Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dynamically shapeable haptic interface, which can include a drive mechanism, a tactile mechanism, and a display. The display can emit light towards the drive mechanism in the form of image(s). The emitted light can activate a plurality of switches located between coil(s) included in the drive mechanism and the display. The plurality of switches, when activated, can allow current(s), supplied by a source, to pass through the coil(s). The current passing through the coils can create magnetic fields. The magnetic fields can collectively form a magnetic profile. The magnetic profile can cause the tactile mechanism to render shape(s) on the surface of the haptic interface. The tactile mechanism can include magnetic component(s), such as ferrous particles, magnets, and/or magnetic pins. The magnetic component(s) can move based on the magnetic profile and, along with one or more layers of material, can render the shape(s).

Abstract: A system that determines a condition of wearing of a seat belt, including: a marker provided on at least a part of the seat belt; an image capture processing unit that emits electromagnetic waves of the prescribed wavelength band toward a predetermined range and that creates an image indicating intensity distribution of electromagnetic waves of the prescribed wavelength band, based on reflected waves reflected in the predetermined range; a shape estimating unit that estimates a shape of an occupant based on the image, detects the marker from the image, and estimates a shape of the seat belt based on the marker detected; and a determining unit that determines the condition of wearing of the seat belt by the occupant, based on a positional relationship between the occupant and the seat belt.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns an ultrasound system for providing tactile mid-air haptic feedback. As described herein, various embodiments of the invention can create a precise mid-air tactile sensation in mid-air on a body part of a user through use of an array of ultrasonic emitters. The array produces steerable focal points of ultrasonic energy that provide sufficient radiation pressure to be felt by the skin of the user. Such an implementation allows for multiple points of contact with immersive computing environments in a variety of form factors. This implementation, too, allows for coverage of larger distances and provides for a wider range of interactions thereby allowing a user to extend an appendage into a broader workspace while providing for multiple points of or comprehensive sensation or interaction without sacrificing user comfort with respect to any such interaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of modeling a tactile sensation using a nerve spike pattern, a tactile sensation model, and a method of generating a tactile sensation using a nerve spike pattern and may include generating a nerve spike pattern by sequentially arranging action potential spike time points of a nerve responding to a specific pressure and modeling a pressure sensation for the pressure on the basis of the generated nerve spike pattern. According to the present invention, by checking how tactile sensation information is reflected in a nerve spike pattern, it is possible to provide a method capable of modeling various tactile sensations using the nerve spike pattern.

Abstract: Provided is a data output method including: receiving unit-time or unit-size auditory data which are generated around a user and detected via a first apparatus; removing noises from the auditory data; extracting a frequency component included in the auditory data from which the noises have been removed; measuring at least one frequency of the auditory data on the basis of the frequency component; searching a database on the basis of the at least one frequency to find reference data oscillating at the at least one frequency; generating first output data providing semantic data included in the reference data; and generating and providing an output control signal for transmitting the first output data.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for encoding haptic tracks are provided. A method includes receiving the haptic track, and identifying, within the haptic track, at least one of first portions of the haptic track that are representative of haptic silences or second portions that are representative of haptic effects. The method includes segmenting the haptic track into haptic silence chunks associated with one or more of the first portions that are sequentially positioned in the haptic track and haptic effects chunks associated with one or more of the second portions that are sequentially positioned in the haptic track. The method includes generating an encoded haptic track comprising at least one of a haptic silence block or a haptic effect block. The method includes outputting the encoded haptic track for playback. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An electronic device may provide tactile outputs at a tactile output region of the electronic device. The tactile output region of the electronic device may be a surface of an input structure or a surface of an enclosure of the device. Tactile outputs may provide a sustained, physically-based notification of a particular item of interest. The tactile output may alter a physical characteristic of the tactile output region, such as the shape, texture, or density of a portion of the electronic device, in one or more tactile output regions. Furthermore, the tactile notification may provide a notification that is less intrusive and more tunable to user preferences than conventional notifications. The tactile output may be static in that the tactile notification is not transitory and remains throughout the duration of the tactile output. The tactile notification may be dynamic in that it includes motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle control device comprising: a touch surface (2) for detecting contact from a finger of a user and locating the contact on the touch surface (2); and a haptic and/or audio feedback module (4) configured such as to cause the touch surface (2) to vibrate and/or such as to generate audio feedback to the user, in response to contact with the touch surface (2), characterized in that said motor vehicle control device comprises a control unit (5) configured such as to control the haptic and/or audio feedback module (4) such that the value of at least one parameter of the haptic and/or audio feedback depends on the distance (D) between the location (P1) of the finger of the user and a target area (Zc) for controlling the touch surface (2). The invention also relates to a control method.

