Abstract: A communication device includes transmitting means for transmitting a signal in one or more frequency bands of a frequency channel including a plurality of frequency bands, identifying means for identifying occupancy of the plurality of frequency bands, and control means for controlling transmission power for transmitting the signal from the transmitting means, on the basis of an identification result obtained by the identifying means.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a vibratory actuator the size of which can be reduced and which effectively produces vibrations felt by a user. The vibratory actuator has: a stationary body which has a curved surface section curved in a concave shape to be placed along the skin; and a movable body which is disposed on the curved surface section so as to be able to move with respect to the stationary body in a reciprocating manner along the curved surface section, thereby imparting a vibratory stimulus caused by the reciprocating motion to mechanoreceptors in the skin tissue via the curved surface section.

Abstract: A wearable device and a method for controlling the same, the wearable device including: a device main body and a wearing part for having the device main body worn on a human body, and the device main body is provided with a micro-controlling unit for controlling operation of the wearable device; and the wearing part is provided with one or more linear motors, each of the linear motors is connected to the micro-controlling unit by a controlling wire, and when the linear motor receives a specified signal of the micro-controlling unit, the linear motor correspondingly vibrates. The wearable device provides one or more linear motors on the wearing part, and controls the linear motors to, upon receiving the specified signal, vibrate, thereby providing the user with a solution of portable vibration tactile feedback and enhancing the user usage experience of the wearable device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting haptic messages are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of: receiving at least one sensor signal from at least one sensor of a mobile device, the at least one sensor signal associated with a movement of the mobile device, determining a message to be displayed in a user interface based at least in part on the at least one sensor signal, and causing the message to be displayed.

Abstract: A human machine interface includes a display screen coupled to a processing device. The display screen is disposed on a case and displays an image frame. In the processing unit, a comparing module compares a first trigger signal stored in a storage unit with a monitored signal transmitted from a signal source. A notification signal is generated when the first trigger signal is detected appearing in the monitored signal. A control module receives the notification signal and generates a first alert signal to display in the image frame or on the case.

Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines a vibration level of the device during operation of the device. The system receives a haptic effect signal including one or more parameters, where one of the parameters is a voltage amplitude level as a function of time. The system varies the voltage amplitude level based at least on vibration level and applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a haptic module using a piezoelectric element. The haptic module comprises a base, a vibration member which is mounted on the upper portion of the base so as to be vertically movable, a piezoelectric element which couples to the vibration member, a power portion for applying power to the piezoelectric element, and a panel member which is mounted to the upper portion of the vibration member. According to the present invention, vertical movement of the vibration member effectively sends force to the panel member by means of the piezoelectric element to facilitate the vertical movement and enhance driving force, and thereby enhances the feeling of vibration or clicking of the panel member.

Abstract: A system is provided that encodes one or more dynamic haptic effects. The system defines a dynamic haptic effect as including a plurality of key frames, where each key frame includes an interpolant value and a corresponding haptic effect. An interpolant value is a value that specifies where an interpolation occurs. The system generates a haptic effect file, and stores the dynamic haptic effect within the haptic effect file.

Abstract: An electronic faucet has a controller configured to selectively open and close a valve to provide fluid flow through the valve and a passageway of the faucet. The controller is programmed to selectively open and close the valve to generate a fluid flow pattern through the passageway to provide an indication to a user of a condition of the electronic faucet.

Abstract: Shaking patterns and/or environmental information associated with real-world handheld devices may form a basis for enabling authentication and/or effectuating events in a virtual environment. The handheld devices may include toys and/or other object that can be used to play. The handheld devices may be associated with the virtual environment in that individual handheld devices may share an appearance and/or theme with an avatar, a virtual object, and/or other element within the virtual environment. Shaking a pair of handheld devices together may facilitate authentication of the handheld devices with respect to the virtual environment and/or effectuate one or more events within the virtual environment. By way of non-limiting example, two avatars may dance together or become friends in the virtual environment responsive to two corresponding handheld devices being shaken together.

Abstract: There is provided a portable device, comprising: control means for monitoring and controlling the operation of the device; and a user interface which comprises alarm means for performing a silent alarm producing a silent, invisible, tactile sensation in the user; the control means are arranged to give the user abstract information on multiple internal operational events of the device by using various silent alarm patterns of silent, invisible sensations produced by the alarm means and sensed by the user, the alarm patterns differing from one another such that at least one alarm pattern characteristic sensed by the user varies, said abstract information comprising a notification of a specific internal operational event of the device.

