Abstract: A terminal for providing visual-haptic information includes a visual-haptic keypad that displays and provides the visual-haptic information. The visual-haptic keypad includes: a button frame of a plurality of buttons provided in the visual-haptic keypad; a visual display layer positioned under the button frame in a vertical direction on a basis of the button frame; and a haptic display layer positioned under the visual display layer in the vertical direction on the basis of the button frame. The button frame and the visual display layer are fixedly bonded to boundary portions of the plurality of buttons.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating tactile sensation by using a magnetic field, includes: a first magnet and a second one which are placed across a target as a subject to provide tactile sensation; and a first electromagnet placed between the target and the first magnet; wherein a strength of the whole magnetic field between the first and the second magnets is allowed to be adjusted by adjusting at least either of a direction and a strength of a magnetic field arising from the first electromagnet to control the strength of the force with which the target is pressed by the first and the second magnets. Because a magnet itself that generates a magnetic field without any complicated mechanical components may perform a function as an actuator that generates tactile sensation, the apparatus for generating tactile sensation may become simple, light and compact.

Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines a vibration level of the device during operation of the device. The system receives a haptic effect signal including one or more parameters, where one of the parameters is a voltage amplitude level as a function of time. The system varies the voltage amplitude level based at least on vibration level and applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.

Abstract: Technology is presented for generating directional force feedback in free space to a user using a mass rotatable about a movable axis. The mass and movable axis are responsive to a control signal to generate a force vector having a direction and a magnitude in three-dimensional space to provide feedback to the user. The force vector is created in response to an event in application executing in a processing device. The force vector represents feedback regarding an event in the application.

Abstract: An haptic interface including a knob manipulated by a user, a rotation shaft with a longitudinal axis to which the knob is fixed in rotation, an interaction element with a magneto-rheological fluid in rotation with the shaft, the fluid, a system for generating a magnetic field in the fluid, and a control unit capable of generating orders to the system for generating the magnetic field to modify the magnetic field. The system includes a coil type mechanism generating a variable magnetic field, and a permanent magnet type mechanism generating a permanent magnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a user interface module, a vibration mechanism configured to move the user interface module to provide a tactile effect through the user interface module, and a counterbalancing element configured to provide a counterbalancing effect for movements of the user interface module.

Abstract: A method and device for providing a pilot warning signal is provided, where such method can include providing a first signal to indicate a pedal angle of a pedal, providing a second signal which is directly dynamically dependent on the pedal angle, pairing up values of the first signal and the second signal at specific times, determining an angle change of the pairs of values and an increment of the pairs of values at two successive times, and generating the pilot warning signal when actuation of the pedal and a stimulated tumbling movement of the aircraft are ascertained and if the determined angle change of the pairs of values is greater than a first threshold value or the determined angle change of the increment of the pairs of values is greater than a second threshold value. A computer program product and a warning device are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses using feedback from internal sensors to adjust haptic effect output are provided. In an embodiment, a method of generating a haptic output effect in an apparatus with a haptic effect output device is provided. A haptic effect output initiates with the haptic effect output device. The method includes receiving feedback data from an input sensor. The method compares feedback data from the input sensor to expected results of the haptic effect output. The method adjusts operating parameters of the haptic effect output device. The haptic effect output continues.

Abstract: A data glove for generating tactile feedback at a finger upon interaction of the finger with an interaction element on an infrared touchscreen includes receiving elements for receiving the fingers of an operator and stimulators for generating tactile feedback attached on the finger-receiving elements. The date glove also includes elements for identifying the finger interacting with the infrared touchscreen and a signal generator for exciting the stimulator of the interacting finger upon successful actuation of an interaction element on the infrared touchscreen.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first magnetic plate; a second magnetic plate oriented parallel no the first magnetic plate, magnetically coupled to the first magnetic plate, and slidable relative to the first magnetic plate; a dielectric material positioned between the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate; and a contact in communication with the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate through which a voltage is applied, the voltage generating a signal that is responsive to a task performed on a mobile device, the signal providing a haptic effect to the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate upon sliding of the first magnetic plate relative to the second magnetic plate.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus with haptic feedback and a method for providing haptic feedback are provided. The method includes the following steps. An actuation unit is provided to generate haptic feedback. In response to at least a haptic command, a control value is dynamically generated to control the actuation unit to generate haptic feedback, wherein dynamic range compression is applied to dynamically generate the control value so as to control the magnitude of haptic feedback to be substantially within a vibration range.