Abstract: Metadata indicating demanded haptic events during playback of an audio video (AV) stream is embedded with the AV stream, such that the metadata can be extracted during AV playback and rendered on the player's side as demanded. In this way, previously recorded video can be spectated during playback without losing whatever haptic experiences may have been generated for original playback without having to rely on merely deriving haptic events from audio.

Abstract: A haptic communication device includes a speech signal generator configured to receive speech sounds or a textual message and generate speech signals corresponding to the speech sounds or the textual message. An envelope encoder is operably coupled to the speech signal generator to extract a temporal envelope from the speech signals. The temporal envelope represents changes in amplitude of the speech signals. Carrier signals having a periodic waveform are generated. Actuator signals are generated by encoding the changes in the amplitude of the speech signals from the temporal envelope into the carrier signals. One or more cutaneous actuators are operably coupled to the envelope encoder to generate haptic vibrations representing the speech sounds or the textual message using the actuator signals.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and instructions for driving an actuator using an open-loop drive circuit that generate, at a processor, a reference input signal according to a predetermined or predicted command signal, supply the reference input signal to an amplifier to generate a command signal, and supply the command signal to the haptic output device to render a haptic effect.

Abstract: One embodiment described herein takes the form of a watch, comprising: a housing; a crown comprising: a crown body outside the housing; and a shaft extending from the crown body into the housing; and an actuator coupled to the crown and configured to provide haptic output through the crown.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of providing haptic feedback based on media content and one or more external parameters used to customize the haptic feedback. The system may modify or otherwise alter haptic feedback that is determined using the media content alone. In other words, the system may use both the media content and the external parameters to determine haptic feedback that should be output to the user or others. The external parameters may include, for example, sensor information, customization information, and/or other external parameters that may be used to customize the haptic feedback.

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 is described for providing somatosensory stimuli to a human subject. The system may include an acoustic beamforming device configured to generate a modulated acoustic beam directed at the human subject. The system may also include a signal modulator configured to provide a signal modulation that enhances, subject to the total radiated power constraint, a perceived strength of somatosensory response of at least one type of cutaneous mechanoreceptor cells in the skin of the human subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a braille display and an electronic device including the same. The braille display according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a base configured to be provided as a perpendicularly polarized plate-shaped magnet and have through holes formed in a perpendicular direction according to a predetermined arrangement; pins configured to be respectively inserted in the through holes so that an upper end of each pin perpendicularly moves between a first position at which the pin protrudes from an upper surface of the base and a second position at which the pin is accommodated in one of the through holes, the pins expressing braille by means of a combination of individual pins located at the first position; and coils configured to be installed to be respectively wound around the pins and move the pins up and down by receiving current and interacting with the magnet.

Abstract: This information processing apparatus includes a vibration device. The information processing apparatus further includes a control unit that detects a tap operation of a user for instructing to perform information notification. The control unit further generates notification information when the tap operation is detected. The control unit further converts the generated notification information into a vibration waveform, and causes the vibration device to vibrate in the vibration waveform.

Abstract: A sound vibration actuator includes: a bracket and a casing for forming an internal space; a coil part coupled to the bracket in the internal space; a magnet part disposed around the coil part; an elastic member whose one surface coupled to the magnet part; a substrate fixed to the bracket and exposed outward from the internal space; and a substrate seating part disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the casing, wherein the substrate is disposed on top of the substrate seating part. The sound vibration actuator reduces the entire thickness thereof, while constantly maintaining an amount of vibration and generate vibrations in various frequency bands because the coil and the magnet are not fixed in the process where the vibrations are generated.

