| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
|---|
| 20080266066 | Force feedback system including multi-Tasking graphical host environment and interface device - A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts. One embodiment of a force feedback device provides both relative position reporting and absolute position reporting to allow great flexibility. A different device embodiment provides relative position reporting device allowing maximum compatibility with existing software. Information such as ballistic parameters and screen size sent from the host to the force feedback device allow accurate mouse positions and cursor positions to be determined in the force feedback environment. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080297328 | TACTILE FEEDBACK MECHANISM USING MAGNETS TO PROVIDE TRIGGER OR RELEASE SENSATIONS - An apparatus for providing tactile feedback to an operator. The apparatus includes first and second magnetic assemblies having first and second magnets, respectively. The apparatus further includes a user input device, such as a trigger, a knob, a release cord, or a joystick, that is connected to at least one of the two assemblies and positions the first magnet proximate to the second magnet such that interaction occurs between the magnetic fields to generate a force that is exerted on the input device. The force may be an opposing, resisting, or attractive force that creates movement of the user input such as resisting a triggering or releasing action in an interactive video game when the poles are of like polarity. The first magnetic assembly may be stationary, and the second magnetic assembly may be connected to the user input device to be positioned relative to the first magnet assembly. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080303645 | Braille Support - 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. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080303646 | Tactile Feedback Device for Use with a Force-Based Input Device - A tactile device comprising a tactile device and a feedback mechanism operable with a sensing surface to receive a force input from a user and transfer that force input to a force sensing element. The tactile device is configured to allow the user to touch the tactile device and register an input force with the force sensing element. The tactile device is also operable with the feedback mechanism to provide feedback to the user that the force input from the user has been registered with the force sensing element. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20090051509 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VIBRATION IN MOBILE TERMINAL - An apparatus and method for controlling vibration in a mobile terminal are provided. The method includes, upon detecting a key input by a user, determining whether a current feedback signal is detected when an external case with a first vibrator is connected to the mobile terminal, upon detecting the current feedback signal, determining that the external case is connected to the mobile terminal and applying a drive signal to the first vibrator, and controlling the first vibrator to be activated in response to the received drive signal to output a haptic feedback. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090079550 | Method and apparatus for sensory stimulation - An apparatus for producing an electrosensory sensation to a body member ( | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090109007 | Method and apparatus for sensory stimulation - An apparatus for producing an electrosensory sensation to a body member ( | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090121848 | Haptic module using magnetic force, electronic apparatuses having the module - A haptic module using a magnetic force and an electronic apparatuses having the module are disclosed. The haptic module disclosed in the present invention comprises a magnet arrangement frame arranged so that polarities of adjacent magnets are alternate; shielding screens positioned on uppers of each of frame elements of the magnet arrangement frame and formed in a window arrangement to shield any one polarity of the frame elements; linear movement means fixed to outside portions of the shielding screens to move the shielding screens in a longitudinal direction of the frame element; a magnet frame positioned on an upper of the magnet arrangement frame through the shielding screen and taking on the same polarity on the whole of one surface thereof; and a controller that controls the linear movement means. According to the haptic module of the present invention, it is possible to provide various and dynamic force feedback and tactile sensation to a user, as well as reduce complexity of a constitution as compared to a related art and further accomplish miniaturization. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090167507 | User interface - The invention relates to a user interface of an electronic device. The user interface includes a touch sensitive display panel and an actuator that is arranged to generate a signal that is detectable for a human being. The actuator is arranged to alter a property of the signal as a response to a situation in which an external object is slid on a surface of the touch sensitive display panel. The property of the signal can be, for example, amplitude or frequency of mechanical vibration generated to a housing of the electronic device. The signal represents a feedback to a user of the electronic device and it makes the user interface more illustrative when the touch sensitive display panel is used for controlling a quantity having a continuous nature, e.g. volume of voice generated with a speaker element. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090167508 | TACTILE FEEDBACK IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - 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. As still another example, the electronic device may provide tactile feedback in response to receiving a particular user input, or to detecting a user's finger on a particular portion of the electronic device. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090167509 | TACTILE FEEDBACK IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - 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. As still another example, the electronic device may provide tactile feedback in response to receiving a particular user input, or to detecting a user's finger on a particular portion of the electronic device. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090167510 | KEY STRUCTURE - A key structure including at least two protruding keys and a key frame is provided. The at least two protruding keys are arrayed adjacently. Each of the at least two protruding keys has a first side edge, a second side edge and a protrusion. The second side edge is opposite to the first side edge. The protrusion has a curved-convex surface, a first side surface and a second side surface. The curved-convex surface is getting protruding inwardly from the first side edge and the second side edge. The top end of the curved-convex surface has a crest line. The first side surface passes through the end points of the first side edge, the second side edge and the crest line in the same side. The second side surface is opposite to the first side surface. The key frame is used for carrying the at least two protruding keys. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090184809 | RAPID PROTOTYPING AND MACHINE VISION FOR RECONFIGURABLE INTERFACES - A system and method including software to aid in generation of panels and control instruments rapidly generates a station that can support a variety of control interfaces. Rapid-Prototyped Panels, or RP-Panels, replicate existing systems (for simulation, training, gaming, etc.) or from new designs (for human factors testing, as functional product, etc.). The controls have tactile and visual characteristics similar or identical to their functional component counterparts such as buttons, knobs, switches, pedals, joysticks, steering wheels, and touch panels but are modular and use alternative data transfer modes (potentiometers, fiber optics, RFID, machine vision, etc.) to track and analyze the response of the controls. The response is then transmitted to the host programs. With this method a user can design and fabricate a reconfigurable interface to interact with virtual environments for various applications such as simulation, training, virtual instrumentation, gaming, human factors testing, etc. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090189749 | Haptic Interface Device and Method for Using Such - Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for interacting with a computer. For example, a haptic interface device is disclosed that includes a thin, flexible passive actuating element and a sensor. The thin, flexible passive actuating element includes at least one unattached edge that is susceptible to manipulation, and the sensor is operable to detect a manipulation of the thin, flexible passive actuating element and to provide an output corresponding to the detected manipulation. In some cases of the aforementioned embodiments, the thin, flexible passive actuating element provides a haptic feedback to a user providing the manipulation, and the haptic feedback simulates the haptic sensation of paper such as, for example a sheet of paper, a playing card, an index folder or the like. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090231113 | Products and Processes For Providing Haptic Feedback In Resistive Interface Devices - Products and processes for providing haptic feedback in a user interface are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment of an apparatus comprises a first element comprising a first surface, a second element comprising a second surface, and an actuator configured vary a force between the first and second surfaces. In one embodiment, the second element may be configured to be displaced relative to first element in a degree of freedom. In another embodiment, at least one of the first surface and the second surface may comprise a thermoplastic polymer. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090243817 | Tactile Device with Force Sensitive Touch Input Surface - A tactile device includes a touch input surface in any number of forms including a force sensitive touch screen. In this embodiment a cover captures a transparent screen located on capacitive sensors. Touching the screen produces signals from each sensor that can be combined to identify the location of the touch and the force exerted by that touch. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090278671 | Tactile Feedback Input Device - An input device includes an input device chassis. At least one tactile feedback module is coupled to the input device chassis. The tactile feedback module includes a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet located in a spaced apart relationship from the first electromagnet. A mass includes a pair of opposing ends and is located between the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet. A permanent magnet is located on each of the opposing ends of the mass. The mass is operable to move along an axis between the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet and may be moved to produce a variety of forces on the input device in order to provide tactile feedback. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090289779 | Force feedback system including multi-tasking graphical host environment - A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts. One embodiment of a force feedback device provides both relative position reporting and absolute position reporting to allow great flexibility. A different device embodiment provides relative position reporting device allowing maximum compatibility with existing software. Information such as ballistic parameters and screen size sent from the host to the force feedback device allow accurate mouse positions and graphical object positions to be determined in the force feedback environment. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090303022 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING TACTILE FEEDBACK TO A USER OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A system for providing tactile feedback for an input device in an electronic device is provided. The system comprises: an input device having a first input region for receiving a user action from the user; a surface associated with the input device and covering at least a part of the first input region; an input signal generator associated with the input device; and a physical feature associated with the input region. The physical feature is located on the surface, provides a second input region for receiving the user action and provides a tactile feedback sense to the user when the user contacts the second region. The input signal generator generates a first input signal when the user touches the first input region while not touching second input region and generates a second input signal when the user touches simultaneously the first and the second input regions. