Abstract: A method for identifying, locating and tracking a calibrating conduit within a 3D ultrasound point cloud includes the following steps: firstly rapidly modeling the conduit through an ultrasound map, then framing an approximate range of the conduit after human-computer interaction in a display interface, and tracking the approximate range accurately. The method has advantages of modeling and locating the conduit based on pure ultrasound, faster and more accurate modeling, more accurate positioning of the conduit by framing, reducing inaccurate positioning caused by other factors, and human-machine interaction for positioning the conduit with ready access to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for controlling an operating device, where the operating device includes: (i) a grip part to be gripped by a user; and (ii) an operation part for activation by a finger of the user gripping the grip part, and where the operation part includes: (i) a movable part capable of moving from a resting position toward another position in response to a force applied by the finger of the user, (ii) a biasing element operating to urge the movable part toward the resting position, and (iii) a motorized assembly operating to receive a drive signal and apply a force to the movable part in an opposite direction of the force applied by the finger of the user.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to technology for haptic stimulation. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a haptic stimulation system comprising a haptic stimulation interface comprising a pattern of stimulation elements configured to stimulate receptors in skin of a user. The haptic stimulation system further comprises a control circuit configured to present information in the haptic stimulation interface in accordance with a presentation mode that is tailored to the user.

Abstract: In some implementations, a user device can maintain a multi-device context store. For example, the user device can receive device and/or user context information from multiple devices and store the context information in a local data store. The user device can collect local device and/or user context information and store the context information in the local context store. The user device can receive user/device context queries from client processes and send the client processes user/device context information from multiple devices in response to the queries.

Abstract: A force sense presentation device 1 includes a base body 2 that is gripped by a hand of a user, a movable unit 3 having a finger placement portion 5 on which the user is to place a fingertip in a state in which the base body 2 is gripped by the user, and a moving mechanism that moves the movable unit 3 with respect to the base body 2. The base body 2 is held by two or more fingers. The finger placement portion 5 has a finger engagement portion 4 provided thereon uprightly in a direction different from a moving direction of the movable unit 3.

Abstract: A semiconductor probe includes multiple metal layers. An oxide layer is disposed between each adjacent pair of the metal layer. A via for connecting at least one pair of the metal layers. At least one protection layer 150 is disposed at an external side of the metal layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling activation of different input elements using an actuator are disclosed herein. An example method includes in response to detecting that a representation of a finger is located by a first input element: obtaining information regarding a first amount of force to actuate the first input element, and causing adjustment of a physical characteristic of an actuator so that a first amount of force directed to a component of the actuator activates the first input element. In response to detecting that the representation of the finger is located by a second input element, the method also includes: obtaining information regarding a second amount of force distinct from the first amount of force, and causing adjustment of the physical characteristic of the actuator so that the second amount of force directed to the component of the actuator activates the second input element.

Abstract: A dial control method applied to an electronic device is provided. The electronic device has a storage unit configured to store a plurality of functions. The functions comprise a first function and a second function. The first function is a constant function, and the second function is a non-linear function. The electronic device is electrically connected to a dial module, and the dial module rotates to generate rotation data. The dial control method comprises: receiving a selection signal and selecting one of the functions based on the selection signal; receiving the rotation data and calculating a tick number per unit time based on the rotation data; transforming the tick number per unit time into an output tick number based on the selected function; and controlling the electronic device based on the output tick number. A dial control system is further provided.

Abstract: An electronic device detects a contact on a touch-sensitive surface of the electronic device, including a first portion of a gesture made with the contact, a second portion of the gesture that follows the first portion, and lift-off of the contact from the touch-sensitive surface during or after the second portion of the gesture. In response to detecting the second portion of the gesture, if a modifier input was detected while detecting the first portion of the gesture made with the contact, the electronic device performs a first operation and generates a first tactile output on the touch-sensitive surface. If the modifier input was not detected while detecting the first portion of the gesture, the electronic device performs a second operation different from the first operation and generates a second tactile output on the touch-sensitive surface, wherein the second tactile output is different from the first tactile output.

