Abstract: A method of generating haptic effects on a device includes detecting the presence of an object near an input area of the device and generating a haptic effect on the device in response to the presence detection.

Abstract: Products and processes for providing haptic feedback in a user interface are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment of an apparatus comprises a first element comprising a first surface, a second element comprising a second surface, and an actuator configured vary a force between the first and second surfaces. In one embodiment, the second element may be configured to be displaced relative to first element in a degree of freedom. In another embodiment, at least one of the first surface and the second surface may comprise a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a surgical training apparatus which comprises a plurality of mechanical interfaces each of which is configured to receive a user tool operable by a user. Each mechanical interface of the plurality is configured to allow movement of its respective user tool in a rotational degree of freedom and a linear degree of freedom. The apparatus includes one or more sensors which are coupled to the mechanical interfaces and configured to simultaneously sense positional information of each user tool during movement. A computer coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to run a software application simulating each user tool as a respective simulated surgical tool operating on a simulated body part in a displayed graphical environment, wherein the computer updates movement of each simulated user tool in the graphical environment based on said positional information.

Abstract: A mobile terminal device receives a haptically enabled message that includes text and at least one haptic feedback command. The device determines the timing of the haptic feedback command within the message. When the device receives an indication that the message is being displayed by a user, the device synchronizes a haptic effect corresponding to the haptic feedback command. The synchronizing is based on the timing and the indication.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a haptic device in a vehicle. The system comprises a foot operated pedal of a vehicle. A sensor is coupled to the pedal and is configured to sense a position of the pedal during use. The sensor is configured to output a sensor signal associated with the position of the pedal. A processor is coupled to the sensor and is configured to receive the sensor signal. The processor outputs a control signal upon the pedal moving past a threshold position. An actuator is coupled to the processor, wherein the actuator is configured to output a haptic feedback force to the pedal upon receiving the control signal from the processor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing visual navigation cues in user interfaces for use with rotary input devices are described. One described method comprises causing a plurality of graphical objects to be displayed in an arc. The curvature of the arc is configured to convey the ordinal relationship for navigating between each of the plurality of graphical objects with a rotary input device. The curvature of the arc is independent of the spatial relationship between the rotary input device and a display.

Abstract: A haptic feedback generation system includes a linear resonant actuator and a drive circuit. The drive circuit is adapted to output a unidirectional signal that is applied to the linear resonant actuator. In response, the linear resonant actuator generates haptic vibrations.

Abstract: A haptic feedback system that includes a controller, a memory coupled to the controller, an actuator drive circuit coupled to the controller, and an actuator coupled to the actuator drive circuit. The memory stores at least one haptic effect that is executed by the controller in order to create a haptic effect.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor configured to be coupled to a throttle interface. The sensor is configured to output a sensor signal associated with a condition of the throttle interface. A first brake element has a first friction surface and a second brake element has a second friction surface. The second brake element is configured to be coupled to the throttle interface. The friction surface associated with the first brake element is positioned opposite the friction surface associated with the second brake element. The first brake element is configured to move relative to the second brake element. An actuator is coupled to the first brake element and is configured to output haptic feedback to the throttle interface via the first brake element based on the sensor signal.

Abstract: A system for providing realistic sensation within a simulation system by providing tactile (haptic) feedback to a user. The system includes an engageable practice tool that the user engages and a mechanical simulation apparatus coupled to the practice tool. The mechanical simulation apparatus includes a ground member, a mechanical linkage rotatably coupled to the ground member, a linear axis member coupled to the practice tool and the mechanical linkage, at least four actuators coupled to the ground member, sensors for sensing movement of the actuators, and at least three cables in contact with the at least four actuators and coupled to the mechanical linkage. An interface device is coupled to the simulation apparatus and a host computer is coupled to the interface device for implementing an application program. The application program provides signals for the actuators to move the cables and thereby move the mechanical linkage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing visual navigation cues in user interfaces for use with rotary input devices are described. One described method comprises causing a plurality of graphical objects to be displayed in an arc. The curvature of the arc is configured to convey the ordinal relationship for navigating between each of the plurality of graphical objects with a rotary input device. The curvature of the arc is independent of the spatial relationship between the rotary input device and a display.

