Abstract: One illustrative device disclosed herein includes a proximity sensor capable of detecting a non-contact interaction with a touch-sensitive device and outputting a first sensor signal. The device also includes a touch sensor for detecting a touch on the touch-sensitive device and outputting a second sensor signal. The disclosed device also includes a processor configured to receive the first and second sensor signals, generate a haptic output signal based at least in part on the first and second sensor signals, transmit the haptic output signal to a haptic output device. The haptic output device in the disclosed device then outputs the haptic effect.

Abstract: A bi-functional apparatus for sensing touch and delivering a haptic signal. The bi-functional apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. The first electrode provides a haptic interface for delivering an electrostatic force and has a top surface and a bottom surface. A dielectric insulator covers the top surface of the first electrode. A sensor is positioned between the bottom surface of the first electrode and the second electrode. The sensor selectively provides electrical conductivity between the first and second electrodes in response to at least a threshold amount of pressure exerted against the dielectric insulator. A method of sensing touch and delivering a haptic signal with a single device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deformation and haptic effects are disclosed. For example, one method includes the steps of receiving a sensor signal from a sensor, the sensor signal indicating a contact with a device and a location of the contact on the device; determining a deformation effect based on the contact and the location of the contact, the deformation effect configured to cause a change in a shape of the device; and outputting the deformation effect to a deformation device configured to change the shape of the device.

Abstract: One illustrative computing device disclosed herein includes a first sensor configured to detect a position associated with a deformable surface and transmit a sensor signal associated with the position; and a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to: receive the sensor signal; determine a haptic effect based at least in part on the sensor signal; and transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect. The illustrative computing device also includes a haptic output device in communication with the processor, the haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect.

Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes an enclosure configured to define a boundary of a chamber, the chamber including a material, and a flexible layer coupled overtop of the chamber and configured to enclose the chamber. The illustrative system also includes a first actuation device configured to receive a first haptic signal and responsively output a first haptic effect by changing a characteristic of the material to deform the flexible layer. The illustrative system also includes a second actuation device configured to receive a second haptic signal and responsively output a second haptic effect by applying an electrical signal to the flexible layer. The illustrative system further includes a processor in communication with the first actuation device and the second actuation device. The processor is configured to transmit the first haptic signal to the first actuation device and the second haptic signal to the second actuation device.

Abstract: A system includes an electronic device that includes a display screen, a cover configured to cover the display screen, a sensor configured to sense an input gesture comprising deformation and/or movement of the cover relative to the electronic device, and a processor configured to determine an action for the electronic device to perform based on the input gesture, to determine a haptic effect to generate based on the input gesture and/or the action for the electronic device to perform, and to initiate the action. The system also includes a haptic output device configured to generate the haptic effect.

Abstract: A bi-functional apparatus for sensing touch and delivering a haptic signal. The bi-functional apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. The first electrode provides a haptic interface for delivering an electrostatic force and has a top surface and a bottom surface. A dielectric insulator covers the top surface of the first electrode. A sensor is positioned between the bottom surface of the first electrode and the second electrode. The sensor selectively provides electrical conductivity between the first and second electrodes in response to at least a threshold amount of pressure exerted against the dielectric insulator. A method of sensing touch and delivering a haptic signal with a single device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to haptic devices for implantation in a human subject. Such haptic devices can include various actuators, including both active and passive haptic actuators, for providing feedback to a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deformation and haptic effects are disclosed. For example, one method includes the steps of receiving a sensor signal from a sensor, the sensor signal indicating a contact with a device and a location of the contact on the device; determining a deformation effect based on the contact and the location of the contact, the deformation effect configured to cause a change in a shape of the device; and outputting the deformation effect to a deformation device configured to change the shape of the device.

Abstract: A system includes an electronic device that includes a display screen, a cover configured to cover the display screen, a sensor configured to sense an input gesture comprising deformation and/or movement of the cover relative to the electronic device, and a processor configured to determine an action for the electronic device to perform based on the input gesture, to determine a haptic effect to generate based on the input gesture and/or the action for the electronic device to perform, and to initiate the action. The system also includes a haptic output device configured to generate the haptic effect.

Abstract: A system is provided that facilitates communication of haptic notification messages. The system receives a haptic notification message from a tool within a network, where the haptic notification message indicates that the tool has detected an event. The system further determines whether the haptic notification message is a haptic notification message that is required to be transmitted to at least one haptic notification device within the network. The system further transmits the haptic notification message to the at least one haptic notification device using the network in response to a determination that the haptic notification message is a haptic notification message that is required to be transmitted to at least one haptic notification device, where the at least one haptic notification device generates a haptic notification in response to receiving the haptic notification message.

Abstract: A system includes a haptic output device constructed and arranged to generate a haptic effect to a user of the system, and a chemical delivery device constructed and arranged to deliver a chemical to the user of the system.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to haptic devices for implantation in a human subject. Such haptic devices can include various actuators, including both active and passive haptic actuators, for providing feedback to a user.

Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes an enclosure configured to define a boundary of a chamber, the chamber including a material, and a flexible layer coupled overtop of the chamber and configured to enclose the chamber. The illustrative system also includes a first actuation device configured to receive a first haptic signal and responsively output a first haptic effect by changing a characteristic of the material to deform the flexible layer. The illustrative system also includes a second actuation device configured to receive a second haptic signal and responsively output a second haptic effect by applying an electrical signal to the flexible layer. The illustrative system further includes a processor in communication with the first actuation device and the second actuation device. The processor is configured to transmit the first haptic signal to the first actuation device and the second haptic signal to the second actuation device.

Abstract: A method of generating event identifiers includes receiving sensor information from tracked entities. Based on the sensor information for tracked entities, an event can be determined. An event ID can be assigned to the event based on the type of event that was determined. The event ID can be sent to a haptically enabled device, the device outputting a haptic effect determined from the event ID.

Abstract: A method for providing haptic feedback is provided for a device that produces haptic noise, such as a power tool with an electric motor that produces noises and vibrations while in operation. An environmental condition of the device can be sensed while the device is being operated and generating haptic noise. A haptic noise characteristic of the device can be determined. A haptic drive signal based on the environmental condition and haptic noise characteristic can be generated. The haptic drive signal can be applied to a haptic output device associated with the device.

Abstract: A system includes an electronic device that includes a display screen, a cover configured to cover the display screen, a sensor configured to sense an input gesture comprising deformation and/or movement of the cover relative to the electronic device, and a processor configured to determine an action for the electronic device to perform based on the input gesture, to determine a haptic effect to generate based on the input gesture and/or the action for the electronic device to perform, and to initiate the action. The system also includes a haptic output device configured to generate the haptic effect.

Abstract: One illustrative computing device disclosed herein includes a first sensor configured to detect a position associated with a deformable surface and transmit a sensor signal associated with the position; and a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to: receive the sensor signal; determine a haptic effect based at least in part on the sensor signal; and transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect. The illustrative computing device also includes a haptic output device in communication with the processor, the haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect.

Abstract: A system includes a haptic output device constructed and arranged to generate a haptic effect to a user of the system, and a chemical delivery device constructed and arranged to deliver a chemical to the user of the system.

Abstract: A haptically-enabled device has an interface for receiving an instruction to provide haptic information. The device includes a tangible element with a physical property including length, stiffness, or texture. A haptic output device is attached to the tangible element and a haptic response module provides haptic information to the haptic output device. The haptic output device causes the tangible element to be altered from a first state to a second state of the physical property.