Abstract: A tactile garment, such as a gaming vest (420) or other garment or body-enveloping device. A pneumatic force-generating device (425) is embedded in the vest in multiple cell zones for selectively applying a modulated force to a user wearing the multi-layered vest. A compressed air source comprising a compressor (612) and an associated canister (606) selectively actuates the pneumatic force-generating devices to produce a tactile response. A control valve assembly couples the pneumatic force-generating device to the compressed air source. A controller (426) selectively opens and closes the control valve to modulate the pneumatic force-generating device and generate forces simulating real forces, such as impact and G-forces. Force sensors may be deployed in the cell zones to provide force data for generating secondary forces.

Abstract: A tactile garment, such as a gaming vest (420) or other garment or body-enveloping device. A pneumatic force-generating device (425) is embedded in the vest in multiple cell zones for selectively applying a modulated force to a user wearing the multi-layered vest. A compressed air source comprising a compressor (612) and an associated canister (606) selectively actuates the pneumatic force-generating devices to produce a tactile response. A control valve assembly couples the pneumatic force-generating device to the compressed air source. A controller (426) selectively opens and closes the control valve to modulate the pneumatic force-generating device and generate forces simulating real forces, such as impact and G-forces. Force sensors may be deployed in the cell zones to provide force data for generating secondary forces.

Abstract: A simulator assembly (600) for simulating the tactile response of an item is disclosed. The simulator assembly includes a playback module (602) having sensory modulation subunits (636) operable to exert a force in response to an input signal. A tactile playback assembly (800) for translating input signals into tactile sensations upon a user is also provided. The tactile playback assembly includes a playback garment (806) having sensory modulation subunits adapted to generate a force upon a user in response to an input signal. An imaging exam assembly (900) for palpating a body and obtaining images of the body is also disclosed. An ultrasonic imaging system is further disclosed. A device for remotely conducting a direct manual examination of a patient is disclosed. A method of imparting tactile sensations to a body of a user is disclosed. A method of recording tactile data is disclosed.