Abstract: A method and a device provide a tactile sensation. Devices include a plurality of actuators. The plurality of actuators includes first and second actuators. The first actuator is adapted to provide a first tactile sensation, and the second actuator is adapted to provide a second tactile sensation.

Abstract: A method and a device provide a tactile sensation. Devices include a plurality of actuators. The plurality of actuators includes first and second actuators. The first actuator is adapted to provide a first tactile sensation, and the second actuator is adapted to provide a second tactile sensation.

Abstract: A method and a device for providing a tactile sensation are provided. The device includes a plurality of actuators. The plurality of actuators includes first and second actuators. The first actuator is adapted to provide a first tactile sensation, and the second actuator is adapted to provide a second tactile sensation.

Abstract: A universal tactile feedback system for computer and video game systems is disclosed which provides real time tactile feedback to enhance a user's experience while interacting with a computer/video game or simulation. The tactile feedback system operates both in host-independent and host-dependent modes, thereby allowing the system to function even when no accommodation is provided by the game or simulation system that is being used. The host-independent mode is responsive to the audio signal that is typically generated by a computer or video game system while it is executing a game or simulation. The host-dependent mode is responsive to control commands specifically generated by a computer or video game system while it is executing a game or simulation. The tactile feedback system then creates tactile sensations primarily via controller-based tactile sensation generators, such that the user feels physical sensations corresponding to events occurring within the game or simulation in real time.

Abstract: A universal tactile feedback system for computer and video game systems is disclosed which provides real time tactile feedback to enhance a user's experience while interacting with a computer/video game or simulation. The tactile feedback system operates both in host-independent and host-dependent modes, thereby allowing the system to function even when no accommodation is provided by the game or simulation system that is being used. The host-independent mode is responsive to the audio signal that is typically generated by a computer or video game system while it is executing a game or simulation. The host-dependent mode is responsive to control commands specifically generated by a computer or video game system while it is executing a game or simulation. The tactile feedback system then creates tactile sensations primarily via controller-based tactile sensation generators, such that the user feels physical sensations corresponding to events occurring within the game or simulation in real time.

Abstract: A method and a device for providing a tactile sensation are provided. The device includes a plurality of actuators. The plurality of actuators includes first and second actuators. The first actuator is adapted to provide a first tactile sensation, and the second actuator is adapted to provide a second tactile sensation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collision avoidance and enhanced visibility is disclosed which increases the safety of vehicles. The invention utilizes a modular and self-contained network of sensors and cameras affixed around the perimeter of a vehicle to detect and then make known to the operator of said vehicle currently present or impending threats to safety. The system tracks pedestrians and other objects in real time and performs analysis to reduce the quantity of information according to threat level, and presents the corresponding information to the vehicle operator in an intuitive manner such that safety is facilitated and maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing tactile feedback for computer and video game systems is disclosed which provides real time tactile feedback to enhance a user's experience while interacting with a computer/video game or simulation. The method relies on application-generated telemetry that is generated by an executing application for the benefit of a telemetry processing method, and/or telemetry that is self-generated by said telemetry processor when no telemetry has been provided by said executing application. The application-generated telemetry is used to produce tactile feedback that is derived directly from the internal calculations of said application, where said telemetry is processed by a telemetry processor that calculates said derivative tactile feedback in real time by applying scaling values and algorithms to the raw telemetry. In the event that application-generated telemetry is not available or relatively limited, self-generated telemetry is utilized to supplement the provided telemetry.

Abstract: A universal tactile feedback system for computer and video game systems is disclosed which provides real time tactile feedback to enhance a user's experience while interacting with a computer/video game or simulation. The tactile feedback system operates both in host-independent and host-dependent modes, thereby allowing the system to function even when no accomodation is provided by the game or simulation system that is being used. The host-independent mode is responsive to the audio signal that is typically generated by a computer or video game system while it is executing a game or simulation. The host-dependent mode is responsive to control commands specifically generated by a computer or video game system while it is executing a game or simulation.

Abstract: A modular and reconfigurable Multi-Function Display (MFD) system allows a computer system to drive one or more Multi-Function Displays that display information independently of other display screens driven by a computer simulation. Video channels generated by a computer simulation are carried in parallel to one or more MFD modules. A channel selector on each MFD determines which single video channel is to be displayed on that MFD. Each MFD consists of a relatively small and flat color display screen that displays images supplied by the computer simulation. Each MFD provides a plurality of user input devices that are connected to the computer host via a digital I/O bus.

Abstract: A control system that is responsive to an audio signal generated by an audio source such as a computer, video game console, stereo system and the like. The control system converts the audio signal into a control signal for a tactile sensation generator such as a vibrating cushion, vibrating seat pad, and the like. The control system contains an audio signal processor and a control signal generator. The audio signal processor produces a processed signal indicative of the amplitude, frequency, and rate of change of the audio signal. From the processed signal, a control signal generator produces a control signal for a tactile sensation generator. The control signal causes the tactile sensation generator to produce a tactile sensation corresponding to the present scene being displayed, for example, on a monitor of a computer executing a computer game.

Abstract: A seat-based tactile sensation generator capable of producing tactile sensation to a video game player corresponding to activity portrayed in a video game. Specifically, in response to signals produced by the video game, a control circuit generator produces control signals for the seat-based tactile sensation generator. The tactile sensation generator contains an array of actuators embedded within a foam seating pad. A specific arrangement of actuators positions the actuators proximate particular portions of a game player's body. Each actuator or group of actuators interacts with the player and is individually activated to produce a localized tactile sensation, e.g., an impact or vibration, corresponding to the action portrayed by the video game as it occurs.

Abstract: A tactile sensation generator capable of producing tactile sensations to a video game player corresponding to activity portrayed in a video game. Specifically, an interface circuit is responsive to control commands generated by a computer executing the video game program. The interface circuit interprets the control commands and activates the tactile sensation generator. The tactile sensation generator contains a vest or harness for maintaining a flexible pad proximate a player's body. The pad contains one or more actuators, e.g., a solenoid or vibratory motor embedded in the pad. Each actuator interacts with the wearer and is individually activated to produce a localized tactile sensation, e.g., an impact or vibration, corresponding to the action simultaneously portrayed by the video game on a computer screen or television.