Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing a user to dynamically enjoy a video. A difference between image data is computed at every preset unit of time and a vibration corresponding to the computed difference is generated so that the user can sense a motion change of an object within the video. Upon video reproduction, scenes are displayed by applying the lighting effect of a strobe light or the like between the scenes to be reproduced. Upon video reproduction, more enjoyment and various haptic effects can be provided to the user.

Abstract: Text input may be entered on an electronic text input device by a user simultaneously contacting at least two of a plurality of discrete touch sensitive areas on a first surface of the device. A text character for input is determined, based on the touch sensitive areas which are detected as being simultaneously in contact with the user. The determined text character is locked by subsequent user action. A second surface of the device, such as that opposite the first surface, may include a display on which the determined text character and other information may be displayed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer peripheral, is provided with 1) a human input interface; 2) a first computer interface; 3) a data link to provide data connectivity between the human input interface and first computer interface; and 4) a docking port to substantially encase a handheld computer engaged with the first computer interface.

Abstract: A mobile terminal capable of providing a web-browsing function and a method of controlling the mobile terminal are provided. According to the mobile terminal and the method of controlling the mobile terminal, it is possible to display a text-input area included in a webpage in a certain part of a display region of the mobile terminal in response to the manipulation of a key or the movement of the mobile terminal. In addition, it is possible to sequentially enlarge or highlight one or more text-input areas displayed in the display region of the mobile terminal. Therefore, it is possible to quickly input text into an address window, an identifier (ID)/password input window or an address window included in a webpage without the need to scroll through the webpage.

Abstract: Actuation systems and devices using an electrically deformable material are disclosed. In the embodiments, a bidirectional actuator assembly includes a first unit including an electrically deformable material coupleable to an activation voltage and configured to provide a displacement in a first direction when the activation voltage is applied to the first unit. A second unit is serially electrically coupled to the first unit and includes an electrically deformable material coupleable to the activation voltage and configured to provide a displacement in a second direction that is different from the first direction when the activation voltage is applied to the second unit. A unidirectional actuator assembly includes at least one unit including an electrically deformable material coupleable to an activation voltage, wherein the electrically deformable material provides a displacement in a selected direction when the activation voltage is applied to the at least one unit.

Abstract: An output device provides sensory feedback when a user actuates a sensor associated with the output device corresponding to a particular input quantity, for example, touch or proximity by an object to a corresponding input device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locally vibrating haptic apparatus capable of vibrating a desired position of the haptic apparatus or adjusting a vibrating position by improving arrangement of vibrators and a frequency control method, the haptic apparatus including a panel and a vibrator transmitting vibration to the panel, wherein a vibration frequency outputted from the vibrator is adjusted in a domain less than a primary resonant frequency of the panel, thus controlling a vibrating position from a portion having the vibrator to a central portion of the panel, the haptic apparatus being advantageous in that the vibrating position of the panel may be precisely controlled by adjusting the frequency of the vibrator disposed on the edge of the haptic panel.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of controlling the mobile terminal are provided. The method includes displaying at least one object, which is divided into a plurality of haptic regions, on a touch screen; receiving a touch signal for any one of the haptic regions of the object; and outputting a control signal for controlling a haptic module to generate a haptic effect. Therefore, it is possible for a user to easily determine which of the haptic regions of the object has been touched with the sense of touch.

Abstract: A user interface enhancement system that includes a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a fluid vessel arranged underneath the surface, a volume of fluid contained within the fluid vessel that cooperates with the sheet to transmit an image through the sheet without substantial obstruction, a displacement device that influences the volume of fluid within the fluid vessel to expand and retract at least a portion of the fluid vessel, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, and an attachment component that couples the sheet to the device is disclosed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, vector-specific movement can be imparted to a user interface device (UID) to provide vector-specific haptic feedback. In at least some embodiments, this vectored movement can be based on input received by the UID. The input can include information associated with the user's interaction with an associated device integrated with or communicatively linked with the UID, and or with an application implemented on the associated device. In at least some embodiments, the UID can be configured with a controller, a microprocessor(s), and a vector-specific actuator that includes an electrically-deformable material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile input/output device for representing and manipulating computer-generated surfaces. Also disclosed are a novel system and method for implementing the forgoing aspects. In essence, there is provided an intuitive concept of manipulating and editing a computer-generated surface, by employing a combination of traditional input and output devices (keyboard, mouse, display, etc.) and a novel device that enables users to touch, edit and modify a physical representation of the surface. The tactile device includes an array of displaceable pins, which are driven by a control system having a plurality of micro-actuators operating in combination with a rack-and-pinion assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a touch-sensitive front panel for a touch screen with a touch-insensitive front-panel area (107) and a touch-sensitive front-panel area (103) that can be distinguished haptically from the touch-insensitive front-panel area (107) or from an additional touch-sensitive front-panel area (105).