Abstract: A transducer assembly including a stiffener plate having a first side and a second side; a voice coil coupled to the second side of the stiffener plate; a magnet assembly positioned along the second side of the stiffener, the magnet assembly operable to produce a magnetic field that causes a movement of the magnet assembly relative to the voice coil; and a spring suspending the magnet assembly from the stiffener plate such that the movement of the magnet assembly drives a movement of the stiffener plate.

Abstract: An indication is obtained of interaction of a putative human user with a computing device. Responsive to the indication, presentation of a haptic pattern to the putative human user is facilitated; the pattern is not amenable to machine perception. Prompting of the putative human user to input information indicative of human perception of the pattern is facilitated. Information input by the putative human user is obtained responsive to the prompting. When the information input by the putative human user indicates that the putative human user is an actual human user, the interaction is permitted to continue. Haptic techniques are also provided for access control and/or to defend against malevolent web sites which masquerade as legitimate web sites.

Abstract: Haptic feedback remote control systems and methods are provided. A method for providing haptic feedback to a user of a haptic feedback remote control device includes receiving, by a receiving device, an electronic command issued from the haptic feedback remote control device. The receiving device transmits a haptic feedback command to the haptic feedback remote control device. Based on the received haptic feedback command, the haptic feedback remote control activates a haptic feedback device, within the haptic feedback remote control, to provide a haptic feedback effect to a user of the haptic feedback remote control device.

Abstract: A tactile presentation device includes: a substrate including a vibration plate and a terminal plate which are integrally formed; an actuator that is provided on the vibration plate, and generates a standing wave of ultrasonic vibration; a terminal that is provided on an end of the terminal plate, and electrically connects the actuator to an external; a fixing member that fixes the vibration plate to a support; and a vibration suppressor that is provided between the terminal and the fixing member, and suppresses the ultrasonic vibration transmitted from the vibration plate to the support.

Abstract: A portable electronic device provides adaptive vibration noise reduction by generating a user alert vibration that is one of a first magnitude and a second magnitude, with the first magnitude being greater than the second magnitude. The portable device is configured to alert the user by providing a first magnitude alert vibration except when the device is lying flat and ambient noise at the device is low, and to provide a second magnitude alert vibration when the device is lying flat and ambient noise at the device is low.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an internet-of-things (IoT) battery device (IBD). An example IBD includes a radio transceiver to communicate with an IoT charging device (ICD), a battery, and a battery monitor to determine a state of charge (SoCh) for the battery. An alerter is included to send an alert message to the ICD, via the radio transceiver, to indicate that the SoCh is less than an alert threshold.

Abstract: In a haptic information presenting system, a haptic presenting device presents a stimulus by an object and/or to the object, controls the stimulus that is applied to the object in accordance with an operation by an operator, and thereby generates a tactile force, the haptic presenting device presents at least one of oscillation, displacement, and deformation to the object, the haptic presenting device is a sense synthesizing and guiding device that synthesizes sensations of guidance, and the sense synthesizing and guiding device generates at least one of a sensation of pressure, a sensation of a force, and the sensory illusion to the object by a vibration that includes a sweep vibration.

Abstract: A haptic engine for measuring displacement of the haptic engine's mass uses a single sensing magnet that is carried by the mass along a driving direction. The haptic engine further uses two or more Hall-effect sensors, which are spaced apart (i) from each other along a direction parallel to the driving direction and (ii) from the single sensing magnet along a direction orthogonal to the driving direction, and are disposed adjacent to an ASIC that receives the sensors' output.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for a surface interface. According to one aspect of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, a system can include a plurality of surface transducers, a user transducer, and a user device. The plurality of surface transducers are in contact with a surface that is to be used as an input interface for a user. The user transducer is in contact with the user. The user device can include a processor and memory. The memory can stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. In particular, the processor can analyze a received portion of a signal to determine a relative location of a part of a body of the user on the surface, and can perform a function responsive to the relative location of the part of the body of the user on the surface.

