Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure include an information processing method. In the method, a picture of a virtual environment is displayed. The picture includes a target region located in the virtual environment where the target region is adjacent to a neighboring region in the virtual environment. In response to a first movement instruction, a virtual character is controlled to enter the target region from the neighboring region by processing circuitry of an information processing apparatus. A first movement speed of the virtual character in the neighboring region is higher than a second movement speed of the virtual character in the target region. The information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium counterpart embodiments are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for the modulation of an acoustic field for providing tactile sensations. A method of creating haptic feedback using ultrasound is provided. The method comprises the steps of generating a plurality of ultrasound waves with a common focal point using a phased array of ultrasound transducers, the common focal point being a haptic feedback point, and modulating the generation of the ultrasound waves using a waveform selected to produce little or no audible sound at the haptic feedback point.

Abstract: A touch interface, intended to control a device and to be touched by an external body, includes a plate, at least one transducer, a control member, a sensor, and a control unit. The at least one transducer is configured to apply a variable amplitude pressure to the plate to vibrate the plate. The control member extends from the plate, between a proximal surface, integral with the plate, and a distal surface. The control member is intended to be in contact with an external body. The sensor is configured to emit a state signal. The state signal is representative of contact of the external body on the control member. The control unit is connected to the sensor and is configured to send, on the basis of the state signal, an activation signal to at least one transducer, to form a vibration propagating along the plate to the control member.

Abstract: A dielectric elastomer transducer includes a dielectric elastomer layer, a pair of electrode layers sandwiching the dielectric elastomer layer, and a support that supports the dielectric elastomer layer. The dielectric elastomer layer includes a movable region separated from the support and a fixed region supported by the support. A pair of conduction paths are established that are configured to conduct electricity to the electrode layers via power cables and power supply points at which core wires of the power cables are electrically connected, respectively. The power supply points are separated from the movable region of the dielectric elastomer layer.

Abstract: At a device with a touch-sensitive surface, a display, and one or more tactile output generators, a button configuration user interface that includes a plurality of tactile output settings for a button is displayed on the display, wherein the button is available on the device in a plurality of different contexts to cause performance of a respective operation in response to an input of a first type detected on the button. While a respective tactile output setting for the button is selected in the button configuration user interface, in response to detecting a first input of a first type on the button, a respective tactile output that corresponds to the respective tactile output setting is generated without causing performance of the respective operation.

Abstract: A controller for interacting with an artificial reality environment and related methods, systems, and storage media are disclosed. The controller may include a base. The base may include at least one sensor for self-tracking movements by the controller. The controller may include a thumb plate coupled to the base. The thumb plate may include a touchpad, one or more actuators, and/or a joystick. The one or more actuators may include buttons. The controller may include a handle coupled to the base. The handle may include one or more triggers. The controller is configured to activate a precision pinch feature based on inputs received from the touchpad and at least one trigger.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly for a vehicle, the steering wheel assembly including a steering wheel frame and a tactile notification device coupled to the steering wheel frame. The tactile notification device includes a mounting frame, a first set of disks arranged around and coupled to the first mounting frame, and an actuator operatively coupled to the first set of disks. The actuator is configured to rotate the set of disks.

Abstract: Handwheel systems, including control consoles incorporating handwheels of the inventive subject matter, are described in this application. Handwheels described in this application can be used to control remotely located motors, especially those configured to control camera movements. To make it easier for camera operators to control remotely located motors using handwheels, those handwheels can be incorporated into a control console. Control consoles of the inventive subject matter can include several dials, toggle buttons, a display, and a variety of different inputs and outputs.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatuses for controlling an operation of a vibrational output system and/or an operation of an input sensor system, wherein the controller is for use in a device comprising the vibrational output system and the input sensor system. A controller comprises an input configured to receive an indication of activation or de-activation of an output of the vibrational output system; and an adjustment module configured to adjust the operation of the vibrational output system and/or the operation of the input sensor system based on the indication to reduce an interference expected to be caused by the output of the vibrational output system on the input sensory system.