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: Tactile feedback for touch screens is provided by an overlay structure disposed on the top surface of the touch screen. This overlay structure can be in either of two states. In the first state (non-typing), the overlay structure has a uniform top surface. In the second state (typing), the overlay structure top surface has localized regions of increased vertical elevation to provide tactile feedback for typing. The overlay structure is configured to be switched between these two states by actuator(s) disposed to provide mechanical force(s) in lateral direction(s) to the overlay structure. Preferably, the actuator is a latching actuator (e.g., magnetic solenoid) that does not consume power to hold the overlay structure in either of its states. Thus, power is only consumed to switch the state of the overlay structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving a sensor signal from a sensor, the sensor configured to detect an interaction with a messaging device, determining a virtual physical property of a virtual message object based at least in part on the sensor signal, determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the virtual physical parameter; and generating a haptic signal configured to cause an actuator to output the haptic effect.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for inducing a cutaneous sensation in a user of an electronic device. Such systems and methods may include a stimulation system configured to generate an output operable to excite neural tissue. An interface component may be configured to direct the output of the stimulation system onto a target area of skin of the user, and a controller may be configured to generate a control signal to cause the stimulation system to modify one or more characteristics of the output of the stimulation system in order to induce a cutaneous sensation. The cutaneous sensation may be based on a tactile application executable on the electronic device that is configured to generate a representation of a simulated object. Further, a stimulation profile may represent at least one present stimulation area and at least one prior stimulation area.

Abstract: A system is provided that converts an input, such as audio data, into one or more haptic effects. The system applies a granular synthesis algorithm to the input in order to generate a haptic signal. The system subsequently outputs the one or more haptic effects based on the generated haptic signal. The system can also shift a frequency of the input, and also filter the input, before the system applies the granular synthesis algorithm to the input.

Abstract: An operating unit for a medical device is proposed. The operating unit has at least one display, at least one transparent, touch-sensitive first input field, and at least one transparent, touch-sensitive second input field. The at least one second input field is disposed between the at least one display and the at least one first input field. At least one device provides a haptically perceivable feedback after successful operation of the operating unit.

Abstract: The display control device is a display control device which receives a signal from the operating device having a touchpad and generates screen data to be displayed on a screen, the display control device including: a touch information detecting unit (201) which detects touch information including position information about a position on the touchpad that is touched with a finger of a user during operation of the touchpad; a direction determining unit (203) which determines a direction intended by the user, using a characteristic which is indicated by the touch information detected by the touch information detecting unit (201) and which results from the operation on the touchpad with the finger; and a screen data generating unit (205) which generates the screen data depending on the direction determined by the direction determining unit (203).

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: A method and device for generating haptic feedback over a touch surface using multi-actuated waveform phasing are disclosed. A haptic device, in one embodiment, includes a touch surface and a group of haptic actuators. The touch surface is capable of sensing an event, wherein the event can be a contact on the touch surface or a movement nearby the surface. A portion of the haptic actuators, which are coupled to the touch surface, is configured to provide haptic feedback on the touch surface in response to the event. Another portion of the haptic actuators is used to minimize unwanted haptic effect on the touch surface.

Abstract: Transducers formed as part of a touchscreen system emulate the motion of a pushbutton or other mechanical elements. A touchscreen system positions a transducer adjacent to an icon displayed on the touchscreen surface. When a user touches the icon, the transducer senses the touch and is then deformed in a pattern that emulates a mechanical motion, giving the user the sensation of touching a mechanical button. An excitation signal applied to the transducer is compared to a target excitation signal that, when applied to the transducer, causes the transducer to emulate the desired motion. When any differences between the two signals are detected, the excitation signal is adjusted so that the motion is corrected. The target excitation signal, or time and voltage segments defining it, are stored in memory and retrieved for comparison. The excitation signal is also selected to reduce any acoustic artifacts that can cause the transducer to generate audible clicks.

