Abstract: Techniques are described for establishing a two-way voice communication session with an alarm system. The alarm system may establish a two-way voice communication session with an operator associated with a monitoring service that provides monitoring services for alarm events detected by the alarm system. The alarm system also may establish a two-way voice communication session with a notification recipient that is interested in receiving notifications associated with events detected by the alarm system.

Abstract: In a notifying device comprising a notifying unit 2 having incorporated therein a vibrator to be resonated by a drive signal fed thereto, and a signal preparing circuit 5 for feeding the drive signal to the notifying unit 2, the signal preparing circuit 5 prepares a drive signal Dv varying in frequency within a predetermined range including the resonance frequency of the vibrator of the unit 2 and feeds the signal to the notifying unit 2. The variation of frequency of the drive signal is determined in correspond relation with a variation in the resonance frequency of the vibrator due to tolerances for specifications which govern the resonance frequency. The drive signal has an alternating waveform of rectangular waves or sine waves, and the frequency thereof varies periodically from 1.37 to 2.98 Hz. The notifying device achieves a satisfactory notifying effect despite the variation of the resonance frequency of the vibrator.

Abstract: A method for automatically switching an incoming call signal output mode in a mobile communication terminal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of determining whether or not a present incoming call signal output mode is a vibration mode when receiving incoming call, driving a vibrator to output vibration if it is determined that the present incoming call signal output mode is set to the vibration mode, detecting an intensity of actual vibration of the terminal via a vibration detection sensor when the vibration is output, followed by calculating transfer energy using the intensity of the actual vibration on the terminal, and automatically switching the incoming call signal output mode from the vibration mode to a ringtone mode according to comparison of the calculated transfer energy with a reference value. With the method, a user can easily recognize the incoming call signal.

Abstract: A vibration device is provided. The vibration device includes a case, a vibrator, a coil, and a spring. The vibrator is disposed inside the case and including a magnet, a yoke, and a weight. The coil is supported by the case. The spring allows the vibrator to be elastically supported by the case. The spring includes a first coupling portion coupled to the vibrator, a second coupling portion coupled to the case, and a connecting portion connecting the first coupling portion to the second coupling portion. The second coupling portion is disposed on a concentric circle with respect to a center of the first coupling portion. A region in which the second coupling portion is disposed on the concentric circle ranges from 40% or more to less than 100% of a total region of the concentric circle.

Abstract: An image display device capable of preventing erroneous activation of the theft prevention function is provided. The image display device includes a theft prevention unit having an alarm function for preventing theft of the image display device, and a control circuit for controlling the theft prevention unit. The control circuit invalidates the alarm function of the theft prevention unit before the image display device is shipped out of a factory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating a tactile stimulation in response to detecting a specific event associated with exposure to a particular environmental or physiological condition are described herein. A tactile stimulation device, according to one of several implementations, comprises a sensing layer, an actuating layer, and an adhesive layer. The sensing layer, which is sensitive to exposure to a particular condition, is configured to sense when a specific event associated with exposure to the particular condition occurs. The actuating layer is configured to provide a tactile stimulation to a human subject when the specific event occurs. The adhesive layer is configured to affix the sensing layer and actuating layer with respect to a surface portion of the skin of the human subject such that the human subject can sense the tactile stimulation provided by the actuating layer. The sensing layer, actuating layer, and adhesive layer can be bonded together to form a relatively flat structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling system for a mobile terminal for wireless communication comprising a rotating fan (1) for reducing the heat generated by the mobile terminal and at least one weight (3) for causing an unbalance of the rotation of the fan (1) in order to cause vibration of the fan, whereby said weight is activated when the rotational speed of the fan (1) exceeds a predefined level.

