Abstract: Embodiments relate to operating multiple cutaneous actuators to provide the sensation of motions or actions occurring within the body. A part of receiving user's body (e.g., limb or head) is placed between the cutaneous actuators. The cutaneous actuators are operated in sequence, causing the illusion of motions or actions occurring inside the body part, as opposed to patches of skin where the cutaneous actuators are located. By differing the time interval between the activation of the cutaneous actuators and/or amplitude of vibrations generated by the cutaneous actuators.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a data output method may include: receiving unit-time or unit-size auditory data which are generated around a user and detected via a first apparatus; removing noises from the auditory data; extracting a frequency component included in the auditory data from which the noises have been removed; measuring at least one frequency of the auditory data on the basis of the frequency component; searching a database on the basis of the at least one frequency to fine reference data oscillating at the at least one frequency; generating first output data providing semantic data included in the reference data; and generating and providing an output control signal for transmitting the first output data.

Abstract: A method for providing information to a user, the method including: receiving an input signal from a sensing device associated with a sensory modality of the user; generating a preprocessed signal upon preprocessing the input signal with a set of preprocessing operations; extracting a set of features from the preprocessed signal; processing the set of features with a neural network system; mapping outputs of the neural network system to a device domain associated with a device including a distribution of haptic actuators in proximity to the user; and at the distribution of haptic actuators, cooperatively producing a haptic output representative of at least a portion of the input signal, thereby providing information to the user.

Abstract: There is provided a detection device, including: a non-contact sensor unit that detects a shape of a finger; and a mounting unit that mounts the non-contact sensor unit on a hand at a more distal position than a carpal area. Generation of occlusions may be prevented and operations that utilize a shape of user's fingers may be detected more reliably, while a mounted component and an operating procedure may also be simplified.

Abstract: A haptic presentation apparatus includes an actuator mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a detection unit, and a recognition unit. The transmission mechanism transmits haptic information to a user using a driving force caused by the actuator mechanism. The detection unit detects a load amount applied to the actuator mechanism. The recognition unit recognizes a contact state of the user with respect to the transmission mechanism based on the load amount detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: A method of an electronic device is provided. The method includes obtaining first state information related to a motion of the electronic device by using a first sensor operatively coupled to the electronic device while the electronic device is in a first state, transitioning, if the first state information satisfies a first designated condition, the electronic device from the first state to a second state, obtaining second state information related to at least a part of a user's body corresponding to the electronic device by using a second sensor operatively coupled to the electronic device while the electronic device is in the second state, and transitioning, if the second state information satisfies a second designated condition, the electronic device from the second state to a third state.

Abstract: Examples of portable electronic devices including a piezo actuated vibrator for providing tactile feedback to the user are described. Portable electronic devices according to the present disclosure may include tactile feedback devices, which may be driven by a piezoelectric actuator/vibrator that is operatively coupled to or embedded into the housing of a portable electronic device. In some examples, the housing of the electronic device itself can be made of piezoelectric ceramic material. The piezoelectric element may be coupled to the housing of the product to cause the housing to deflect and/or vibrate. In some examples, the housing of the portable electronic device, which may be a portable media player device, may be configured for placement directly or indirectly in contact with the user's skin such that vibrations of the housing may be felt directly (without audible feedback) by the user.

Abstract: A system produces haptic effects. The system receives input data associated with an event, identifies an element of the event in the input data, generates the haptic effects based on the element of the event, and produces the haptic effects via a haptic output device. In one embodiment, the haptic effects are generated by haptifying the element of the event. In one embodiment, the haptic effects are designed haptic effects and are adjusted based on the element of the event. In one embodiment, the input data is associated with a crowd that attends the event, and the element of the event is caused by the crowd. In one embodiment, the input data includes haptic data collected by one or more personal devices associated with the crowd. In one embodiment, the input data is indicative of a location of the one or more personal devices associated with the crowd.