Abstract: Shaking patterns and/or environmental information associated with real-world handheld devices may form a basis for enabling authentication and/or effectuating events in a virtual environment. The handheld devices may include toys and/or other object that can be used to play. The handheld devices may be associated with the virtual environment in that individual handheld devices may share an appearance and/or theme with an avatar, a virtual object, and/or other element within the virtual environment. Shaking a pair of handheld devices together may facilitate authentication of the handheld devices with respect to the virtual environment and/or effectuate one or more events within the virtual environment. By way of non-limiting example, two avatars may dance together or become friends in the virtual environment responsive to two corresponding handheld devices being shaken together.

Abstract: A system that produces a haptic effect and generates a drive signal that includes at least two haptic effect signals each having a priority level. The haptic effect is a combination of the haptic effect signals and priority levels. The haptic effect may optionally be a combination of the two haptic effect signals if the priority levels are the same, otherwise only the haptic effect signal with the highest priority is used. The frequency of haptic notifications may also be used to generate a drive signal using foreground and background haptic effect channels depending on whether the frequency ratio exceeds a foreground haptic effect threshold.

Abstract: A terminal device controlling method that provides a haptic effect using a haptic engine is provided, which includes sensing a haptic event, executing a non-physical parameter-based haptic function in a haptic engine so as to determine a vibration pattern corresponding to the haptic event, transferring the vibration pattern from the haptic engine to a device driver, and driving, through the device driver, a vibrator based on the vibration pattern so as to embody a haptic effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser apparatus for inducing a photo-mechanical effect. More particularly, the present invention relates to a laser apparatus for outputting a pulsed laser beam and inducing a photo-mechanical effect by controlling pulse energy of the pulsed laser beam.

Abstract: Contact detection units are attached to an information transfer device in a predetermined arrangement pattern to detect contact with a human body. Presentation units are attached to the information transfer device in a predetermined arrangement pattern to present a tactile stimulus. A contact detection unit that has detected contact is specified. Based on the arrangement distribution of the specified contact detection unit and a type of information to be presented via a tactile stimulus, a presentation unit to be driven is specified. The specified presentation unit is driven and controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for assisting a user of a Self-Service Terminal (SST). The apparatus provides a user interface for an SST, comprising a media slot for dispensing and/or depositing a media item to a user, a pair of spaced apart edges extending across a substantial portion of the user interface and converging in the vicinity of a transaction activation region to provide a tactile path to assist the user in locating the transaction activation region, and an illuminated guide to provide a visual path to further assist the user in locating the transaction activation region.

Abstract: A system that generates haptic effects on mobile devices during a group event receives an identity of a first type of haptic effect to be broadcast during the group event and determines a first set of the mobile devices during the group event that will generate the haptic effect. The system then broadcasts the first type of haptic effect to the first set of mobile devices during the group event.

Abstract: Systems and methods for parameter modification of one or more haptic effects are disclosed. In one embodiment an electronic device determines a haptic effect. The electronic device can receive an input signal indicating an environmental condition. The input signal may be generated by an environmental sensor. The environmental condition may be a temperature, vibration, noise, movement, trait of a user such as a user's weight, gender, age, height, another suitable trait of a user, another suitable environmental condition, or a combination thereof. The electronic device may modify the haptic effect based at least in part on the input signal. The electronic device can generate a haptic output signal based at least in part on the modified haptic effect. The haptic output signal may be configured to cause a haptic output device to output the modified haptic effect. The electronic device may output the haptic output signal.