Abstract: There is provided a haptic driving assembly capable of providing more uniform haptic feedback, and an electronic device using the same. The haptic driving assembly includes: at least one actuator; and a vibration transferring part disposed to contact at least one surface of the actuator and transferring vibrations generated in the actuator to the outside through a liquid phase medium.

Abstract: An input apparatus has a touch sensor 11 configured to receive an input, a load detection unit 12 configured to detect a pressure load on a touch face 11a of the touch sensor 11, a tactile sensation providing unit 13 configured to vibrate the touch face 11a, and a control unit 15 configured to control drive of the tactile sensation providing unit 13, when the pressure load detected by the load detection unit 12 satisfies a standard to provide a tactile sensation, such that a click sensation is provided to an object (means) pressing the touch face 11a. Thereby, a realistic click sensation similar to that obtained when a push-button switch is operated is provided when an operator operates the touch sensor.

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

Abstract: Programmable deformable surfaces can use smartgels that respond to external stimuli by changing in stiffness, volume, and/or transparency or color. A device can include a smartgel in one or more cells of a tactile layer, such as a layer of material positioned over a display device visible through the layer. Portions of the tactile layer can be subjected to one or more stimuli, such a change in temperature that causes areas of smartgel to deform, to provide haptic feedback. For example, wires can be embedded in the tactile layer and/or between the tactile layer and the display and by controlling current passing through the wires, portions of the tactile layer can be subjected to changes in temperature, such as to raise/lower portions of the tactile layer at a location corresponding to an object in a graphical user interface when a touch occurs at or near the location.

Abstract: A haptic device comprising a base member (4), an end-effector (6), a parallel kinematics structure arranged between the base plate and the end-effector and providing at least three degrees of freedom including at least three translational degrees of freedom in relation to the end-effector, and at least one passive gravity compensation means being adapted to exert forces and/or torques on the parallel kinematics structure for at least partial compensation of gravity related forces and/or torques acting in at least one of the three translational degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A reconfigurable tactile human-machine interface adapted for facilitating selection and manipulation by a user, presenting a first geometric shape, orientation, position, or characteristic, and including at least one active material element configured to cause the interface to achieve a second geometric shape, orientation, position or otherwise characteristic when activated or deactivated, and preferably further including at least one sensor, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and interface and configured to selectively cause the element to be activated upon receipt of sensory input.

Abstract: An input apparatus has a touch sensor 11 for an input, a load detection unit 12 to detect a pressure load on a touch face 11a of the sensor 11, a tactile sensation providing unit 13 to vibrate the touch face 11a, and a control unit 15 to control drive of the tactile sensation providing unit 13, when the detected pressure load satisfies a standard to provide a tactile sensation, to provide a click sensation to an object (means) pressing the touch face 11a. The control unit 15 drives the tactile sensation providing unit 13, when the detected pressure load satisfies the standard after the click sensation is provided in pressing, to provide a release sensation corresponding to the click sensation to the object. Thereby, a realistic click sensation similar to that in operating a push-button switch is provided when an operator operates the touch sensor.

Abstract: An input apparatus capable of preventing a user's unintentional input by notifying the user of a change in a pressure load is provided. The input apparatus has a touch face configured to receive a touch operation, a load detection unit configured to detect a pressure load of the touch operation to the touch panel, a vibration unit configured to vibrate the touch face, and a control unit, when the load detection unit detects a pressure load satisfying a standard load to receive an input, configured to perform a control to receive the input by the touch operation. When the load detection unit detects a pressure load satisfying a standard load, lower than the standard load to receive an input, the control unit controls the vibration unit to vibrate.

