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.

Abstract: An electronic device for providing tactile feedback is provided. The electronic device may provide tactile feedback using any suitable approach, including for example vibration, heat, electrical, visual, or any other type of feedback. The electronic device may provide tactile feedback in response to detecting any particular status of the electronic device, receiving any particular input, or detecting any suitable communication received by the electronic device. For example, the electronic device may provide tactile feedback in response to identifying the current network of the device, the status of a particular electronic device component, or any other electronic device status. As another example, the electronic device may provide tactile feedback in response to receiving a particular type of communication, or in response to receiving a communication from a particular contact.

Abstract: Active vibration techniques are described. In implementations, a selection of a type of writing surface or a type of writing implement is received, the selection made through interaction with a user interface. The selected type of writing surface or type of writing implement is simulated using vibrations of a stylus or surface of a computing device that is configured to receive one or more inputs from the stylus.

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: According to one aspect, an electronic device that includes a vibrating element adapted to vibrate the electronic device, at least one sensor operable to detect the presence of an audible higher-order harmonic above a fundamental frequency when the vibrating element is active. The device also includes a processor operable to adjust the vibrating element to reduce the audible higher-order harmonic when the audible higher-order harmonic is detected.

Abstract: A system for managing a plurality of wearable devices on a user receives information to be conveyed using haptic effects and determines an intent of the information. The system then determines, for each of the plurality of wearable haptic devices, a location of the wearable haptic device on the user and a haptic capability. The system then maps the information as a haptic effect to one or more of the wearable haptic devices based at least on the determined locations on the user and the haptic capabilities.

Abstract: A haptic actuator apparatus and a method of making the same include an ultrasonically vibrating motor and its housing. The housing includes a guide structure coupled to the ultrasonically vibrating motor and at least one spring. The guide structure defines at least one path of motion of the ultrasonically vibrating motor. The at least one spring delimits the at least one path and generates human-detectable vibrations in response to an impact with the ultrasonically vibrating motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary control device with haptic feedback to be mounted in a control panel (5) of a motor vehicle, said rotary control device (1) comprising: a rotary control member (2), an angular sensor (3a, 3b, 3c) representative of the angular position of said rotary control member (2) and the output of which is intended to be connected to a processing unit of said motor vehicle, a device for generating haptic feedback (4), which is coupled to said rotary control member (2) in order to apply vibration to said rotary control member (2), characterized in that said rotary control member (2) has a control surface (6) of a general planar shape, which is intended to be substantially flush with said control panel (5) and in that said device for generating haptic feedback (4) is intended to be controlled by said processing unit in order to select a predetermined vibration from a plurality of predefined vibrations in such a way that said generating device (4) applies the selected vibration to s

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

Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines a back electromotive force (“EMF”) of the ERM actuator and receives a haptic effect signal comprising 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 the back EMF, and applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.

Abstract: In a lane keeping assistance method for a vehicle which is traveling in a lane, it is checked whether an activation criterion for an automatic driving dynamics intervention is satisfied, and in response to the satisfaction of the activation criterion, control signals are output for the driving dynamics intervention. A remaining travel time to crossing or reaching a lateral lane line is ascertained and compared to a threshold value as the activation criterion. During the automatic driving dynamics intervention, a deactivation criterion for ending the automatic driving dynamics intervention is checked, the deactivation criterion including a comparison of a vehicle alignment to a lane direction.

Abstract: A wearable tactile stimulation device can include a facial mask, an air-suit, and a pair of gloves. A wearable tactile stimulation device can include integrated conduits and nozzles configured to deliver tactile stimulation to portions of a users face, hands, and/or body. The tactile stimulation can be delivered via puffs of air transmitted through the conduits and nozzles. A controller can be configured to control tactile stimulation by controlling the generation and delivery of puffs of air. The puffs can be delivered individually, or in combination.

Abstract: An actuator module is disclosed. The actuator module includes an actuator having at least one elastomeric dielectric film disposed between first and second electrodes. A suspension system having at least one flexure is coupled to the actuator. The flexure enables the suspension system to move in a predetermined direction when the first and second electrodes are energized. A mobile device that includes the actuator module and a flexure where the actuator module assembly is used to provide haptic feedback also are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling social dancing. The system comprising a movement registration module configured to monitor and identify movements by a participant; and a tactile feedback actuator configured to supply tactile feedback to the participant based on a determination by a logic module. The method performed by a computerized device, the method comprising: monitoring movements by a participant; determining feedback in response to the movements; and instructing a tactile feedback actuator to supply the feedback to the participant.