Abstract: A wearable device may be configured to generate feedback based on an event that occurs in an environment related to the wearable device. The wearable device may include, for example, a processor configured to generate a control signal representative of an event occurring in an environment related to the wearable device and at least a first haptic output device disposed at a first position at the wearable device. The first haptic output device may be configured to provide haptic feedback based on the generated control signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of tactile stimulation apparatuses and components of such apparatuses are generally described herein. For example, in one embodiment, a tactile stimulation apparatus is provided. This tactile stimulation apparatus has a composite section comprising an insulation region and a semiconducting region that is proximate to the insulation region. This insulation region is touchable by a body member. Additionally included is a voltage source proximate to the semiconducting region. Here, the voltage source is configured to charge the semiconducting region to an electric potential, which produces an electrosensory sensation on the body member.

Abstract: A wearable computing device comprises one or more one eye pieces each of which further comprises a flexible frame surrounding a display screen and tactile elements arranged on the perimeter of the display screen. The tactile elements provide tactile feedback to the user that is synchronous with the display on the display screen. A detection system is also included in the flexible frame to monitor the movements of a wearer's eyes and the eye sockets and to execute various tasks in response to the detected movements. A visual cortex thought detector also coupled to the wearable computing device obtains information regarding the wearer's thoughts and manipulates a display on the display screen based on the obtained information.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus which is carriable by a user includes a force-sense generating mechanism which imparts, to the user, a force-sense in a predetermined direction to induce an input operation to the user; a motion sensor which detects a motion imparted by the user while the force-sense generating mechanism imparts the force-sense to the user or after the force-sense generating mechanism has imparted the force-sense to the user; and a controller which controls the force-sense generating mechanism, and which recognizes the input operation by the user, based on the motion detected by the motion sensor.

Abstract: A tactile sensation providing apparatus includes a tactile output unit configured to contact a part of a human body; a connection unit including a wire connected to the tactile output unit and made of a flexible and elastic material, and a tube enclosing the wire; and a driving unit to supply a driving force to the connection unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for haptics in vibrating environments and devices are disclosed. For example, one described system includes: a haptic output device; a processor coupled to the haptic output device, the processor configured to: determine that a haptic effect should be generated; receive a signal associated with a parasitic vibration; determine a haptic effect based in part on the parasitic vibration; and output a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to the haptic output device.

Abstract: A system is provided that automatically adjusts a haptic effect. The system generates a haptic effect based on one or more haptic parameters. The system measures an affective state of a user that experiences the haptic effect. The system adjusts at least one haptic parameter of the one or more haptic parameters based on the measured affective state. The system generates a new haptic effect based on the one or more haptic parameters, where the at least one haptic effect parameter causes the new haptic effect to be different from the haptic effect.

Abstract: An interactive wall provides tactile feedback based on detected touch and displayed content on the wall surface. Upon detecting a touch on the wall surface, the interactive wall provides real time tactile feedback corresponding to the touch employing one or more actuators. The interactive wall itself may serve as projection surface for the display or a wall-size display be affixed to the wall trans-conducting tactile feedback to the user.

Abstract: There is provided a haptic feedback device. The haptic feedback device includes a vibration member; a vibration element formed on the vibration member to vibrate the vibration member; and a mass member formed on the vibration member to adjust a oscillation frequency of the vibration member, wherein one surface of the mass member facing the vibration member is formed to have a curved shape.

Abstract: An input apparatus has a touch sensor for receiving an input, a load detection unit for detecting a pressure load on a touch face of the touch sensor, a tactile sensation providing unit for vibrating the touch face, and a control unit, when the pressure load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a standard for providing a tactile sensation, for controlling drive of the tactile sensation providing unit to vibrate the touch face at a frequency such that a click sensation is provided to an object (means) pressing the touch face. Thereby, a realistic click sensation similar to that obtained when a push-button switch is operated is provided when an operator operates the touch sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for providing haptic feedback. The apparatus includes a frame having a protrusion extending from the side wall of the frame, a piezoelectricity vibrator including a substrate having a main body, at least one piezoelectric layer attached to the main body of the substrate, the main body defining two contact portions extending out of the side facing to the frame, and the two contact portions clip the protrusion for fixing together. The apparatus includes a first through hole arranged on the protrusion and two second through holes respectively arranged on the two contact portions and corresponding to the first through hole, and a screw passing through the second through holes and the first through hole for engaging the contact portions with protrusion together.