Abstract: An irreversible power switch which is operational from the outside after lamination of laminated communication device and the like, includes a substrate, electrodes disposed on the substrate, a brittle member disposed so as to face the electrodes and apart from the electrodes and a conductive adhesive portion disposed on the brittle member at a side to face the electrodes thereof. The electrodes and the conductive adhesive portion are irreversibly and electrically bonded by brittle fracture of the brittle member under the external pressing force in the thickness direction of the laminated communication device.

Abstract: An electrotactile apparatus has an electrode-array unit and a driver unit for generating a haptic feedback to a user. The electrode-array unit uses electrodes to electro-stimulate the user's skin with pulsed voltage signals generated by the driver unit, inducing excitation currents flowing in the user to generate the haptic feedback. The driver unit is self-powered or wirelessly powered for supporting untethered electrotactile stimulation to the user. A common counter electrode installed on the driver unit contacts the user's skin and collects the excitation currents returned from the user. Advantageously, the common counter electrode is located on an outer surface of the driver unit and the driver unit is substantially flexible, facilitating the common counter electrode to seamlessly contact the user's skin for achieving a stable electrode-skin interface while positioning the driver unit as a whole on the user's skin to provide untethered virtual touching experience to the user.

Abstract: A computer-readable non-transitory physical storage medium having stored thereon machine-executable code for electronically facilitating contact between mutually interested entities, said machine-executable code to be executed by a microprocessor, said machine executable code which when executed by said microprocessor causes the microprocessor to perform operations including suggesting to a first user other users that first user may be interested in, where the suggested other users are filtered based on their location, causing a device to display a graphical user interface (GUI) for the first user to input a rating of the first user's level of interest in one or more respects in at least one other user, accepting the first user's level of interest rating via the GUI while not displaying the first user's rating to the at least one other user, and electronically notifying a pair of users that have rated each other above a threshold level.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method, including: detecting, using a processor of an information handling device and in a virtual environment, a user input directed to a virtual human input device; accessing, from a data store, sensation data associated with user interaction with a real-world counterpart device of the virtual human input device; and providing, based on the sensation data and using a wearable haptic device, a haptic output responsive to the user input, wherein the haptic output emulates an interaction feel of the user input provided to the real-world counterpart device. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An energy harvesting apparatus using an electroactive material includes an electricity generator including the electroactive material to generate a voltage due to deformation caused by an external stimulus, and an impact generator including a deformable and restorable material capable of repetitive deformation and restoration and configured to generate a dynamic behavior based on the repetitive deformation and restoration in the electricity generator. A stimulus of the impact generator with respect to the electricity generator enables energy harvest. An electrode unit for deformation includes an electricity generator including an electroactive material to generate a voltage due to deformation caused by an external stimulus, and an electrode part electrically connected to at least one surface of the electricity generator, and including an elastically deformable material to achieve relative deformation while in contact with the electricity generator.

Abstract: A haptic feedback system is provided, including a sensing unit, a haptic feedback module, and a circuit assembly. The sensing unit is configured to detect contact with an object. The haptic feedback module is configured to transfer the contact force to the sensing unit. The circuit assembly is electrically connected to the sensing unit and the haptic feedback module.

Abstract: An image system is provided by the present disclosure. The image system includes a display device displaying at least one floating image layer on a top surface of the display device and a frame disposed on the display device and partially exposing the top surface of the display device, wherein the frame has a height with reference to the top surface of the display device. The at least one floating image layer is aligned with a top surface of the frame in a direction parallel to a height direction of the frame.