Abstract: A haptic effect device includes a housing and a touchscreen coupled to the housing through a suspension. An actuator is coupled to the touchscreen. The suspension is tuned so that when the actuator generates first vibrations at a first frequency, the first vibrations are substantially isolated from the housing and are applied on the touchscreen to simulate a mechanical button. Further, when the actuator generates second vibrations at a second frequency, the second vibrations are substantially passed through to the housing to create a vibratory alert.

Abstract: A method of testing a haptic device that includes an actuator and has a first weight includes placing the haptic device on a test fixture that has a second weight that is greater than the first weight. The haptic device is placed on the test fixture so that the actuator within the haptic device is substantially close to the center of gravity of the test fixture. The method further includes causing the haptic device to generate haptic effects via the actuator, and measuring the acceleration of the test fixture during the haptic effects.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an input device and an actuator. The input device has an interface portion. The interface portion defines a selectively adjustable orifice having a range of sizes. The interface portion defines a plane and a longitudinal axis. An actuator is coupled to the interface portion of the input device. The actuator is configured to apply a haptic feedback force inwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis within the plane to at least three locations of the interface portion when a change in a size of an object disposed within the interface portion is sufficient to adjust the size of the orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor configured to be coupled to a throttle interface. The sensor is configured to output a sensor signal associated with a condition of the throttle interface. A first brake element has a first friction surface and a second brake element has a second friction surface. The second brake element is configured to be coupled to the throttle interface. The friction surface associated with the first brake element is positioned opposite the friction surface associated with the second brake element. The first brake element is configured to move relative to the second brake element. An actuator is coupled to the first brake element and is configured to output haptic feedback to the throttle interface via the first brake element based on the sensor signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing visual navigation cues in user interfaces for use with rotary input devices are described. One described method comprises causing a plurality of graphical objects to be displayed in an arc. The curvature of the arc is configured to convey the ordinal relationship for navigating between each of the plurality of graphical objects with a rotary input device. The curvature of the arc is independent of the spatial relationship between the rotary input device and a display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing visual navigation cues in user interfaces for use with rotary input devices are described. One described method comprises causing a plurality of graphical objects to be displayed in an arc. The curvature of the arc is configured to convey the ordinal relationship for navigating between each of the plurality of graphical objects with a rotary input device. The curvature of the arc is independent of the spatial relationship between the rotary input device and a display.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor configured to be coupled to a throttle interface. The sensor is configured to output a sensor signal associated with a condition of the throttle interface. A first brake element has a first friction surface and a second brake element has a second friction surface. The second brake element is configured to be coupled to the throttle interface. The friction surface associated with the first brake element is positioned opposite the friction surface associated with the second brake element. The first brake element is configured to move relative to the second brake element. An actuator is coupled to the first brake element and is configured to output haptic feedback to the throttle interface via the first brake element based on the sensor signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a resonant device are described. One described method for braking an actuator includes generating a first actuator signal configured to drive the actuator, the first actuator signal having a first frequency approximately resonant to the actuator, and transmitting the first actuator signal to the actuator. The method also includes generating a second actuator signal, having a second frequency approximately 180 degrees out of phase to the first frequency, the second actuator signal configured to cause a braking force on the actuator, and transmitting the second actuator signal to the actuator.

Abstract: A planar touch control is used to provide input to a computer and haptic feedback is provided thereto. A touch control includes a touch input device with a planar touch surface that inputs a position signal to a processor associated with the computer based on a location of user implemented contact on the touch surface. The computer can position or modify a cursor or image in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position signal, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user via the touch surface.