Abstract: Interactive communication devices in communication with a central server support ambient communications between two or more remotely located users. Each device has a sensor and a feedback device. The sensors allow the device to sense ‘outgoing’ interaction (e.g., a squeeze or hug), and the feedback devices allow the device to demonstrate ‘incoming’ interactions. A central device is activated when someone interacts with any of the other devices within the network. The other devices in the network—the peripheral devices—are activated both when the interaction originates from the central device as well as from the other peripheral devices. When the server determines that a user has interacted with one of the devices, messages are sent to other devices in the network to reflect the user interaction. The communication devices allow the users in the network to send messages to each other by simply squeezing their respective devices.

Abstract: Interactive communication devices in communication with a central server support ambient communications between two or more remotely located users. Each device has a sensor and a feedback device. The sensors allow the device to sense ‘outgoing’ interaction (e.g., a squeeze or hug), and the feedback devices allow the device to demonstrate ‘incoming’ interactions. A central device is activated when someone interacts with any of the other devices within the network. The other devices in the network—the peripheral devices—are activated both when the interaction originates from the central device as well as from the other peripheral devices. When the server determines that a user has interacted with one of the devices, messages are sent to other devices in the network to reflect the user interaction. The communication devices allow the users in the network to send messages to each other by simply squeezing their respective devices.

Abstract: Interactive communication devices in communication with a central server support ambient communications between two or more remotely located users. Each device has embedded sensors, lights, and speakers. The sensors allow the device to sense ‘outgoing’ interaction (e.g., a squeeze or hug), and the lights and speakers allow the device to demonstrate ‘incoming’ interaction. A central device is activated when someone interacts with any of the other devices within the network. The other devices in the network—the peripheral devices—are activated both when the interaction originates from the central device as well as from the other peripheral devices. When the server determines that a user has interacted with one of the devices, messages are sent to other devices in the network to reflect the user interaction. The communication devices allow the users in the network to send messages to each other by simply squeezing their respective devices.

Abstract: Interactive communication devices in communication with a central server support ambient communications between two or more remotely located users. Each device has embedded sensors, lights, and speakers. The sensors allow the device to sense ‘outgoing’ interaction (e.g., a squeeze or hug), and the lights and speakers allow the device to demonstrate ‘incoming’ interaction. A central device is activated when someone interacts with any of the other devices within the network. The other devices in the network—the peripheral devices—are activated both when the interaction originates from the central device as well as from the other peripheral devices. When the server determines that a user has interacted with one of the devices, messages are sent to other devices in the network to reflect the user interaction. The communication devices allow the users in the network to send messages to each other by simply squeezing their respective devices.