Abstract: An operation input device to be mounted on a vehicle includes a support part to be attached to the vehicle, an operating member supported by the support part and configured to be operated by a person, an operation sensing part configured to sense an operation on the operating member, a tactile feedback generating part provided inside the operating member and configured to give tactile feedback to the person, and a control part configured to control the tactile feedback generating part to produce the tactile feedback when the operation is sensed in the operation sensing part, the operating member is provided so as to extend from the support part in a first direction intersecting the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the operating member is restricted so as not to rotate in a swing operation in which a direction intersecting the first direction serves as the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Methods and systems using a haptics library to determine whether to provide predefined haptic responses or parametrically-defined haptic responses are disclosed. A method includes receiving a desired semantic attribute for a haptic response to be provided while a user is using an application that is executing on an electronic device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an EMS electrode pad. Each electrode may be provided to correspond to the shape and size of the divided area according to the virtual line. The EMS electrode pad and the EMS method using the same according to the present invention may minimize the edge current effect by the shape of the electrode to which electric energy is applied. In addition, energy transfer efficiency may be improved by capacitive coupling between the electrode and the skin. In addition, due to the coating of the electrode, a rate of contact with an affected part may be increased so that current may be applied evenly to each part.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a sensor and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to output a drive signal (Sd) to a first port of the sensor in a first time interval and output a high-impedance state or a floating state in a second time interval. The Sd is used to drive the sensor to vibrate along with an outer housing. The sensor is configured to detect the vibration of the outer housing and output a vibration sensing signal (Sz) by using the first port. The Sz is a vibration coda wave response signal output by the sensor after the sensor receives the Sd.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a method for managing haptic effects. The method generates a first graphical representation of a first haptic effect generation pattern in a mixed reality environment, wherein the first haptic effect generation pattern comprises factors for generating a first haptic effect at a first haptic device. The method receives a user alteration to the first haptic effect generation pattern from a first user. The method changes the graphical representation based on the user alteration.

Abstract: A building system for a building includes an environmental controller including a controller radio. The environmental controller is configured to communicate a wake-up message. The building system includes an environmental sensor including a wake-up radio and a main radio. The environmental sensor is configured to operate the main radio in a low power state. The environmental sensor is configured to receive the wake-up message from the controller radio via the wake-up radio. The environmental sensor is configured to operate the main radio in a high power state in response to a reception of the wake-up message via the wake-up radio. The environmental sensor is configured to communicate sensor data of the environmental sensor to the controller radio via the main radio in response to the main radio operating in the high power state.

Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick bias mechanism coupled to the joystick and exerting a centering force urging the joystick to return to the centered position when moved therefrom. The controller architecture is operable in a modified centering mode in which the controller architecture: (i) determines when the joystick begins return toward the centered position due to the centering force applied by the joystick bias mechanism; and (ii) when so determining, commands the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to modify a rate at which the joystick returns to the centered position by varying the MRF resistance force applied to the joystick.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatuses for controlling an operation of a vibrational output system and/or an operation of an input sensor system, wherein the controller is for use in a device comprising the vibrational output system and the input sensor system. A controller comprises an input configured to receive an indication of activation or de-activation of an output of the vibrational output system; and an adjustment module configured to adjust the operation of the vibrational output system and/or the operation of the input sensor system based on the indication to reduce an interference expected to be caused by the output of the vibrational output system on the input sensory system.

Abstract: A portable information handling system includes a keyboard having a first set of conventional keys with a first travel distance to impact a membrane, such as keys having rubber dome biasing devices, and a second set of keys having a second smaller travel distance to impact the membrane with an alternative biasing device and haptic feedback to reinforce an input feel for an end user. In one example embodiment, the second set of keys are biased upward with a compressible foam with the membrane raised by a platform structure under the second set of keys and a piezoelectric device under the membrane for each key to provide a vibration when the membrane detects an input.

Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick, and a joystick position sensor. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to selectively resist movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) when detecting operator rotation of the joystick in an operator input direction, determine whether continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction will misposition the work vehicle in a manner increasing at least one of work vehicle instability and a likelihood of work vehicle collision; and (ii) when determining that continued joystick rotation will misposition the work vehicle, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to generate an MRF resistance force deterring continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction.