Abstract: A simplified Bluetooth Low Energy or Bluetooth compatible vibrator, that can be paired with a cellular telephone or other device, has in one embodiment no buttons, no switches, no ports, no input device, and no display. The vibrator can use a non-rechargeable battery and can be automatically paired with the cellular telephone (or other device) in response to initially inserting the non-rechargeable battery into the vibrator. A low battery monitoring circuit can detect a low battery condition and cause the vibrator to send a low battery warning message to the cellular telephone to remind the user to replace the non-rechargeable battery.

Abstract: Approaches in accordance with various embodiments attempt to provide a user with less disruptive event notifications by being aware of a user's context. Before a notification is sent to multiple computing devices associated with the notifying account, contextual information for each device is determined. The contextual information can be determined by querying each device for information. The information can include how close each device is relative to other devices associated with the same user, if at least one of the devices is moving, whether the user's attention is focused on a particular device, whether the user is engaging multiple devices simultaneously, and the like. Once contextual information associated with each device is determined, an appropriate type of alert associated with the notification is determined for each device.

Abstract: A haptic actuator apparatus and a method of making the same include an ultrasonically vibrating motor and its housing. The housing includes a guide structure coupled to the ultrasonically vibrating motor and at least one spring. The guide structure defines at least one path of motion of the ultrasonically vibrating motor. The at least one spring delimits the at least one path and generates human-detectable vibrations in response to an impact with the ultrasonically vibrating motor.

Abstract: An improved alarm device for use in a transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) system is provided. The device includes a processor configured to monitor at least one function of an implanted cardiac assist device and to generate an internal vibratory alarm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for displaying, organizing, and prioritizing the incoming information on a wireless device. Using the present invention the wireless device can display the number of voice mails, e-mails, pages, and Internet information alerts that have been received by the wireless device during a specified time period. The invention also allows the incoming information to be separated by any number of user-specified criteria such as the originating sender, or divided by work related and personal messages. The present invention allows the wireless device user to see at a glance what kind of information has been received and is being stored on the wireless device.

Abstract: A system for tactile presentation of information to a pilot of an aircraft. The system comprises a pilot seat, a plurality of tactors, and a controller configured to control the plurality of tactors to tactually present the threat information to the pilot by producing one or more tactile stimuli based on situational awareness information. The tactors in the plurality of tactors are physically coupled to the pilot seat and the threat information is indicative of a threat to the aircraft. In some embodiments, at least one pressure sensor may be physically coupled to the pilot seat and the plurality of tactors may be configured to tactually present the threat information to the pilot based at least in part on data obtained by the at least one pressure sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide haptic feedback are disclosed. One example method includes receiving a goal condition at a mobile device, requesting information from a host device using a first close-proximity communication, receiving the information at a mobile device using a second close-proximity communication, determining a level of haptic feedback based on the received information and the goal condition, and causing a haptic effect on the mobile device based on the level of haptic feedback. Other implementations are possible.

Abstract: An electronic alert apparatus comprises a radio frequency receiver configured to receive and identify an emergency message preamble that indicates an impending transmission of an emergency message sent at a first data rate and an emergency message addressed to a shared device address sent at a second data rate. The electronic alert apparatus also includes a processor operatively connected to the radio frequency receiver and configured to decode the encoded emergency message. A memory is operatively connected to the processor and configured to store the decoded emergency message. A display is operatively connected to the controller and configured to present the decoded emergency message. A power source is configured to supply electrical power to the processor, and a housing is configured to at least partially enclose the processor, the memory, and the power source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing distinctive vibration alerts are described herein. In different aspects, the methods may include sensing an event and determining a corresponding vibration definition for the event based on one or more properties of the event. The methods also include providing the corresponding vibration definition. The methods then further include producing mechanical vibrations of the device based on the vibration definition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a warning device for signaling the presence of a radio frequency communication. The system includes an indicator perceptible to a user and an activation circuit to sense or detect energy originating from the communication and to activate the indicator. The device is distinguished in that the indicator is a vibrator. The invention also relates to a radio frequency communication device, such as a chip card, a passport, an insert, a mobile telephone, having the warning system, and a method of fabrication.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a casing, a module unit, an installation portion, and a holding portion. The module unit includes an elastic cover member including a projection, and a module fitted in the cover member. The installation portion is provided inside the casing and configured to receive the module unit. The holding portion is projected from the installation portion and configured to surround and hold the module unit. The holding portion includes a fitting portion which is located at a peripheral region thereof and in which the projection is fitted, and a pair of edge portions configured to define the fitting portion and being more away from each other at positions closer to a peripheral region of the holding portion. The projection is in contact with the edge portions and is exposed in the fitting portion to an outside region of the holding portion.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods for communicating vehicle information from a vehicle to a keyless entry device are provided. The system may include a keyless entry device for communicating vehicle information from a vehicle to a user. The keyless entry device may include a haptic actuator and one or more processors that may establish a communication channel with a vehicle, communicate, via the communication channel, a command to the vehicle, receive a response to the command from the vehicle, and cause the haptic actuator to output a first haptic effect based on the response. The vehicle may include a vehicle device that may obtain vehicle information that relates to a vehicle, determine and output a control signal that corresponds to the vehicle information. The control signal may cause the keyless entry device to output a first haptic effect that haptically communicates the vehicle information to the user.