Abstract: A wearable device for providing haptic effects includes a wearable housing configured to be worn on to a portion of a hand of a wearer and an actuator secured to the wearable housing. The wearable housing includes a first digit segment configured to conform to a finger of the hand and a second digit segment configured to conform to another finger or a thumb of the hand. The actuator is configured to receive a command signal indicative of a virtual interaction related to touching or grasping a virtual object. In response to the command signal, the actuator provides a force onto the portion of the hand or provides a force to render a resistance to movement of the first and second digit segments toward each other. The actuator uses the wearable housing to mechanically stabilize the force towards the portion of the hand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wearable device. The wearable device includes a depth sensor configured to 3-dimensionally sense a user's hand and to generate 3D scan information, a finger recognition unit configured to sense skin lines of user's fingers and to generate pattern information, an image processor configured to generate a 3D model of the user's hand based on the 3D scan information and to add a pattern representing the skin lines of the user's fingers to the 3D model based on the pattern information, and a key determination unit configured to, when the finger recognition unit senses a user's key input motion, generate an input value matching the key input motion, and the finger recognition unit senses the key input motion by comparing the sensed skin lines of the user's fingers with the pattern added to the 3D model.

Abstract: A distance sensing mobility assistance apparatus to assist a visually impaired person includes a microcontroller, and a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) component, an audio signal component, a haptic signal component, and a light-emitting signal component, all interfaced to the microcontroller. The microcontroller includes instructions for reading a distance signal from the LiDAR component, producing an audio phase width modulation (PWM) signal for the audio signal component, based on the distance signal, a frequency of the audio FM signal being inversely dependent on a distance estimate based on the distance signal. The microcontroller includes instructions for producing a haptic PWM signal for the haptic signal component, based on the distance signal, a duty cycle of the haptic PWM signal being inversely dependent on the distance estimate. The microcontroller includes instructions for producing a current based on the distance signal, for the light-emitting signal component.

Abstract: A touch display system includes a display system including a plurality of pixels, a touch system disposed on the display system and comprising a plurality of touch sensor electrodes, and a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) configured to supply power and a modulated ground (GND) voltage to the display system and the touch system.

Abstract: A device for delivering non-collocated haptic feedback includes at least one haptic playback device and a drive circuit for controlling the haptic playback device. A processor coupled to the drive circuit receives manipulation haptic information based on data received from a user interface. The processor generates a haptic signal is based on the manipulation haptic information. The haptic signal is provided to the drive circuit to produce the non-collocated haptic feedback.

Abstract: A haptic calibration device comprises a signal generator configured to receive the subjective force value and the force location from a subjective magnitude input device. The signal generator also receives from at least one of a plurality of haptic sensors a sensor voltage value, with the at least one of the plurality of haptic sensors corresponding to the force location. The signal generator stores the subjective force value and the corresponding sensor voltage value in a data store. The signal generator generates a calibration curve indicating a correspondence between subjective force values and sensor voltage values for the location where the subjective force was experienced using the data from the data store, wherein the calibration curve is used to calibrate a haptic feedback device.

Abstract: A navigation system includes microfluidics, a piezoelectric charger, and a transceiver paired with a network connected mobile computing device sending walking navigation instructions to the navigation system. The instructions are received by the transceiver and rendered as an embossed line using the microfluidics. The embossed line is felt by a user and interpreted as a navigation instruction. Other position information, such as upcoming obstacles, gradients, and route outline, can be portrayed as an embossed line to a user using the microfluidics. Optionally, the navigation system includes one or more pressure sensors providing pressure measurements to the mobile computing device for determining the gait of a user. The analyzed pressure measurements are received by the transceiver and rendered as one or more projecting objects by the microfluidics at locations with improper applied pressure.