Abstract: A simulated force sensation based on an external object is presented without making contact with that external object. Asymmetrical movement based on a first physical quantity or a function value of the first physical quantity is carried out, and a simulated force sensation based on the asymmetrical movement is presented, the first physical quantity having been obtained by measuring a distance from an external object to a simulated force sensation presenting apparatus.

Abstract: An input device includes an operation member, an actuator configured to impart a tactile effect to the operation member, and a controller configured to apply, to the actuator, a control signal for starting to apply a first vibration to the operation member at a first timing and for starting to apply a second vibration to the operation member at a second timing after the first timing, such that a combined vibration of the first vibration and the second vibration is applied to the operation member. The controller is configured to change a duration of a first period of the combined vibration to two or more different durations of the first period by changing a control period of time that extends from the first timing to the second timing to two or more different control periods of time.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for providing haptic feedback to an operator of a work vehicle may include an operator control device and a controller. The controller may be configured to identify one of a first component of the work vehicle or a second component of the work vehicle as a selected component to be controlled via the operator control device. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the operator control device such that the operator control device provides a first haptic response to the operator when first component is identified as the selected component. Additionally, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the operator control device such that the operator control device provides a second haptic response to the operator when second component is identified as the selected component, with the second haptic response differing from the first haptic response.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a controller apparatus including a vibrating body movable within a predetermined movable range thereof, an operating member operated by a user, the operating member being movably operable within a movable range thereof overlapping partially with the movable range of the vibrating body, a reception section configured to receive a vibration instruction designating generation of vibration, a detection section configured to detect a position of the operating member within the movable range thereof, and a control section configured to give vibration to the operating member by controlling a position and vibration of the vibrating body in accordance with the received vibration instruction and the detected position of the operating member. When predetermined conditions are satisfied, the control section controls the vibration of the vibrating body in a manner correcting the vibration designated by the vibration instruction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a haptic device having at least one vibration motor, such as a linear vibration motor, configured to selectively generate a vibration at least partially along an actuator axis. An interfacing plate is configured to transmit the vibration and is at least partially composed of a compliant material. The linear vibration motor and the interfacing plate are embedded in a host. The host defines a first surface with a recessed zone extending from the first surface. The interfacing plate is configured to fit in the recessed zone. The host includes a chamber contiguous with the recessed zone, with the linear vibration motor being positioned in the chamber. The chamber may include respective walls having a plurality of protrusions configured to at least partially absorb the vibration. The haptic device may be part of a seat assembly.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch portion, a piezoelectric element, and a receiver configured to receive an ultrasonic wave. The electronic device is configured to drive the piezoelectric element in a first drive mode to provide a tactile sensation to an object in contact with the touch portion. The electronic device is configured to drive the piezoelectric element in a second drive mode to transmit an ultrasonic wave, and receive, by the receiver, a reflected wave of the transmitted ultrasonic wave to detect an object.

Abstract: A first user, who is currently online, is associated with a meeting spot. A plurality of other users that have selected the meeting spot and are online is identified. Information about these other users is sent to a client device associated with the first user. Information for a second user of the plurality of other users is received from the client device associated with the first user. A third user is identified who is online and associated with the first and second users. Online communication is facilitated between the client devices associated with the first and second users and a client device associated with the third user responsive to a request from the client device associated with the first user to the client device associated with the third user to be introduced by the third user to the second user, while the second user has still selected the meeting spot.