Abstract: A linear vibrator is disclosed having a structure capable of generating a large vibratory force with a small size, outputting various types of vibrations in a wide bandwidth, and accurately coupling the magnet, the linear vibrator including: a case providing an inner space; a trembler including a yoke formed with a circular plate-shaped wing unit, a one inner lateral end-closed, cylindrical insertion unit bent from the wing unit to have a stair, an inner magnet coupled by being inserted into the insertion unit, and an external magnet coupled to one surface of the wing unit; an elastic member fixed at one end to the case and fixed at the other end to the trembler; and a stator fixed to the case to vibrate the trembler.

Abstract: Haptic output devices and related systems and methods are described in the present disclosure. In various implementations, a haptic output device includes a reservoir filled with a liquid. At least one side of the reservoir includes a flexible membrane. The haptic output device also includes a first actuator in physical contact with the reservoir and configured to impart pressure waves to the liquid. The pressure waves interact with the flexible membrane to supply a haptic effect to a user.

Abstract: An operation detection unit of a vehicular operating device is configured to detect a pressing force in a pressing direction substantially perpendicular to a plane including an operation direction of a slide operation by the finger of an operator on an operating surface. A control device does not execute recognition of a gesture pattern based on the slide operation if the pressing force detected by the operation detection unit is smaller than a first threshold value A, and recognizes a gesture pattern based on the slide operation after the pressing force has reached the first threshold value A or more. The control device controls a vehicle equipment in accordance with the recognized gesture pattern.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprises: a material attachable to skin, the material capable of detecting a magnetic field and transferring a perceivable stimulus to the skin, wherein the perceivable stimulus relates to the magnetic field.

Abstract: A user interface comprising a display arranged to display visual content and a tactile surface arranged to convey a tactile representation, wherein said tactile representation is based on said visual content. This has the advantage of enabling a user to perceive content being displayed to him with less cognitive effort.

Abstract: Provided is a method, a device, and a system, in which a sensor of a sense-providing device senses a motion of a sense-providing device, without using a plurality of cameras, to detect an object and provide sensory information.

Abstract: An information terminal includes a vibrator, a detector, and a communication controller. The vibrator is configured to generate vibration by using magnetism. The detector is configured to detect the vibration. The communication controller is configured to control a data transmission using the vibration of the vibrator, and a data reception using the detector.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and other techniques for a wearable navigation device are described. For example, an apparatus may comprise a wristband comprising a plurality of haptic feedback devices arranged around a circumference of the wristband and logic to wirelessly receive navigation information from a computing device and to output the navigation information using one or more of the plurality of haptic feedback devices, the output comprising a mechanical representation of the navigation information. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

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: A portable electronic device (100) includes a controllable skin texture surface (104) and control logic (200) that is operative to change a tactile configuration of at least a portion of the controllable skin texture surface (104) in response to at least any one (i.e., one or more) of: a received wireless signal, a battery level change condition, an incoming call, information from a proximity sensor, sound sensor, light sensor, data representing a user of the device, or data representing completion of a user authentication sequence. The controllable skin texture surface (104) may form part of a non-user interface portion or a user interface portion, such as a function key, keypad or other operational element of the device.

Abstract: A method of generating a haptic effect on a linear resonance actuator (“LRA”) having a resonant frequency includes receiving a haptic effect signal for the haptic effect, where the haptic effect comprises a desired frequency that is off-resonant from the LRA. The method further includes generating a first sine wave at the desired frequency and generating a second sine wave at or near the resonant frequency. The method further includes combining the first sine wave and the second sine wave to generate a drive signal.

Abstract: A method for providing tactile feedback comprises displaying a visual representation of a physical object having at least one haptic property, generating time-varying data associated with the at least one haptic property from the visual representation, sending the time-varying data to a computing device including a feedback apparatus electrically connected to the computing device, and generating the tactile feedback via the feedback apparatus in response to a pressure on the feedback apparatus applied by a user.