Abstract: A system provides haptic feedback based on media content. The system processes the media content into components including a first component and a second component. The system further determines a first priority value related to the first component and a second priority value related to the second component. The system further compares the first priority value with the second priority value. The system further generates a first control signal and a second control signal based on the comparison, where the first control signal is configured to cause a first haptic feedback to be output and the second control signal is configured to cause a second haptic feedback to be output that is the same or different than the first haptic feedback.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a virtual reality system, including: a database configured to store sensory information paired with at least one virtual object; a virtual reality rendering unit to render the virtual object, where the virtual reality rendering unit is configured to render a virtual representation of a user of the system; a signal control unit configured to be connected to the virtual reality rendering unit; and a sensory stimulation unit comprising one or more sensory stimulators, where the one or more sensory stimulators are configured to be connected to at least part of an actual body of the user of the system, where the signal control unit is further configured to communicate the sensory information to the sensory stimulation unit upon interaction between the virtual object and the virtual representation in the virtual reality, and where the one or more sensory stimulators are configured to stimulate the part of the user's actual body based on the sensory information.

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 video game system records video gameplay by a player interacting with an endpoint, such as a game controller. The recording includes recording a haptic track of haptic effects generated on the endpoint during the gameplay and recording a video track of video generated during the gameplay. The recording further includes encoding the haptic track with the video track.

Abstract: Described is a screen surface layer comprising a plurality of light-emitting pixels including a plurality of red pixels, a plurality of green pixels and a plurality of blue pixels; a transducer layer comprising a plurality of acoustic transducers, wherein the transducer layer is affixed below the screen surface layer; and a cover layer having a plurality of cylinder-shaped perforations, wherein the cover layer is affixed above the screen surface layer. In addition, an average “transducer model” describing a phasor distribution in space may be produced describing the output signal at the carrier frequency in the air at a known spatial offset from an averaged transducer. Further, phased array systems may have numerous individual transducer elements that will likely fail before the product incorporating the transducers reaches end-of-life. By detecting such failed transducers, the transducer array may function at peak performance by working around the missing transducer output.

Abstract: A wearable actuation device allows a user to interact with virtual objects in an AR or VR environment by providing force or haptic feedback. The wearable actuation device includes one or more actuator assemblies anchored to each of the user's fingers and a controller configured to communicate with a head mounted display. Embodiments of the actuator assembly include an electrorheological actuator, an optically driven actuator, and a piezo actuator sandwich assembly each of which is configured to undergo a reversible change in stiffness in response to an applied voltage or current. In one or more embodiments, the actuator assembly is configured to stiffen, elongate, compress in response to the application of a current or voltage waveform. In still other embodiments, the actuator assembly determines a measure of the current stress or strain being applied by the user on the virtual object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a precise spatial motion device including: a motion unit including a plurality of drivers that do not contact each other and are elastically connected to each other; and a control unit that controls the drivers to drive in a six-degree-of-freedom manner and in three-dimensional space by controlling magnetic force. In accordance with the constructions of the present disclosure, the drivers are connected to each other in a non-contact and frictionless manner, and thus, driving may be performed in a six-degree-of-freedom manner and in three-dimensional space. Accordingly, position and attitude errors are not accumulated, whereby precise motion control may be achieved.

Abstract: A system for indicating a direction to a user is disclosed. The system may include a first unit and a second unit to be worn proximate to a first ear and a second ear of the user respectively. The system may indicate a direction to the user through tactile sensations delivered proximate to the ears of the user by the first and second units. The system may also include microphones to aid in determining the direction of a source of a sound and the system may indicate the determined direction, thereby allowing the user to localize the sound. The system may also function as hearing aids. The system may aid individuals with hearing disabilities by alerting them to the direction of the source of a sound.

Abstract: A screen assembly and a mobile terminal are provided. The screen assembly includes a frame and a screen. The screen is arranged on the inner side of the frame. The screen is able to move relative to the frame between a first position and a second position along a thickness direction of the screen. The screen is configured to move towards the interior of the frame from the first position to the second position in a drop process of the screen assembly.

