Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for providing haptic effects based on information complementary to multimedia content. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving multimedia data comprising multimedia content and complementary data, wherein the complementary data describes the multimedia content, determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the complementary data, and outputting the haptic effect while playing the multimedia content.

Abstract: A mobile communication device (10) adjusts a level of friction between a surface of the device and one or more other objects (22a, 22b, 24) that may be in contact with the device (10), such as receipts, credit cards, keys, money, the user's hand or fingers, and the like. To adjust the friction, the device (10) first determines its current environmental context, such as whether it is inside the user's pocket (20) or lying on a table surface, for example. Then, based on that context, the device (10) varies a coefficient of friction to increase or decrease the friction between the surface of the device (10) and the surfaces of the other objects (22a, 22b, 24). Varying the friction allows a user to grip the device (10) easier and/or reduce the chance that the other objects (22a, 22b, 24) in contact with the device (10) are also inadvertently removed from the storage location with the device.

Abstract: Provided is a device for outputting an audio signal. The device includes: a vibrator configured to output the audio signal; a vibrator cover provided on the vibrator to transmit the output audio signal to a surface of an object mounted with the device; a sensor configured to measure a pressure between the surface of the object and the vibrator cover; a distance adjusting unit configured to adjust a distance between the surface of the object and the vibrator cover based on the pressure measured by the sensor to optimally output the audio signal; and a control unit configured to control the vibrator, the sensor, and the distance adjusting unit.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate the transfer and reconditioning of mobile computing devices. Various embodiments can receive and store mobile computing devices, perform a variety of tests and analyses on such devices, remove or backup the user's data from the mobile device, and configure the device for resale or reuse by other users.

Abstract: A tactile vibration control system and method for a smart terminal. The system includes a command generator, a filter, a tactile driver and a linear resonant actuator; the command generator generates an initial commanding signal according to an input signal; the filter filters the initial commanding signal so that amplitudes of a predetermined number of initial pulses of the filtered commanding signal are larger than a set threshold and phases of a predetermined number of ending pulses reverse; and the tactile driver generates a driving signal according to the filtered commanding signal for driving the actuator to vibrate. The initial commanding signal generated by the command generator is filtered so that when the actuator is driven to vibrate by the driving signal generated subsequently, the actuator has a quick starting response and a quick braking response.

Abstract: A tactile sound device in proximate contact with a user, comprising a multistage arrangement of vibrotactile materials to impart visceral sensations to a user. The device imparts a physical sensation via a multistage arrangement of vibrotactile materials embodied in a wearable or seated configuration, in response to a wired or wireless signal input.

Abstract: A robust alarm system has an alarm controller adapted to input an alarm trigger and to generate at least one alarm drive signal in response. Alarm subsystems input the alarm drive signal and activate one or more of multiple alarms accordingly. A subsystem function signal provides feedback to the alarm controller as to alarm subsystem integrity. A malfunction indicator is output from the alarm controller in response to a failure within the alarm subsystems.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including an effect control unit configured to control an echo effect that is to be added to an output, a sound output control unit configured to control a sound output according to occurrence of an event in a virtual space, and a haptic output control unit configured to control a haptic output to which the echo effect controlled by the effect control unit is added according to the occurrence of the event.

Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a forward facing camera module having a forward facing camera having forward field of view, and includes a rearward facing camera having a rearward field of view. The forward facing camera module includes an image processor, a decoder and an encoder. Image data captured by the rearward facing camera is fed to the decoder and an output of the decoder is fed to the image processor. The image processor is operable to process image data captured by the forward facing camera to at least detect objects in the forward field of view and is operable to process the decoder output to at least detect objects the rearward field of view. An image processor output is fed to the encoder and an encoder output is fed to a display that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle.

