Abstract: Embodiments include an electronic control unit comprising an audio input device for receiving an audio stream from an external audio source, the audio stream being split between an audio path and a haptic path; a wireless transceiver in the haptic path for transmitting the audio stream to at least one wearable haptic device using short-range wireless communication; and a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured to calculate an amount of latency associated with transmission of the audio stream to the wearable haptic device(s), and partition the audio stream into a plurality of audio packets including a time-to-play based on the calculated latency. The control unit further includes a buffer in the audio path for inserting a time delay into the audio stream based on the calculated latency, and an audio output device in the audio path for outputting the time-delayed audio stream to an external audio listening device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a modular sensory immersion system including one or more panels that introduce the tactile component of audio vibration from multi-media formats into the various surface areas of the human body, while synchronized with audio to the ears. In certain embodiments, the modular sensory immersion system also delivers a range of additional haptic and multi-sensory stimuli synchronized to audio and audio-visual content. In one embodiment, each panel houses vibrating transducers and associated electronics to deliver the audio synchronized force feedback vibrations, as well as the mechanical components associated with the delivery air busts of ambient or heated/cooled variety, water streams and mists, fragrances, and solid or semi solid projectiles. The system can be used as a single interactive panel, as a multi-panel platform, or a multi-panel platform with attached paneled walls that deliver all of the above mentioned sensory stimuli.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing a sensory experience to simulate a live event are provided. One includes providing an audible signal representing sound information; generating a vibration signal based on the audible signal and enhanced information that would be present at the live event; and providing the vibration signal to at least one vibration device for stimulating nerve receptors in a foot area, the vibration signal synchronized with the audible signal to produce a perception in the brain of being present at the live event. Another method includes generating a vibration signal representing vibrations including tactile vibrations for stimulating nerve receptors in a foot to simulate being present at a live event, and vibrations based on reproduced sound information; and providing the signal to at least one vibration device for delivering the vibrations to the feet, the tactile vibrations based on enhanced information different from the sound information and including non-audible elements.

Abstract: A haptic transducer is provided, comprising a motor including a yoke, an inner cavity formed by the yoke, and a magnet assembly disposed within the inner cavity; a diaphragm disposed above the magnet assembly; a suspension extending concentrically around the diaphragm and having an inner edge attached to the diaphragm and an outer edge attached to the yoke; a cylindrical coil coupled to the diaphragm and suspended within the inner cavity around the magnet assembly; a first hole extending through the motor; and a second hole axially aligned with the first hole and extending through the diaphragm, a fastener extending through the first hole into the second hole. A footplate system is also provided, comprising a footplate configured for placement in a piece of footwear; a moving motor transducer configured to transfer haptic sensations to the footplate; and a top fastener configured to secure the haptic transducer to the footplate.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing a sensory experience to simulate a live event are provided. One includes providing an audible signal representing sound information; generating a vibration signal based on the audible signal and enhanced information that would be present at the live event; and providing the vibration signal to at least one vibration device for stimulating nerve receptors in a foot area, the vibration signal synchronized with the audible signal to produce a perception in the brain of being present at the live event. Another method includes generating a vibration signal representing vibrations including tactile vibrations for stimulating nerve receptors in a foot to simulate being present at a live event, and vibrations based on reproduced sound information; and providing the signal to at least one vibration device for delivering the vibrations to the feet, the tactile vibrations based on enhanced information different from the sound information and including non-audible elements.

Abstract: Embodiments include a portable system for delivering multi-sensory stimulation to a user in association with audio-visual content. The system comprises sensory output modules individually capable of delivering a different sensory output to the user in synchrony with a corresponding portion of the audio-visual content, and a housing comprising the modules and configured for attachment to an electronic device capable of presenting the audio-visual content to the user. Embodiments also include a method of delivering multi-sensory stimulations to a user in association with audio-visual content provided by an electronic device.