Abstract: Provided is a device including a housing, a mass body arranged in the housing, a movement mechanism that moves the mass body in the housing, a vibrator, and a control unit that controls movement of the mass body and vibration of the vibrator. The control unit is capable of changing a position at which the vibrator is to vibrate in the housing.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide techniques for generating haptic feedback or haptic sensations, and in particular to techniques for outputting haptic feedback which varies depending on the input. The haptic feedback is delivered by a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator that controls the movement of a component based on the required haptic feedback/sensation.

Abstract: An electronic including a transceiver configured to receive, from at least one wearable device, information indicating whether the at least one wearable device is being worn; and a processor configured to determine whether the at least one wearable device that is being worn, based on the received information indicating whether the at least one wearable device is being worn, and to provide a notification to the at least one wearable device in response to determining that the at least one wearable device is being worn.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing system including: an information processor; and a plurality of tactile presentation apparatuses, the plurality of tactile presentation apparatuses including a first tactile presentation apparatus that, in a case of receiving tactile presentation information from the information processor, transmits the tactile presentation information to peripheral tactile presentation apparatus, and a second tactile presentation apparatus that, in a case of receiving the tactile presentation information from the peripheral tactile presentation apparatus, presents a tactile stimulus on a basis of the tactile presentation information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a haptic feedback method, a related device and a computer readable storage medium. The haptic feedback method is used in a wearable device, and the haptic feedback method includes: receiving first vibration information sent by a terminal device; on the basis of the first vibration information, sending vibration feedback information to the terminal device; receiving second vibration information sent by the terminal device; and on the basis of the first vibration information, implementing vibration. The present method aims to solve the problem in the prior art of the information sent by the wearable devices being limited.

Abstract: A shin guard, system, and method includes a rigid member forming an outer surface of the shin guard, one or more soft members, secured with respect to the rigid member, forming an inner surface of the shin guard, and haptic devices positioned with respect to one or both of the rigid member and the one or more soft members. The haptic devices are configured to selectively generate haptic signals according to a plurality of predetermined patterns that may be sensed by a wearer of the shin guard.

Abstract: An acoustic field may be produced from a transducer array having known relative positions and orientations In this acoustic field, one or more control points may be defined. An amplitude may be assigned to the control point. Mid-air haptic effect for a virtual object on a human body part may be generated by moving the control point in a single closed curve comprising a plurality of curve segments. The single closed curve traverses at least one location where the human body part intersects with the virtual object. Additionally, a user may interact with virtual three-dimensional content using the user's hands while a tracking system monitoring the user's hands, a physics engine updates the properties of the virtual three-dimensional content and a haptic feedback system provides haptic information to the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a speaker, including: a housing body having an accommodation cavity with a first chamber and a second chamber; a first side wall and a second side wall enclosing the first chamber; a third side wall and a fourth side wall enclosing the second chamber; and a speaker unit including a connection part located in the first chamber and a sounding component connecting to the connection part. A distance between the first side wall and the second side wall is smaller than a distance between the third side wall and the fourth side wall. The speaker enables the connection part to be connected to the side wall of the housing body without the end of the connection part needing to exceed the end of the sounding component, which reduces the volume of the housing body and facilitates the miniaturized design of the speaker.

Abstract: A tactile feedback platform includes a main body having a flat top wall and a plurality of sidewalls that define an interior space. An amplifier is positioned along the main body and includes jacks for connecting to an external entertainment system. The amplifier is connected to a plurality of tactile transducers that are located within the main body. The transducers function to vibrate the top wall of the platform in response to signals received from the entertainment system connected to the amplifier. A system controller is connected to the amplifier, the transducers and a plurality of that are located lights along the main body. The controller functions to communicate wirelessly with a smartphone using a mobile application to control the operation of the platform.