Abstract: A steering wheel, in which a vibration device including a vibration motor is attached, the steering wheel includes: a ring portion including a core member and a thickness-reduced portion, reducing mass, provided with the core member. The vibration device is housed in the thickness-reduced portion and attached to the core member.

Abstract: Vibration instruction data for vibrating a vibration apparatus is received from another apparatus, data related to the received vibration instruction data is stored in a memory, and the vibration apparatus is vibrated using the data stored in the memory. Then, as an example, a state of the data related to the vibration instruction data stored in the memory is detected, and when the state of the data satisfies a predetermined condition, predetermined data related to the vibration instruction data is additionally stored in the memory. As another example, when the vibration instruction data cannot be received from the other apparatus, predetermined data related to the vibration instruction data is additionally stored in the memory.

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: 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. The movement of the tactors can represent to a user various information about an object.

Abstract: A haptic device according to one embodiment can comprise: a database unit for storing acoustic information or receiving the acoustic information from an external device; a control unit for converting the acoustic information into an electrical signal according to a predetermined pattern; a driving unit for generating a motion signal on the basis of the electrical signal; and a transfer unit for transferring a patterned tactile signal to a user by means of the motion signal.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a haptic feedback component is configured to generate haptic feedback in accordance with movement of a user. The haptic feedback component includes a frame having a size and shape for receiving an appendage of a user, a flexible beam member coupled to the frame, and a haptic feedback element that is coupled to the flexible beam member, wherein the haptic feedback element actuates in response to receiving an electrical signal so as to cause the flexible beam member to displace from an initial configuration to a modified configuration such as to direct the haptic feedback towards the appendage.

Abstract: To allow the driver to identify a notification vibration even in a situation in which the notification vibration may be masked depending on the road conditions. A vehicle notification device (1) randomly extract one of a plurality of pieces of signal data by the number of vibrators (exciters EX1 to EX4), each of the pieces of signal data being different in a combination of an initial frequency and a target frequency and generates a plurality of sweep signals by changing the frequency from the initial frequency to the target frequency of the extracted piece of signal data in cycles. A plurality of notification vibrations whose frequencies change in different frequency ranges are outputted by outputting the generated sweep signals, individually from the vibrators (exciters EX1 to EX4).

Abstract: An electronic device has a structure in which two portions between which a bent portion of a display panel is positioned are each fixed to a housing. The electronic device takes two forms of a form in which the display panel is opened and a form in which the display panel is folded in three. The electronic device includes a mechanism for sliding two housings parallel to each other. The display panel is changed in shape so that a portion where a display surface of the display panel is convexly curved and a portion where the display surface of the display panel is concavely curved in the folded state move in directions parallel and opposite to each other. At this time, the two portions of the display panel which are supported by the housings are slid while their display surfaces maintain a state parallel to each other.

Abstract: A haptic glove comprises a glove body including a glove digit corresponding to a phalange of a user hand with the glove digit having a bend location that is located along the glove digit. A haptic apparatus is coupled to the glove body at the bend location with the haptic apparatus comprising a plurality of sheets that are flexible and inextensible and a pressure actuator coupled to one or more of the plurality of sheets. The plurality of sheets are stacked and configured to translate relative to each other along the centerline with bending of the glove digit. The pressure actuator is configured to adjust an applied pressure to the plurality of sheets to adjust friction between the sheets. The adjustment of friction is proportional to a bending resistance of the glove digit.

Abstract: A method of rendering a haptic effect on a haptic output device is provided based on an ambient environmental stimulus signal received from a sensor. A notification event based on the stimulus signal is determined. A haptic effect is rendered on a haptic output devices based on the notification event. A system and computer-readable medium are also provided for rendering a haptic effect on a haptic output device based on an ambient environmental stimulus signal.