Abstract: There is provided mechanisms for region of interest classifying a region. The region is represented by haptic data and visual data. The method is performed by a controller. The method comprises obtaining the haptic data and the visual data of the region. The method comprises quality rating the haptic data in at least part of the region based on at least one property of the haptic data and with respect to the visual data in the at least part of the region. The method comprises defining at least one region of interest in the region by modifying at least one of the haptic data and the visual data of the at least part of the region according to the quality rating of the haptic data, thereby region of interest classifying the region.

Abstract: A sensor device is provided for generating an electrical signal. The device includes an electrically conductive material having, at least in part, a three-dimensionally profiled surface. The surface is configured to create a change in said electrical signal in response to movement of a conductive object (e.g. a person's finger) thereacross. A method of using the sensor device includes connecting the sensor device to an electrical signal output device and moving an object across the three-dimensionally profiled surface to create a change in the electrical signal detectable by the electrical signal output device. A computer program is provided that is configured to, when executed, cause a computing device to perform the method. A system is provided that includes the sensor device and the computer program, the sensor device being electrically connectable to the computing device.

Abstract: A gaming machine including a display device and game controller is provided. The display device includes reels having display positions for presenting symbols that include non-blank symbols and blank symbols. The game controller is configured to spin the reels horizontally to obtain a first game outcome including a first arrangement of the symbols at the display positions. In response to a determination that the first arrangement includes blank symbols, the game controller is configured to determine whether horizontally shifting non-blank symbols in either direction with respect to the blank symbols in each reel results in an optimal win. The game controller horizontally shifts the non-blank symbols with respect to the blank symbols in each reel to obtain a second game outcome in response to a determination that the shifting results in the optimal win. The game controller increases a credit balance by an award associated with the optimal win.

Abstract: A method for rejecting an unintentional palm touch is disclosed. In at least some embodiments, a touch is detected by a touch-sensitive surface associated with a display. Characteristics of the touch may be used to generate a set of parameters related to the touch. In an embodiment, firmware is used to determine a reliability value for the touch. The reliability value and the location of the touch is provided to a software module. The software module uses the reliability value and an activity context to determine a confidence level of the touch. In an embodiment, the confidence level may include an evaluation of changes in the reliability value over time. If the confidence level for the touch is too low, it may be rejected.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for providing routing and navigational information to users (e.g., visually handicapped users). Example methods may include determining, by one or more computer processors coupled to at least one memory, a first location of a user device and an orientation of a user device, and generating a first route based on the first location, the first orientation, and a destination location. Further, the method may include determining one or more obstacles on the first route using data corresponding to visual information and one or more artificial intelligence techniques; and generating a second route based on the one or more obstacles detected on the first route.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of magnetic virtual springs for haptic systems. In an embodiment, a haptic system comprises: a magnetic housing having a surface with a surface profile; a mechanical spring system disposed in the housing, the mechanical spring system including one or more mechanical springs; a mass disposed within the housing and mechanically coupled to the mechanical spring system, the mass including or coupled to a magnet, the surface profile causing a magnetic force component to be generated in at least one direction that varies with the magnet position, the magnetic force component combining with a mechanical force component provided by the mechanical springs.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for activating haptics during a one-way communications session with a mobile bug. The system may establish a one-way communications session between a mobile bug and a monitoring device, and may receive, from the monitoring device, a request to notify a user of the mobile bug of a circumstance. The system may compare data of the request to entries of a database, and may identify, based on the comparing, an entry of the request that matches the data. The system may determine a haptic output indicated by the entry, and may transmit a command to the mobile bug to vibrate according to the haptic output.