Abstract: An operator control panel for a household appliance includes an operator control front, a panel carrier supporting the operator control front and having a recess, and a haptic actuator guided through the recess of the panel carrier for coupling to the operator control front so that during an operator control procedure of the operator control panel the haptic actuator outputs a haptic signal as feedback to a user in response to the operator control procedure via the operator control front.

Abstract: Tactile vibration signals are transferred favorably in synchronization with audio signals. Transfer signals for respective blocks each including a plurality of frames are sequentially transmitted to a receiver side via a predetermined transfer line. The transfer signals include a predetermined number of channels of audio signals and a predetermined number of channels of tactile vibration signals. For example, the tactile vibration signals are generated on the basis of media signals associated with the audio signals. For example, configuration information of the predetermined number of channels of audio signals and the predetermined number of channels of tactile vibration signals is added to the transfer signals.

Abstract: The operating unit comprises an operating element which is adapted to be mechanically excited by means of a piezo driver. The piezo driver comprises a piezo actuator made from a piezoelectric material. The longitudinal extension ends of the piezo actuator have mechanically coupled thereto a conversion gear for converting a length change of the piezo actuator occurring in the effective direction of the piezo actuator into a movement of an element, which is coupled to the conversion gear and to be moved, at an angle not equal to 0 degree relative to the longitudinal extension of the piezo actuator. The conversion gear comprises a first bracket which is of an elastic configuration and/or comprises an elastic material and which, in the area of the longitudinal extension ends of the piezo actuator, is mechanically coupled to the latter.

Abstract: A system may include a vehicle. The vehicle may include an array of haptic devices. The system may further include at least one processor configured to: determine a location of an object or occurrence relative to the user; based at least on the location of the object or occurrence relative to the user, select at least one haptic device of the array of haptic devices to be driven and function as a directional haptic alert to the user, wherein the directional haptic alert is indicative of a direction from the user toward the object or occurrence; and output at least one command to cause a driving of the selected at least one haptic device, wherein the driving of the selected at least one haptic device is perceivable by the user as the directional haptic alert.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a chassis, a prime mover supported by the chassis, an operator cab supported by the chassis, a control system including a controller, an operator support positioned within the operator cab and having a seat portion and a backrest portion and an actuator positioned within at least one of the seat portion and the backrest portion. The actuator is in communication with the controller and configured to move in a first pattern in response to a first notification signal from the controller in order to relay information to the operator.

Abstract: A system for passive damping of mechanical vibrations generated by a vibrating structure supported by a support, including a transducer interposed between the vibrating structure and the support to transform mechanical energy of vibrations into electrical energy.

Abstract: Various techniques for driving phased array systems are described, specifically intended for acoustic phased arrays with applications to mid-air haptics, parametric audio, acoustic levitation and acoustic imaging, including a system: 1) that is capable of mitigating the effect of the changes in the air to provide a consistent haptic experience; 2) that produces trap points in air; 3) that defines phased-array optimization in terms of vectors for the production of more consistent haptic effects; 4) that defines one or more control points or regions in space via a controlled acoustic field; 5) that uses a reduced representation method for the construction of acoustic basis functions; 6) that performs efficient evaluation of complex-valued functions for a large quantity of throughput; 7) that generates a Krylov sub-space of a matrix; and 8) that maximizes an objective described by different control points and/or regions to those used to create the acoustic basis functions.

Abstract: Provided is an information output apparatus and method. The information output apparatus includes a plurality of expression members configured to protrude or retract by moving in at least one direction and being sensed by a user when protruding or retracting; an activation area calculator configured to calculate a series of braille letters as an activation area on the plurality of expression members; a non-activation area calculator configured to calculate a space between the braille letters as a non-activation area in the activation area; and a plurality of actuation controllers configured to actuate expression members corresponding to the activation area to protrude or retract and configured to actuate expression members corresponding to the non-activation area to retract.