Abstract: An accessible pedestrian pushbutton station. The station includes an articulating rear mounting structure to facilitate accurate positioning of the station on either a curved or flat surface. Additionally, slots in the rear mounting structure allow for minor positional adjustments during installation. The crossing direction arrow is easily repositioned on the front of the station without disassembling the housing. After removing the screw-mounted arrow, the plunger can be turned clockwise or counter-clockwise using only a flat-head screw driver. The plunger is balanced between oppositely biased springs. The spring-balanced plunger indirectly actuates an offset piezo bender using a flexible spring actuator and a second, offset stem bumper. This protects the piezo bender from direct pressure and potential damage. The station includes an internal speaker and the housing includes bilateral sound vents to project the sound emitted by the speaker. Baffles may be inserted in one or both of the sound vents.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a slew rate regulation circuit, a plurality of switches and a controller circuit. The controller circuit controls the plurality of switches to decouple a first source supply voltage from a supply rail; control the plurality of switches to couple a second source supply voltage to the supply rail to replace the first source supply voltage with the second source supply voltage; and control the slew rate regulation circuit to regulate a slew rate of a voltage of the supply rail during a time interval in which the first source supply voltage is being replaced with the second source supply voltage.

Abstract: A haptic conversion system is provided that analyzes an audio signal, generates a plurality of haptic signals based on the analysis of the audio signal, and plays the generated plurality of haptic signals through a plurality of actuators to produce one or more haptic effects. The haptic conversion system maps the generated plurality of haptic signals to the plurality of actuators based on one or more audio characteristics of the audio signal. Each generated haptic signal includes one or more haptic parameters, and is played at its mapped actuator to generate the one or more haptic effects.

Abstract: A driver assembly comprises a housing structure, a magnet assembly within the housing structure, and opposing spring structures coupled to the housing structure at different vertical positions than one another. The magnet assembly comprises a permanent magnet, a plate structure underlying the permanent magnet, a voice coil circumscribing the permanent magnet and the plate structure, and a yoke structure at least partially surrounding the permanent magnet, the plate structure, and the voice coil. The opposing spring structures are configured to impede horizontal movement of the permanent magnet, the plate structure, and the yoke structure while permitting vertical movement thereof. A headphone and a method of forming a headphone are also described.

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: Braille cells and assemblies include an actuator that engages and makes readable a Braille dot by rotating about a hinge on a base to engage the dot. An electro-permanent magnet on the rod and a magnetic plate on the underlying base can cause the rotation. By running an electric pulse through the electro-permanent magnet, it will rotate the rod about the pivot hinge under attraction to the magnetic plate at the other end of the base. The rod then engages with a tactile pin contacting the Braille dot and making it readable. An electric pulse in an opposite direction may cause the magnetic field to cease and the tactile pin to disengage. The electro-permanent magnet may be coupled a mesh of rows and columns each with a P-channel MOSFET and N-channel MOSFET on opposite ends. The magnet may be at an intersection of a row and a column with diodes.

Abstract: Braille cells and assemblies include an actuator that engages and makes readable a Braille dot by moving a shaft on a base to engage the dot. An electro-permanent magnet and a separate magnetic plate on the shaft can cause the rotation. By running an electric pulse through the electro-permanent magnet, it will rotate the shaft about a pivot under attraction to the magnetic plate. The shaft then engages tactile with the Braille dot to make it and potentially other dots form a Braille character. An electric pulse in an opposite direction may cause the magnetic field to cease and the tactile pin to disengage. The electro-permanent magnet may be coupled a mesh of rows and columns each with a P-channel MOSFET and N-channel MOSFET on opposite ends. The magnet may be at an intersection of a row and a column with diodes, which may be Zenner diodes.

Abstract: A method of encoding a packet of data representative of a haptic effect, the haptic affect being associated with an immersive content is described. The method includes adding a first information in the packet, the first information being representative of a dependency of said haptic effect with regard to a position of a body model in relation to the immersive content. Thereafter, a second information in the packet is added, the second information being representative of at least a first part of the body model targeted by the haptic effect. A method for decoding the packet and corresponding devices are also described.

