Abstract: The technology disclosed herein includes a controller or device that provides multi-dimensional hand interaction with the digital world by delivering physical sensations to the palm and the fingertips. The device translates motion from the hand and fingers to control of a computer device, while simultaneously receiving signals to display haptic sensations. The device is “controller-held” around a user's hand, holding onto hand anatomy at key locations. In some embodiments, the device has one-handed engagement and disengagement. In some embodiments, the device may be used as a game controller, incorporating WebVR electronics and software, wireless communication, power-harvesting electronics, inertial measurements unit electronics including additional inputs for camera-based IMU supplementation, battery recharging electronic and internal communication protocol support electronics.

Abstract: The technology disclosed herein includes a controller or device that provides multi-dimensional hand interaction with the digital world by delivering physical sensations to the palm and the fingertips. The device translates motion from the hand and fingers to control of a computer device, while simultaneously receiving signals to display haptic sensations. The device is “controller-held” around a user's hand, holding onto hand anatomy at key locations. In some embodiments, the device has one-handed engagement and disengagement. In some embodiments, the device may be used as a game controller, incorporating WebVR electronics and software, wireless communication, power-harvesting electronics, inertial measurements unit electronics including additional inputs for camera-based IMU supplementation, battery recharging electronic and internal communication protocol support electronics.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for haptics communication are described. In some examples, a method may be performed by a device. The method may include detecting an indication to create a haptic message. The method may also include displaying a field for entering sentiment information based at least in part on the detecting the indication. The method may also include displaying a plurality of haptic indicators for selection, the plurality of haptic indicators associated with the sentiment information. The method may also include obtaining one or more selected haptic indicators from the plurality of haptic indicators. Additionally, the method may include generating the haptic message as an association between the sentiment information and the one or more selected haptic indicators.

Abstract: The technology disclosed herein includes a controller or device that provides multi-dimensional hand interaction with the digital world by delivering physical sensations to the palm and the fingertips. The device translates motion from the hand and fingers to control of a computer device, while simultaneously receiving signals to display haptic sensations. The device is “controller-held” around a user's hand, holding onto hand anatomy at key locations. In some embodiments, the device has one-handed engagement and disengagement. In some embodiments, the device may be used as a game controller, incorporating WebVR electronics and software, wireless communication, power-harvesting electronics, inertial measurements unit electronics including additional inputs for camera-based IMU supplementation, battery recharging electronic and internal communication protocol support electronics.

Abstract: An input device includes an input structure, a magnet attached to the input structure, and an electromagnet. The magnet rotates when the electromagnet is activated, thereby rotating the input structure. The magnet and input structure rotate about a pivot in order to provide haptic and/or visual feedback to a user. The pivot may attach the magnet and input structure to a body, which in turn may be affixed to, or part of, an electronic device. The electromagnet can encircle the body and/or magnet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dynamically shapeable haptic interface, which can include a drive mechanism, a tactile mechanism, and a display. The display can emit light towards the drive mechanism in the form of image(s). The emitted light can activate a plurality of switches located between coil(s) included in the drive mechanism and the display. The plurality of switches, when activated, can allow current(s), supplied by a source, to pass through the coil(s). The current passing through the coils can create magnetic fields. The magnetic fields can collectively form a magnetic profile. The magnetic profile can cause the tactile mechanism to render shape(s) on the surface of the haptic interface. The tactile mechanism can include magnetic component(s), such as ferrous particles, magnets, and/or magnetic pins. The magnetic component(s) can move based on the magnetic profile and, along with one or more layers of material, can render the shape(s).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dynamically shapeable haptic interface, which can include a drive mechanism, a tactile mechanism, and a display. The display can emit light towards the drive mechanism in the form of image(s). The emitted light can activate a plurality of switches located between coil(s) included in the drive mechanism and the display. The plurality of switches, when activated, can allow current(s), supplied by a source, to pass through the coil(s). The current passing through the coils can create magnetic fields. The magnetic fields can collectively form a magnetic profile. The magnetic profile can cause the tactile mechanism to render shape(s) on the surface of the haptic interface. The tactile mechanism can include magnetic component(s), such as ferrous particles, magnets, and/or magnetic pins. The magnetic component(s) can move based on the magnetic profile and, along with one or more layers of material, can render the shape(s).

Abstract: An input device includes an input structure, a magnet attached to the input structure, and an electromagnet. The magnet rotates when the electromagnet is activated, thereby rotating the input structure. The magnet and input structure rotate about a pivot in order to provide haptic and/or visual feedback to a user. The pivot may attach the magnet and input structure to a body, which in turn may be affixed to, or part of, an electronic device. The electromagnet can encircle the body and/or magnet.

Abstract: Strands of material may be intertwined to form fabric for a strap or other structure in an electronic device. Conductive strands in the fabric may have middle-of-strand knots. When current is applied to a conductive strand, the knot in that strand may produce magnetic fields that cause the knot to adjust tension in the fabric. Conductive strands may intersect at nodes. Each node may have a knot formed from one or more conductive strands at the node. An electronic device or other item may have a magnetic field source that applies a fixed or time-varying magnetic field to the fabric. Each node in the fabric may include magnetic material. The magnetic material may be magnetized by applying current through the conductive strands. After magnetization, each node may interact with the magnetic field from the source of magnetic field to thereby adjust fabric tension, shape, movement, etc.

Abstract: A virtual keyboard device includes a surface, a static pattern electrostatic haptic electrode disposed on an area of the surface, the static pattern electrostatic haptic electrode defining voids on the area of the surface between contiguous portions of the static pattern electrostatic haptic electrode, insulating material disposed on the static pattern electrostatic haptic electrode, and a controller operable to apply a voltage to the static pattern electrostatic haptic electrode. Application of the voltage to the static pattern electrostatic haptic electrode may produce a variable friction between a conductive object and the insulating material as the conductive object moves across the insulating material. In some implementations, the surface may be part of a display device that is configured to display a virtual key of a virtual keyboard in the area.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for interacting with a computer. For example, a haptic interface device is disclosed that includes a thin, flexible passive actuating element and a sensor. The thin, flexible passive actuating element includes at least one unattached edge that is susceptible to manipulation, and the sensor is operable to detect a manipulation of the thin, flexible passive actuating element and to provide an output corresponding to the detected manipulation. In some cases of the aforementioned embodiments, the thin, flexible passive actuating element provides a haptic feedback to a user providing the manipulation, and the haptic feedback simulates the haptic sensation of paper such as, for example a sheet of paper, a playing card, an index folder or the like.