surface. A plurality of pins can be housed within the plurality of cavities and configured to move in the plurality of cavities to selectively extend from the contact surface of the first base. A plurality of solenoids can be configured to at least partially operably connect to the plurality of pins. A controller can be configured to selectively provide a first electric current to the plurality of solenoids to generate first magnetic fields through the plurality of solenoids. The first magnetic fields can be configured to selectively move the plurality of pins to extend from the contact surface of the first base.

Abstract: A locator device for eyewear including a locator assembly and an electrical assembly. The locator assembly includes a locator housing which has a dinosaur shape. Said housing is volumetrically suitable to be attached to a pair of eyewear and to enclose the electrical assembly. The electrical assembly includes a light system, a speaker, a transceiver unit, and a microcontroller. The locator device is capable of being wirelessly connected to an electronic device to permit a user to easily find the eyewear wherein the locator is attached. The locator device is capable of convey audible and visual notifications. The microcontroller is capable of sending the location of the locator device wirelessly to an electronic mobile device.

Abstract: When it is determined (by a notification determination unit) that there is information on walking to be notified to a visually impaired person, based on information acquired by a camera, a G sensor, and a GPS module that are built in a white cane used by the visually impaired person, an attribute of the information on walking to be notified is obtained (by an attribute setting unit), and a vibration pattern of a vibration generation device built in the white cane is decided (by an information notification state decision unit) based on the attribute. This makes it possible to optimize the information provided to the visually impaired person.

Abstract: A motor vibration method and a motor vibration device are provided. The motor vibration method includes: receiving a vibration instruction, and acquiring target environmental data by a preset sensor, wherein the target environmental data includes one or more of environmental noise data, acceleration data and/or pressure data; determining a first vibration signal according to the target environmental data; generating a target vibration signal according to the first vibration signal and a preset second vibration signal, wherein a first frequency of the first vibration signal is greater than a second frequency of the second vibration signal; and controlling the motor to vibrate according to the target vibration signal. The method combines a traditional vibration reminding effect and a sound reminding effect provided by adding the medium- and high-frequency signal, thereby enhancing the reminding efficiency by means of motor vibration and increasing the successful rate of message delivery.

Abstract: A system for an atmospheric suit includes one or more modular proximity sensors affixed to corresponding one or more portions of the atmospheric suit. Each of the one or more proximity sensors provides a distance to a nearest object from the corresponding portion of the atmospheric suit. The system also includes processing circuitry to obtain the distance from each of the one or more proximity sensors to the nearest object and to provide information to the wearer of the atmospheric suit.

Abstract: Implementations relate to detecting user touch on a controller handle. In some implementations, a non-controlling mode of a control system is activated, and in the non-controlling mode, one or more actuators are controlled to cause a vibration to be provided on a handle of a controller. The vibration is sensed with one or more sensors, and a difference in the vibration is determined to have occurred relative to a reference vibration using the one or more sensors, where the difference satisfies one or more predetermined thresholds. A controlling mode of the system is activated in response to determining the difference in the vibration, and the vibration is modified on the handle in response to detecting the change in the vibration.

Abstract: Provided are a vehicle control device, a vehicle control method, and non-transitory storage medium. The vehicle control device includes: an acquisition part, acquiring a positional relationship between a vehicle and a lane; a control part, performing in-lane travel control that causes an actuator included in a steering device of the vehicle to output a force for causing the vehicle to travel in the lane within a range not exceeding an upper limit based on the positional relationship; and an upper limit adjustment part, adjusting the upper limit in a predetermined case, in which the upper limit adjustment part switches a change rate of the upper limit in response to a change of state of an operator that accepts a steering operation performed by an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes one or more sensors to detect activities of a mobile object; and a processor coupled to the sensor and the wireless transceiver to classify sequences of motions into groups of similar postures each represented by a model and to apply the models to identify an activity of the object.

Abstract: Methods and devices to deliver a tactile speech analog to a person's skin providing a silent, invisible, hands-free, eyes-free, and ears-free way to receive and directly comprehend electronic communications. Embodiments include an alternative to hearing aids that will enable people with hearing loss to better understand speech. A device, worn like watch or bracelet, supplements a person's remaining hearing to help identify and disambiguate those sounds he or she can not hear properly. Embodiments for hearing aids and hearing prosthetics are also described.