Abstract: An entertainment system is provided, the system comprising a portable media device configured to simultaneously produce an audible output signal and a plurality of vibratory output signals, the audible output signal representing a multi-track recording comprising a plurality of individual recorded tracks, each vibratory output signal based on at least one individual recorded track; and a plurality of actuators positioned at various locations on a user's body, each actuator configured to receive a respective one of the vibratory signals and to vibrate based on the received signal. A method of mixing a multi-track vibratory recording is also provided, the method comprising utilizing an entertainment system to feel vibrations representing individual recorded tracks on different locations of a user's body; and for each actuator, selecting at least one of the tracks based on suitability for driving the actuator, and providing, to the actuator, a vibratory signal derived from the selected track.

Abstract: Embodiments include a portable system for delivering multi-sensory stimulation to a user in association with audio-visual content. The system comprises sensory output modules individually capable of delivering a different sensory output to the user in synchrony with a corresponding portion of the audio-visual content, and a housing comprising the modules and configured for attachment to an electronic device capable of presenting the audio-visual content to the user. Embodiments also include a method of delivering multi-sensory stimulations to a user in association with audio-visual content provided by an electronic device.

Abstract: Embodiments include a haptic transducer device comprising a magnetic assembly including a yoke and a magnet disposed within an inner cavity formed by the yoke. The device further includes a diaphragm having a top surface, a ledge projecting below and outwards relative to the top surface, and a sidewall extending downwards from the ledge towards the inner cavity. The device also includes a suspension extending concentrically around the diaphragm and including arms extending between inner and outer edges of the suspension, the inner edge being attached to the ledge of the diaphragm and the outer edge being attached to the outer ledge of the yoke. The device further includes a coil attached to the sidewall of the diaphragm and suspended within the inner cavity. One embodiment further includes an attachment groove integrated into the top surface of the diaphragm and configured for receiving attachment structures included on a footwear insole.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing a sensory experience to simulate a live event are provided. One includes providing an audible signal representing sound information; generating a vibration signal based on the audible signal and enhanced information that would be present at the live event; and providing the vibration signal to at least one vibration device for stimulating nerve receptors in a foot area, the vibration signal synchronized with the audible signal to produce a perception in the brain of being present at the live event. Another method includes generating a vibration signal representing vibrations including tactile vibrations for stimulating nerve receptors in a foot to simulate being present at a live event, and vibrations based on reproduced sound information; and providing the signal to at least one vibration device for delivering the vibrations to the feet, the tactile vibrations based on enhanced information different from the sound information and including non-audible elements.

Abstract: Embodiments include a portable system for delivering multi-sensory stimulation to a user in association with audio-visual content. The system comprises sensory output modules individually capable of delivering a different sensory output to the user in synchrony with a corresponding portion of the audio-visual content, and a housing comprising the modules and configured for attachment to an electronic device capable of presenting the audio-visual content to the user. Embodiments also include a method of delivering multi-sensory stimulations to a user in association with audio-visual content provided by an electronic device.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for enhancing an audio listening experience, the system comprising an electrical device configured to impart vibrations, to a chest area of a user, based on an incoming audio signal and detect an acoustic resonance generated in a chest cavity of the user as a result of the vibrations; and an acoustic system configured to output the incoming audio signal in synchrony with the vibrations imparted to the chest cavity and simultaneously deliver haptic and audible vibrations associated with the acoustic resonance to the ears of the user. Embodiments also include a headphone system comprising an audio driver for outputting an incoming audio signal to the ears; and at least one acoustical port configured to deliver haptic and audible vibrations to the ear, the haptic and audible vibrations being associated with an acoustic resonance generated in a chest cavity of the user based on the audio signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a modular sensory immersion system including one or more panels that introduce the tactile component of audio vibration from multi-media formats into the various surface areas of the human body, while synchronized with audio to the ears. In certain embodiments, the modular sensory immersion system also delivers a range of additional haptic and multi-sensory stimuli synchronized to audio and audio-visual content. In one embodiment, each panel houses vibrating transducers and associated electronics to deliver the audio synchronized force feedback vibrations, as well as the mechanical components associated with the delivery air busts of ambient or heated/cooled variety, water streams and mists, fragrances, and solid or semi solid projectiles. The system can be used as a single interactive panel, as a multi-panel platform, or a multi-panel platform with attached paneled walls that deliver all of the above mentioned sensory stimuli.