Abstract: Provided is a wristwatch provided with a display unit with which the top and bottom of a display can be inverted when being observed, and vibration transferring units for cartilage conduction provided respectively in the vicinity of the distal end of the radius and in a part in contact with the distal end of the ulna when being worn. The wristwatch is provided with an operating portion which is located at the back of the hand when being worn. The orientation whereby the top and bottom of the display unit are in an upright condition is determined on the basis of an acceleration detected by an acceleration detecting unit, and a determination is performed on the basis of a mean value of gravitational acceleration to determine whether the wristwatch is being worn with the operating portion facing up or down.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to virtual reality simulation, and more specifically, in some implementations, to devices, systems, and methods for use in a virtual reality sports simulation. A system for virtual reality simulation may include an accessory (e.g., one or more of a bat, a glove, or a helmet) for interacting with a virtual reality environment. The accessory may provide the user with haptic feedback that emulates sensations that the user would experience when playing a live-action sport to provide the user with a more meaningful and realistic experience when playing a virtual reality game. Further, virtual reality simulations disclosed herein may include incorporating data from a live-action event (e.g., a live-action sporting event) into a virtual reality environment to provide a user with a realistic experience.

Abstract: A haptic communication system includes either a switch assembly or a compilation of discretely installed components. The switch assembly and the installed components utilize a haptic actuator to elicit tactile and/or audibly perceptible haptic outputs. The switch assembly and/or a collective haptic communication system includes a processor communicating with the actuator. Computerized instructions cause the processor to receive a message from an external system, identify either an audio or vibrational output signal, and communicate the output signal to the actuator. The audio or vibrational output signal causes the actuator to propagate a respective pressure wave that elicits an audible or inaudible, vibrational response at the output surface of the actuator. The pressure wave causes tactilely and/or audibly perceptible vibration within the individual switch assembly or within an overall installation such as a seat or steering assembly in a vehicle.

Abstract: A haptic device according to one embodiment can comprise: a database unit for storing acoustic information or receiving the acoustic information from an external device; a control unit for converting the acoustic information into an electrical signal according to a predetermined pattern; a driving unit for generating a motion signal on the basis of the electrical signal; and a transfer unit for transferring a patterned tactile signal to a user by means of the motion signal.

Abstract: A portable, temporary removable system for locking and unlocking a door knob, door lever or locking deadbolt without the requirement of using keyed entry. Several manners of automated locking and unlocking are introduced and the instant system is designed for quick installation and removal. Once attached, the system may be remotely controlled from the outside of the door via a pattern of knocks, via electronic communications or a combination of a knock pattern and electronic communication.

Abstract: Machine-learning models (MLM) can be configured more rapidly using some examples described herein. For example, a MLM can be configured by executing an iterative process, where each iteration includes a series of operations. The series of operations can include determining a current weight value for the current iteration, determining a current gradient direction for the current iteration based on the current weight value, and determining a current learning rate for the current iteration based on the current gradient direction. The operations can also include determining a current multistage momentum value for the current iteration. A next weight value for a next iteration can then be determined based on (i) the current weight value, (ii) the current gradient direction, (iii) the current learning rate, and (iv) the current multistage momentum value. The next weight value may also be determined based on a predefined learning rate that was preset, in some examples.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing a notification mode determination service. A notification mode determination service may apply various criteria to determine a mode for displaying a notification on a mobile computing device, and may analyze responses to previously displayed notifications in order to determine the criteria to apply, prioritize the application of the criteria, and identify preferred notification modes. Notifications may be displayed using audio feedback, visual feedback, haptic feedback, or combinations thereof, and may be deferred until a particular time or condition is reached. Notification modes may be determined based on factors such as a foreground software application, a type or category of the foreground software application, calendar events, holidays, geolocations, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for simulating a reaction force from a virtual object. The system at least comprises an input force sensor, calculating means connected to the input force sensor, at least a first pair (201a, 201b) of linear resonant actuators (LRAs) and a driver for the LRAs connected to the calculating means. The input force sensor is to sense an input force applied to the virtual object by a user. The calculating means is to receive the input force from the input force sensor and to calculate the reaction force to apply to the user. The pair of LRAs (201a, 201b) are constrained to move along a first axis (Y). The driver is to receive from the calculating means drive signals to alternately drive each one of the pair of LRAs (201a, 201b) in a first direction along the first axis by an amount determined by the reaction force, whilst allowing the other one of the pair of LRAs to recover more gently in a direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece which is a portable electronic device includes a planar first conductor element including a feed element which is a feed portion, a planar second conductor element which is disposed so as to overlap the first conductor element in plan view and includes a ground portion, a short circuit portion that connects the first conductor element and the second conductor element, and a non-conductive base plate that is disposed between the first conductor element and the second conductor element and to which a step motor which is a driving element is attached.