Abstract: One embodiment of a haptic input device may include a receiver configured to receive a signal from a touch-based user interface device. The signal may include a control signal or a look-up value. The haptic input device may also include a decoder coupled to the receiver and configured to decode the signal from the touch-based user interface device, at least one sensor configured to determine at least one characteristic of the haptic input device, a controller coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to transmit a control signal, a haptic actuator coupled to the controller, and a transmitter coupled to the at least one sensor.

Abstract: The user interface system of the preferred embodiments includes a sheet that defines a surface on one side and at least partially defines a cavity on an opposite side; a volume of a fluid contained within the cavity; a displacement device that modifies the volume of the fluid to expand the cavity, thereby outwardly deforming a particular region of the surface; and a sensor that detects a force applied by a user that inwardly deforms the particular region of the surface. The user interface system has been specifically designed to be used as the user interface for an electronic device, more preferably in an electronic device that benefits from an adaptive user interface, but may alternatively be used in any suitable application.

Abstract: The user interface system of one embodiment of the invention includes a sheet that defines a surface on one side and at least partially defines a first cavity and a second cavity on an opposite side; a fluid network coupled to the first and second cavities; a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and expands both the first and second cavities concurrently, thereby deforming a first and a second particular region of the surface; and a touch sensor coupled to the sheet and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the first and second particular regions of the surface. The user interface system of another embodiment of the invention includes a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and selectively expands one of the first and second cavities.

Abstract: A tactile input to a system having a speaker located in an enclosure with an audio port can be detected by generating a sound wave in response to a signal and sensing the phase relationship between the current phase and the voltage phase of the signal. While the audio port is open a baseline current and voltage phase difference is established. When the audio port is obstructed by a finger touch, the current and voltage phase difference is altered in response to the obstruction. While the altered phase difference is detected, a tactile event is indicated.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an electrosensory sensation to a body member (120). The apparatus comprises one or more conducting electrodes (106), each of which is provided with an insulator (108). When the body member (120) is proximate to the conducting electrode, the insulator prevents flow of direct current from the conducting electrode to the body member. A capacitive coupling over the insulator (108) is formed between the conducting electrode (106) and the body member (120). The conducting electrodes are driven by an electrical input which comprises a low-frequency component (114) in a frequency range between 10 Hz and 500 Hz. The capacitive coupling and electrical input are dimensioned to produce an electrosensory sensation. The apparatus is capable of producing the electrosensory sensation independently of any mechanical vibration of the one or more conducting electrodes (106) or insulators (108).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback to a touch surface are described herein. In one embodiment, among many, a layered structure comprises a first conducting layer electrically coupled to a first terminal of a power source and a second conducting layer electrically coupled to a second terminal of the power source. The layered structure also comprises a spacing layer electrically isolating the first conducting layer from the second conducting layer. Also, an actuation layer is positioned between the first conducting layer and the second conducting layer. The actuation layer includes a material that reacts to an electrical stimulus.

Abstract: A system with haptic effects includes a first surface, a second surface with a flexible arm portion, a coupling that couples the flexible arm portion to the first surface, and a haptic effect generator attached to the first surface. The flexible arm portion includes a coupling portion, and the coupling is received in the coupling portion. The haptic effect generator causes movement of the first surface relative to the second surface, and the flexible arm limits the movement of the first surface and elastically returns the first surface substantially to its original position relative to the second surface.

Abstract: One embodiment of the user interface system comprises: a volume of fluid; a tactile layer; a retaining wall substantially impermeable to the fluid; a permeable layer; a displacement device; and a touch sensor. The tactile layer, with a back surface, defines a second region, operable between: a retracted state, wherein the second region is substantially flush with a first region; and an expanded state, wherein the second region is substantially proud of the first region. The permeable layer, joined to the back surface of the first region, includes a plurality of fluid ports that communicate a portion of the fluid through the permeable layer to the back surface of the second region. The displacement device directs the fluid through the fluid ports to the back surface to transition the second region from the retracted state to the expanded state. The touch sensor detects a user touch on the tactile layer.

Abstract: A display and input system configured to receive tactile user input and provide dynamic display output is provided. The system includes a display device and a plurality of input locations situated over the display device. Each of the input locations is at least partially see-through to permit viewing of imagery generated by the display device, where each of the input locations includes an optical element spaced from an operative surface of the display device and configured to adjust viewer perception of image light emanating from the display device through input location. The display and input system may also be implemented to include mechanically-depressible keys providing keyboard-type input functionality.