Abstract: A system and method of generating at least two distinctive auditory alerts upon receiving a transmission or telephone call at a device is described. Data indicative of a first plurality of sounds corresponding to a user of a device configured to receive the transmission or telephone call is accessed, such as from a memory. The first plurality of sounds is played at the device so as to identify a received transmission or telephone call being directed to the user. A telephone number, subscriber name or identifier associated with a transmitting or calling party of the transmission or telephone call is accessed. Data indicative of a second plurality of sounds designating the transmitting or calling party based on the subscriber name, telephone number or identifier is retrieved, such as from a data structure, and the second plurality of sounds is played at the device so as to identify the transmitting or calling party.

Abstract: An aid for a blind person (1), includes a distance sensor (3), which creates a distance image of an object (2). The distance information that is generated by the distance sensor (3) is transmitted to a tactile matrix (10), which is integrated into a guide stick (11). The blind person (1) obtains information about his or her environment by touching the tactile matrix (10).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing distinctive vibration alerts are described herein. In different aspects, the methods may include sensing an event and determining a corresponding vibration definition for the event based on one or more properties of the event. The methods also include providing the corresponding vibration definition. The methods then further include producing mechanical vibrations of the device based on the vibration definition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the combining of mobile station properties. In addition the invention relates to the controlling in a desired manner of mobile station properties. The object of the invention is to give a mobile station a more stylish and youthful general appearance by enhancing the chances of the user to personalize his mobile station and by making the methods of communication between mobile stations more versatile. According to the invention it is possible to produce and present to the user various properties perceptible by the different senses, e.g. text, graphics, sound, vibration and/or illumination. These properties can be associated with each other to form effect entities. These effect entities can be transmitted to another mobile station during a conventional connection. In the receiving mobile station the effect entities are presented using different means of expression than the communication data proper.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile feedback device for giving realistic touch sensation to the user by stimulating the skin of the user. The tactile feedback device of the present invention comprises a housing having one end positioned near the skin of the user in use, an actuator, touch pins and an elastic means. The actuator is mounted inside the housing to convert electromagnetic energy into kinetic energy. The touch pins are mounted inside the housing so as to pop in and out, and the front end thereof is popped out of one end of the housing to contact the skin, and is connected with the actuator so as to be operated by kinetic energy of the actuator. The elastic plates of the elastic means are mounted between one end of the housing and the actuator, and have the touch pins fixedly passing through so as to be interlocked with the touch pins, and when the touch pins pop in and out, they are elastically deformed to have elastic energy.

Abstract: The instant invention includes a central security and alarm system that operates to protect a home or business and includes a personal safety device to communicate with a hearing-challenged end-user at the protected home or business. The system includes at least one alarm event detection device, and a central panel in communication with the personal safety device and the at least one alarm event detection device, the central panel comprising a processor for carrying out a method of communicating to the hearing-challenged end-user at the detection of alarm events via the personal safety device. The method includes detecting an alarm event at the home or business and notifying a designated, hearing-challenged end-user that the alarm event has occurred by causing a life safety device in the possession of the hearing challenged end-user to communicate the detected event by a mechanical communication signal.

Abstract: User interface for providing operational input to a portable telecommunication device without using keys or corresponding manual input means, wherein the interface comprises an electromechanical actuator including an electrical drive means provided with supply means for electrical drive means provided with supply means for electrical power and a movable means arranged in relation to the drive means in such a way that the movable means performs a mechanical movement when electrical power is supplied to the drive means, and wherein an electric signal is induced in the drive means when the portable telecommunication device is moved in a way that causes the movable means to move, a sensing unit for sensing the induced electrical signal, and a control means for controlling a desired operation of portable telecommunication device by means of the signal induced in the drive means.

Abstract: There are provided an input means 2 that allows information to be input as touched by an operator, a vibration application means 3 disposed on a back side of the input means 2, and a control means 5. The input means 2 is a touch panel 6. The vibration application means 3 is shaped like a flexible sheet, and includes a plurality of actuators 17 arranged as vibration sources. Each of the actuators 17 includes a first electrode 13, a second electrode 14, and an insulating layer 15 is provided between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 and containing a ferroelectric layer. The control means 5 drives a preset actuator 17 of the actuators 17 according to input from the control panel 6.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for displaying, organizing, and prioritizing the incoming information on a wireless device. Using the present invention the wireless device can display the number of voice mails, e-mails, pages, and Internet information alerts that have been received by the wireless device during a specified time period. The invention also allows the incoming information to be separated by any number of user-specified criteria such as the originating sender, or divided by work related and personal messages. The present invention allows the wireless device user to see at a glance what kind of information has been received and is being stored on the wireless device.

