With Input Means (e.g., Keyboard) Patents (Class 340/407.2)
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Patent number: 9053617Abstract: A localized multimodal haptic system includes one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers, each including an EMP layer, such as an electrostrictive polymer active layer. In some applications the EMP transducer may perform an actuator function or a sensor function, or both. The EMP polymer layer has a first surface and a second surface on which one or more electrodes are provided. The EMP layer of the EMP actuator may be 5 microns thick or less. The EMP transducers may provide local haptic response to a local a stimulus. In one application, a touch sensor may be associated with each EMP transducer, such that the haptic event at the touch sensor may be responded to by activating only the associated EMP transducer. Furthermore, the EMP transducer may act as its own touch sensor. A variety of haptic responses may be made available. The EMP transducers may be used in various other applications, such as providing complex surface morphology and audio speakers.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Novasentis, Inc.Inventors: Christophe Ramstein, Li Jiang, Brian C. Zellers, Shihai Zhang, M. Fabrice Domingues Dos Santos
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Publication number: 20150145657Abstract: A system includes a sensor configured to sense an input received from a user at a surface; a first haptic output device configured to generate a first haptic effect at the surface based on the input received from the user, the first haptic effect comprising a friction effect at the surface; a second haptic output device configured to generate a second haptic effect, the second haptic effect comprising vibrotactile feedback; and a processor configured to receive an input signal from the sensor and output a first drive signal to the first haptic output device to generate the first haptic effect and to output a second drive signal to the second haptic output device to generate the second haptic effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: IMMERSION CORPORATIONInventors: Vincent Levesque, Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Amaya Becvar Weddle, David M. Birnbaum, Danny A. Grant
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Patent number: 9041521Abstract: The present relates to a system for providing vibration feedback to at least one foot. The system comprises at least one rigid surface for receiving the at least one foot, one vibrotactile actuator for each of the at least one rigid surface, and a suspension mechanism. The vibrotactile actuator is installed underneath the corresponding rigid surface and provides vibration feedback there through. The suspension mechanism supports the at least one rigid surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill UniversityInventors: Jeremy Cooperstock, Yon Visell, Alvin Law, Karmen Franinovic
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Patent number: 9041418Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a first substrate with proximity sensor electrodes and at least a first force sensor electrode disposed on the first substrate. A second substrate is physically coupled to the first substrate, where the second substrate comprises a spring feature and an electrode component. The electrode component at least partially overlaps the first force sensor electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component. The spring feature is configured to facilitate deflection of the electrode component relative to the first force sensor electrode to change the variable capacitance. A measure of the variable capacitance may be calculated and used to determine force information regarding the force biasing the input device.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Lin-Hsiang Hsieh, Richard R. Schediwy
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Patent number: 9041520Abstract: A system and method are disclosed in which in a conventional non-grounding man-machine interface having no reaction base on the human body and for giving the existence of a virtual object and the impact force of a collision to a person, a haptic sensation of a torque, a force and the like can be continuously presented in the same direction, which can not be presented by only the physical characteristic of a haptic sensation presentation device. In a haptic presentation device, the rotation velocity of at least one rotator in the haptic presentation device is controlled by a control device, and a vibration, a force or a torque as the physical characteristic is controlled, so that the user is made to conceive various haptic information of the vibration, force, torque or the like.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyInventors: Norio Nakamura, Yukio Fukui, Masataka Sakai
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Patent number: 9035753Abstract: An operator control device for an on-board electronics system of a motor vehicle or for a mobile communications device, having an operator control unit arranged in a receptacle of a docking station located in the interior of the motor vehicle and an interface between the operator control unit and the docking station for data interchange of information. The operator control unit has an operator control panel which has a plurality of operator control elements which can be manually operated. The receptacle with the operator control unit accommodated therein can be driven so as to move in an alternating rhythm, which is associated with the respectively operated operator control element, by one or more actuators when one of the operator control elements is operated.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Centinental Automotive GmbHInventors: Andreas Brüninghaus, Thorsten Alexander Kern, Vitali Kudaschov
