Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for providing transmission and localized reception of audio, visual, and tactile signaling are taught for a myriad of useful purposes, including embodiments that permit differentiation between selected groups of intended recipients to permit simultaneous use of multiple instances of this technology in close proximity, if desired.

Abstract: A haptic representation system is provided that generates a haptic effect in response to sensor input. The sensor input is mapped to a haptic signal. The haptic signal is sent to an actuator configured to receive the haptic signal. The actuator utilizes the haptic signal to generate the haptic effect.

Abstract: Systems and methods for notifying game-based clocks and players associated with a sporting event using one or more digital whistles are described. More specifically, the one or more digital whistles, for example used by referees, transmit one or more digital signals upon being used. The transmitted digital signals are received by a whistle processor that processes the transmitted digital signals and transmits instructions to the game-based clocks and players in the sporting event for controlling timekeeping and facilitating a flow of the sporting event.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium that facilitate software configuration of assistive computer devices by automatically assessing a user's capabilities through questions and tasks are provided. The analysis results of the user's capabilities are then available to assistive computer software applications which may subsequently update their interfaces accordingly. A mapping mechanism from an external input device into a target software application is facilitated for software applications that do not include assistive technology features.

Abstract: The method relates to a method and a device for controlling a Braille display having a read area suitable for displaying a portion of a text in Braille form, said read area comprising a row of Braille cells. The control device comprises: emitters, each suitable for emitting a light beam in register with a respective Braille cell; receivers, each suitable for receiving a light beam reflected by at least one finger of a user when said finger is situated on a Braille cell; and a calculation unit suitable for determining the position or the succession positions of a user's finger relative to the read area as a function of the detected light beams, the calculation unit being suitable for triggering commands for navigation in the text as a function of the determined positions.

Abstract: An improved orthotic has a strap that secures the orthotic to a wearer, and comprises a tension indicator coupled to the strap. The tension indicator includes a first element disposed to produce a tactile signal when a tension in the strap reaches a threshold that is less than a permanent deformation threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing navigation assistance to a user are disclosed. A method for providing navigation assistance to a user includes defining at least one virtual wall along at least a portion of a path for navigation through an environment. The at least one virtual wall is offset from the path by an offset distance. The method further includes determining a location of the user and providing tactile feedback to the user, automatically by a processor, when the location of the user is within a threshold distance of the at least one virtual wall.

Abstract: A portable communications device, such as a mobile phone, includes a novel tactile alerting mechanism capable of alerting the user of an incoming communication or other event. In some embodiments, a mechanical actuator causes a rod or lever to pulsate, rotate, or protrude out of a static housing for the communications device. In other embodiments, a pneumatic actuator inflates a bladder that protrudes out of the housing. The alerting mechanism may be configured as a movable part of a decorative fanciful housing for the communications device.

Abstract: An external haptic generator for creating haptic feedback in portable electronic devices and more particularly, an external haptic generator in a vehicle providing a secure mount and creating haptic feedback in portable electronic devices that do not include haptic feedback generators.

Abstract: A wireless output unit of a remote controller 2 having a touch pad 23 or a touch panel wirelessly outputs a coordinate value associated with a continuous contact input for the touch pad 23 to a television 1. A reception unit of the television 1 wirelessly receives the coordinate value associated with the continuous contact input output from the wireless output unit. A display processing unit displays on a display unit 14 a pointer 3 moving on the basis of the coordinate value received by the reception unit. An output unit outputs, when the continuous contact input is finished, acceptance information indicating that an input for an object T displayed on the display unit 14 is accepted at a final coordinate value for the pointer 3 displayed on the display unit 14.

Abstract: An electro-tactile display includes an electrode substrate provided with a plurality of stimulation electrodes, a conductive gel layer positioned between the stimulation electrodes and the skin of a wearer, a switching circuit section electrically connected to the stimulation electrodes, a stimulation pattern generating section electrically connected to the switching circuit, and means for alleviating a sensation experienced by the wearer as a result of the stimulation electrodes. In one aspect, the means for alleviating a sensation is configured from the conductive gel layer. The conductive gel layer has a resistance value equivalent to that of the horny layer of the skin. In another aspect, the means for alleviating a sensation is configured from the stimulation determination means and the threshold value adjustment means.

Abstract: There is provided a lightweight, slim and compact haptic feedback device due to an actuator module constituted of a piezoelectric element and a vibration plate, and an electronic device having the same. The haptic feedback device includes a haptic device receiving contact pressure applied thereto, and an actuator module being in contact with a lower surface of the haptic device and excited according to variations in contact pressure with the haptic device to thereby generate vibrations.