Abstract: A glove includes a body, a hand-back base, a fingertip base, an elastic element, a control wire, a shape memory alloy element, a braking element and a processor. The body is used for wearing on a hand of a user. The hand-back base is disposed on a hand-back part of the body. The fingertip base is disposed on a fingertip part of the body. The elastic element is connected between the hand-back base and the control wire. The control wire is connected between the fingertip base and the elastic element. The processor is disposed on the body and is used for electronically controlling the shape memory alloy element to actuate the braking element to brake the control wire.

Abstract: A proximity detection device for a vehicle is shown and described. The proximity detection device for a vehicle includes a housing. The housing is made up of a solid exterior and an interior volume. The housing encloses at least one sensor which is operably coupled to a CPU. The CPU is then operably coupled to an alarm. The proximity detection device may be incorporated into a vehicle. Further, multiple proximity detection devices may be incorporated into a vehicle for any number of reasons.

Abstract: A virtual environment may be generated, the environment including a procedurally generated virtual property. The virtual property may include various features automatically generated based upon a procedural rule set, so as to provide variability between two or more virtual properties. One or more procedurally generated virtual properties may be provided to a user, and various virtual tools may be provided via which the user may identify relevant aspects corresponding to risk associated with the virtual property.

Abstract: A tactile graphic display comprises an array of pin assemblies that can be individually activated to rise a selective distance above a plane, taking the shape of 3D objects and text in essentially real time. Each pin assembly of the array is operatively coupled to a permanent magnet that is slidable within an electromagnetic coil. When current is applied in a first direction to the coil, the magnet is repelled by the coil, causing it to move upwards and thus causing the pin to project from the array. When current is applied to the coil in the opposite direction, the magnet is attracted to the coil and moves downward, causing the pin assembly to retreat from the array. A latch member is configured to selectively engage and disengage a surface feature on the pin assembly for locking and unlocking a position of the pin assembly relative to the frame.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic device generates a tactile output sequence in response to detecting that the electronic device is oriented within a range of orientations that changes as the distance between the electronic device and a respective object changes. In some embodiments, an electronic device changes one or more characteristics of a tactile output in response to detecting a change in the orientation of the electronic device relative to a respective object. In some embodiments, an electronic device generates tactile outputs with characteristics indicative of the orientation of a camera of the electronic device relative to one or more AR (augmented reality) planes. In some embodiments, an electronic device generates tactile outputs indicative of a data sharing process with a second electronic device.

Abstract: A wearable electronic device includes an electrode array for transdermal stimulation of a sensory nerve that itself innervates a body part distal to a worn location of the wearable electronic device. The transdermal stimulation is configured to induce an electrical current or voltage that evokes a sensory impression at an area innervated by the sensory nerve, not at the stimulated sensory nerve itself. In one implementation, the wearable electronic device takes a finger ring form factor worn on a proximal phalanx of an index finger. In this configuration, the wearable electronic device can stimulate a portion of a branch of the median nerve extending through the index finger. Upon stimulation of the median nerve, a user wearing the finger ring may perceive pressure applied to the user's fingertip.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel, a touch sensing layer which is disposed on a first surface of the display panel and senses a touch input of a user, a first vibration device which is disposed on a second surface of the display panel and generates vibration according to driving voltages. The first vibration device generates a first vibration in response to a first touch input of the user to provide a first haptic feedback.

Abstract: Inside a housing of electronic equipment, a first actuator for generating vibration along a first axis is mounted. The first actuator is mounted in a direction in which the first axis is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to at least one of the six surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a haptic signal generating method including: generating a signal pattern consisting of a size of a signal for each time and frequency band by analyzing a received audio signal; comparing a target audio signal pattern and the generated signal pattern; and generating a haptic signal corresponding to the target audio signal pattern when a matching rate exceeds a threshold value as a result of the comparison, and when there is a specific audio signal desired to be output as a haptic signal among various audio signals, a specific audio signal pattern may be detected and an appropriate haptic signal may be connected to the detected specific audio signal pattern as an output.

Abstract: Innovative techniques to design and generate haptics waveforms are proposed. The proposed techniques enable consistent haptics user-experience to be enable despite variations among different haptic actuators. Arbitrary waveforms may be generated without selecting from a list of pre-determined waveforms.

