Abstract: A contact type tactile feedback apparatus and operational method of the contact type tactile feedback apparatus is provided. The contact type tactile feedback apparatus may enable an object to be in close contact with a power feedback portion to transfer a power sensed by a sensor, using a fixing portion, thereby enabling the object to recognize the power, intuitively.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method for operating a haptic device including driving a haptic device using a control signal, measuring a frequency related to the operation of the haptic device and comparing the measured frequency with a target frequency. A control signal is adjusted based on the comparison to drive the haptic device to the target frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a timing difference processor configured to determine a timing difference between an audio signal and an associated tactile signal, and further configured to delay at least one of the audio signal and associated tactile signal dependent on the timing difference; and at least one feedback processor configured to output the audio signal and associated tactile signal, at least one of the audio signal and associated tactile signal having been delayed dependent on the timing difference.

Abstract: In order to generate force feedback data for a haptic device for providing simulated six degrees of freedom movement, a three dimensional acceleration component corresponding to the movement to be simulated is determined, a three dimensional velocity component corresponding to the movement to be simulated is determined and control signals for controlling at least three force feedback devices are determined, wherein each of the three force feedback devices provides three dimensional force effects to a fixation point associated to each of it, the three force feedback devices being arranged at defined positions with regard to each other, and the three fixation points define a geometric plane.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electronic device includes detecting receipt of an input, determining a response number in response to receipt of the input, and actuating an actuator of the electronic device a discrete integer number of times based on the response number.

Abstract: An article is worn by a user. A plurality of indicating devices are coupled to the article. A processing unit is communicatively coupled to the plurality of indicating devices. The processing unit selectively actuates at least one indicating device of the plurality of indicating devices based on positional data.

Abstract: The present disclosure described methods and systems for multimedia tactile augmentation. At least one method includes identifying media content loaded on a first computer, locating instructions stored on a second computer (said instructions corresponding to the content), initiating playback of the content, and synchronizing the instructions with the content. Said method further includes parsing and converting the instructions into one or more electrical signals, driving one or more haptic feedback devices with the electrical signals in synchronization with the playback of the content, and presenting the content to the user. The haptic feedback devices provide physical stimulation to a user accessing the content.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer-readable media are disclosed, for receiving, from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) the motion information of an interactive digital stress ball device and from the force detection sensors the pressure information exerted on each of the sensors attached on the ball surface. A haptic actuator and a haptic simulator are used to generate haptic feedback. The sensory analog signals are converted to digital signals and feed into the kinematic computation to calculate performance metrics. Sensory data is transmitted wirelessly to other digital entities. The interactive digital stress ball can also receive digital commands through wireless communication for the generation of the haptic feedback. The electronically embedded stress ball is able to track the motion of the hand and wirelessly transmit a set of kinematics that can be used to control computer games and other peripheral devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing key control includes an integrated circuit (IC) arranged to detect a key press according to some input/output signals of a key matrix, where the input/output signals include first input/output signals corresponding to a first direction and second input/output signals corresponding to a second direction. In addition, the IC includes a plurality of first pins and a plurality of second pins, for transmitting the first and the second input/output signals, respectively. In particular, during the detection of the key press, the IC controls at least one first pin of the first pins to be in an output mode and controls the second pins to be in an input mode in a first time period, and controls at least one second pin of the second pins to be in an output mode and controls the first pins to be in an input mode in a second time period.

Abstract: An integrated user interface has a sensory surface operable to receive a selection signal from a user and send a corresponding command signal within a software system. The integrated user interface has a plurality of tactile features operable to provide a user with tactile feedback corresponding to the selection signal received by the sensory surface when simultaneously selected by the user. A method of integrating the hardware and software functionality for a user interface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vibrator designed to be integrated into a portable electronic device as part of a haptic alert device has a linear electric motor that is coupled to actively drive a moveable weight in back-and-forth directions to produce the desired vibration. A lock mechanism has a restraining member that is biased into a lock position, which prevents the moveable weight from moving in the back-and-forth directions when the vibrator is inactive. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A device for providing the illusion of motion consists of at least two movable parts for stimulating the vestibular sense and the kinaesthetic sense of a user independently from each other. A moving headrest is provided for stimulating the vestibular sense of a user and a moving armrest is provided for stimulating the kinaesthetic sense of a user.

Abstract: A linear vibration generator is disclosed. The linear vibration generator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a stationary part, which has a polygonal-prism-shaped coil and in which the polygonal-prism-shaped coil induces a magnetic field by having an electric current supplied, a vibrating part, which has a polygonal-prism-shaped magnet and in which a portion of the polygonal-prism-shaped magnet is inserted into the coil, an elastic member, which is coupled to the stationary part and elastically supports the vibrating part such that the vibrating part can move linearly, and a lubricating band, which is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the magnet.