Abstract: A system in which haptic effects are generated using an actuator receives a frequency response for the actuator at a standard voltage and generates a lookup table for an overdrive voltage based on the frequency response. The system then receives a haptic signal for the haptic effect and extracts one or more frequencies for the haptic signal. The system then determines the corresponding overdrive voltage from the lookup table for each of the frequencies and, for each of the frequencies, applies the corresponding overdrive voltage to the actuator. The overdrive voltage is greater than or equal to the standard voltage.

Abstract: A haptic feedback based shoe including at least one microprocessor unit configured to control at least one operation of the shoe, at least one battery configured to provide a power supply voltage, and at least one Radio Frequency (RF) unit configured to communicate with at least one external electronic device using at least one wireless communication protocol. The shoe further includes at least one vibration motor configured to generate at least one pattern of vibration, at least one inertial motion unit (IMU), the at least one IMU further including at least one magnetometer configured to provide at least one reading indicative of orientation. The shoe further includes at least one camera configured to provide at least one image data to the at least one microprocessor unit, the at least one microprocessor unit further configured to detect at least one obstacle from the at least one image.

Abstract: A haptic feedback based shoe including at least one microprocessor unit configured to control at least one operation of the shoe, at least one battery configured to provide a power supply voltage, and at least one Radio Frequency (RF) unit configured to communicate with at least one external electronic device using at least one wireless communication protocol. The shoe further includes at least one vibration motor configured to generate at least one pattern of vibration, at least one inertial motion unit (IMU), the at least one IMU further including at least one magnetometer configured to provide at least one reading indicative of orientation. The shoe further includes at least one camera configured to provide at least one image data to the at least one microprocessor unit, the at least one microprocessor unit further configured to detect at least one obstacle from the at least one image.

Abstract: There is provided a haptic feedback device, including: a vibrating member coupled to a fixed body; and a vibrating element formed on the vibrating member to vibrate the vibrating member, wherein the vibrating member has a plurality of fixed points coupled to the fixed body while allowing a length thereof, vibrated by the vibrating element, to be changed.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus including an operation display unit for displaying a display screen and detecting an operation location on the display screen based upon a user operation on the display screen, a pressure detecting unit including a plurality of pressure sensors for detecting a pressure value according to the user operation on the operation display unit for each of the plurality of pressure sensors, an operation type determining unit for determining a type of the user operation, a deriving unit for selectively deriving a barycentric location on the display screen based upon detection results from the plurality of pressure sensors, based upon a determination result from the operation type determining unit, and an estimating unit for estimating a pressure value on the operation location, based upon a derivation result from the deriving unit and upon information of barycentric location candidates.

Abstract: An assistive device includes a sensor that detects information using a first modality; an actuator that conveys information using a second, different modality; and a controller that automatically receives information from the sensor and operates the actuator to provide a corresponding actuation. A sensory assisting system for a user includes assistive devices and a support the user wears to hold the devices in proximity to body parts. The fields of view of the devices' sensors extend at least partly outward from the body parts. The controller reads the sensors and operates the corresponding actuators. A method of configuring a sensory assisting system includes successively activating actuators and receiving corresponding user feedback; determining perceptibility relationships for devices per the feedback; and repeatedly: activating the actuators per a virtual environment, a user avatar position, and the relationships; receiving a user navigation command; and moving the user avatar.

Abstract: A device, method and computer program product that provides tactile feedback to a visually impaired person to assist the visually impaired person in maintaining eye contact with another person when speaking to the other person. The eyeglass-based tactile response device includes a frame that has sensors mounted thereto, and a track that interconnects eyepieces on the device. In one example, a motor and a wheel are coupled to the track and are driven across the track depending on the amount of feedback to be provided to the user regarding how much the user should turn his or her head.

Abstract: The present system and method is particularly useful for remotely controlling a device having one or more menus via a remote touch interface having at least an unstructured primary input area. A user can provide inputs to a touch interface without needing to view the interface and yet still achieve the desired response from the remotely controlled device. The primary input area of the touch interface may or may not have a background display, such as on a touch screen, but the primary input area of the touch interface should be unstructured and should not have independently selectable items, buttons, icons or anything of the like. Since the touch interface is unstructured, the user does not have to identify any selectable buttons. Instead the user can input a gesture into the interface and watch the remotely controlled device respond. The system does not provide any other visual confirmation.

