Abstract: The disclosure relates to a Synchronized Array of Vibration Actuators in a Network Topology providing synchronized arrays of low-cost, readily available vibration actuators to emulate superlative single actuators and bring together sets of these emulated high-performance actuators to create a broad range of desired control effects. Such actuator arrays may operate in both spatial and temporal modes, creating haptic effects that relate to the user via their position and orientation in space. The spatial mode may create h-pulses or the amplitude of a vibrational effect may change based on position of the device. The temporal mode may create vibrational effects that interact with the user to create an awareness of time. Additionally modes include performance, bandwidth, magnitude and reliability modes. The different control modalities may be combined together into a single vector control space, which spans the haptic capabilities of sets and/or subsets of actuators.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to integrated modules for Synchronized Array of Vibration Actuators (FIG. 125A). The modules provide physical interface, power and communication interfaces. Each module may include vibration actuators (FIG. 123A) which can be precisely attached and aligned to the module housing, a microcontroller or other microprocessor, and one or more sensors for closed loop control of actuators (FIG. 126G). Interleaved pairs of ERMs having a center of mass in the same plane eliminate parasitic torque. A single module can produce a vibration force that rotates at a specific frequency and magnitude, which on its own could cancel out some types of periodic vibrations (FIG. 125B). Two modules paired together and counter-rotating with respect to each other can produce a directional vibration at a specific frequency and magnitude, which could prove even more useful for canceling out a vibration. Such modules are also employed to produce beating patterns (FIGS. 131-133).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to General Synchronized Vibration devices that provide haptic feedback to a user and improve the performance of existing vibratory devices. Different actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators including interleaved rotating mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller sends signals to one or more driver circuits to provide adjustment of vibration magnitude, frequency, and direction of the actuators. The system may apply forces onto an object, and a sensor measures a feature(s) of the object. This information is provided to a vibration device controller, which can then modify the vibration waveform to improve overall system performance. Fourier synthesis can be used to approximate arbitrarily shaped waveforms by controlling the phase and frequency of vibration actuators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to General Synchronized Vibration devices that provide haptic feedback to a user and improve the performance of existing vibratory devices. Different actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators including interleaved rotating mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller sends signals to one or more driver circuits to provide adjustment of vibration magnitude, frequency, and direction of the actuators. The system may apply forces onto an object, and a sensor measures a feature(s) of the object. This information is provided to a vibration device controller, which can then modify the vibration waveform to improve overall system performance. Fourier synthesis can be used to approximate arbitrarily shaped waveforms by controlling the phase and frequency of vibration actuators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to vibration devices that do not require a rotating mass. In accordance with aspects of the invention, a coil causes a plunger to move linearly. A spring device is coupled to one end of the plunger. Activation of the coil causes the plunger to move in a first direction relative to a body and coil deactivation enables the spring device to move the plunger in an opposite direction relative to the body. Activating the coil at a predetermined frequency causes vibration of the plunger. Vibratory forces are transferred via the spring device and coil onto the body at predetermined locations. Opposing spring devices may be affixed to either end of the plunger. Spring devices may be linear or non-linear. Such spring devices may be used in conjunction with magnetic spring devices. A controller and a driver circuit may be used to control system operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to vibration devices that do not require a rotating mass. In accordance with aspects of the invention, a coil causes a plunger to move linearly. A spring device is coupled to one end of the plunger. Activation of the coil causes the plunger to move in a first direction relative to a body and coil deactivation enables the spring device to move the plunger in an opposite direction relative to the body. Activating the coil at a predetermined frequency causes vibration of the plunger. Vibratory forces are transferred via the spring device and coil onto the body at predetermined locations. Opposing spring devices may be affixed to either end of the plunger. Spring devices may be linear or non-linear. Such spring devices may be used in conjunction with magnetic spring devices. A controller and a driver circuit may be used to control system operation.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to vibration devices that do not require a rotating mass. In accordance with aspects of the invention, a coil causes a plunger to move linearly. A spring device is coupled to one end of the plunger. Activation of the coil causes the plunger to move in a first direction relative to a body and coil deactivation enables the spring device to move the plunger in an opposite direction relative to the body. Activating the coil at a predetermined frequency causes vibration of the plunger. Vibratory forces are transferred via the spring device and coil onto the body at predetermined locations. Opposing spring devices may be affixed to either end of the plunger. Spring devices may be linear or non-linear. Such spring devices may be used in conjunction with magnetic spring devices. A controller and a driver circuit may be used to control system operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to vibration devices that do not require a rotating mass. In accordance with aspects of the invention, a coil causes a plunger to move linearly. A spring device is coupled to one end of the plunger. Activation of the coil causes the plunger to move in a first direction relative to a body and coil deactivation enables the spring device to move the plunger in an opposite direction relative to the body. Activating the coil at a predetermined frequency causes vibration of the plunger. Vibratory forces are transferred via the spring device and coil onto the body at predetermined locations. Opposing spring devices may be affixed to either end of the plunger. Spring devices may be linear or non-linear. Such spring devices may be used in conjunction with magnetic spring devices. A controller and a driver circuit may be used to control system operation.

Abstract: A new class of actuators and mechanisms use opposing repulsive magnetic forces. The repulsive forces are typically generated between a stationary magnet and a moving magnet, where the moving magnet is coupled to the mechanism output member. The mechanisms are generally configured such that the repulsive force from one electromagnet is opposed by a repulsive force from another electromagnet, where the opposing forces are simultaneously applied to the mechanism's output member. This configuration is similar in certain aspects to the way biological flexor and extensor muscles are configured in a musculoskeletal system. The opposing configuration allows for open loop control of position and stiffness. The actuator mechanism may have both rotary and linear motion output, and may have either a single degree of freedom or multiple degrees of freedom. Permanent magnets can be used to create a baseline repulsive force without electric power, and electromagnets can modulate the repulsive force magnitude.

Abstract: A new class of actuators and mechanisms use opposing repulsive magnetic forces. The repulsive forces are typically generated between a stationary magnet and a moving magnet, where the moving magnet is coupled to the mechanism output member. The mechanisms are generally configured such that the repulsive force from one electromagnet is opposed by a repulsive force from another electromagnet, where the opposing forces are simultaneously applied to the mechanism's output member. This configuration is similar in certain aspects to the way biological flexor and extensor muscles are configured in a musculoskeletal system. The opposing configuration allows for open loop control of position and stiffness. The actuator mechanism may have both rotary and linear motion output, and may have either a single degree of freedom or multiple degrees of freedom. Permanent magnets can be used to create a baseline repulsive force without electric power, and electromagnets can modulate the repulsive force magnitude.

Abstract: A new class of actuators and mechanisms use opposing repulsive magnetic forces. The repulsive forces are typically generated between a stationary magnet and a moving magnet, where the moving magnet is coupled to the mechanism output member. The mechanisms are generally configured such that the repulsive force from one electromagnet is opposed by a repulsive force from another electromagnet, where the opposing forces are simultaneously applied to the mechanism's output member. This configuration is similar in certain aspects to the way biological flexor and extensor muscles are configured in a musculoskeletal system. The opposing configuration allows for open loop control of position and stiffness. The actuator mechanism may have both rotary and linear motion output, and may have either a single degree of freedom or multiple degrees of freedom. Permanent magnets can be used to create a baseline repulsive force without electric power, and electromagnets can modulate the repulsive force magnitude.