Abstract: An actuation system for an aircraft can include an actuator and a plurality of clutches connected to and structured to be moved by the actuator. The actuation system can include a plurality of control levers connected to the plurality of clutches and structured to be moved by the plurality of clutches when the plurality of clutches are moved by the actuator. The actuation system can include a processor connected to the actuator and to the plurality of clutches. The processor can identify one or more clutches connected to one or more control levers of the plurality of control levers for controlling an operation of the aircraft, and cause the one or more clutches connected to the one or more control levers to be in an engaged stat. The processor can activate the actuator to cause movement of the one or more control levers via the one or more clutches.

Abstract: Provided is a vibration control apparatus that acquires content information about content including at least either one of video and audio to be presented to a user, and vibrates a vibration mechanism in such a manner that the user feels a pseudo force sensation defined based on the content information while the content is being presented.

Abstract: Driver circuitry for driving an electromechanical load with a drive output signal, the driver circuitry comprising: a first control loop operable to control the drive output signal based on a drive input signal; and a second control loop operable to control the drive output signal based on a current flowing through and/or a voltage induced across the electromechanical load, wherein the second control loop is configured to have a lower latency than the first control loop, and to control the drive output signal to compensate for an impedance of the electromechanical load.

Abstract: Examples described herein relate to determining an actual, updated goal of a user based on emotional response data captured while an initial goal is visualized or otherwise perceived by the user, including determining an initial goal of a user, displaying an initial video depicting the initial goal, tracking, with an emotion-tracking device, emotions of the user while the video is displayed by the output circuit by determining emotional response data captured by the emotion-tracking device, updating the initial goal based on the emotional response data to determine an updated goal, and displaying the updated goal.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of driving a playback waveform to an electromagnetic actuator by a transducer driving system may include operating the transducer driving system in a first mode wherein the electromagnetic actuator is driven with the playback waveform in a closed loop to form a closed-loop voltage drive system that includes a negative impedance, operating the transducer driving system in a second mode wherein the electromechanical actuator is driven with the playback waveform in an open loop, and operating a mode switch for transitioning the transducer driving system to operate between the first mode and the second mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are reluctance actuators and methods for feedback control of their applied force. Embodiments of the reluctance actuators include an electromagnet positioned to deflect a metallic plate to provide a haptic output. The control of the force is provided without force sensors (sensorless control) by monitoring voltage and/or current (V/I) applied during an actuation. For a given intended force output, an electrical parameter value (flux, current, or other parameter) is read from a look up table (LUT). The LUT may store a present value of the inductance of the reluctance actuator. The feedback control may be a quasi-static control in which the LUT is updated after actuation based on the monitored V/I. The feedback control may be real-time, with a controller comparing an estimated electrical parameter value based on the measured V/I with the value from the LUT.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for controlling acquisition parameters when carrying out a medical x-ray examination, wherein the device includes a lever.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feedback device and a method of providing thermal feedback using the same. A method for calibration of an intensity of a thermal feedback of a feedback device may comprise: outputting the thermal feedback in order from a weak intensity to a strong intensity among a plurality of intensities of the thermal feedback; obtaining a first user input; setting an intensity of the thermal feedback outputted at the time of the obtaining the first user input to a lowest intensity of the thermal feedback; obtaining a second user input; setting an intensity of the thermal feedback outputted at the time of the obtaining the second user input to a highest intensity of the thermal feedback; setting at least one intermediate intensity; and outputting the thermal feedback by using the lowest intensity, the highest intensity and the at least one intermediate intensity.

Abstract: A skin audible watch for orientation identification includes a dial (1) and a strap (2). A plurality of sound collection modules (3) are arranged along a circumference of the dial (1), and the sound collection modules (3) are sequentially connected with a digital filter (4), an analog-to-digital converter (5), a single-chip microcomputer (6), and a row and column drive module (7); the single-chip microcomputer (6) is also connected with vibration motors (8) and a gyroscope (9); a number of the vibration motors corresponds to a number of orientations; the digital filter (4), analog-to-digital converter, single-chip microcomputer, row and column drive module, the vibration motors and the gyroscope are located inside the dial; the row and column drive module is connected with a current contact pin (12), and a free end of the current contact pin extends out of a surface of the vibration motors.