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Patent number: 9035752Abstract: User input is accepted by a force sensing resistor (“FSR”) assembly, a force sensing capacitor (“FSC”) or both. The FSR or FSC assemblies may be located within an input device, such as behind a device exterior, display, and so forth. A force applied to the device exterior proximate to the assembly may result in activation of the assembly. The activation may be processed as input and used to determine and then perform a particular action. The particular action may be based at least in part on a particular portion of the assembly which has been activated, a magnitude of applied force, or both. A haptic output may be provided on activation to provide feedback to a user.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ilya Daniel Rosenberg, Lakshman Rathnam, Nadim Awad, John Aaron Zarraga, David Charles Buuck, Julien George Beguin
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Publication number: 20150130599Abstract: A haptic interface device may be included in a simulator/slave controller system, which may be operated in simulator-mode or slave-controller mode. In simulator-mode, the haptic interface device may be utilized to control a virtual slave. In slave-controller mode, the haptic interface device may be utilized to control a real-world slave. The haptic interface device may include a plurality of ports, which may be movable with respect to each other. The haptic interface device may be configured to be operable in a plurality of configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2013Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: MIMIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Berkley, Seahak Kim
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Patent number: 9030050Abstract: In an embodiment, a voltage amplifier is provided. In this voltage amplifier, a DC/DC boost converter converts an input DC voltage to an output DC voltage, which is higher than the input DC voltage. A DC/AC converter connected to the DC/DC boost converter converts the output DC voltage to an AC pulse-train. A voltage multiplier connected to the DC/AC converter converts the AC pulse-train to an amplified output DC voltage that is higher than the AC pulse-train. A discharger connected to the voltage multiplier can discharge the amplified output DC voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Senseg Ltd.Inventors: Jukka Linjama, Timo Latvala
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Patent number: 9030308Abstract: User interface experiences with electronic devices are enhanced with feedback cues such as haptic or vibrotactile output feedback. One or more piezoelectric actuators generate haptic output. The one or more piezoelectric actuators may be integrated onto a display substrate, a battery case, a device enclosure, or other component. Such integration may improve propagation of the haptic output to the user, reduce bulk of the electronic device, minimize parts count, and reduce production costs.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2010Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David C. Buuck, Joseph J. Hebenstreit
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Publication number: 20150123776Abstract: Provided is a haptic interface for allowing various information exchange in addition to transmitting accurate force information to an operator, and more particularly, a haptic device capable of transmitting more various kinds of information by transmitting necessary information to an operator by means of different kinds of sensations such as sight sensation, acoustic sensation, smell sensation, taste sensation or the like in addition to tactile sensation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Doo Yong Lee, Yun Jin Gu, Hoe Ryong Jung, Boo Won Kang, Myeon Gin Kim, Hyuk Wang, Seong Pil Byeon, Seung Gyu Kang
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Patent number: 9024775Abstract: A control panel for a measuring device with a housing and a control and inspection window. The control panel includes at least one optical key that is operable through the control and inspection window using a finger. The optical key includes a transmitting element and a receiving element. The control panel is constructed such that it allows reliable and quick control even when the housing is open and the control panel is exposed. Specifically, the control panel has at least one corresponding finger-operable mechanical key in addition to the finger-operable optical key in order to reliably and quickly control the measuring device when a predefined control distance for the optical key is no longer ensured by the control and inspection window of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbHInventor: Helmut Brockhaus
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Patent number: 9024739Abstract: The present application provides a system, method and non-transitory computer readable medium that provides a means of using a vehicle horn as an inexpensive user input interface to serve the function of a simple push button switch for an in-vehicle device or system. The use of the vehicle horn as a user input interface to an in-vehicle device or system is novel. The description of example embodiments illustrates application details that take advantage of the properties of the vehicle horn sound to allow efficient processing that can be implemented on a low cost processor.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Guardity Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Russell Carl McKown, Joseph Thomas Mader, Thomas Edward Mader
