Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for haptically-enhanced smart home architectures. For example, one disclosed method includes determining a building component condition of a building component; determining an interaction with a control device in the building, the control device associated with the component of the building and comprising a haptic output device; determining a haptic effect based on the building component condition; and transmitting a signal to the haptic output device to cause the haptic output device to output the haptic effect.

Abstract: A computer-based method for controlling a haptic actuator over a network is provided. The method includes, at a haptic server, receiving a selection of a haptic actuator connected to a haptic hardware support platform, receiving a selection of a haptic effect driver software package or library, receiving a selection of a haptic effect, creating a haptic command message including haptic actuator drive values, and transmitting the haptic command message to the haptic hardware support platform over the network. The haptic hardware support platform is configured to receive the haptic command message over the network, parse the haptic command message to extract the haptic actuator drive values, and apply a haptic actuator drive signal to the haptic actuator to play the selected haptic effect, the haptic actuator drive signal based on the haptic actuator drive values.

Abstract: One embodiment provides haptic functionality. The embodiment receives an encoded value that encodes an actuator drive value, where the actuator drive value corresponds to a strength of a haptic effect. The embodiment converts the encoded value into a pattern of ON/OFF durations, and plays back the pattern of ON/OFF durations on an actuator to produce the haptic effect.

Abstract: The embodiments are directed toward techniques for isolating a user input signal at a haptic output device. A signal originating from a user input element associated with the haptic output device is received. The received signal is separated into a first component including the user input signal, and a second component including a haptic feedback signal. While the first component is processed, the second component can be discarded or otherwise ignored.

Abstract: The embodiments are directed toward techniques for modifying a haptic effect that is rendered based on a media stream. Upon receiving the media stream, a haptic drive signal is generated based on the media stream. The haptic drive signal is then applied to render the haptic effect at a haptic output device. Within a media editing application, the media stream may be modified. In response to the modification, a modified haptic drive signal may be generated based on the modification to the media stream. As a result, a modified haptic effect is rendered at the haptic output device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering a haptic effect at a user input element associated with a haptic output device are provided. A primary range and a secondary range of positions are defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device. In addition, a boundary range of positions is defined for the user input element associated with the haptic output device, the boundary range partially overlapping each of the primary and secondary ranges. A position of the user input element is monitored, and the haptic effect rendered in response to an entry of the user input element to positions within the boundary range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling power and/or current consumption for multiple haptic output devices are provided. Various features of the haptic output device may be described within a data structure. In response to a haptic instruction, a power budget for the haptic output device may be determined in accordance with its operational characteristics. A drive signal may then be applied to the haptic output device to produce the haptic effect in accordance with the calculated power budget. The calculated power budget may be configured to limit the current or power drawn by the haptic output device.

Abstract: The embodiments are directed toward an architecture and communication protocol for controlling haptic output devices. According to the embodiments, a composite drive signal is generated that includes a first drive signal to be rendered by a first haptic output device, a second drive signal to be rendered by a second haptic output device, and a packet identifier. A controller includes the first haptic output device that is associated with a first user input element and the second haptic output device associated with a second user input element. The composite drive signal is transmitted to controller, and the execution order of the first and second drive signals is determined based on the packet identifier.