Abstract: A tactile stimulation providing system includes: a tactile stimulation pattern generating apparatus for generating a tactile stimulation pattern through a user interface including a plurality of virtual actuators to which positions of a plurality of actuators are mapped; and a tactile stimulation providing apparatus including the plurality of actuators, the tactile stimulation providing apparatus driving the plurality of actuators according to the generated tactile stimulation pattern.

Abstract: An assistive device and method for non-visually discerning a three dimensional (3D) real-world area surrounding a user, comprises a haptic feedback interface. The assistive device receives input to select a mode in the assistive device and based on the selected mode, determines each of a plurality of objects within a first proximity range of the assistive device as a relevant object or a non-relevant object to obtain a set of relevant objects and a set of non-relevant objects. The assistive device determines a scaling factor based on the first proximity range and the selected mode, and further adjusts sizes of the set of relevant objects to map the set of relevant objects with a set of haptic elements of the haptic feedback interface. The assistive device generates touch-discernible feedback on the haptic feedback interface to enable the user to non-visually discern the 3D real-world area surrounding the user.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for haptic feedback devices with reduced power consumption. In one embodiment, an example device may include a first spring, a mass coupled to the first spring, and a resonant piezoelectric actuator coupled to the first spring. The resonant piezoelectric actuator may be configured to impart a force on the mass via the first spring responsive to an applied voltage. The device may include a power source configured to supply the applied voltage to the resonant piezoelectric actuator, where motion of the mass generates vibration.

Abstract: An acoustic field may be produced from a transducer array having known relative positions and orientations In this acoustic field, one or more control points may be defined. An amplitude may be assigned to the control point. Mid-air haptic effect for a virtual object on a human body part may be generated by moving the control point in a single closed curve comprising a plurality of curve segments. The single closed curve traverses at least one location where the human body part intersects with the virtual object. Additionally, a user may interact with virtual three-dimensional content using the user's hands while a tracking system monitoring the user's hands, a physics engine updates the properties of the virtual three-dimensional content and a haptic feedback system provides haptic information to the user.

Abstract: A system for transmitting signals between a body of a living being and a virtual reality space includes a wearable device configured to be worn on the body. The device provides haptic feedback to the body indicative of interactions between a virtual body and one or more virtual objects within the virtual reality space. The device includes a base affixed to the body, a container supported on the base, and a flow control device that controls flow of a mass between the container and a tank. A controller generates a flow control signal to control the flow control device responsive to an interaction between the virtual body and a virtual object within the virtual reality space. The container assumes an expanded state in which the container assumes a defined shape when the mass is present in the container and a contracted state in the absence of the mass.

Abstract: An abnormality predicting system includes a processor and a memory having instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to execute operations including: inputting processing target data acquired from a target device; storing information related to an abnormality prediction of the processing target data; calculating an abnormality degree of the processing target data; executing processing related to the abnormality prediction including a failure occurrence prediction using a latest abnormality degree transition and a past abnormality degree transition of the processing target data; and generating a display screen for displaying a processing result including an abnormality degree transition and a result of the failure occurrence prediction.

Abstract: An apparatus that detects a rotor input is provided. The apparatus includes a rotor comprising at least a portion which is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation; a reactance element disposed in the rotor, a sensing medium member disposed in the rotor, and a motion conversion member configured to move in the rotor based on a rotation of the portion of the rotor, and configured to move together with the sensing medium member to change a reactance of the reactance element according to the rotation of the portion of the rotor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a muscle stimulation system, comprising a wearable garment including a plurality of electrodes, and a processor; wherein the processor is configured to define one or more regions of interest (ROI) for electrode activation via a subset of the plurality of electrodes, and provide electrical muscle stimulation, via the subset of the plurality of electrodes, to the ROI.

Abstract: An information processing system comprises a sensor configured to sense a first posture that a user is taking; a storage configured to store posture data about a posture of a person; and a controller configured to create advice for the user regarding a negative influence on a body of the user, based on sensor data acquired from the sensor and the posture data.

Abstract: A illusory tactile sensation generation system and method via which a moving illusory tactile sensation may be created between spaced apart points on a user's skin using as few as two points of contact by varying the intensity at each point.