Abstract: A tactile visual indicator and methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for controlling a tactile visual indicator are provided. Embodiments include a light source; an electromagnetically inductive wound coil; and a light pipe coupled to a ferromagnetic-metal jacket surrounding the outside of the light pipe. The ferromagnetic-metal jacket is within the wound coil and one end of the light pipe is provided to the light source. The light pipe and the ferromagnetic-metal jacket are configured to move within the wound coil in response to the coil receiving power. Light shining through the light pipe from the light source provides a visual indication of a status and the movement of the light pipe and jacket within the wound coil provides a tactile indication of the status via contact with a user.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product that provides tactile feedback to assist a visually impaired person in navigation and avoid collisions with obstacles (objects). The system comprises a pressure based tactile response device and a remote control device. The pressure based tactile response device comprises of a pressure pad which includes a plurality of pressure modules that provide a haptic response to the visually impaired person. With a feedback mechanism the pressure based tactile response device provides navigational information to the impaired person and ensures that collisions with obstacles are avoided. The remote control device comprises a plurality of sensors which enable the impaired person to locate the pressure based tactile response device when it is not in his possession.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide haptic feedback are disclosed. One example method includes receiving a goal condition at a mobile device, requesting information from a host device using a first close-proximity communication, receiving the information at a mobile device using a second close-proximity communication, determining a level of haptic feedback based on the received information and the goal condition, and causing a haptic effect on the mobile device based on the level of haptic feedback. Other implementations are possible.

Abstract: In one example, information is presented to a user in a non-visual manner. In this example, a list of visually representable items defined by a beginning and at least one of dimension of time and space is accessed. Each of the visually representable items within the dimension is placed in one of a plurality of non-visual sensory categories. A non-visual sensory preview is rendered, in sequence for each item in the list, from the plurality of non-visual sensory categories.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vibrotactile device intuitively providing information by inducing a tactile sense to a user, and a method using the same. The device according to an embodiment includes a vibrating contact panel contacting with a user's hand; a plurality of vibratory modules that are attached to the lower part of the vibrating contact panel and vibrate with different intensities according to the amount of supplied power; and a plurality of vibration isolating links that are coupled, respectively, to an end of each of the modules to support the modules and to isolate the vibration from the modules.

Abstract: A device, method and computer program product that provides tactile feedback to a visually impaired person to assist the visually impaired person in maintaining eye contact with another person when speaking to the other person. The eyeglass-based tactile response device includes a frame that has sensors mounted thereto, and a track that interconnects eyepieces on the device. In one example, a motor and a wheel are coupled to the track and are driven across the track depending on the amount of feedback to be provided to the user regarding how much the user should turn his or her head.

Abstract: A stimulation execution portion of a sleep system applies a stimulus (S112) determined based on the difference between the present sleep depth of a target person (S111), which has been measured by a stimulation effect calculation portion (S105) and a target sleep depth for the target person.

Abstract: A touch screen overlay includes a flexible, substantially planar portion having length and width dimensions corresponding to a touch screen of an electronics appliance, one or more features for aligning the substantially planar portion with the touch screen, and a pattern of raised features and/or openings, providing facility for a person to interact with individual features or openings by touch rather than be sight.

Abstract: A portable communications device, such as a mobile phone, includes a novel tactile alerting mechanism capable of alerting the user of an incoming communication or other event. In some embodiments, a mechanical actuator causes a rod or lever to pulsate, rotate, or protrude out of a static housing for the communications device. In other embodiments, a pneumatic actuator inflates a bladder that protrudes out of the housing. The alerting mechanism may be configured as a movable part of a decorative fanciful housing for the communications device.

Abstract: A method for alerting a user of a received electronic signal includes coupling an electronic receiver within a wrist wound vibrating device, coupling a vibrating unit to the electronic receiver, and coupling a display panel to the electronic receiver. The method also includes receiving the electronic signal in the electronic receiver from a cell phone transmitter, actuating the vibrating unit in response to the received electronic signal to alert the user of the electronic signal, and displaying a message in the display panel of the wrist wound vibrating device to notify the user of the electronic signal.