Abstract: Provided is a decoding device including a decoding unit configured to decode a plurality of pieces of encoded data on the basis of encoding method information that has been received, received bitstream data including the plurality of pieces of encoded data in which a plurality of segments of a tactile signal has been respectively encoded, in which the encoding method information includes information indicating in which encoding method of a plurality of encoding methods the respective segments of the tactile signal have been encoded, the plurality of encoding methods includes a simple tactile encoding method corresponding to a simple tactile signal related to a beginning segment of the tactile signal, the plurality of pieces of encoded data includes simple tactile encoded data in which the simple tactile signal has been encoded in the simple tactile encoding method, and the decoding unit decodes the simple tactile encoded data, in a case where the encoding method information indicates the simple tactile encodi

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vibration motor, including a housing with an accommodation space; a vibration part and a stator contained in the accommodation space; an elastic support suspending and supporting the vibration part in the accommodation space for providing elastic restoring force to the vibration part. The elastic support includes a first fixed part fixed on the vibration part, an elastic arm with one end thereof connected to the first fixed part, and a second fixed part formed by bending another end of the elastic arm and fixed on the housing. An extension direction of the first fixed part is perpendicular to a vibration direction of the vibration part, and an extension direction of the second fixed part is parallel to the vibration direction. Thus, the service life of the elastic support is improved.

Abstract: A temperature stimulus presentation device includes a presentation unit that generates heat at a predetermined temperature, and a control unit that changes an area of the presentation unit depending on whether or not a temperature stimulus is presented.

Abstract: An actuator housing intended to provide haptic feedback in a vehicle includes a container having a recess configured to accommodate an oscillating actuator and an insertion opening that opens into the recess, and a cover configured to at least partially close the insertion opening of the container. The container and the cover are mounted so as to be able to move in translation relative to each other and configured such that, when the oscillating actuator is accommodated in the recess, the oscillation of the oscillating actuator causes the cover to move in translation relative to the container, generating haptic vibration in a direction of movement.

Abstract: The disclosed haptic feedback system may include an actuator, a supply valve coupled to the actuator, an exhaust valve, and a fluidic mass controller communicatively coupled to the supply valve and the exhaust valve. The fluidic mass controller may (1) place the exhaust valve in a state that prevents a fluid from escaping the actuator, (2) activate the supply valve to fill the actuator with an amount of the fluid, (3) determine that the actuator has filled with the amount of the fluid, and then in response to that determination, (4) deactivate the supply valve to trap the amount of the fluid in the actuator. Various other apparatuses, methods, and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a first controller including a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive first acceleration data from an accelerometer; upon determining that the first acceleration data satisfies a first criterion, transmit a wake-up instruction to a second controller; upon determining that the first acceleration data fails to satisfy the first criterion, instruct the accelerometer to send second acceleration data; and upon determining that the second acceleration data satisfies a second criterion, transmit the wake-up instruction to the second controller. The first criterion includes jerk exceeding a jerk threshold.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments for reducing haptic vibrations for electronic devices. Embodiments of an oscillation reduction scheme learned offline are disclosed for minimizing the acceleration for a haptic vibrator. A pattern and braking generation module outputs a pattern signal for amplification and then for driving the haptic vibrator. An accelerometer measures acceleration induced by vibration from the haptic vibrator. The pattern and braking generation module adjusts the pattern signal based on the measured acceleration to identify an optimal amplitude for a braking signal at each time frame. Such a closed-loop braking optimization process may be implemented to achieve an optimal or desired braking scheme for enhanced user haptic feedback.

Abstract: A locator device for eyewear including a locator assembly and an electrical assembly. The locator assembly includes a locator housing which has a dinosaur shape. Said housing is volumetrically suitable to be attached to a pair of eyewear and to enclose the electrical assembly. The electrical assembly includes a light system, a speaker, a transceiver unit, and a microcontroller. The locator device is capable of being wirelessly connected to an electronic device to permit a user to easily find the eyewear wherein the locator is attached. The locator device is capable of convey audible and visual notifications. The microcontroller is capable of sending the location of the locator device wirelessly to an electronic mobile device.