Abstract: An operation apparatus includes a base, a sensing unit, a plurality of plates, and a drive mechanism. The base has a surface. The sensing unit includes at least three pressure-sensitive detection regions that are provided at different vertex positions of a polygon having at least three corners set in each of a plurality of regions obtained by partitioning at least a part of the surface of the base. The plurality of plates are provided to correspond to the plurality of regions and cover the at least a part of the surface. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the plurality of plates on the basis of a signal generated by detection of the sensing unit.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a tactile sensation providing unit 30 configured to provide a tactile sensation to a contact object being in contact with a panel 10 and a controller 50 configured to control the tactile sensation providing unit 30 based on an amount of change of data based on press to the panel 10.

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 apparatus includes a touchscreen keypad and one or more devices that generate a tactile response to a user of the apparatus when a key in the keypad is pressed. In order accomplish a simple construction requiring a minimum of space, the one or more devices that generate that tactile response may include at least one piezoelectric element configured to generate vibration which is forwarded to the user in response to a key of the touchscreen keypad being pressed.

Abstract: An enactive perception device includes the ability to receive information. The information received can be either sensory information or other data. The received information can then be converted into sensory information, which can then be provided to the user.

Abstract: A tactile feedback apparatus is provided, which includes a signal generator and a tactile feedback structure. The signal generator provides a driving signal. The tactile feedback structure is connected to the signal generator and provides a tactile feedback signal in response to the driving signal when an object surface is touched or a housing of the tactile feedback apparatus is touched. The tactile feedback signal is related to a tactile sensation. The tactile feedback signal is related to an electrical property of the driving signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate devices, systems, methods, and for displaying information about the direction and magnitude of position, movement, and/or resistive force experienced for an object. The present disclosure also provides a shear display device that can generate skin shear with one or more tactors, each moving in a two- or three-dimensional space. The movement of the tactors can represent to a user various information about an object.

Abstract: A system is provided that encodes one or more dynamic haptic effects. The system defines a dynamic haptic effect as including a plurality of key frames, where each key frame includes an interpolant value and a corresponding haptic effect. An interpolant value is a value that specifies where an interpolation occurs. The system generates a haptic effect file, and stores the dynamic haptic effect within the haptic effect file.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes an accelerometer (included within a wireless physiology monitoring device or as part of a separate device such as, but not limited to a smartphone, e.g., iPhone, or other mobile device) to link a patient with a separate medical data acquisition device such as a weight scale or a blood pressure monitor in order to collect and transmit a range of medical data associated with the user. The medical data acquisition device includes a vibration source for emitting a vibration at a predetermined or random frequency. When the acquisition device is activated, a vibration is transmitted from the through the patient and is detected by the accelerometer. The accelerometer then measures the particular frequency of vibration and transmits this information to a centralized monitoring unit (CMU). Based on the measured frequency, the CMU is able to know that the same patient wearing/holding the device is also the same patient using the data acquisition device.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for communicating tactile messages to a user, such as a racecar driver, yacht crewmember, or other athlete. The system can include a tactile vest having tactile activators for conveying tactile messages to the user, including real time messages for helping the user assess and improve physical performance. The messages may be generated based on various types of sensor data, including, for example, data collected by vehicle sensors of a racecar or yacht.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a vehicle seat and a seat control motor coupled to the vehicle seat. The seat control motor is configured to move the vehicle seat to an occupant-desired position. The vehicle seating system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the seat control motor. The controller is configured to output a signal to the seat control motor to induce a vibration within the vehicle seat.

Abstract: The present solution relates to a device (800) comprising a touch sensitive display (111). The device (800) further comprises a receiving unit (701) configured to receive image data. The device (800) further comprises a processing unit (703) configured to display the image data as a haptic image on the touch sensitive display (111), whereby objects comprised in the haptic image are discernable to a user by sense of touch.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an electrosensory sensation to a body member (120). The apparatus comprises one or more conducting electrodes (106), each of which is provided with an insulator (108). When the body member (120) is proximate to the conducting electrode, the insulator prevents flow of direct current from the conducting electrode to the body member. A capacitive coupling over the insulator (108) is formed between the conducting electrode (106) and the body member (120). The conducting electrodes are driven by an electrical input which comprises a low-frequency component (114) in a frequency range between 10 Hz and 500 Hz. The capacitive coupling and electrical input are dimensioned to produce an electrosensory sensation. The apparatus is capable of producing the electrosensory sensation independently of any mechanical vibration of the one or more conducting electrodes (106) or insulators (108).