Abstract: Embodiments include a haptic transducer device comprising a magnetic assembly including a yoke and a magnet disposed within an inner cavity formed by the yoke. The device further includes a diaphragm having a top surface, a ledge projecting below and outwards relative to the top surface, and a sidewall extending downwards from the ledge towards the inner cavity. The device also includes a suspension extending concentrically around the diaphragm and including arms extending between inner and outer edges of the suspension, the inner edge being attached to the ledge of the diaphragm and the outer edge being attached to the outer ledge of the yoke. The device further includes a coil attached to the sidewall of the diaphragm and suspended within the inner cavity. One embodiment further includes an attachment groove integrated into the top surface of the diaphragm and configured for receiving attachment structures included on a footwear insole.

Abstract: A haptic transducer is provided, comprising a motor including a yoke, an inner cavity formed by the yoke, and a magnet assembly disposed within the inner cavity; a diaphragm disposed above the magnet assembly; a suspension extending concentrically around the diaphragm and having an inner edge attached to the diaphragm and an outer edge attached to the yoke; a cylindrical coil coupled to the diaphragm and suspended within the inner cavity around the magnet assembly; a first hole extending through the motor; and a second hole axially aligned with the first hole and extending through the diaphragm, a fastener extending through the first hole into the second hole. A footplate system is also provided, comprising a footplate configured for placement in a piece of footwear; a moving motor transducer configured to transfer haptic sensations to the footplate; and a top fastener configured to secure the haptic transducer to the footplate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a modular sensory immersion system including one or more panels that introduce the tactile component of audio vibration from multi-media formats into the various surface areas of the human body, while synchronized with audio to the ears. In certain embodiments, the modular sensory immersion system also delivers a range of additional haptic and multi-sensory stimuli synchronized to audio and audio-visual content. In one embodiment, each panel houses vibrating transducers and associated electronics to deliver the audio synchronized force feedback vibrations, as well as the mechanical components associated with the delivery air busts of ambient or heated/cooled variety, water streams and mists, fragrances, and solid or semi solid projectiles. The system can be used as a single interactive panel, as a multi-panel platform, or a multi-panel platform with attached paneled walls that deliver all of the above mentioned sensory stimuli.

Abstract: An entertainment system is provided, the system comprising a portable media device configured to simultaneously produce an audible output signal and a plurality of vibratory output signals, the audible output signal representing a multi-track recording comprising a plurality of individual recorded tracks, each vibratory output signal based on at least one individual recorded track; and a plurality of actuators positioned at various locations on a user's body, each actuator configured to receive a respective one of the vibratory signals and to vibrate based on the received signal. A method of mixing a multi-track vibratory recording is also provided, the method comprising utilizing an entertainment system to feel vibrations representing individual recorded tracks on different locations of a user's body; and for each actuator, selecting at least one of the tracks based on suitability for driving the actuator, and providing, to the actuator, a vibratory signal derived from the selected track.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing a sensory experience to simulate a live event are provided. One includes providing an audible signal representing sound information; generating a vibration signal based on the audible signal and enhanced information that would be present at the live event; and providing the vibration signal to at least one vibration device for stimulating nerve receptors in a foot area, the vibration signal synchronized with the audible signal to produce a perception in the brain of being present at the live event.

Abstract: A virtual reality system includes a drone including a rotor, a display, an audio speaker, a body harness having adjustable straps, and one or more processors in operative communication with the display, the audio speaker, and the drone. The drone may be fixed to the body harness. The one or more processors may be configured to issue audio-visual content to the display and audio speaker and control the rotor based on the issued audio-visual content.

Abstract: An entertainment system is provided, the system comprising a portable media device configured to simultaneously produce an audible output signal and a plurality of vibratory output signals, the audible output signal representing a multi-track recording comprising a plurality of individual recorded tracks, each vibratory output signal based on at least one individual recorded track; and a plurality of actuators positioned at various locations on a user's body, each actuator configured to receive a respective one of the vibratory signals and to vibrate based on the received signal. A method of mixing a multi-track vibratory recording is also provided, the method comprising utilizing an entertainment system to feel vibrations representing individual recorded tracks on different locations of a user's body; and for each actuator, selecting at least one of the tracks based on suitability for driving the actuator, and providing, to the actuator, a vibratory signal derived from the selected track.