Abstract: The user interface system of the preferred embodiment includes: a layer defining a surface, a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity, a displacement device coupled to the cavity and adapted to expand the cavity thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface, and a display coupled to the substrate and adapted to output images to the user. The user interface system of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be incorporated into an electronic device, such as the display of a mobile phone, but may be incorporated in any suitable device that interfaces with a user in both a visual and tactile manner.

Abstract: The apparatus is typically constructed within a sock or shoe and interfaces the output of a source system/systems (not part of this invention and hereinafter referred to as “the source system” or “the source systems”) with an area of touch sensitive skin. Being a receiving, processing, interfacing and delivering apparatus, the uses of the apparatus are limited only by the imagination of those who invent the source systems. By using the wearer's sense of touch to convey information to the brain, outdoorsmen and soldiers can be kept constantly aware of the direction of north while keeping their eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and hands focused and dedicated to other tasks. The apparatus consists of a connection between the source system and the electronics which prepares and delivers the intelligible information to a touch inducer pad which is directly or indirectly, via an intermediate material, in contact with an area of touch sensitive skin specifically including but not limited to a bottom of a foot.

Abstract: An input device includes an input operation unit, on which an input operation is performed; an input operation detection unit that detects at least one of acceleration and pressure to the input operation unit; an input determination unit that determines whether the at least one of acceleration and pressure detected by the input operation detection unit is an effective input operation; and a vibration unit that, when the at least one of acceleration and pressure is detected by the input operation detection unit, starts to vibrate before the input determination unit outputs a determination result.

Abstract: A method and system for exciting a dynamic tactile interface having a plurality of electrodes includes identifying an area within an image that is capable of tactile feedback and identifying a first subset of the plurality of electrodes in the dynamic tactile interface that correspond to the plurality of areas. A voltage is applied to each of the electrodes of to the plurality of electrodes to create a desired state for each electrode corresponding to the areas capable of tactile feedback. The dynamic tactile interface can be implemented as part of a viewable display type of device, or as a device without any viewable display.

Abstract: Piezoelectric actuator apparatus and methods for providing tactile feedback are described herein. An example piezoelectric actuator assembly includes a support plate having a recessed well and conductive contact disposed within the recessed well of the support plate. A piezoelectric element has a first layer composed of an electrically conductive material and a second layer adjacent the first layer composed of a piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric element is disposed within the recessed well so that the first layer directly engages the conductive contact and the second layer is to be electrically coupled to a ground via a flexible conductive lead.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to tactile communication. Devices are included for direct tactile input and having logic for conversion of speech and other forms of audio into vibrotactile sequences. Vibrotactile sequences are transmitted to devices equipped with tactile output, such as vibrators. Voice coil vibrators create sensations of tapping and rubbing in addition to vibration.

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to provide improved Braille support are described herein. A connection to a Braille device is received, and a Braille caption panel that includes a Braille code is displayed to simulate an output to the Braille device. The Braille caption panel can include a text translated to the Braille code. The Braille caption panel can include a control element. An accessibility service can be automatically launched to provide the output to the Braille device.

Abstract: An assistive reading device for visually impaired users comprises a sheet-like member containing a photo-active material. The sheet-like member responds to light patterns representing data from a patterned light source to form tactile shapes on its surface. The visually impaired user obtains information by touching the tactile shapes. Preferably, the photo-active material is a layer of cross linked azobenzene liquid-crystalline polymers. The assistive reading device preferably is an output device for a computer.

Abstract: A method is provided for enabling users to control various functions of an apparatus such as a television signal receiver in an easy and convenient manner. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method enables a user to control an apparatus via a user input device having a key capable of being rotated and pressed by the user. The method includes steps of enabling the user to control a first set of functions of the apparatus during a first mode by rotating and pressing the key responsive to an on-screen menu, and enabling the user to control a second set of functions of the apparatus during a second mode by rotating and pressing the key without providing the on-screen menu.

Abstract: Systems and methods for haptic information preview are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment a method for haptic information preview includes: receiving a message including data; receiving a data quality metric associated with the data; determining a quality of the data based at least in part on the data quality metric; determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the data quality; and transmitting a signal corresponding to the haptic effect to a haptic effect generator configured to output the haptic effect. Another embodiment includes a computer-readable medium comprising processor-executable code for executing such a method.