Abstract: The disclosed flexible vibrotactile devices may include a flexible electroactive material that has a substantially spiral shape, a first electrode electrically coupled to a first side of the flexible electroactive material, and a second electrode electrically coupled to a second, opposite side of the flexible electroactive material. The first electrode and the second electrode may be positioned and configured to apply an electrical voltage to the flexible electroactive material to induce haptic vibration in the flexible electroactive material. Various other related methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to the present technology includes an information acquisition unit and a signal output unit. The information acquisition unit acquires electronic information. The signal output unit outputs a first haptic signal for presenting haptic feedback with respect to an object, the haptic feedback with respect to the object being set corresponding to the acquired electronic information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-tactile fusion feedback handle, characterized in that the handle comprises three areas, namely, a finger tactile function area, a palm tactile function area and a space positioning function area. The finger tactile function area comprises one or more tactile buttons, a finger can operate the tactile buttons alone or in combination, and the tactile buttons have feedback functions for one or more kinds of tactility, namely, softness, temperature, surface friction and texture, and shape. The palm tactile function area comprises a multi-point independent vibration source and/or a multi-point independent heat source, which can be used for multi-point independent vibration feedback and/or multi-point independent temperature feedback, as well as vibration flow and heat flow feedback. The space positioning function area comprises a space positioning module, which can obtain position information of the handle in space in real time.

Abstract: The disclosed system may include (1) a conductive coil, where at least a portion of the coil is oriented along a first direction and orthogonal to a second direction, (2) a magnetic field generation structure that generates a magnetic field through the coil along a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, (3) a force constant compensator that (a) receives a current command to alter a relative location of the coil and the field, and (b) adjusts the current command based on at least one physical characteristic of the system that affects a relationship between current in the coil and resulting force between the coil and the field along the second direction, and (4) a coil driver that generates, in response to the adjusted current command, a first current in the coil to generate a force between the coil and the field. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for virtual learning of driving a vehicle is provided. The system includes a driving unit with a steering wheel, a brake pedal, and an accelerator pedal, wherein the driving unit is activated upon receiving an activation code from a user via a computing device. A head mount device, communicatively coupled to the driving unit, displays a simulated street view to the user via the computing device, thereby training the user to operate the vehicle. A haptic generation module monitors a plurality of real-time operative parameter values during operation of the vehicle by the user; compares the plurality of current operative parameter values with a plurality of pre-defined threshold parameter values respectively; and generate a haptic feedback alert for the user based on comparison of the current operative parameter values with the plurality of predefined threshold parameter values respectively.

Abstract: In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick bias mechanism coupled to the joystick and exerting a centering force urging the joystick to return to the centered position when moved therefrom. The controller architecture is operable in a modified centering mode in which the controller architecture: (i) determines when the joystick begins return toward the centered position due to the centering force applied by the joystick bias mechanism; and (ii) when so determining, commands the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to modify a rate at which the joystick returns to the centered position by varying the MRF resistance force applied to the joystick.

Abstract: The present application discloses a touchscreen-based control method performed at a mobile terminal. The method includes: detecting a touch operation on a touch button on a touchscreen of the mobile terminal; determining a to-be-performed operation corresponding to the touch button on a touchscreen of the mobile terminal in response to the touch operation on the touch button; determining a current touch location and a current touch strength of the touch operation; and canceling the to-be-performed operation in a case that a current touch location of the touch operation is inside a control cancellation area displayed on the touchscreen and current touch strength of the touch operation is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. Compared with the related art, a current touch location and current touch strength of a touch operation are combined to determine whether to cancel a to-be-performed operation corresponding to a touch button.

Abstract: One illustrative device disclosed herein includes a proximity sensor capable of detecting a non-contact interaction with a touch-sensitive device and outputting a first sensor signal. The device also includes a touch sensor for detecting a touch on the touch-sensitive device and outputting a second sensor signal. The disclosed device also includes a processor configured to receive the first and second sensor signals, generate a haptic output signal based at least in part on the first and second sensor signals, transmit the haptic output signal to a haptic output device. The haptic output device in the disclosed device then outputs the haptic effect.