Abstract: A remote controlled vibratory and auditory awakening device comprising a plurality of parallelepiped pads, vibratory media within each pad, auditory emission mechanism communicating with each pad, a remote control in RF communication with every pad, whereby the variety of commands provided by the invention include choice of pad, choice of vibration or auditory emission or both, choice of intensity of vibration, volume of sound from auditory emission mechanisms, and audio input from the microphone of the remote control. The remote control also provides for duration of auditory and vibratory emissions.

Abstract: Techniques and structures are disclosed for providing proximity based authentication, security, and/or user notification in a wireless system.

Abstract: A vehicle warning system has an obstacle sensor for detecting approach of an obstacle to a vehicle, tactile information-generating elements for notifying a driver of the obstacle information based on information received from the obstacle sensor, and a controller for controlling the actuation of the tactile information-generating elements. The tactile information-generating elements are installed in the cushion of a driver seat, with a fore-and-aft and/or left-right arrangement. The controller controls the tactile information-generating elements based on the information from the obstacle sensor as well as information from one or more of a steering wheel-sensor, a blinker sensor, a brake sensor, and a vehicle speedometer.

Abstract: A communications system has first and second units whereby, when a user changes the physical state of the first unit, a message is sent to the second unit to cause the second unit to change to the same state. This change in state can be, for example, a physical squeezing movement or a change in color.

Abstract: A tactile communications device includes a two dimensional surface configured to be positioned in contact with a wearer for tactual stimulation. A plurality of actuators are positioned on the surface and arranged in a generally planar array. Various of the actuators are operable for being sequentially activated, line-by-line, to produce a non-veridical perception of a three dimensional surface.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising a frame part, a PCB (printed circuit board) provided with electronic components, a vibrator electrically connected to said PCB and being fixed in relation to the frame part, and an exchangeable outer cover releasably connected to the frame part. The vibrator is provided with an elastic fitting, and the exchangeable outer cover abuts the elastic fitting when it is mounted on the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a user to interface with a mobile computing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises sharing a Bluetooth communications module between a primary processor system and a secondary processor system.

Abstract: In a meeting or group event, people having a portable device, such as a cell phone or pager, may wish to be discretely notified when an important message is received, an urgent call comes in from a selected person or a selected group of people, or to be alerted to an upcoming important event without any audible alert to disturb the meeting or group event. To convey such a notification, a tactile alert is provided by vibrating the portable device according to a unique vibration pattern associated with the received communication. When a communication is received, a group identification (ID) is assigned based on the communication being a member of a classified group of source addresses. The portable device associates the group ID with a unique vibration pattern. To provide the alert, the portable device is vibrated according to the unique vibration pattern.

Abstract: On-premises pager loss is reduced by alerting patrons they are out of range. Pagers include an LCD with messages or promotions. An LED on the pager emits different colors indicating the level of battery charge. Circuitry in the pager causes a higher charge to be delivered to the battery when the pager is first coupled to a charging unit, and a lower charge to be delivered thereafter. Stacked slots in the charging unit receive the pagers. This permits access without disconnection of pagers in other slots and removal from the slots using first-in-first-out rotation. Charging rails on the charging unit simultaneously and directly connect each pager in the slots. Charging units are electrically coupled to other units in a daisy chain. A light on the unit indicates whether it is receiving power. Conductors on the pagers mechanically interlock with the charging rail when a pager is inserted into a slot.