Abstract: An electronic faucet has controller is configured to selectively open and close a valve to provide fluid flow through the valve and a passageway of the faucet. The controller is programmed to monitor a maintenance condition of the electronic faucet and to selectively open and close the valve to generate a fluid flow pattern through the passageway to provide an indication to a user of an existing maintenance condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vibration includes a vibration transfer unit; at least one pair of oscillators disposed spaced apart from each other in the vibration transfer unit, and configured to generate a vibration in the vibration transfer unit; at least one driver configured to selectively drive the at least one pair of oscillators; and a controller configured to control the at least one driver and thereby move a center of the vibration within the vibration transfer unit so as to create a moving vibration sensation.

Abstract: A haptic feedback device for a portable terminal. The haptic feedback device includes an input member, a vibration member that passes through the input member, and serves as a rotation axis of the input member, and a piezo actuator in contact with the vibration member. As the input member rotates or pivots with respect to the rotation axis, the piezo actuator actuates to vibrate the vibration member.

Abstract: A portable telephone device (10) includes: a noncontact IC card communication unit (30) that performs a noncontact IC card communication; a vibration alert unit (22) that notifies the user by vibration that the noncontact IC card communication unit (30) is performing the noncontact IC card communication; and an IC card vibration alert control unit (44) that performs the control to regulate the vibration of the vibration alert unit (22) so that the vibration of the vibration alert unit (22) does not affect the communication state of the noncontact IC card communication unit (30).

Abstract: A method of alerting the driver of a vehicle to a lane departure condition. The method includes operating a lane detection system to detect that the vehicle is experiencing a lane departure condition, operating a sensor to detect background vibration experienced by the vehicle, determining a characteristic making a haptic signal likely to be distinguishable from the background vibration, and operating a haptic signal generator in response to the lane departure condition to deliver to a driver the haptic signal having the characteristic.

Abstract: A magnetic circuit including a pole piece, a magnet, and a yoke is supported by using a suspension where outer and inner circumferential portions thereof are connected to each other with a supporting member, and the outer circumferential portion of the suspension is fixed to protrude from a housing or an inner wall of a cover provided with a stepped portion in a direction passing over the magnetic circuit toward an inner portion, so that it is possible to limit a movable range of the magnetic circuit by using the outer circumferential portion of the suspension and to prevent inner components of a main body of the multi-function vibration actuator from being destructed at the time of being impacted due to falling.

Abstract: A method and system for exciting a dynamic tactile interface having a plurality of electrodes includes identifying an area within an image that is capable of tactile feedback and identifying a first subset of the plurality of electrodes in the dynamic tactile interface that correspond to the plurality of areas. A voltage is applied to each of the electrodes of to the plurality of electrodes to create a desired state for each electrode corresponding to the areas capable of tactile feedback. The dynamic tactile interface can be implemented as part of a viewable display type of device, or as a device without any viewable display.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for providing customized “haptic messaging” to users of handheld communication devices in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, a method of haptic messaging includes: receiving an input signal associated with an actuation of a user-interface member; determining a haptic code associated with the actuation; and including the haptic code in an output signal to be sent to a remote handheld communication device. In another embodiment, a method of haptic messaging includes: receiving an input signal; outputting a request relating to a contact with a user-interface member coupled to a handheld communication device; and providing a control signal associated with the contact to an actuator coupled to the handheld communication device, the control signal being configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the input signal.