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Publication number: 20150102947Abstract: There is provided a film-type haptic device including: a plate shaped base plate; at least one spacer provided on an edge of an upper surface of the base plate; an actuator including a film shaped polymer layer positioned on the spacer and supported by the spacer and first and second electrodes provided so as to closely and entirely cover both surfaces of the polymer layer, respectively; and an elastic plate adhered to an upper surface of the actuator. The film-type haptic device according to the present disclosure may significantly decrease consumption power consumed in vibration and allow a user to more accurately feel haptic sensation for touch input.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Il Kwon CHUNG, Byeong Sung Min, Hyun Ho Lim
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Patent number: 9007191Abstract: A tactile sensor includes a plurality of first sensing elements that are arranged in a plurality of rows on a first layer and a plurality of second sensing elements that are vertically aligned in a plurality of columns on the first layer. The second sensing elements in each column are electrically connected together and each of the plurality of columns are separate conductors from one another. The plurality of second sensing elements include a plurality of vertical elements that form an interlocking pattern with the plurality of first sensing elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: Matthew Dominic Tenuta
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Patent number: 9007192Abstract: A tactile sensor includes a plurality of first sensing elements that are arranged in a plurality of rows on a first layer and a plurality of second sensing elements that are vertically aligned in a plurality of columns on the first layer. The second sensing elements in each column are electrically connected together and each of the plurality of columns are separate conductors from one another. The plurality of second sensing elements include a plurality of vertical elements that form an interlocking pattern with the plurality of first sensing elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: Matthew Dominic Tenuta
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Patent number: 9001060Abstract: A method of generating a keyboard switch haptic sensation in a coupled system comprising a touch-sensitive surface and a force exciter or actuator coupled to the touch-sensitive surface, the method comprising generating a carrier wave signal at frequencies within the frequency bandwidth of the coupled system, modulating the carrier wave signal with a modulation envelope so that the modulated carrier wave signal has a closely spaced pair of peaks, and driving the exciter or actuator with the modulated carrier wave signal to excite the touch-sensitive surface to provide a closely spaced pair of impulses whereby the keyboard switch haptic sensation is simulated to a user touching the touch-sensitive surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: New Transducers LimitedInventor: Neil John Harris
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Patent number: 8994518Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect generates a drive cycle signal that includes a drive period and a monitoring period. The drive period includes a plurality of drive pulses that are based on the haptic effect. The system applies the drive pulses to a resonant actuator during the drive period and receives a signal from the resonant actuator that corresponds to the position of a mass in the actuator during the monitoring period.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Pedro Gregorio, Danny A. Grant, Patrice Favreau, Eric Meunier
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Patent number: 8988202Abstract: In an apparatus and method for processing a virtual world, haptic information regarding a virtual object in the virtual world, the haptic information corresponding to sensed information, is extracted and transmitted to a haptic feedback device. Accordingly, interaction between a real world and the virtual world is achieved. The processing speed of the haptic information with respect to the virtual object may be increased by varying data structures according to types of the virtual object.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae Joon Han, Seung Ju Han, Won Chul Bang, Do Kyoon Kim
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Patent number: 8981941Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a matter extracting unit extracting a predetermined matter from text information, an action pattern specifying unit specifying one or multiple action patterns associated with the predetermined matter, an action extracting unit extracting each of the action patterns associated with the predetermined matter, from sensor information, and a state analyzing unit generating state information indicating a state related to the matter, based on each of the action patterns extracted from the sensor information, using a contribution level indicating a degree of contribution of each of the action patterns to the predetermined matter, for a combination of the predetermined matter and each of the action patterns associated with the predetermined matter.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Seiichi Takamura, Yasuharu Asano