Abstract: This specification generally discloses an apparatus, system and method for refreshable braille display. The apparatus can include a first base having a contact surface and a plurality of cavities. The contact surface can be configured to receive fingertips. The plurality of cavities can be recessed from the contact surface. A plurality of pins can be housed within the plurality of cavities and configured to move in the plurality of cavities to selectively extend from the contact surface of the first base. A plurality of solenoids can be configured to at least partially operably connect to the plurality of pins. A controller can be configured to selectively provide a first electric current to the plurality of solenoids to generate first magnetic fields through the plurality of solenoids. The first magnetic fields can be configured to selectively move the plurality of pins to extend from the contact surface of the first base.

Abstract: A motor vibration method and a motor vibration device are provided. The motor vibration method includes: receiving a vibration instruction, and acquiring target environmental data by a preset sensor, wherein the target environmental data includes one or more of environmental noise data, acceleration data and/or pressure data; determining a first vibration signal according to the target environmental data; generating a target vibration signal according to the first vibration signal and a preset second vibration signal, wherein a first frequency of the first vibration signal is greater than a second frequency of the second vibration signal; and controlling the motor to vibrate according to the target vibration signal. The method combines a traditional vibration reminding effect and a sound reminding effect provided by adding the medium- and high-frequency signal, thereby enhancing the reminding efficiency by means of motor vibration and increasing the successful rate of message delivery.

Abstract: When it is determined (by a notification determination unit) that there is information on walking to be notified to a visually impaired person, based on information acquired by a camera, a G sensor, and a GPS module that are built in a white cane used by the visually impaired person, an attribute of the information on walking to be notified is obtained (by an attribute setting unit), and a vibration pattern of a vibration generation device built in the white cane is decided (by an information notification state decision unit) based on the attribute. This makes it possible to optimize the information provided to the visually impaired person.

Abstract: A system for an atmospheric suit includes one or more modular proximity sensors affixed to corresponding one or more portions of the atmospheric suit. Each of the one or more proximity sensors provides a distance to a nearest object from the corresponding portion of the atmospheric suit. The system also includes processing circuitry to obtain the distance from each of the one or more proximity sensors to the nearest object and to provide information to the wearer of the atmospheric suit.

Abstract: Implementations relate to detecting user touch on a controller handle. In some implementations, a non-controlling mode of a control system is activated, and in the non-controlling mode, one or more actuators are controlled to cause a vibration to be provided on a handle of a controller. The vibration is sensed with one or more sensors, and a difference in the vibration is determined to have occurred relative to a reference vibration using the one or more sensors, where the difference satisfies one or more predetermined thresholds. A controlling mode of the system is activated in response to determining the difference in the vibration, and the vibration is modified on the handle in response to detecting the change in the vibration.

Abstract: Provided are a vehicle control device, a vehicle control method, and non-transitory storage medium. The vehicle control device includes: an acquisition part, acquiring a positional relationship between a vehicle and a lane; a control part, performing in-lane travel control that causes an actuator included in a steering device of the vehicle to output a force for causing the vehicle to travel in the lane within a range not exceeding an upper limit based on the positional relationship; and an upper limit adjustment part, adjusting the upper limit in a predetermined case, in which the upper limit adjustment part switches a change rate of the upper limit in response to a change of state of an operator that accepts a steering operation performed by an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and devices to deliver a tactile speech analog to a person's skin providing a silent, invisible, hands-free, eyes-free, and ears-free way to receive and directly comprehend electronic communications. Embodiments include an alternative to hearing aids that will enable people with hearing loss to better understand speech. A device, worn like watch or bracelet, supplements a person's remaining hearing to help identify and disambiguate those sounds he or she can not hear properly. Embodiments for hearing aids and hearing prosthetics are also described.