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

Abstract: A touch-enabled device can simulate one or more features in a touch area. Features may include, but are not limited to, changes in texture and/or simulation of boundaries, obstacles, or other discontinuities in the touch surface that can be perceived through use of an object in contact with the surface. Systems include a sensor configured to detect a touch in a touch area when an object contacts a touch surface, an actuator, and one or more processors. The processor can determine a position of the touch using the sensor and select a haptic effect to generate based at least in part on the position, the haptic effect selected to simulate the presence of a feature at or near the determined position. Some features are simulated by varying the coefficient of friction of the touch surface.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to wearable articles, including wearable suits, etc., for providing haptic feedback to a user. The wearable articles suitably include adjustable interaction elements that can be fluidly connected to a liquid or gas supply, and can also include a haptic actuator. The wearable articles are useful in combination with various devices, including gaming systems and virtual or augmented reality systems.

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: The present invention relates to a touch panel capable of detecting a capacitive touch input of a finger of a human body or a touch input tool having conduction characteristics similar to those of the finger, and more particularly, to a structure of a touch panel having a high resolution so as to detect a touch input tool having a diameter smaller than a unit pi. In a touch panel having a high resolution according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to maintain high touch sensitivity while minimizing a change in structures of touch patterns depending on a size or a purpose of the touch panel.

Abstract: An ID card and/or cell phone holder provides position identification, 2-way communication, and panic control features for emergency communication. Contemplated holders include those configured as a wallet, arm band, belt clip, or money clip, and can additionally or alternatively be adapted for use with a key ring, lanyard, or other carrying adapter. Position identification circuitry, the communication circuitry, and the panic control interface can be physically distributed between or among at least first and second cards or other components.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and systems for enabling remote alarm hushing with acoustic presence verification. Acoustic presence verification is used to assure that a device attempting to remotely deactivate an alarm is located within a certain distance of an alarming device before allowing the alarm to be hushed. Acoustic presence can be established through emission and monitoring of ultrasonic acoustic signals. The ultrasonic acoustic signals may be transmitted at a frequency that exceeds human hearing such as, for example, between 18 KHz and 22 kHz. Such ultrasonic signals have a relatively short range and are unable to penetrate walls and floors, thus providing an effective tool for ensuring that the device attempting to remotely hush an alarming device is within a line-of-sight of the alarming device.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device includes a processor, a position receiver, and storage bearing instructions. The instructions are executable by the processor to receive from the position receiver data indicating a location of the device. The instructions are also executable to receive a map of a facility, present on the device at least a portion of the map, receive a selection of a destination indicated on the map, and at least in part based on the selection and the data indicating the location of the device, present on the device directions to the destination in the facility.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer-readable media for using haptic technologies to provide enhanced media experiences are presented. According to one or more aspects of the disclosure, a computing device, such as a smart phone, tablet computer, or portable media player, may establish a connection with a local content receiver. Subsequently, the computing device may receive, from the local content receiver, a sensation data signal that specifies one or more haptic effects to be provided at a particular time relative to playback of a media content item received by the local content receiver. Thereafter, the computing device may provide the one or more haptic effects.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to fiber actuators for providing haptic feedback, and haptic actuation resulting from mechanical and/or electrostatic (non-mechanical) interactions with the fiber actuators. Such fiber actuators are useful in structural materials, including as elements of wearables or accessories.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel comprising a metallic hub, a rim, and at least one branch including a mechanical connection piece attaching the rim to the hub. The vehicle steering wheel additionally includes at least one second branch of polymer injected between the hub and the rim without a mechanical connection piece attaching the rim to the hub, the at least one second branch including at least one energy conductor. The steering wheel further comprising positioning means for positioning the at least one energy conductor before the injection of the polymer of the branch in such a manner as to guarantee a minimal distance between the at least one energy conductor and a surface of the polymer once it is injected.

Abstract: One illustrative computing device disclosed herein includes a sensor configured to detect a user interaction with a physical object and transmit a sensor signal associated with the user interaction. The illustrative computing device also includes a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to: receive the sensor signal; determine a characteristic of the physical object based on the sensor signal; determine a haptic effect associated with the characteristic; and transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect. The illustrative computing device further includes a haptic output device in communication with the processor, the haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect.