Abstract: A method for providing tactile feedback comprises displaying a visual representation of a physical object having at least one haptic property, generating time-varying data associated with the at least one haptic property from the visual representation, sending the time-varying data to a computing device including a feedback apparatus electrically connected to the computing device, and generating the tactile feedback via the feedback apparatus in response to a pressure on the feedback apparatus applied by a user.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus of efficiently converting audio signal to haptic signal. A method of converting audio signal into haptic signal, performed in a haptic signal converting apparatus, may include obtaining perceptive characteristic information of the audio signal from the audio signal provided; obtaining perceptive characteristic information of the haptic corresponding to the obtained perceptive characteristic information of the audio signal; and converting the perceptive characteristic information of the haptic into a haptic signal. Thus, the audio signal may be converted to the haptic signal intuitively and in real time, so that the method and the apparatus may be applied to various fields such as a mobile device, a gaming terminal, a home theater, and a 4 dimensional theater system, etc.

Abstract: A system is provided that automatically generates one or more haptic effects from source data, such as audio source data. The system fits the one or more haptic effects to the source data by analyzing the source data and identifying one or more haptic effects that are the most similar to the source data. The system matches the identified one or more haptic effects with the source data. The system subsequently outputs the identified one or more haptic effects.

Abstract: A method includes determining a status associated with a function of a portable electronic device; and actuating a tactile status indicator to change a texture at a surface of the portable electronic device for a period of time to indicate the status.

Abstract: A system is provided that automatically generates one or more haptic effects from source data, such as audio source data. The system fits the one or more haptic effects to the source data by analyzing the source data and identifying one or more haptic effects that are the most similar to the source data. The system matches the identified one or more haptic effects with the source data. The system subsequently outputs the identified one or more haptic effects.

Abstract: Provided are a contact-force sensor package and a method of fabricating the same. The contact-force sensor package includes an elastic layer comprising a side that contacts a source of a contact-force; and a substrate layer adhered to the opposing side of the elastic layer from the side that contacts the source of the contact-force and comprising a cantilever beam separated from the elastic layer and deformed due to the contact-force, a pillar extending from a free end portion of the cantilever beam to the elastic layer and transferring the contact-force from the elastic layer to the cantilever beam, and a deformation sensing element for generating an electrical signal that is proportional to a degree of deformation of the cantilever beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for synchronizing a sound source and a vibration generated according to a user's touch input in order to implement a haptic function in a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a response processor for synchronizing a time when a vibration is generated and a time when a sound source is generated by regulating a time when a vibration request signal is generated.

Abstract: A system and method of transmitting an authentication code includes automatically calculating a security code on a device executing a security program. The security program may periodically calculate a respective unique security code. In response to a user requesting the security code, the device automatically vibrates according to a pattern representing the security code. The pattern tactilely communicates the security code to the user.

Abstract: A haptic conversion system is provided that intercepts frames of audio data, such as a digital audio signal, converts the frames into a haptic signal, and plays the created haptic signal through an actuator to produce haptic effects. The haptic signal is based on a maximum value of each audio data frame, which defines a magnitude of the haptic signal. The haptic signal is applied to the actuator configured to receive the haptic signal, where the actuator utilizes the haptic signal to generate the one or more haptic effects.

Abstract: A refreshable tactile reader apparatus for Braille text and graphics, utilizing a plurality of compressible tactile pins that can absorb strong downward forces. Such strong forces transmitted through tactile pins can damage pin actuation mechanisms. The physical enclosure of the reader provides open channels that allow the apparatus to be more easily cleaned than prior art enablements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and devices for teaching the proper configuration of the oral articulators, particularly the tongue, corresponding to particular speech sounds by providing intraoral tactile feedback. Intraoral tactile feedback is achieved by placing nodes in the oral cavity of the patient in locations corresponding to the proper lingual position required to produce a target sound. These nodes facilitate identification of the appropriate lingual position corresponding to a target speech sound by providing tactile differentiation when the target sound is properly produced.

Abstract: A sensor pad (105) is adapted to be worn and operated by a user (100) to control a separate wireless communication terminal (103) carried by the user. The sensor pad includes a plurality of discrete sensors each operable to produce an indication signal indicating proximity of a user's finger to the sensor and a controller, responsive to receipt of indication signals from a plurality of the sensors, to produce a control signal for delivery to the wireless communication terminal to produce selection of a functional operation of the wireless communication terminal. Also described is a terminal for use with the sensor pad and also equipment and a method of operation.