Abstract: A system includes one or more sensors to detect activities of a mobile object; and a processor coupled to the sensor and the wireless transceiver to classify sequences of motions into groups of similar postures each represented by a model and to apply the models to identify an activity of the object.

Abstract: A glove includes a body, a hand-back base, a fingertip base, an elastic element, a control wire, a shape memory alloy element, a braking element and a processor. The body is used for wearing on a hand of a user. The hand-back base is disposed on a hand-back part of the body. The fingertip base is disposed on a fingertip part of the body. The elastic element is connected between the hand-back base and the control wire. The control wire is connected between the fingertip base and the elastic element. The processor is disposed on the body and is used for electronically controlling the shape memory alloy element to actuate the braking element to brake the control wire.

Abstract: A proximity detection device for a vehicle is shown and described. The proximity detection device for a vehicle includes a housing. The housing is made up of a solid exterior and an interior volume. The housing encloses at least one sensor which is operably coupled to a CPU. The CPU is then operably coupled to an alarm. The proximity detection device may be incorporated into a vehicle. Further, multiple proximity detection devices may be incorporated into a vehicle for any number of reasons.

Abstract: A virtual environment may be generated, the environment including a procedurally generated virtual property. The virtual property may include various features automatically generated based upon a procedural rule set, so as to provide variability between two or more virtual properties. One or more procedurally generated virtual properties may be provided to a user, and various virtual tools may be provided via which the user may identify relevant aspects corresponding to risk associated with the virtual property.

Abstract: A tactile graphic display comprises an array of pin assemblies that can be individually activated to rise a selective distance above a plane, taking the shape of 3D objects and text in essentially real time. Each pin assembly of the array is operatively coupled to a permanent magnet that is slidable within an electromagnetic coil. When current is applied in a first direction to the coil, the magnet is repelled by the coil, causing it to move upwards and thus causing the pin to project from the array. When current is applied to the coil in the opposite direction, the magnet is attracted to the coil and moves downward, causing the pin assembly to retreat from the array. A latch member is configured to selectively engage and disengage a surface feature on the pin assembly for locking and unlocking a position of the pin assembly relative to the frame.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic device generates a tactile output sequence in response to detecting that the electronic device is oriented within a range of orientations that changes as the distance between the electronic device and a respective object changes. In some embodiments, an electronic device changes one or more characteristics of a tactile output in response to detecting a change in the orientation of the electronic device relative to a respective object. In some embodiments, an electronic device generates tactile outputs with characteristics indicative of the orientation of a camera of the electronic device relative to one or more AR (augmented reality) planes. In some embodiments, an electronic device generates tactile outputs indicative of a data sharing process with a second electronic device.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel, a touch sensing layer which is disposed on a first surface of the display panel and senses a touch input of a user, a first vibration device which is disposed on a second surface of the display panel and generates vibration according to driving voltages. The first vibration device generates a first vibration in response to a first touch input of the user to provide a first haptic feedback.

Abstract: A wearable electronic device includes an electrode array for transdermal stimulation of a sensory nerve that itself innervates a body part distal to a worn location of the wearable electronic device. The transdermal stimulation is configured to induce an electrical current or voltage that evokes a sensory impression at an area innervated by the sensory nerve, not at the stimulated sensory nerve itself. In one implementation, the wearable electronic device takes a finger ring form factor worn on a proximal phalanx of an index finger. In this configuration, the wearable electronic device can stimulate a portion of a branch of the median nerve extending through the index finger. Upon stimulation of the median nerve, a user wearing the finger ring may perceive pressure applied to the user's fingertip.

Abstract: Inside a housing of electronic equipment, a first actuator for generating vibration along a first axis is mounted. The first actuator is mounted in a direction in which the first axis is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to at least one of the six surfaces.