Abstract: At least one operator control element which can be moved by an operator is included in an operator control device. Furthermore, the operator control device includes an actuator with which activation of the operator control element can be communicated to the operator. The actuator includes a coil element and an armature which can move relative to the coil element. The armature is secured to the operator control element. The operator control device also includes an evaluation device with which a position of the armature relative to the coil element can be detected.

Abstract: One illustrative electrostatic actuator disclosed herein includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first insulation layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, a first resilient material between the first electrode and the second electrode, a third electrode, a second insulation layer between the second electrode and the third electrode, and a second resilient material between the second electrode and the third electrode. The first electrode and the third electrode receive power from a power supply and responsively generate a first polarity. The second electrode receives power from the power supply and responsively generates a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity. The first polarity and the second polarity generate a first attractive force between the first electrode and the second electrode and a second attractive force between the second electrode and the third electrode. The electrostatic actuator may be part of a user interface.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for search and notification are provided. A request to search for an item is received by a system from a client device. The request includes search parameters that identify the searched item. Sensor data that indicates items that are located within a predefined distance from a sensor is received. A determination that the search parameters match with a corresponding item among the items indicated by the sensor data as being located within the predefined distance from the sensor is performed by the system. A location of the searched item is determined by the system based on the match. The location of the searched item is displayed by the system in a user interface of an application on the client device.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for simulating touch in a virtual environment is disclosed. In one example embodiment, a method includes receiving an indicator of a touch in a virtual environment, the indicator including a physical touch location and a texture of the touch, generating one or more commands that simulate the texture of the touch at the physical touch location by stimulating one or more micro-touch simulators in an array of micro-touch simulators according to the texture of the touch at the physical touch location, and executing the one or more commands at the physical touch interface to simulate the touch at the physical touch location for the user.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques and apparatuses enabling haptic guides for a touch-sensitive display. The techniques enable users to interact with their mobile devices using haptics, including to make touch selections for their devices.

Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a sensor configured to detect a user input associated with a projected user interface and transmit a sensor signal associated with the user interaction, and a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to: receive the sensor signal, determine a remote haptic effect based at least in part on the user input, generate a haptic signal based at least in part on the remote haptic effect, and transmit the haptic signal. The illustrative system further includes a haptic output device in communication with the processor, the haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and output the remote haptic effect.

Abstract: A system for producing a mechanical haptic pattern based on linear resonance actuator (LRA) signal is disclosed. The system includes an actuator displacement sensor, the actuator displacement sensor configured to apply an alternating measurement signal at a predetermined frequency to an actuator motor. The actuator displacement sensor configured to use a measure of a voltage across and a current through the actuator motor to determine its impedance at the predetermined frequency and determine an estimated displacement of the actuator motor using said impedance and a predetermined displacement-impedance function. The system also includes a controller configured to accept the LRA signal and the estimated displacement, wherein the controller is configured to alter the input LRA signal according to the estimated displacement to limit excursion of a moving part of the actuator motor.

Abstract: A touch screen panel includes a touch substrate, and a sensing electrode on the touch substrate, the sensing electrode recognizing a touch of a user and having a first sensing insulation layer on the touch substrate, the first sensing insulation layer having a first refractive index, a second sensing insulation layer on the first sensing insulation layer, the second sensing insulation layer having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index, and the second sensing insulation layer including metal, and a sensing transparent conductive layer on the second sensing insulation layer.