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Patent number: 8981915Abstract: A system that produces a haptic effect and generates a drive signal that includes at least two haptic effect signals each having a priority level. The haptic effect is a combination of the haptic effect signals and priority levels. The haptic effect may optionally be a combination of the two haptic effect signals if the priority levels are the same, otherwise only the haptic effect signal with the highest priority is used. The frequency of haptic notifications may also be used to generate a drive signal using foreground and background haptic effect channels depending on whether the frequency ratio exceeds a foreground haptic effect threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2014Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: David Birnbaum, Chris Ullrich, Jason Short, Ryan Devenish
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Publication number: 20150054635Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer-readable media, provide two degrees of freedom active force feedback for touchscreens or any other general surface. The system includes a rubber ball attached to a pen-like structure with two motors that are capable of rotating freely when external force is applied. The system has also a mechanical structural arrangement including gears and cables to transfer motor power to engage the rubber ball. The system further includes a digital compass to measure the device tilt, along with a processing unit to control the system and a wireless communication module and a power module.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: NEW YORK UNIVERSITYInventors: Abdulmotaleb El Saddik, Mohamad Eid
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Publication number: 20150054634Abstract: A tactile feel control device is disclosed. The tactile feel control device can include an electric motor configured to be mechanically coupled to a manual control interface that is movable by a user. The tactile feel control device can also include a bias module operable to generate a bias to be applied by the electric motor. The bias can be configured to provide a desired tactile feel to the user at the manual control interface. In addition, the tactile feel control device can include a control module operable to output a drive signal to the electric motor configured to apply the bias. The bias can be insufficient, alone, to cause movement of the manual control interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: Raytheon Canada LimitedInventors: Kevin B. Wagner, Ryan W. Nobes
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Patent number: 8957768Abstract: An operation apparatus includes a base, a sensing unit, a plurality of plates, and a drive mechanism. The base has a surface. The sensing unit includes at least three pressure-sensitive detection regions that are provided at different vertex positions of a polygon having at least three corners set in each of a plurality of regions obtained by partitioning at least a part of the surface of the base. The plurality of plates are provided to correspond to the plurality of regions and cover the at least a part of the surface. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the plurality of plates on the basis of a signal generated by detection of the sensing unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hideo Kawabe, Masatoshi Ueno, Shinobu Kuriya, Yusaku Kato, Kenichi Kabasawa, Tetsuro Goto, Tsubasa Tsukahara, Toshiyuki Nakagawa
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Patent number: 8952797Abstract: A portable communications device, such as a mobile phone, includes a novel tactile alerting mechanism capable of alerting the user of an incoming communication or other event. In some embodiments, a mechanical actuator causes a rod or lever to pulsate, rotate, or protrude out of a static housing for the communications device. In other embodiments, a pneumatic actuator inflates a bladder that protrudes out of the housing. The alerting mechanism may be configured as a movable part of a decorative fanciful housing for the communications device.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Inventor: Gary Stephen Shuster
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Patent number: 8947248Abstract: Damaging a touch sensor is prevented by an input apparatus including a pressing load detection unit 102 for detecting a pressing load applied by a pressing object pressing a touch sensor, a contact area detection unit 103 for detecting a contact area of the object on the sensor, a memory unit 105 for storing a pressing load threshold for receiving an input and a damage threshold higher than the pressing load threshold and varies according to the contact area, a control unit 104 for obtaining the pressing load threshold and the damage threshold corresponding to the contact area from the memory unit, and receiving the input when the pressing load reaches the pressing load threshold, or generating a warning signal when the pressing load reaches the damage threshold, and a notification unit 106 for receiving the warning signal from the control unit and outputting a warning.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: KYOCERA CorporationInventor: Makoto Chishima
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Patent number: 8947216Abstract: A system is provided that encodes one or more dynamic haptic effects. The system defines a dynamic haptic effect as including a plurality of key frames, where each key frame includes an interpolant value and a corresponding haptic effect. An interpolant value is a value that specifies where an interpolation occurs. The system generates a haptic effect file, and stores the dynamic haptic effect within the haptic effect file.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Henry Da Costa, Feng Tian An, Christopher J Ullrich