Abstract: To maintain consistency in different environments with different impedances, a high voltage current driver may be used as a signal generator to output a tactile signal with a constant current. The constant current ensures that the voltage between the user's finger and the object's surface or electrode remains the same even if impedances in the electrical path change. Specifically, the current driver includes a current sensing circuit that determines the average current being generated. Using a feedback loop, the measured current is compared to a reference current to determine if the correct tactile sensation is perceived by the user. As the impedance changes, the current driver detects the resulting change in the signal's current and adjusts the voltage amplitude of the generated tactile signal in order to match the measured current to the reference current.

Abstract: Systems and methods for piezo-based haptic feedback are disclosed. For example, one described apparatus for piezo-based haptic feedback includes a polymer matrix, and a piezoelectric actuator at least partially embedded within the polymer matrix, the piezoelectric actuator configured to output a haptic effect.

Abstract: A system for tactile presentation of information to a pilot of an aircraft. The system comprises a pilot seat, a plurality of tactors, and a controller configured to control the plurality of tactors to tactually present the threat information to the pilot by producing one or more tactile stimuli based on situational awareness information. The tactors in the plurality of tactors are physically coupled to the pilot seat and the threat information is indicative of a threat to the aircraft. In some embodiments, at least one pressure sensor may be physically coupled to the pilot seat and the plurality of tactors may be configured to tactually present the threat information to the pilot based at least in part on data obtained by the at least one pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method for actuating a tactile interface layer for a device that defines a surface with a deformable region, comprising the steps of detecting a gesture of the user along the surface of the tactile interface layer that includes a movement of a finger of the user from a first location on the surface to a second location on the surface; interpreting the gesture as a command for the deformable region; and manipulating the deformable region of the surface based on the command.

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 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: A haptic conversion system is provided that intercepts frames of audio data, such as a digital audio signal, converts the frames into a haptic signal, and plays the created haptic signal through an actuator to produce haptic effects. The haptic signal is based on a maximum value of each audio data frame, which defines a magnitude of the haptic signal. The haptic signal is applied to the actuator configured to receive the haptic signal, where the actuator utilizes the haptic signal to generate the one or more haptic effects.

Abstract: Methods and devices provide a tactile output surface that can communicate information to users via their sense of touch. The tactile output surface may include a plurality of tactile elements which may be activated to represent various information in a manner that can be understood by touching the device. A mobile device may present tactile output surfaces on one or multiple surfaces, and the user may touch the device after of tactile feedback functionality to obtain information from the one or more tactile output surfaces. In an embodiment, a mobile device may be configured to obtain information from an information source and present the information on a tactile output surface so that the user can perceive the information without having to look at the device. A variety of technologies may be used to create actuatable tactile elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a haptic scroll wheel switch for a vehicle which includes a haptic wheel holder, a haptic wheel, a motor, and an encoder slit. The haptic wheel is rotatably installed in the haptic wheel holder and has a bevel gear unit formed on its one side. The motor is installed in the haptic wheel holder and has a driving shaft and an encoder slit installed on its both ends. More specifically, the driving shaft and the encoder slit are rotated and driven while operating in conjunction with the motor. Furthermore, a pinion gear is fixed to the driving shaft of the motor and geared with the bevel gear of the haptic wheel so that the pinion gear is operated in conjunction with the bevel gear, and a printed circuit board is used in conjunction with a sensor for detecting a rotation of the encoder slit.

Abstract: A haptic conversion system is provided that receives a plurality of audio streams of an audio signal. The haptic conversion system further determines, for each stream of the plurality of streams, whether at least one parameter of the one or more parameters indicates that the corresponding stream is to be converted into a haptic effect, and thus, identifies one or more streams that include at least one parameter that indicates the corresponding stream is to be converted into the haptic effect. The haptic conversion system further generates, for the identified streams, a haptic signal based on each corresponding stream. The haptic conversion system further sends, for the identified streams, each haptic signal to an actuator to generate a haptic effect.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a haptic actuator. A haptic actuator controller can includes driver input amplifier, an actuator feedback amplifier, an actuator driver, and a gain controller. The actuator driver is configured to drive a haptic actuator based on a difference of output of the input amplifier and output of the actuator feedback amplifier. The gain controller is configured to determine a boost interval for initiating motion of the haptic actuator, the boost interval based on a boost threshold back-electromotive-force (BEMF) voltage value exceeding a BEMF voltage generated by the haptic actuator. The gain controller is also configured to apply boost gains in the input amplifier and the feedback amplifier during the boost interval. The boost gains are higher than gains applied subsequent to the boost interval to maintain motion of the haptic actuator.