Abstract: A system 1 for applying tactile stimulation to the controller of a remote vehicle. The system 1 includes one or more sensors 2 disposed on the remote vehicle and configured to measure a physical property of the remote vehicle and generate output data indicative thereof. A transmitter 3 is disposed in the remote vehicle and is in communication with the sensor(s) 2 to receive the output data where the transmitter 3 is configured to send the output data to the controller at a remote location. The system 1 further includes a tactile stimulator 4 configured to be placed in directly or indirectly in contact with a skin surface of the controller of the remote vehicle to whom an output of the tactile stimulation is to be provided. The tactile stimulator 4 is in communication with the output of the sensor 2 to deliver tactile stimulation corresponding to the magnitude of the sensed physical property.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system of synchronous haptic communications between an active user and a passive user through a network is provided. An image from an imaging device is captured of the passive user. Geometry or position data is determined from the captured image by utilizing a depth component of the capture image. Haptic feedback is generated to a haptic interface used by the active user based upon the determined geometry or position data. Haptic data is captured from the haptic interface used by the active user and tactile output is generated to a tactile display associated with the passive user wherein the tactile output is based upon the haptic data in correlation with the geometry or position data to determine collisions therein.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes: a housing, a power pack received in the housing, and an actuator disposed between the power pack and a component of the portable electronic device, the component being in a fixed position relative to the housing, wherein the actuator imparts a force on the power pack to move the power pack relative to the housing.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a vibrotactile mobile device which induces a tactile sense at various positions in an interface method of operating the mobile device so that a user may intuitively interact with the mobile device while seeing a program execution status, and to a method of driving the vibrotactile mobile device. The method of driving the vibrotactile mobile device includes: providing a user interface for inputting a command signal on a screen operated in accordance with a program; calculating a target vibration position and a direction and a speed of a vibration flow with time so as to recognize a trajectory of the command signal displayed on the screen and supply a vibration stimulus corresponding to the trajectory of the command signal; and driving the vibration module by controlling a supply of power to be applied to vibration modules based on the calculated result.

Abstract: A vibrator assembly for a vehicle for generating an oscillation of a vehicle part detectable by a person is provided. The vibrator assembly comprising a vehicle part having a supporting structure and a case connected with said supporting structure, and a vibrator surrounded by the case which is formed to stimulate the case to oscillate whereby the oscillations are perceivable by a person. The vibrator for stimulating the oscillations of the case is coupled via at least one spring element differing from the case with the supporting structure of the vehicle part so that the oscillations of the case are stimulated via the supporting structure.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) including two housings and a piezoelectric transducer is disclosed. The apparatus may include a first housing (110), a hinge (115) coupled to the first housing, and a second housing (140) coupled the first housing via the hinge. The first housing can have a closed position when the first housing is substantially adjacent to the second housing and the first housing can have an open position when a portion of the first housing is substantially away from the second housing. The apparatus can also include a first piezoelectric element (130) coupled to the second housing where the first piezoelectric element can be substantially in contact with the first housing when the first housing is in the closed position. The apparatus can further include a user interface (140) coupled to the second housing and a controller (150) coupled to the first piezoelectric element and the user interface.

Abstract: A motion driven event alert system and method synchronize output of follow-up event alerts on a mobile electronic device to changes in the state of motion of the device. Generally, the device outputs an initial alert in response to receipt of a new event from a wireless network. If a user fails to take action on the device after the device outputs the initial alert, the device determines a state of motion of the device and monitors for a change in the state of motion. When a change is detected, the device outputs a follow-up alert. If the user fails to take action on the device after the device outputs the follow-up alert, the device repeats the steps of motion state determination, motion state change monitoring, motion state change detection and output of another follow-up alert.

Abstract: A vibrating device for portable electronic device includes a frame, a main circuit board, a motor and a secondary circuit board. The frame defines a recess and a receiving hole. The main circuit board is fixed in the recess of the frame. The motor is fixed in the receiving hole of the frame. The secondary circuit board electronically connects the main circuit board and the motor.

Abstract: An alerting system for alerting a user having a transmitter monitoring a predetermined condition (i.e. sound, telephone, door/window access, fire, carbon monoxide, emergency weather alerts, etc.) and outputting an alarm signal in response to detection of the predetermined condition. The transmitter further outputs a supervisory signal indicative of operation of the transmitter (i.e. low battery condition, out of range, etc.). The alerting system further includes an alerting device receiving the alarm signal and the supervisory signal from the transmitter and detecting cessation of the supervisory signal device and outputting a first alert signal to the user indicative of the cessation of the supervisory signal. The alerting device further detecting presence of the alarm signal and outputting a second alert signal to the user indicative of presence of the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A vibrating device that operates without the need for replacement batteries is disclosed. An apparatus is disclosed for generating electrical power and supplying electrical power to a portable vibrating device. A portable vibrating device in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention is adapted to generate and store its own electrical energy, and is adapted to vibrate to alert a user of the device, or to provide various forms of stimulation to a user of the device.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for wireless communications directly between a sender and a receiver using a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is formed as a glove having a pulse triggering mechanism. The glove is wearable by a user who is the source of a communications signal. The pulse triggering mechanism is motion activated by a finger tip to trigger an electrical signal transmitted wirelessly to the receiving unit. The receiving unit is in the form of a patch worn by a user that receives a tactile message for silent communications.