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Patent number: 8941600Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a graphic overlay or display for a touch-sensitive surface with which an object comes into contact. The touch-sensitive surface is divided into a plurality of regions each of a number of which is associated with a distinct set of one or more of the plurality of gestures, where the plurality of gestures are associated with a respective plurality of functions of a software application operable by a processor. According to this aspect, the graphic overlay or display visibly depicts the regions and a layout of the regions into which the touch-sensitive surface is divided. The apparatus may further include a touch-feedback interface configured to provide touch feedback indicative of the gesture associated with the respective region within which the touch-feedback interface is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: McKesson Financial HoldingsInventor: Cliff Edwards
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Publication number: 20150002280Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: David M. Birnbaum, Christopher J. Ullrich, Danny Grant
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Publication number: 20150002279Abstract: A haptic solenoid comprises a fixed member and a movable member that supports the fixed member with an elastic member, wherein the fixed member is fastened to a mounting device, and the movable member is linked to a vibrated body to transmit vibration by the movable member to the vibrated body. The fixed member includes a reference hole as a reference point for fastening to the mounting device using a screw. The movable member includes first adjustment holes that are larger than the first mounting holes provided on the vibrated body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: TOKYO PARTS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Takami SAWAGUCHI
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Patent number: 8922354Abstract: An external haptic generator for creating haptic feedback in portable electronic devices and more particularly, an external haptic generator in a vehicle providing a secure mount and creating haptic feedback in portable electronic devices that do not include haptic feedback generators.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wes A. Nagara, Theodore Charles Wingrove, Royce Duchante Channey, Anthony Joseph Ciatti
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Patent number: 8922355Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to haptic feedback devices. In some examples, a haptic feedback device is described. An example haptic feedback device may include a first layer including multiple discrete fluid chambers. The example haptic feedback device may also include a second layer coupled to the first layer and including multiple interconnected micro-chambers containing an electro-rheological fluid. The example haptic feedback device may also include multiple electrodes positioned on opposing first and second sides of the interconnected micro-chambers.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLCInventor: Takahisa Kusuura
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Patent number: 8917167Abstract: System, method and device to generate user tactile feedback using working fluid inside a sealed vessel, which is vaporized causing a rapid pressure/volume change, then the fluid condenses, restoring original pressure/volume. In one embodiment this sequence is repeated to create a vibration. The sealed vessel is mechanically coupled to a touch surface so the user feels the vibration, typically with a fingertip. In some embodiments a portion of the sealed vessel is also the touch surface. In some embodiments multiple vessels are arranged in an array behind or integral to the touch surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Inventor: Ted Selker
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Patent number: 8917168Abstract: A panel device 10, which is capable of increasing vibration amplitude of a panel without increasing power consumption of a piezoelectric element, includes a panel 11 rectangular in shape and piezoelectric elements 12, 13 also rectangular in shape disposed on the panel 11 for vibrating the panel 11, such that each of the piezoelectric elements 12, 13 is disposed having one side at a slant relative to one side of the panel 11.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: KYOCERA CorporationInventors: Kenji Kono, Jun Takeda, Ryoichi Yokoyama, Yoshihiro Inokuma, Shinya Nakamura, Kazunari Ikeda
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Publication number: 20140368323Abstract: A system is provided that converts an input, such as audio data, into one or more haptic effects. The system applies a granular synthesis algorithm to the input in order to generate a haptic signal. The system subsequently outputs the one or more haptic effects based on the generated haptic signal. The system can also shift a frequency of the input, and also filter the input, before the system applies the granular synthesis algorithm to the input.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Ali MODARRES, Liwen WU, David BIRNBAUM
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Patent number: 8914075Abstract: A method of controlling an electronic device includes detecting receipt of an input, determining a response number in response to receipt of the input, and actuating an actuator of the electronic device a discrete integer number of times based on the response number.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2010Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Jerome Pasquero, Scott James Stobbe, Steven Henry Fyke