Abstract: A real time automatic headcount system is configured with a portable transmitter operated by a crisis coordinator and operable to output an alert signal which is received by a plurality of receivers which are coupled to respective persons associated with a crisis-event site. The receivers each generate an acknowledgement signal transmitted via a central processing unit to the transmitter. Upon receiving the acknowledgement signal, the central processing unit is operable to update a check list of all person associated with the crisis-event site, identify those who have not been accounted for and implement back up procedures for locating and accounting for the previously unaccounted for persons in real time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electronic smoking article adapted to provide haptic feedback to a user. The smoking article can comprise a housing that includes a haptic feedback component, such as a vibration transducer. The smoking article can be formed of a control body and/or a cartridge, and the haptic feedback component may be present in any one or both of the control body and the cartridge. The haptic feedback component is adapted to generate a waveform that defines a status of the electronic smoking article. The disclosure also provides a method for providing haptic feedback in an electronic smoking article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device (1) with haptic feedback; comprising a sensitive control surface (3) on which an actuator (9) is fixed, said control surface (3) being connected to a support (5) in the area of at least two connection zones (7), each connection zone (7) comprising at least one damper (70) placed between the control surface (3) and the support (5), said connection zones (7) defining a proximal suspension of said control surface (3) with respect to said support (5) in the area of a connection zone (7) near the actuator (9) and a distal suspension of said control surface (3) with respect to the support (5) in the area of a connection zone (7) distant from the actuator, the stiffness of the proximal suspension being less than the stillness of the distal suspension.

Abstract: There is provided a signal control device including a signal output unit configured to output a signal for a vibratory device, and a signal control unit configured to control the signal. Between a case where a change from a reference level to a first level is exerted on the signal and a case where a change from the first level to the reference level is exerted on the signal, magnitudes of variation amounts of acceleration per unit time generated in the vibratory device are different from each other. The signal control unit exerts the change from the reference level to the first level and the change from the first level to the reference level on the signal.

Abstract: A haptic drive circuit includes a voltage input for receiving input power, a gate that compares a desired current level to an actual current level through the actuator, a switch coupled to the gate that interrupts or provides power from the voltage input to the actuator, and a current probe that detects the actual current level through the actuator with an output signal corresponding to the actual current level coupled to the gate. The gate compares the actual current level to the desired current level and causes the switch to interrupt input power when the actual current level is greater than the desired current level or to provide input power when the actual current level is less than or equal to the desired current level. The actual current through the circuit is a haptic signal causing a haptic actuator to generate a haptic effect.

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: The device (31) of the invention comprises a receiver (33) for receiving from a further device (41) an identifier identifying a person in the vicinity of the device, warning means (35) for providing a warning signal to a user of the device and a transmitter (37) for transmitting data to said further device. The device further comprises a controller (39) for performing the method of the invention. The device is operative to instruct said warning means (35) to provide a warning signal in dependence on the identified person, to use a gesture detector (43) for detecting a specific gesture by said user from among a plurality of gestures in response to the warning signal and to instruct said transmitter to transmit said data to said further device upon detection of said specific gesture, wherein said data depends on said specific gesture. The computer program product of the invention enables a programmable device to perform the method of the invention.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to haptic feedback devices. In some examples, a haptic feedback device is described. An example haptic feedback device may include a first layer including multiple discrete fluid chambers. The example haptic feedback device may also include a second layer coupled to the first layer and including multiple interconnected micro-chambers containing an electro-rheological fluid. The example haptic feedback device may also include multiple electrodes positioned on opposing first and second sides of the interconnected micro-chambers.

Abstract: A panel device 10, which is capable of increasing vibration amplitude of a panel without increasing power consumption of a piezoelectric element, includes a panel 11 rectangular in shape and piezoelectric elements 12, 13 also rectangular in shape disposed on the panel 11 for vibrating the panel 11, such that each of the piezoelectric elements 12, 13 is disposed having one side at a slant relative to one side of the panel 11.

Abstract: System, method and device to generate user tactile feedback using working fluid inside a sealed vessel, which is vaporized causing a rapid pressure/volume change, then the fluid condenses, restoring original pressure/volume. In one embodiment this sequence is repeated to create a vibration. The sealed vessel is mechanically coupled to a touch surface so the user feels the vibration, typically with a fingertip. In some embodiments a portion of the sealed vessel is also the touch surface. In some embodiments multiple vessels are arranged in an array behind or integral to the touch surfaces.