Abstract: A vibrator assembly includes an electric motor, a shaft driven by the motor, and a cylindrical weight coaxially positioned on the shaft free end, wherein the cylindrical weight has a center of gravity that is radially offset from the shaft axis. The cylindrical weight includes a first portion that is lighter in weight than a second portion. When the vibrator assembly is installed within an electronic device, the cylindrical shape of the weight limits the amount of shaft deflection that can occur when the electronic device is dropped or subjected to other impact forces.

Abstract: A method and system for exciting a dynamic tactile interface having a plurality of electrodes includes identifying an area within an image that is capable of tactile feedback and identifying a first subset of the plurality of electrodes in the dynamic tactile interface that correspond to the plurality of areas. A voltage is applied to each of the electrodes of to the plurality of electrodes to create a desired state for each electrode corresponding to the areas capable of tactile feedback. The dynamic tactile interface can be implemented as part of a viewable display type of device, or as a device without any viewable display.

Abstract: In a meeting or group event, people having a portable device, such as a cell phone or pager, may wish to be discretely notified when an important message is received, an urgent call comes in from a selected person or a selected group of people, or to be alerted to an upcoming important event without any audible alert to disturb the meeting or group event. To convey such a notification, a tactile alert is provided by vibrating the portable device according to a unique vibration pattern associated with the received communication. When a communication is received, a group identification (ID) is assigned based on the communication being a member of a classified group of source addresses. The portable device associates the group ID with a unique vibration pattern. To provide the alert, the portable device is vibrated according to the unique vibration pattern.

Abstract: A supporting surface and a touch screen member mounted to a plastic frame having a first vibration transmitting slot and at least two mounting slots. A pair of similar L-shaped poles is mounted in the frame in juxtaposition to define gaps between them. One of the poles constitutes a stationary pole and the other of the poles constitutes a movable pole. A winding is mounted on the stationary pole. The frame defines a vibration transmitting slot, and the touch screen member is attached to the frame by a tab that is press fitted into the vibration transmitting slot so that vibrations created by the movable pole can be transmitted via the vibration transmitting slot to the touch screen member. The additional slots defined by the frame and tabs defined by the supporting surface mutually coact for mounting the frame to the supporting member in a stationary position.

Abstract: A vehicle state information transmission apparatus includes a warning device for issuing a warning to the driver based on information pertaining to a vehicle state detected by a vehicle state detecting device, and a vehicle state information transmission device for transmitting the information pertaining to the vehicle state detected by the vehicle state detecting device to the driver. The vehicle state information transmission device includes a tactile device, which transmits a change in the vehicle state via a vehicle operating device such as steering wheel to the driver as tactile information. The tactile device is operable in conjunction with the warning means.

Abstract: A referee's wireless horn indicator system having sensory alerts for aiding a referee in accurately officiating a sports event. The system includes a controller and a sensory receiver. The controller includes an official time clock for the sports event, a control circuit coupled to the official time clock, and a radio transmitter activated by a control circuit for sending a radio signal including time information to the sensory receiver. The sensory receiver is worn by the referee, for instance, on the wrist and includes a radio receiver and a sensory alerting device, such as a piezoelectronic speaker and a vibrator, where such sensory receiver is battery powered.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing information during a call by delivering the current state and changes of state of a mobile device by tactile information, and which does not interfere with the phone conversation. The apparatus for providing information during a call comprises an information-sensing unit sensing at least one among information about the state of a mobile device and the state of a phone conversation, an information-analysis unit analyzing the sensed state information, a tactile information-generating unit generating tactile information corresponding to the sensed information, which was analyzed by the information-analysis unit, a tactile information-outputting unit delivering the tactile information to a user, and a driving unit generating a driving signal which drives the tactile information-outputting unit by converting the tactile information.

Abstract: Techniques are described for establishing a two-way voice communication session with an alarm system. The alarm system may establish a two-way voice communication session with an operator associated with a monitoring service that provides monitoring services for alarm events detected by the alarm system. The alarm system also may establish a two-way voice communication session with a notification recipient that is interested in receiving notifications associated with events detected by the alarm system.