Abstract: A signal line used in a key matrix is shared between a signal line used in a first display unit and a signal line used in a second display unit. Two types of periodical pulse signals are superimposed on a level signal which indicates data displayed on the second display unit. One type is a pulse signal for detecting key input and another type is a pulse signal which indicates data displayed on the first display unit.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system and method for automatically converting a plurality of events in a plurality of channels in a structured representation sequence into haptic events. The method comprises calculating an event score for each event of the sequence in one or more channels. The method also comprises calculating a cumulative score based on the event scores in the one or more channels. The method includes selectively designating haptic events to the events based on the event scores in one or more selected channels, wherein the haptic events are output by a haptic actuator. This may be done by the system by calculating properties of the sound or by taking already existing values associated with those properties to efficiently produce haptic events.

Abstract: Portable force feedback controllers (PFFCs) designed to be worn on a user's limb, track the movement of the user's limb, and provide force feedback capability. In some embodiments, the PFFCs may include interchangeable modules that can be quickly and easily connected and disconnected so that the PFFC may be easily modified for a particular application. In yet other embodiments, various PFFC modules are moveably coupled and have at least one degree of freedom so that the PFFC can accurately follow the natural movements of a user's limb.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a substantially rigid portion and a substantially flexible portion. The substantially rigid portion includes a plurality of openings. The substantially flexible portion is at the plurality of openings. The substantially flexible portion is configured to provide haptic feedback, or generate a voltage.

Abstract: A tactile sense presentation device including: a tactile-sense presentation unit having a first working electrode group of a plurality of first working electrodes arranged along a first direction; and a control unit operable to apply a first tactile sense signal having a first waveform to each of the first working electrodes. The control unit applies the first tactile sense signal, in which a phase difference corresponding to a distance between adjacent first working electrodes is applied to the first waveform, to each of the plurality of first working electrodes so as to cause the first waveform to travel along the first direction at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: An input apparatus has an input unit for receiving a pressure input, a load detection unit for detecting a pressure load on the input unit , a vibration unit for vibrating the input unit , and a control unit for controlling drive of the vibration unit such that a click sensation is provided to an object pressing the input unit when the pressure load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a predetermined standard for receiving an input to the input unit . Thereby, a realistic click sensation similar to that obtained when a push-button switch is operated is provided upon operation of the input unit of a pressure type by an operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved cranial device with a rotary inclination detector, including a container box which can be secured to the cranium of sleeping person and which contains an electric motor and an eccentric counterweight coupled thereto, forming a vibrator. The device also includes a battery or a battery holder for at least one battery, which is provided with two axially opposed projecting contacts or studs. The container box is provided with inclined formations with dielectric properties, on which the battery or battery holder can roll by means of the studs thereof, and two electric contacts on which the inclined formations terminate, such that, when the battery holder is placed on the electric contacts, the motor circuit is closed, thereby activating the vibrator.

Abstract: A haptically enabled system receives information and determines that a user of the system should be notified of the information. The system further receives and analyzes inputs to determine a context of the user. The system then generates an instinctive alert based on the context, where the instinctive alert is configured to impart a desired emotion on the user. The system then displays the instinctive alert based on the context.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a walker has a body. An illumination source is supported by the body. The illumination source is configured to focus illumination on a target area. The target area includes both a leg of a user and ground adjacent the leg during an entire gait cycle of the user using the walker for assistance during ambulation.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device including a casing, a signal generator housed within the casing, for generating a signal that has a frequency higher than the human audible range, at least one speaker housed within the casing and coupled with the signal generator, for producing analog output from the signal generated by said signal generator, wherein the analog output produced by the at least one speaker is (i) substantially inaudible, and (ii) causes the casing to vibrate at a frequency approximately equal to a resonant frequency of the casing.