Abstract: A sensor records information about skin stretch perceived by a user based on an interaction with a real object. The sensor includes a mechanical housing configured to be worn on a finger of a user, and a mechanism coupled to the mechanical housing. The mechanism includes a first bearing that rotates in a first direction in response to an interaction with a surface. The mechanism also includes a second bearing coupled to the first bearing, such that rotation of the first bearing causes the second bearing to rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction. The second bearing is in contact with a portion of the finger, and includes a feedback surface that simulates a force associated with the interaction with the surface. The sensor includes a controller configured to monitor rotation of the second bearing and record skin stretch information responsive to the interaction with the surface.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an electromagnetic reluctance actuator comprises: a core assembly including a plurality of magnetic cores arranged in a two-dimensional plane, each core comprised of ferromagnetic material and wound by a coil of conductive wire, the coils operable for producing magnetic flux density in response to electrical currents flowing in the coils, wherein the current in each coil flows in a direction that is opposite the currents flowing in adjacent coils; and an actuator, at least a portion of which comprises ferritic material magnetically coupled to the coils by a magnetic circuit, for producing mechanical force in response to the effect of magnetic flux on the portion, the portion of the actuator being mounted for movement relative to the core assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing tactile sensation are provided. In one disclosed arrangement, there is provided a first magnet module comprising one or more magnetic elements. A mounting arrangement mounts the first magnet module to a human or animal body. A controller controls a tactile sensation applied by the first magnet module to the human or animal body by controlling a magnetic field applied to the first magnet module. The one or more magnetic elements are rotatably mounted and the controller controls the applied tactile sensation by rotating one or more of the magnetic elements using the applied magnetic field.

Abstract: A multi-function thermostat for a building includes a sensor configured to measure an environmental condition of a building space, a communication interface, and a processing circuit. The communications interface is configured to communicate with an emergency server and receive occupant health data from a health sensor configured to monitor an occupant. The processing circuit is configured to determine a health metric associated with the occupant based on the occupant health data and cause the communications interface to send a distress message to the emergency server when the health metric associated with the occupant indicates a medical emergency.

Abstract: An electronic device tracking assembly for locating a misplaced electronic device includes a case that may contain an electronic device. A location unit is provided and the location unit is coupled to the case. The location unit selectively emits an audible alert thereby facilitating the case to be located. A remote unit is provided and the remote unit is selectively carried. The remote unit is selectively turned on when the electronic device is misplaced. Moreover, the remote unit turns the location unit on when the remote unit is turned on.

Abstract: There is described a method of operating a tactile feedback actuator with a controller. The tactile feedback actuator has a magnetic hammer guidingly mounted for movement along a hammer path, a damper at a first end of the hammer path, a stopper at a second end of the hammer path, and a coil element. The method generally has receiving data indicative of coil activation instructions for moving the magnetic hammer to generate a sequence of haptic effects that simulate a real world event, the coil activation instructions including: a first instruction for generating a first haptic effect in which the magnetic hammer is accelerated towards the stopper, and a second instruction for generating a second haptic effect in which the magnetic hammer is accelerated towards the damper; and activating the coil element upon processing the data indicative of the coil activation instructions to generate the sequence of haptic effects.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments for enabling realistic haptic feedback for virtual three-dimensional (3D) objects. A real proxy surface is provided for a virtual object, where the proxy surface may be a relief surface, such as a depth-compressed model of the virtual object. In an exemplary method, when a user touches a proxy surface, a position of the touch point on the surface is detected. The touch point is mapped to a corresponding point on the virtual object. A position of the virtual object is determined such that the touch point is in alignment with the corresponding point on the virtual object, and the virtual object is displayed at the first determined position on an augmented reality display. As a result, a user touching the proxy surface may have the sensation of touching a solid version of the virtual 3D object instead of the proxy surface.