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Patent number: 8914236Abstract: There is provided a mobile object including an input detection unit configured to detect an input from an outside, an acquisition unit configured to acquire environmental information detected by a sensor in a remote location, in accordance with a content of detection performed by the input detection unit, and a control unit configured to control an actuator other than a driving actuator in accordance with the environmental information acquired by the acquisition unit, the driving actuator relating to movement of the mobile object.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kazuyuki Sakoda, Yoichiro Sako, Kohei Asada, Katsuhisa Aratani, Kazuhiro Watanabe, Takatoshi Nakamura, Mitsuru Takehara, Yuki Koga, Hiroyuki Hanaya, Tomoya Onuma, Akira Tange
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Patent number: 8913027Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback at multiple resonance frequencies are disclosed. For example, one disclosed apparatus includes a resonator with a base and a plurality of projections, a first projection of the plurality of projections having a first resonance frequency and a second projection of the plurality of projections having a second resonance frequency, and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the resonator and operable to output a haptic feedback effect at the first resonance frequency and at the second resonance frequency.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Ali Modarres, Pedro Gregorio, Danny Grant
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Patent number: 8902051Abstract: A realistic tactile haptic device comprising a first vibration sensor, a digital controller, an actuator, and a similar or identical second vibration sensor, and a realistic tactile haptic feedback method thereof, provides users with realistic tactile haptic feedback that is similar to or the same as real tactile haptic feedback which users would experience by touching real objects.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: National Taiwan UniversityInventors: Shana S. Smith, Gregory C. Smith, Ji-Liang Lee
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Patent number: 8896429Abstract: The invention relates to a tactile man-machine interface comprising an interfacing surface comprising a means for transforming impacts on the interfacing surface into input electrical signals and a data interfacing means, configured for data communication with at least a first and a second device In this configuration, it becomes possible to provide data communication between the first and second devices without having to bring the two devices in contact. Furthermore, the invention relates to a separating element comprising such a tactile man-machine interface and system, such as vending machines, automatic teller machines etc, comprising such a separating element.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Elo Touch Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Sebastien Chaine
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Publication number: 20140340209Abstract: A system is provided that produces haptic effects. The system receives an audio signal that includes a low-frequency effects audio signal. The system further extracts the low-frequency effects audio signal from the audio signal. The system further converts the low-frequency effects audio signal into a haptic signal by shifting frequencies of the low-frequency effects audio signal to frequencies within a target frequency range of a haptic output device. The system further sends the haptic signal to the haptic output device, where the haptic signal causes the haptic output device to output one or more haptic effects.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Immersion CorporationInventors: Robert LACROIX, Satvir Singh BHATIA, David BIRNBAUM, Christopher J. ULLRICH, Amaya Becvar WEDDLE, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ
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Publication number: 20140340208Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques and systems for providing simulated, haptic feedback that is local to physical, non-actuating keys of a keyboard. A keyboard includes a plurality of non-actuating keys defined in a cover portion of the keyboard, a plurality of force-producing mechanisms coupled to a substrate underneath and adjacent the cover portion. The force-producing mechanisms may be positioned on suspended portions of the substrate that are mechanically isolated and arranged on the substrate to substantially correspond to a layout of the plurality of non-actuating keys. The force-producing mechanisms may be individually actuated to deflect the suspended portions of the substrate underneath the cover portion to create a tactile sensation for a user's finger that is local to a particular key. In some embodiments, the force-producing mechanisms are piezoelectric actuators.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2013Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hong Z. Tan, Zhaoyuan Ma, Chen Zhao