Abstract: A haptic feedback element controller for a mobile device and a method of controlling a haptic feedback element for a mobile device is described. The haptic feedback element includes a processor having a processor output, a first processor input, and a second processor input, a control state module having an output coupled to the second processor input and configured to determine at least one operating state parameter of at least one of a haptic feedback element and a haptic feedback element amplifier; wherein the processor is configured to alter the amplitude of one or more frequency components of an input signal received on the first processor input in dependence of the at least one operating state parameter and to output a processed signal to a haptic feedback element amplifier having an output for coupling to a haptic feedback element. The haptic feedback element controller may maximize the drive signal up to mechanical and thermal limits without lifetime reduction of the haptic feedback element.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for delivering haptic notifications to a user. A system is disclosed having: a plurality of wearable devices adapted to be worn on different parts of a user, wherein each wearable device is adapted to output a configurable haptic notification to the user; a host device that coordinates with at least two wearable devices to output a scheme of haptic notifications based on an associated rule in response to a detected event; and a learning system that analyzes feedback from the user to determine an efficacy of the scheme and causes the associated rule to be altered in response to the scheme being deemed ineffective.

Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a sensor configured to detect a user interaction with a touch surface and transmit a sensor signal including data associated with a pressure of the user interaction. The illustrative system also includes a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to: receive the sensor signal; determine, based on the sensor signal, a pressure level; determine a user interface level based at least in part on the pressure level; perform a function associated with the user interface level and the user interaction; determine a haptic effect based at least in part on the user interface level and the user interaction; generate a haptic signal based at least in part on the haptic effect; and transmit the haptic signal. The illustrative system further includes a haptic output device in configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for providing haptic effects based on information complementary to multimedia content. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving multimedia data comprising multimedia content and complementary data, wherein the complementary data describes the multimedia content, determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the complementary data, and outputting the haptic effect while playing the multimedia content.

Abstract: A system for authoring one or more haptic effects using a haptic effect authoring tool receives a haptification model that is based on a predetermined haptic effect style. The system receives an input that includes at least one of audio and video and a plurality of events. The system then, using the haptification model, recommends a haptic effect to be associated with a corresponding event from the input.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detection and notification of pressure waves are described herein. A lighting unit (100) may include one or more light sources (104) such as LEDs, a pressure wave sensor (106), a communication interface (108), and a controller (102) operably coupled with the one or more LEDs, the pressure wave sensor, and the communication interface. In various embodiments, the controller may be configured to receive a signal from the pressure wave sensor, the signal representative of one or more pressure waves detected by the pressure wave sensor. The controller may be configured to determine, based on the signal received from the pressure wave sensor, that the detected one or more pressure waves satisfy a predetermined criterion. The controller may be configured to transmit, to one or more remote lighting units via the communication interface, notification that the predetermined criterion has been satisfied.

Abstract: A controller device for a virtual environment includes a handle and a contact device having a substantially planar surface. A position of the contact device relative to the handle is adjustable. An actuator module is arranged to adjust the position of the contact device relative to the handle. A control module in communication with the virtual environment selectively controls the actuator module to adjust the position of the contact device in response to data received from the virtual environment. The data includes an indication of an interaction between a user and an object represented within the virtual environment.

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: Provided are an ancillary device for an electrical stimulation device and an electrical stimulation device. The ancillary device is usable for an electrical stimulation device including at least one electrode that contacts the head of a user to apply a current to the head of a user, and includes a reverse current supplier that contacts the at least one electrode of the electrical stimulation device, and a controller that controls the reverse current supplier such that a reverse current is supplied to the at least one electrode to neutralize the at least one electrode.

Abstract: A method and electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a first touch sensor and a processor. The processor implements the method, which includes detecting, via a first touch sensor of the electronic device, sensor information from a touch object, determining, via a processor of the electronic device, a state of the touch object based on analysis of the detected sensor information, and adjusting a touch sensitivity for the electronic device according to the determined state of the object.