Abstract: A game is provided on one or more portable computing device in which a virtual object travels through views of the game displayed on the interfaces of the one or more portable computing devices. Haptic effects corresponding to the travel of the virtual object through the views are provided on the individual portable computing devices. The haptic effects may be determined based on one or more parameters of the travel of the virtual object, one or more parameters of objects and/or features with which the virtual object interacts, and/or other parameters. The haptic effects may include haptic effects to be provided on portable computing devices that are not currently displaying the virtual object corresponding to the haptic effects.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a device and a method for providing a haptic motion feedback to user interacting with a simulated three-dimensional (“3D”) environment. In one embodiment, the device includes a base and a belt assembly, coupled to the base. The belt assembly includes a housing having an opening and a belt adapted to rotate within the housing for conveying a motion of an object moving in the simulated 3D environment. To indicate a horizontal component of object's motion, in one embodiment, the base is rotated, thus causing the belt assembly to rotate around its central axis. To indicate a vertical component of the object's motion, in one embodiment, the belt assembly is tilted. Optionally, the belt may include a plurality of protrusions and/or indentations on its surface for indicating to the user distances covered by the object within the simulated 3D environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vibration includes a vibration transfer unit; at least one pair of oscillators disposed spaced apart from each other in the vibration transfer unit, and configured to generate a vibration in the vibration transfer unit; at least one driver configured to selectively drive the at least one pair of oscillators; and a controller configured to control the at least one driver and thereby move a center of the vibration within the vibration transfer unit so as to create a moving vibration sensation.

Abstract: The system comprises a wearable, electronic image acquisition and processing system (or visual enhancement system) to guide visually impaired individuals through their environment, providing information to the user about nearby objects of interest, potentially dangerous obstacles, their location, and potential paths to their destination.

Abstract: A method of alerting the driver of a vehicle to a lane departure condition. The method includes operating a lane detection system to detect that the vehicle is experiencing a lane departure condition, operating a sensor to detect background vibration experienced by the vehicle, determining a characteristic making a haptic signal likely to be distinguishable from the background vibration, and operating a haptic signal generator in response to the lane departure condition to deliver to a driver the haptic signal having the characteristic.

Abstract: A haptic feedback system for a robotic catheter system including a robotic catheter manipulator assembly including one or more removably mounted robotic catheter device cartridges and robotic sheath device cartridges, with each cartridge being generally linearly movable relative to the robotic catheter manipulator assembly. The haptic feedback system may include a user interface device for controlling an operation associated with the catheter and/or sheath device cartridges, and a control system for evaluating a predetermined and/or a measured operational parameter of the haptic feedback system. The user interface device may provide haptic feedback to a user based on the evaluation by the control system.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) configured to provide a localized haptic response to a user is provided. The electronic device (100) includes an interface assembly (102) having a user interface surface (600) with a display (206) disposed beneath the user interface surface (600). A compliance member, such as a haptic feedback bezel (209) is disposed beneath the display (206). The compliance member includes one or more cantilever members (210) having motion generation devices (402) coupled thereto. Each cantilever member (210) includes an ell (303) that passes about the display (206) and couples to the user interface surface (600). When the motion generation device (402) is actuated, a haptic force is delivered to the user interface surface (600) through the ell (303).

Abstract: A system which uses movement of a human body to control a function of a terminal comprises: a detecting device for detecting variation of the movement of the human body depending on an intention of a user so as to transmit a detection signal; and a terminal for storing a reference signal according to at least one class of movement and a control signal corresponding to the reference signal, for searching for a reference signal the same as the detection signal received from the detecting device, and for processing a function based on the control signal corresponding to the reference signal when the reference signal the same as the detection signal is identified. Thereby, a user not only controls the terminal or a driving device, but also performs authentication processing using simple movement of his/her body without any hand operation. A corresponding method for controlling a function using movement of the human body is disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a vibrotactile mobile device which induces a tactile sense at various positions in an interface method of operating the mobile device so that a user may intuitively interact with the mobile device while seeing a program execution status, and to a method of driving the vibrotactile mobile device. The method of driving the vibrotactile mobile device includes: providing a user interface for inputting a command signal on a screen operated in accordance with a program; calculating a target vibration position and a direction and a speed of a vibration flow with time so as to recognize a trajectory of the command signal displayed on the screen and supply a vibration stimulus corresponding to the trajectory of the command signal; and driving the vibration module by controlling a supply of power to be applied to vibration modules based on the calculated result.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle or mechanism includes a portable displacement controller which permits a non-technical user to achieve effective control of the vehicle or mechanism, by moving the portable displacement controller intuitively with little learning effort. A first sensing device, attached to the displacement controller, detects the user's controlling motion. A second sensing device, attached to the object being controlled, detects motion thereof. An interface device receives signals from the sensing devices, processes those signals to determine relative motion of the controlling motion and the object's motion and outputs a control signal in accordance with the processed signals. The sensing devices each detect motion in six degrees of freedom; the sensing devices each include a three-axis accelerometer, a three-axis gyroscope, and a three-axis magnetometer. In specific embodiments, the accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers include micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices.