Abstract: A display component implements a text entry system for a device, such as a cell phone or other handheld device, has various layers that mimic characteristics of a conventional keyboard. A keyboard is displayed on a dynamic touch screen display. When a key is pressed by a user, the surface area of the key on the display depresses, thereby mimicking a conventional keyboard that would typically be used with a desktop or laptop computer. The display component is comprised of various layers or panels. One layer is a compressible touch sensitive or touch screen layer. Adjacent to this layer is a compressible display layer. Another layer is a deformable or cushion layer for supporting a specific weight, such as the weight of user fingers or hands. Adjacent to the deformable layer is a lower touch sensitive layer which has a coordinate system.

Abstract: There is provided a haptic feedback actuator, a haptic feedback device and an electronic device. The haptic feedback actuator includes a support plate disposed in a lower portion of a haptic device; one or more actuators disposed on the support plate, each having one end towards a central portion of the support plate and the other end towards a corner of the support plate, and generating vibrations so as to give different types of haptic feedback according to a change in contact pressure applied to the haptic device; and one or more dividing portions, each penetrating the support plate in a thickness direction thereof and dividing the support plate into vibration areas corresponding to the respective actuators.

Abstract: There is provided a haptic feedback device and an electronic device having the same. The haptic feedback device includes a display panel receiving contact pressure applied thereto; an actuator generating vibrations so as to give different types of haptic feedback according to a change in the contact pressure applied to the display panel; a support plate supporting the actuator; a bonding portion provided between an end portion of the actuator in a lengthwise direction thereof and the support plate so as to fix the actuator to the support plate; and a vibration space expanding portion formed to be recessed in a portion of the support plate corresponding to the actuator.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for use in an electronic device. The actuator assembly includes a support tray, an actuator supported on the support tray, a force sensor spaced laterally from the actuator, and a cover covering the actuator and coupled to the support tray. A portion of the cover is movable relative to the support tray when the actuator is actuated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback to touch-sensitive input devices are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes an input device having a housing having an exterior surface; a touch-sensitive surface configured to transmit a contact signal indicating a contact with the touch-sensitive surface; a sensor disposed within the housing, the sensor configured to sense movement of the input device and to transmit a sensor signal indicating movement of the input device; an actuator disposed within the housing, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect based on an actuator signal, the actuator signal based at least in part on the contact signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are a vibration generator, which can increase the vibration force of a vibration plate by additionally applying the mass of a mass body to the vibration plate, and an electronic device including the same. The vibration generator includes at least one piezoelectric element mounted inside the case and subjected to compression and expansion in response to input power, a vibration plate including a body elongated in a preset lengthwise direction and having the at least one piezoelectric element mounted thereon, and generating vibrations by the compression and expansion of the at least one piezoelectric element, and at least one mass part adding a preset magnitude of mass to the vibration plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of using a wearable remote interface device capable of detecting inputs from movements are disclosed. The wearable remote interface device, which could be attached to a finger or a hand or any parts of a body, includes a sensor, a filter, an input identifier, and a transmitter. The sensor, in one embodiment, is capable of sensing the movement of the finger or any part of body in which the wearable remote interface device is attached with. Upon detecting the various movements associated with the finger, the filter subsequently removes any extraneous gestures from the detected movements. The input identifier, which could be a part of the filter, identifies one or more user inputs from the filtered movements. The transmitter transmits the input(s) to a processing device via a wireless communications network.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for wireless communications directly between a sender and a receiver using a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is formed as a glove having a pulse triggering mechanism. The glove is wearable by a user who is the source of a communications signal. The pulse triggering mechanism is motion activated by a finger tip to trigger an electrical signal transmitted wirelessly to the receiving unit. The receiving unit is in the form of a patch worn by a user that receives a tactile message for silent communications.

Abstract: The present invention associates on one and the same label a UHF antenna and an RFID integrated circuit with an EAS antenna operating in RF mode, thus avoiding the addition of a second label on a product to be protected and/or traced. An aspect of the invention consists in using a loop antenna to which an integrated circuit which can operate by capacitive induction with the UHF antenna will be connected. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a label, and to a method of using the label.