Abstract: A computer-readable non-transitory physical storage medium having stored thereon machine-executable code for electronically facilitating contact between mutually interested entities, said machine-executable code to be executed by a microprocessor, said machine executable code which when executed by said microprocessor causes the microprocessor to perform operations including suggesting to a first user other users that first user may be interested in, where the suggested other users are filtered based on their location, causing a device to display a graphical user interface (GUI) for the first user to input a rating of the first user's level of interest in one or more respects in at least one other user, accepting the first user's level of interest rating via the GUI while not displaying the first user's rating to the at least one other user, and electronically notifying a pair of users that have rated each other above a threshold level.

Abstract: A display panel is disclosed. The display panel includes a back plate, a plurality of pixel units formed on the back plate, and a plurality of deformation units for providing haptic feedback. Each deformation unit is on one or more corresponding pixel units of the plurality of pixel units, and when being applied a drive voltage, undergoes a deformation corresponding to a haptic feature of a visual object displayed by the corresponding pixel units. Thereby, there is provided a display panel with haptic feedback, which is simple in structure and easy to implement.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a computer program product are disclosed. The method includes determining a current working state and configuration of a device, detecting information, controlling the device to a second working state, and configuring the device. The apparatus includes a housing and a processor that determines a current working state and configuration, detects information, controls the apparatus to a second working state, and configures the apparatus. The computer program product includes code to perform determination of a current working state and configuration, detection of information, control of the device to adjust to a second working state, and configuration of the device.

Abstract: An actuator excitation signal processing method includes the step of obtaining original excitation signal. An encrypted excitation signal was obtained by encrypting the original excitation signal. Vibration waveforms generated by the encrypted excitation signal and the original excitation signal while acting on the actuator are same. The encrypted excitation signal is used to drive the actuator to vibrate. The actuator excitation signal processing method can effectively solve the problem that the excitation signal might be stolen by encrypting the original excitation signal. In addition, an actuator signal processing device, a computer equipment and a kind of storage medium are also proposed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for using predetermined preferences/characteristics to ascertain personal compatibility between network or chat room participants based upon profile information. When the system determines that these preferences are favorable for interpersonal compatibility, the system will automatically notify or page the participants so as to facilitate their introduction. Further functionality, aside from the compatibility based upon profile information, includes e-mail and other electronic notification of personal compatibility as well as geographic compatibility.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for outputting a haptic signal to a haptic transducer. A method comprises storing a representation of a part of the haptic signal comprising a first information point indicating a first amplitude and at least one first frequency of the part of the haptic signal at a first time, wherein the representation is associated with a user experience; responsive to receiving an indication of occurrence of the user experience, determining the haptic signal based on the first information point such that the part of the haptic signal has the first amplitude and the at least one first frequency at the first time. The method may further comprise outputting the haptic signal to the haptic transducer.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mechanical handwriting system linked to a user input system to generate a plotted document, such as a greeting card, note card or document, using a conveyor belt unit to support and move the document, a plotter, and a series of rollers to position and constrain movement of the greeting card, which is optionally and preferably linked to a paper feeder system in an assembly line format, where the rollers are optionally and preferably adjustable in position to accommodate varying paper sizes and to allow movement of the document during a plotting period to avoid positional overlap constraints of the rollers and a plotter head of the plotter in a process of plotting the document/card in sections.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for outputting a haptic signal to a haptic transducer. A method comprises storing a representation of a part of the haptic signal comprising a first information point indicating a first amplitude and at least one first frequency of the part of the haptic signal at a first time, wherein the representation is associated with a user experience; responsive to receiving an indication of occurrence of the user experience, determining the haptic signal based on the first information point such that the part of the haptic signal has the first amplitude and the at least one first frequency at the first time. The method may further comprise outputting the haptic signal to the haptic transducer.

Abstract: An amusement park ride system including a ride vehicle, a ride control system that may track a location of the ride vehicle on a ride path and a haptic feedback system having a screen having a surface modifying component. The surface modifying component may be positioned on the ride vehicle. The haptic feedback system also includes a control system having a memory and a processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, may cause the haptic feedback system to convert data from the ride control system into tactile information representative of scenery surrounding the ride vehicle based on stored scenery data that is correlated to the location.