Abstract: An handwriting electronic input system in which a feeling representing that of handwriting performed actually using a writing instrument can be attained when handwriting input is performed electrically. The electric handwriting input system to perform handwriting electrically is provided with a handwriting input section used in handwriting input of operator's handwriting information, a handwriting input detection section to detect handwriting input through the handwriting input section, wherein the handwriting input section is provided with a handwriting feeling producing section to generate a vibration represents a handwriting feeling in accordance with operation of the handwriting input section at handwriting input of information.

Abstract: Method of transmitting tactile information to a tactile display with a touch plate containing pads, the touch plate being controlled by a server, in which, (a) tactile information is defined as being a sequence of a predefined number of images together forming a pattern, each image having a rank in the pattern, each pattern being defined by: a design of successive images a duration for each image, a duration between consecutive images, a duration between consecutive patterns; (b) said word is transmitted to a tactile display server, preceded by a beacon indicating that data following the beacon must be directed to the touch plate control server; (c) a series of instructions is activated when the server receives the word, this series having a start address that depends on said word, said series of instructions being used to display the successive images together forming the pattern corresponding to the word to be displayed, said series of instructions being repeated to display the same pattern a predefin

Abstract: An alerting system for alerting a user having a transmitter monitoring a predetermined condition (i.e. sound, telephone, door/window access, fire, carbon monoxide, emergency weather alerts, etc.) and outputting an alarm signal in response to detection of the predetermined condition. The transmitter further outputs a supervisory signal indicative of operation of the transmitter (i.e. low battery condition, out of range, etc.). The alerting system further includes an alerting device receiving the alarm signal and the supervisory signal from the transmitter and detecting cessation of the supervisory signal device and outputting a first alert signal to the user indicative of the cessation of the supervisory signal. The alerting device further detecting presence of the alarm signal and outputting a second alert signal to the user indicative of presence of the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A reconfigurable tactile human-machine interface adapted for facilitating selection and manipulation by a user, presenting a first geometric shape, orientation, position, or characteristic, and including at least one active material element configured to cause the interface to achieve a second geometric shape, orientation, position or otherwise characteristic when activated or deactivated, and preferably further including at least one sensor, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and interface and configured to selectively cause the element to be activated upon receipt of sensory input.

Abstract: A method for diagnosis of oil quality within an internal combustion engine includes analyzing input data from an oil level sensor and generating a warning if the input data includes an oil level change indicative of a sub-standard oil quality condition.

Abstract: A tactile input to a system having a speaker located in an enclosure with an audio port can be detected by generating a sound wave in response to a signal and sensing the phase relationship between the current phase and the voltage phase of the signal. While the audio port is open a baseline current and voltage phase difference is established. When the audio port is obstructed by a finger touch, the current and voltage phase difference is altered in response to the obstruction. While the altered phase difference is detected, a tactile event is indicated.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing information about a physical surrounding environment to a user includes an elongate body having first and second opposing ends and a mast, at least one sensor mountably coupled to the mast, at least one dual purpose, bi-directional haptic force feedback device including first and second haptic force feedback mechanisms and a vibrator, and a processor, which receives signals from the at least one sensor and operatively controls the at least one dual purpose, bi-directional haptic force feedback device.

Abstract: A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts. One embodiment of a force feedback device provides both relative position reporting and absolute position reporting to allow great flexibility. A different device embodiment provides relative position reporting device allowing maximum compatibility with existing software. Information such as ballistic parameters and screen size sent from the host to the force feedback device allow accurate mouse positions and cursor positions to be determined in the force feedback environment. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile remote control system, which uses a processor to integrate the operation selection items of controlled devices and arrange the selection items into a graphic user interface, and which uses a microswitch to output instructions. The processor arranges the graphic user interfaces of a controlled device hierarchically. Therefore, the graphic user interfaces have organizationality, logicality and continuity. The user watches the display and operates the microswitches to remotely control the controlled devices. The present invention integrates the control functions to assist the user to control the daily-life electronic devices and household appliances. The present invention enables any one, who has been briefly instructed, to remotely control the linked devices by his will.