Abstract: [Solving Means] A tactile sense presentation apparatus includes a movable body, an actuator unit, and a signal generation unit. The actuator unit is connected to the movable body. The signal generation unit is configured to supply a driving signal to the actuator unit, the driving signal generating a vibration on the actuator unit, the vibration having within a period at least one of a plurality of different amplitudes and a plurality of different frequencies.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for adjusting a bandwidth allocation for a traffic flow associated with a user as a function of a sensed characteristic of the user. A communication device has a sensor data receiver for receiving sensor data pertaining to a sensed characteristic of a user, and circuitry implementing an IRSCU (information representative of the sensed characteristic of the user) messenger configured for sending, to a network entity used for adjusting a bandwidth allocation for a traffic flow associated with the user, a message containing IRSCU. A network management entity, which receives the IRSCU, has circuitry implementing a bandwidth adjustor, which is configured for adjusting, based on the IRSCU, a bandwidth allocation for a traffic flow associated with the user. Accordingly, the bandwidth allocation for the traffic flow associated with the user is adjusted as a function of the sensed characteristic of the user.

Abstract: A device for delivering non-collocated haptic feedback includes at least one haptic playback device and a drive circuit for controlling the haptic playback device. A processor coupled to the drive circuit receives manipulation haptic information based on data received from a user interface. The processor generates a haptic signal is based on the manipulation haptic information. The haptic signal is provided to the drive circuit to produce the non-collocated haptic feedback.

Abstract: The Braille Dot Delivery System is an enhancement design from the Publication No.: US-2012-0295232-A1, which implements the same concept for delivering Braille Dot characters via electronic pulses; the system comprises of the Low Frequency Pulse Output Device Pad [140] and the Computer/Signal Transmitter [200], where the wireless receiving unit receives information from the Computer/Signal Transmitter [200] generates electrical pulse(s) to replicate a Braille dot-like character. The Low Frequency Pulse Output Device Pad [140] contain electrodes in a 3×2 matrix cell; each cell consists of a set of electrodes, one for positive signal and another negative signal or ground; completing the circuit is the electrode gel pad, a medium between the electrode cell insert and human skin surface contact, there delivers an electronic pulse at low applied current.

Abstract: A device and system for aiding in navigation. The system includes a vibrating haptic device, including a printed circuit board configured to determine a geographic position of a user, a battery, one or more isolation pads, and a plurality of actuators, and a mobile electronic device coupled to the vibrating haptic device, wherein the mobile electronic device is configured to analyze data gathered by the vibrating haptic device and determine a geographic position and angle of a user.

Abstract: There is provided a haptic system for providing sensory augmentation to a subject, the haptic system including a haptic surface for interacting with the subject, the haptic surface including an array of haptic portions, each haptic portion configured to be controllable to perform a haptic action; an image generator configured to generate a depth map based on information obtained on a scene captured of a surrounding environment; and a controller configured to control each of the array of haptic portions based on a property of a corresponding portion of the depth map. There is also provided a corresponding method for providing sensory augmentation to a subject and a vehicle having installed therein the haptic system.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise a method and apparatus for actuator control. The methods and apparatus may comprise various digital signal processing functions to detect a back EMF (electromotive force) and compute a countermeasure value to reduce ringing. The methods and apparatus for actuator control may apply a drive signal corresponding to the countermeasure value. The magnitude and direction of the drive signal provided at particular times during operation may facilitate a shorter settling time.

Abstract: An operation processing device comprises: an operator which is capable of operating of changing a designation position and outputs an operation value corresponding to the designation position; and a processor which determines each of a plurality of execution conditions corresponding to each of a plurality of processes according to the operation value output by the operator and controls execution of the plurality of processes on the basis of a correspondence relation between the operation value and the execution condition which is defined to be individually different in each process and controls performing of the plurality of processes on the basis of the respective determined execution conditions.