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Publication number: 20140340210Abstract: The tactile sense presentation method comprises: arranging a plurality of first electrodes covered with an insulating film on a same plane; arranging a plurality of second electrodes on a same plane with tops exposed to outside; and performing a first operation in parallel with a second operation, wherein the first operation is for applying temporally changing first voltages to a part of the plurality of first electrodes to generate electric fields which are changed by the part of the plurality of first electrodes, and the second operation is for applying temporally changing first electric currents to a part of the plurality of second electrodes to cause the electric currents to flow from the part of the plurality of second electrodes to second electrodes which are different from the part of the plurality of second electrodes via electric conductors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Daisuke Wakuda, Takeshi Suzuki, Tetsuyoshi Ogura, Koichi Hirano
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Patent number: 8890667Abstract: A button for providing visual-haptic information includes a visual-haptic variable button that adaptively provides various types of visual-haptic information according to input of information to an electronic apparatus. The visual-haptic variable button includes a visual information output part that adaptively changes various types of button icons according to manipulation and touch of the visual-haptic variable button for the input of information, thereby outputting visual information, and a haptic information output part that adaptively changes various types of sense of button manipulation and sense of button touch according to the manipulation and touch of the visual-haptic variable button, thereby outputting haptic information. At least one visual-haptic variable button is provided in the electronic apparatus for the input of information.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Jeong-Mook Lim, Ki-Uk Kyung, Hee-Sook Shin, Dong-Woo Lee, Yo-An Lim
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Patent number: 8890668Abstract: In an embodiment, a haptic feedback system includes a plurality of actuators to provide tactile feedback associated with an input surface. Each actuator is adapted to be activated independently of the other actuators. The system further includes a controller to activate a first actuator of the plurality of actuators to induce a first vibration at a selected input location of the input surface and to activate one or more additional actuators to induce at least a second vibration to localize the first vibration at the selected input location.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Paul Alioshin, Brett Bilbrey, David Thomas Amm
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Patent number: 8890666Abstract: A haptic device includes a flexible holder; an elongated piezo bender supported at one end thereof by the holder; a mass supported by the elongated piezo bender and positioned at an end of the elongated piezo bender opposite the end supported by the holder; and an electrical driving signal generator configured to generate a signal to create a vibration in the elongated piezo bender.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Daniel Gregory Parker, Kohei Imoto, Allan Visitacion, Trevor Jones, Neil Olien, Jesica Ferro, Li Jiang
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Patent number: 8884747Abstract: There is provided a lightweight, slim and compact haptic feedback device due to an actuator module constituted of a piezoelectric element and a vibration plate, and an electronic device having the same. The haptic feedback device includes a haptic device receiving contact pressure applied thereto, and an actuator module being in contact with a lower surface of the haptic device and excited according to variations in contact pressure with the haptic device to thereby generate vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ki Suk Woo, Dae Woong Yun, Su Young Jung, Yeon Ho Son, Dong Sun Park, Kum Kyung Lee, Ji Yeoun Jang, Chang Soo Kim, Jae Kyung Kim
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Publication number: 20140327531Abstract: A haptic tape includes a composite piezoelectric layer connected between a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. The composite piezoelectric layer has a plurality of piezoelectric rods arranged in a polymer matrix. The haptic tape is configured to be used as a sealant.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventors: Ali MODARRES, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Danny A. GRANT, Christophe RAMSTEIN
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Patent number: 8878657Abstract: An haptic interface including a knob manipulated by a user, a rotation shaft with a longitudinal axis to which the knob is fixed in rotation, an interaction element with a magneto-rheological fluid in rotation with the shaft, the fluid, a system for generating a magnetic field in the fluid, and a control unit capable of generating orders to the system for generating the magnetic field to modify the magnetic field. The system includes a coil type mechanism generating a variable magnetic field, and a permanent magnet type mechanism generating a permanent magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Florian Periquet, Samuel Roselier, Jose Lozada, Moustapha Hafez
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Patent number: 8878655Abstract: An apparatus including: a user interface module, a vibration mechanism configured to move the user interface module to provide a tactile effect through the user interface module, and a counterbalancing element configured to provide a counterbalancing effect for movements of the user interface module.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventor: Jouko Antero Sormunen