Abstract: A haptic interface, including: a button which can be rotated by a user; an interaction element interacting with a magnetorheological fluid, secured to the button; a mechanism measuring a current position of the button; a brake including a magnetorheological fluid and a generation system to generate a magnetic field in the fluid; a controller configured to generate orders for the system to generate a magnetic fluid to modify a value of the magnetic field; and a mechanism to detect torque exerted by a user on the button to know direction of the torque and whether the torque is greater than a given value for a given direction, the controller controlling generation of a magnetic field based on obtained information about the torque at least when the button indicates zero or low speed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visual processing of spectrograms to generate haptic effects are disclosed. In one embodiment, a signal comprising at least an audio signal is received. One or more spectrograms may be generated based at least in part on the received signal. One or more haptic effects may be determined based at least in part on the spectrogram. For example, a generated spectrogram may be a two-dimensional image and this image can be analyzed to determine one or more haptic effects. Once a haptic effect has been determined, one or more haptic output signals can be generated. A generated haptic output signal may be output to one or more haptic output devices.

Abstract: A programmable mobile unit for a portable host, such as a person, comprising a microcontroller in communication with each of a detachable freespace communication module for communication with a control center, a GPS unit for communication with at least a GPS satellite system and a biometric sensor for monitoring and identifying the host.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an input device that replicates mechanical actuation of a rotatable input mechanism in such a way that the haptic output provided by the input device is controllable.

Abstract: A tactile switch on a mobile electronic device having a housing is provided. The tactile switch is comprised of a pressure sensitive interface on an exterior portion of the housing, a switch mechanism, and at least one pathway coupled to the pressure sensitive interface and extending from the pressure sensitive interface to the switch mechanism. The switch mechanism is at a remote location from the pressure sensitive interface. The pathway is formed in an interior portion of the housing. The tactile switch further includes a viscous fluid substantially filling the pathway. The tactile switch is configured such that when pressure is applied to the pressure sensitive interface, the viscous fluid exerts pressure on the switch mechanism, causing the switch to make an electrical contact.

Abstract: A foldable display is disclosed. In one aspect, the foldable display includes a foldable display panel and a folding adjustment part configured to adjust a folding configuration of the foldable display panel. The foldable display also includes a folding sensor configured to sense the folding configuration, a rear surface touch sensor configured to sense a touch input applied to a rear surface of the foldable display panel, and a controller. The controller is configured to detect first and second touch inputs applied to different portions of the rear surface and control the folding adjustment part so as to switch the folding configuration of the foldable display panel when the controller detects that the first touch input moves in a first direction and the second touch input moves in a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: A system and method of generating a set of preferred haptic settings for a user based on haptic settings chosen by other similar users is presented. The method includes maintaining a database of haptic software applications with associated haptic configuration settings. When a user loads a haptic software application such as a computer game or video, a server receives a communication identifying the particular computer game or video and the identity of the user. The server searches the database for other users of the computer game or video where the other users have similar setting preferences as the user. The server calculates a preferred set of configuration settings and sends those settings to the user where a haptic output device produces haptic effects based on the preferred set of configuration settings. A system that generates haptic setting based on similar users is also presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing tactile displays that present two-dimensional moving tactile stroke sensations are described herein. Systems and methods provide for controlling the characteristics of stimulation devices arranged in a grid topology to generate virtual stimulation devices and illusory sensations. Embodiments provide for the generation of illusory sensations including, but not limited to, continuous linear movement and shapes such as curves, squares, and circles. According to embodiments, a tactile display apparatus is provided that facilitates user interaction with the tactile display. The tactile display apparatus includes an interface embedded with stimulation devices and a control device that controls the operation of the stimulation devices to generate illusory sensations.

Abstract: The description relates to a smart ring. In one example, the smart ring can be configured to be worn on a first segment of a finger of a user. The example smart ring can include at least one flexion sensor secured to the smart ring in a manner that can detect a distance between the at least one flexion sensor and a second segment of the finger. The example smart ring can also include an input component configured to analyze signals from the at least one flexion sensor to detect a pose of the finger.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a pressure providing part, a fluid, and a tactile sensation providing layer. The pressure providing part generates an initial pressure by an electrical signal. The fluid generates a fluidic pressure by the initial pressure in each of active regions partitioned from each other. The tactile sensation providing layer is configured to protrude by the fluidic pressure. The pressure providing layer may include piezoelectric elements mechanically modified by the electrical signal.