Abstract: A broadband linear vibrator that is small sized and yet capable of generating a greater vibrating force and outputting various broadband vibrations, and a mobile terminal capable of outputting various vibrations and sounds, wherein the broadband linear vibrator includes a case; a spring coupled to the case; an oscillator including a magnet for elastically supporting the spring and a stator formed inside the case for vibrating the oscillator, wherein a frequency band to a maximum use frequency that is detectable as a vibration or a sound source based on a resonant frequency is 1.2 times than a frequency band to a minimum use frequency, such that various feelings of vibrations and sounds can be advantageously provided by the broadband linear vibrator.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electronic device includes detecting receipt of an input, determining a response number in response to receipt of the input, and actuating an actuator of the electronic device a discrete integer number of times based on the response number.

Abstract: An autonomous and controllable system of sensors and methods for using such a system of sensors are described.

Abstract: Wireless communication devices and systems are disclosed which provides for simple yet effective communications between co-workers in areas of high ambient noise. Devices are provided which are operable to use vibration to provide an alert to a wearer of the device, the device including a transmitter/receiver unit, a transmit button operably connected to the transmitter/receiver unit and at least one vibration device operably connected to the transmitter/receiver unit. The device may be positioned inside or on a hard hat or other headgear of a worker.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing voice-to-text haptic augmentation in a user interface are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system for converting audible speech information to a haptic effect includes a microphone and a processor in communication with the microphone, the processor configured to receive an audio signal associated with a voice from the microphone, determine a characteristic of the audio signal, and generate an actuator signal based at least in part on the characteristic, the actuator signal configured to cause an actuator to output a haptic effect.

Abstract: A realistic tactile haptic device comprising a first vibration sensor, a digital controller, an actuator, and a similar or identical second vibration sensor, and a realistic tactile haptic feedback method thereof, provides users with realistic tactile haptic feedback that is similar to or the same as real tactile haptic feedback which users would experience by touching real objects.

Abstract: The Snooze Alert is a device that prevents a person from falling asleep while driving a vehicle, truck, bus or for any reason that requires a person to stay awake and alert. The advantage of this device is that it does not hang on the ear and it has three sources of power. The Snooze Alert is incased in a soft pouch with an adjustable strap that holds the pouch between the lower chin and the upper chest area. When a person's head tilts forward or to the side, like when falling asleep the chin depresses the activator switch which send an electrical current that activates the vibrator and the buzzer and thereby instantly waking up the person.

Abstract: A method includes receiving digital content data including audio data and/or video data, generating haptic data using at least some of the received digital content data, encoding the haptic data for efficient transmission over a communication network, multiplexing the encoded haptic data with the received digital content data, embedding information for decoding the encoded haptic data in metadata of the multiplexed data stream, and sending the multiplexed data stream over the communication network. The method may include analyzing the haptic data to determine at least one characteristic of the haptic data, and the encoding the haptic data may include encoding, based on the determined characteristic, the haptic data to meet a pre-defined criteria.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of providing haptic feedback based on media content and one or more external parameters used to customize the haptic feedback. The system may modify or otherwise alter haptic feedback that is determined using the media content alone. In other words, the system may use both the media content and the external parameters to determine haptic feedback that should be output to the user or others. The external parameters may include, for example, sensor information, customization information, and/or other external parameters that may be used to customize the haptic feedback.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tactile man-machine interface comprising an interfacing surface comprising a means for transforming impacts on the interfacing surface into input electrical signals and a data interfacing means, configured for data communication with at least a first and a second device In this configuration, it becomes possible to provide data communication between the first and second devices without having to bring the two devices in contact. Furthermore, the invention relates to a separating element comprising such a tactile man-machine interface and system, such as vending machines, automatic teller machines etc, comprising such a separating element.

Abstract: A vibrating alert device for a radar and lidar warning receiver. The invention is to be powered by the automobile electrical system, in the case of the wired version, and by the automobile electrical system and device battery or mobile power supply for the wireless version. The invention provides a vibrating alert to an off the shelf radar and radar/lidar warning receiver which does not otherwise have one.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a haptic feedback system includes a plurality of actuators to provide tactile feedback associated with an input surface. Each actuator is adapted to be activated independently of the other actuators. The system further includes a controller to activate a first actuator of the plurality of actuators to induce a first vibration at a selected input location of the input surface and to activate one or more additional actuators to induce at least a second vibration to localize the first vibration at the selected input location.

Abstract: A haptic device includes a flexible holder; an elongated piezo bender supported at one end thereof by the holder; a mass supported by the elongated piezo bender and positioned at an end of the elongated piezo bender opposite the end supported by the holder; and an electrical driving signal generator configured to generate a signal to create a vibration in the elongated piezo bender.

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.