Abstract: An alarm extension device includes a retainer configured to receive a personal paging device, a vibration sensor in operative association with the retainer, an auxiliary alarm generator, and a link between the vibration sensor and the auxiliary alarm generator. The link is sufficient to activate the auxiliary alarm generator when the vibration sensor identifies vibration from the retainer. An alarm system includes at least one wireless alarm transmitter. The transmitter is configured to receive a prompt by a hazard condition detector to send a paging code in a manner recognizable by multiple personal paging devices without requiring identification of individual personal paging devices. The transmitter is also configured to send the paging code addressing multiple personal paging devices collectively, without regard to such devices individually, and including a hazard condition alarm message.

Abstract: A wireless mobile phone is provided with the capability to visually convey audio to users, using a number of light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), in accordance with one or more attributes of the audio. The attributes may include different volume, spectrum, treble, bass, and so forth. The visualization may animate dance steps. In various embodiments, the implementations may include a visualization controller to selectively activate and deactivate the LEDs. The LEDs may be disposed on a side surface or underneath an array of input keys. In various embodiments, all or selected combinations of the elements may be part of the base unit of the wireless mobile phone, while the remaining elements, if any, may be part of an interchangeable cover. The cover may be a housing cover or an accessory cover.

Abstract: With the increasing popularity of multimedia presentations at business meetings and conferences, presenters often wish to be free to move about during their presentation. Moderators at a presentation or conference can use this invention to communicate with the presenters. Podium lights, buzzers, or other obtrusive signals are becoming less and less effective means of signaling during presentations. For this reason, the present invention employs remote controlled tactile notification rather than sight or sound. The moderator might inform the presenter that the allotted time has expired or numerous other messages may be signaled. A predetermined message or code is sent to the presenter by stimulating the presenter's sense of touch.

Abstract: A wireless technology (e.g., Wi-Fi) coexistence architecture and method are disclosed for managing potential conflicts between wireless technology interference sources. A coexistence driver maintains a conflict map identifying potentially conflicting wireless technologies on a computing device. Such technologies, due to their use of overlapping transmission frequency spectra, potentially create signal interference with one another while transmitting. Managing such conflict is carried out by initially identifying conflicts arising from wireless technology interference sources based on entries within the conflict map for a set of currently installed wireless technology interfaces. Thereafter the coexistence driver creates a virtual coexistence driver to manage an identified set of conflicting wireless technology interference sources, wherein the coexistence driver regulates transmission of data sets by wireless technology interfaces according to a coexistence scheme including priority-based data transmissions.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which is configured to announce a transmission from a caller by vibrating in a predetermined manner associated with the caller. Also disclosed is a method comprising: receiving a transmission from a first caller; identifying the first caller; and vibrating a device in a predetermined manner based on said first caller's identity.

Abstract: A portable vibrating device has two electrical motors each having an axle and a weight element coupled to the axle. The axles couple the electrical motors to the weight elements. The weight elements form a weight unit having a total mass m and having a mass center with an offset r in respect to a rotational axis. The weight units are angularly dispositioned to different angular dispositions for varying the amplitude of vibration according to a desired scheme. The angular disposition is controlled by the rotation of the electrical motors. The device may be able to receive messages and to play the by varying the amplitude of vibration accordingly.

Abstract: A portable electronic device (100) includes a vibrating transducer having a resilient support and a first mass supported by the first resilient support forming a mechanical resonator, and an electrical circuit coupled to the first vibrating transducer to apply a drive signal. A plurality of tactile vibration transducers (130, 140) can work in unison to produce strong tactile stimulus (216, 228, 230).

Abstract: A method of tuning an alert device in a portable communication apparatus having a microphone. The method involves the steps of recording, through the microphone, an acoustic signal which is emitted by the alert device in response to a drive signal; deriving a characteristic value of the recorded signal; comparing the characteristic value with a reference value and generating a comparison result; and controlling the drive signal of the alert device in response to the comparison result.

Abstract: A music playback device applicable to a portable telephone terminal device uses a sequence data FIFO memory and a waveform data FIFO memory both having limited storage capacities. A system CPU performs successive transfer of sequence data and waveform data in response to shortage events of the memories. Hence, it is possible to actualize high-quality playback of musical tunes with small storage capacities of the memories and with small load of processing of the system CPU.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer comprises a piezoelectric component, an acoustic member attached to one of the surfaces of the piezoelectric component and a dampening material of low elastic modulus attached to one or both surfaces of the piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric component may comprise either an unimorph or a bimorph structure including a piezoceramic wafer made of lead zirconate titanate and a layer of dampening material sandwiched between the piezoelectric component and the acoustic member. The acoustic member comprises a surrounding wall portion and an end portion which form an acoustic chamber when the member is mounted on a surface of the piezoelectrie component. The end portion has an orifice to form a passageway from the chamber through the end portion to the outside of the member.

Abstract: A circuit of the present invention is a driving circuit for driving a vibrator having a mechanical vibration system which resonates at a resonance frequency. The driving circuit outputs to the vibrator at least two signals of different frequencies which are included in a frequency range including the resonance frequency. The vibrator has a function of converting an electric signal into at least one of a sound and a vibration.

Abstract: A communications system has first and second units whereby, when a user changes the physical state of the first unit, a message is sent to the second unit to cause the second unit to change to the same state. This change in state can be, for example, a physical squeezing movement or a change in color.

Abstract: A mobile phone or telecommunications terminal that sends and receives tactile icons (tactile sensation patterns, including vibration patterns) discernible by feel to a user of the mobile phone or terminal, indicative of a message desired to be communicated between users of such a mobile phone or terminal (not information concerning the operation of the mobile phone or terminal). The mobile phone or terminal includes a source of tactile sensations (such as a vibratory device) that produces a tactile sensation in response to control signals issued by a controller when a message including a tactile icon is received; the control signals are based on instructions included in the mobile phone or terminal on how to interpret a tactile sensation pattern. The source of tactile sensations is for example an eccentric electric motor, a source of puffs of air, an electric signal, a razor-type linear vibrator, a solenoid, or a piezoelectric material.

Abstract: The invention concerns transmitters and a portable receiver-buzzer with programmable triggering, hand-, voice-/sound- and pulse-operated, for remotely warning one or several persons. The inventive device consists of a receiver-buzzer case (16), a presence-detecting (23), telephone jack (30), entrance door (36), central transmitter housing (13) transmitting a coded signal to the reciever (20) triggering the motor-buzzer (21) and light-emitting diode (19). In the central transmitter housing (13) there are a clock (1), a voice/sound sensor (4), an alarm push-button (2), a presence detector push-button (14), a LED sector (8), two battery-controlled LED's (6 and 7), a switch button (5) for clock (1) and voice/sound sensor (4), an acknowledgement button (9), an alarm LED (2), a housing (11) for charging the receiver (20) battery, a potentiometer (10).

Abstract: This application relates to an electrotactile system and method for delivering tactile stimuli to a skin surface of a user. The system includes one or more electrotactile modules each comprising an array of electrodes electrically connected to an integrated circuit. Each integrated circuit has data processing and current driving capability. The current delivered from the integrated circuit to each electrode is relatively small, preferably less than 4 milliamps. The modules may be connected to a flexible PC board by spring-loaded connectors. In one embodiment a plurality of electrotactile modules may be grouped together to from an electrotactile device. Multiple electrotactile devices may in turn be deployed as part of a wearable article for use in virtual reality, telepresence, telerrobotics or other haptic feedback applications. The system is capable receiving and transmitting tactile data via a communication link, such as a conventional data network.

Abstract: This invention includes a square wave signal generating circuit 20 for generating a square wave signal whose frequency changes; a MOS transistor 12 which is turned on/off on the basis of the square wave signal to supply a driving current to a vibrator 14; and a frequency shift detecting circuit 24 for detecting a frequency shift between the square wave signal from the square wave generating circuit and a resonance frequency of the vibrator. The shift in the frequency generated by the square wave generating circuit is trimmed by a signal detected by the frequency shift detecting circuit.

Abstract: Devices for enabling a user to locate an object, animal or person or reminding the user of the location of an object, animal or person. In a non-transmitter/receiver embodiment, the device includes at least one alert mechanism which is connected to a digital clock or other timer and microprocessor which times transmission of alert signals emitted from the alert mechanism or mechanisms. The operational components of the device may be contained in a housing which is attached to the object, animal or person to be located. In a remote transmitter/receiver embodiment, the device includes a transmitter which transmits activation signals at preset times to activate an alert feature of a paired remote receiver which is provided on the object, animal or person to be located or tracked. The transmitter may include an on-command button for manual transmission of the activation signals to the receiver. The receiver may have a visible alert mode in combination with a selected audible or vibratory alert mode.

Abstract: A wireless communication device having vibrational communication capabilities in accordance with various embodiments is provided including a receiver to receive signals, a body casing, a vibrator coupled to the body casing to vibrate the wireless communication device, a storage medium having stored therein a plurality of programming instructions, which when executed cause the wireless communication device to vibrationally output received alphanumeric data through vibrational manifestation of the received alphanumeric data using the vibrator, and an execution unit coupled to the storage medium for executing the plurality of programming instructions.

Abstract: A user interface by which contents of what is being processed can be confirmed with the sense of touch is provided. On a first surface of a portable phone, first piezoelectric devices are arranged, and on a second surface of the portable phone, second piezoelectric devices are arranged. When radio waves are transmitted, a displacement is generated from the first and second last piezoelectric devices at the same time when radio waves are transmitted from an antenna, and the displacement moves in sequence to the piezoelectric devices of the upper portion. When the displacement moves to the first and second initial piezoelectric devices, a displacement is generated repeatedly from the first and second last piezoelectric devices, and is continued until the other party to which a call is being originated responds.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile terminal (102). The mobile terminal includes a vibration motor (108) which provides a silent vibration alert to a user of the mobile terminal during reception of incoming communications which include audio communications; and an amplifier (106, 312) the amplifier amplifying the audio communications and producing an amplified audio output coupled to at least the vibration motor which outputs the audio communications as audible sound.

Abstract: A portable receiver for remotely warning one or several persons includes a receiver-buzzer that receives coded signals from a transmitter triggering the buzzer. The device, by virtue of its functions, is designed for remotely warning in case of need, emergency or danger, any person equipped with the portable receiver-buzzer.

Abstract: A vibrating linear actuator includes a mover having a permanent magnet, a stator having coils, a base on which the stator is mounted, a cover, and lands electrically coupled to the coils. The lands are provided on the surface of one of the base or the cover.

Abstract: A vibrating alert device not startling the user by its vibration and able to improve the effectiveness of the alert, provided with a vibration strength control circuit becoming active for a duration of an incoming call signal and repeatedly gradually increasing a drive voltage supplied to the vibrating motor in stages from a minimum vibration strength voltage to a maximum vibration strength voltage, the vibration control circuit having a resistance type voltage division circuit which generates different vibration strength voltages from a minimum voltage strength voltage to a maximum voltage strength and a voltage switching circuit for selecting and outputting in a rising order the vibration strength voltages for each constant time.

Abstract: A handheld navigation device for use by the visually impaired having a camera electrically connected to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is capable of object and character recognition and translation into Braille. A Braille display is electrically connected to the microprocessor. A speaker is electrically connected to the microprocessor for audibly communicating common objects and distances and character recognition translations to the user.

Abstract: In a communication terminal equipment and in a method of controlling call incoming, unnecessary noises in a period from the start of an alert sound to carrying out of the next operation can be reduced. When a predetermined operation is effected under the condition that an alert sound is ringing, the alert sound is stopped or the volume of the alert sound is reduced at least over a duration of call incoming. Thus, such a fear that persons in the surroundings may be troubled by the continuous ringing of the alert sound can be remarkably reduced. Further, since the situation that a power supply is cut off forcibly during all origination can be avoided, the fear that a person on the call origination side may be given an unpleasant feeling can be eliminated.