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090315690 | PORTABLE TERMINAL - A portable terminal and method of providing tactile sensation responsive to user touching at the portable terminal is provided. The portable terminal includes a housing disposed beneath a touch screen display, such that the housing is configured to impact the touch screen display in response to a user input impressed by touch on at least a portion of the touch screen display, the housing including at least one magnetic device configured to collide with the housing. The portable terminal further including a magnetic actuator disposed relative to the at least one magnetic device, such that the magnetic actuator controls a first magnetism that displaces the least one magnetic device having a second magnetism thereby creating the impact between the at least one magnetic device and the housing. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090322496 | Providing Haptic Feedback On A Touch Surface - 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. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090322497 | DISTINGUISHING INPUT SIGNALS DETECTED BY A MOBILE TERMINAL - A method of distinguishing input signals detected by a mobile terminal is provided. The method comprises detecting at least a first and a second input signal, wherein a first vibration signal is associated with the first input signal and a second vibration signal is associated with the second input signal; and outputting a combined vibration signal corresponding to at least the first and second input signals. The first and second input signals may be proximity signals, touch signals, or a combination thereof. The combined vibration signal may be outputted according to a characteristic of at least the first and second input signals. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090322498 | HAPTIC EFFECT PROVISIONING FOR A MOBILE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL - 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. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090322499 | PROGRAMMABLE TACTILE TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAYS AND MAN-MACHINE INTERFACES FOR IMPROVED VEHICLE INSTRUMENTATION AND TELEMATICS - Disclosed are new methods and apparatus particularly suited for applications in a vehicle, to provide a wide range of information, and the safe input of data to a computer controlling the vehicle subsystems or “Telematic” communication using for example GM's “ONSTAR” or cellular based data sources. Preferred embodiments utilize new programmable forms of tactile touch screens and displays employing tactile physical selection or adjustment means which utilize direct optical data input. A revolutionary form of dashboard or instrument panel results which is stylistically attractive, lower in cost, customizable by the user, programmable in both the tactile and visual sense, and with the potential of enhancing interior safety and vehicle operation. Non-automotive applications of the invention are also disclosed, for example means for general computer input using touch screens and home automation systems. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100001849 | PORTABLE TERMINAL AND DRIVING METHOD OF MESSENGER PROGRAM IN PORTABLE TERMINAL - A portable terminal is provided to inform a user of status information via vibration pattern. The portable terminal may include a vibration generation unit for vibrating the portable terminal and a controller changing status information of a messenger program or a member relative to the messenger program to a vibration pattern while performing the messenger program, and the controller controlling the operation of the vibration generation unit in response to the vibration pattern such that the portable terminal can perform a messenger service by way of an interface unit using tactile sensation to enhance a user's convenience and satisfaction. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100013613 | Haptic feedback projection system - This Haptic Projection System (HPS) synchronizes single impulses and vibrations transmitted through the surface material of the touch sensitive display. Impulse generators spaced equally around the edges of the screen can, by adjusting their relative intensities and timing, focus the impulses or vibrations to an approximate point, or series of points out on the screen surface. By focusing convergent haptic vibration patterns on the appropriate location, a sense of tactility, solidity, shape and even resistance and texture can be imbued in on-screen objects and controls being manipulated anywhere on the display surface. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100013614 | HAPTIC SOLENOID SYSTEM - A supporting surface and a touch screen member mounted to a plastic frame having a first vibration transmitting slot and at least two mounting slots. A pair of similar L-shaped poles is mounted in the frame in juxtaposition to define gaps between them. One of the poles constitutes a stationary pole and the other of the poles constitutes a movable pole. A winding is mounted on the stationary pole. The frame defines a vibration transmitting slot, and the touch screen member is attached to the frame by a tab that is press fitted into the vibration transmitting slot so that vibrations created by the movable pole can be transmitted via the vibration transmitting slot to the touch screen member. The additional slots defined by the frame and tabs defined by the supporting surface mutually coact for mounting the frame to the supporting member in a stationary position. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100026473 | Touch-sensitive front panel for a touch screen - The invention relates to a touch-sensitive front panel for a touch screen with a touch-insensitive front-panel area ( | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100052879 | Apparatus and Method for the Tactile Identification of Keys and Regions of a Touch-Responsive Device - Methods and apparatus for providing feedback to a user as to the location of a finger or stylus on a touch-responsive device are described herein. Aspects are directed to removable tactile feedback labels for use on a surface of a touch-responsive device. Other aspects are directed to tactile feedback label kits including one or more labels on a packaged substrate with instructions for use. Further aspects are directed to removable tactile feedback label systems including a touch-responsive device. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100052880 | KEYPAD - A thin keypad including a top surface layer, a light guide layer, a capacitive sensing layer and a piezo layer provides for touch input, pressure input and haptic feedback. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100060437 | Operating control having specific feedback - An operating control, in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein the operating control has at least one actuating element for actuating the operating control. The operating control comprises at least one sensor element operatively connected to the actuating element for registering an actuation, and at least one oscillator coil fixedly connected to the actuating element for emitting a mechanical feedback signal, in particular bending waves, through the actuating element. The feedback signal is haptically and/or acoustically perceivable, preferably simultaneously haptically and acoustically perceivable. The operating control includes controller element for activating the oscillator coil in case of actuation of the operating control. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100066512 | Haptic Feedback Sensations Based on Audio Output From Computer Devices - Triggering haptic sensations based on sound output from a computer device. A portion of sound data is stored that is output to a user as audio from an application program running on a computer. The portion of sound data is analyzed using intelligent heuristics to extract at least one sound feature from the sound data. The execution of at least one haptic effect is triggered based on the sound feature, where the haptic effect is commanded to the haptic feedback device approximately correlated to the output of the portion of sound to the user as audio. The haptic effect causes a haptic sensation to be output to the user. Different haptic effects can be associated with different sound features, frequency ranges, amplitudes, etc. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100079264 | HAPTIC FEEDBACK SYSTEM - Localized haptic feedback at discrete locations or regions of a surface is disclosed. Controllable haptic transmission nodes can be selectively controlled to transmit a haptic feedback signal to a surface. The nodes can be controlled between a first state that transmits the haptic feedback signal to the surface and a second state that dampens or prevents the haptic feedback signal to the surface. The nodes can be located around the perimeter of the surface, where each node can be associated with a particular location or region of the surface and can provide haptic feedback to that particular location or region when the node is selected. A touch surface of a touch sensitive device is an exemplary surface for using localized haptic feedback. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100085169 | User Interface Feedback Apparatus, User Interface Feedback Method, and Program - A user interface feedback apparatus includes an operable element, a sensor, a processing unit, and a tactile control module. The operable element has a two-layer structure made up of a conductor and an insulator. The sensor detects, in the form of user contact information, at least a user contact position with respect to the insulator of the operable element. The processing unit acquires the detected information from the sensor, and determines parameters for an electrical signal to be output to the conductor. The tactile control module controls the frictional force between the insulator and the user by outputting to the conductor an electrical signal regulated by the parameters determined by the processing unit. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100090813 | Electronic Device with Localized Haptic Response - An electronic device ( | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100090814 | Electronic Device with Suspension Interface for Localized Haptic Response - An electronic device ( | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100090815 | HANDWRITING ELECTRONIC INPUT SYSTEM - An handwriting electronic input system in which a feeling representing that of handwriting performed actually using a writing instrument can be attained when handwriting input is performed electrically. The electric handwriting input system to perform handwriting electrically is provided with a handwriting input section used in handwriting input of operator's handwriting information, a handwriting input detection section to detect handwriting input through the handwriting input section, wherein the handwriting input section is provided with a handwriting feeling producing section to generate a vibration represents a handwriting feeling in accordance with operation of the handwriting input section at handwriting input of information. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100097198 | HAPTIC FEEDBACK CONTROLLER - A haptic feedback controller of the present invention includes: a pointing position detecting sensor which is arranged along a fingertip pointing path and detects a pointing position of a fingertip when a pointing operation is performed along the fingertip pointing path; a haptic feedback imparting device which has a piezoelectric element arranged along the fingertip pointing path and generates vibrations depending on a high frequency voltage when the voltage is applied thereto and an elastic body which is fixed to the piezoelectric element, and imparts predetermined haptic feedback to the fingertip due to vibrations generated by the piezoelectric element; and a piezoelectric element control device which controls the piezoelectric element based on feedback information outputted from controlled equipment. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a haptic feedback controller which is suitable for controlling controlled equipment in response to a pointing operation performed by a user with his/her fingertip and, at the same time, is suitable for equipment such as portable equipment deemed necessary to satisfy demand for reduction of thickness and miniaturization. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100102941 | MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND INPUT DEVICE FOR THE SAME - The invention relates to a mobile communication device and an input device provided for operating said communication device by means of which input operations necessary for using the communication device may be carried out. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions by means of which it is possible, in particular for relatively compact mobile electronic devices, in particular communication devices and digital cameras to carry out said input operations in a manner which is particularly easy to coordinate for the user. According to a first aspect of the invention, the above is achieved by means of a mobile communication device with a housing arrangement which is designed to be held in one hand, a display device, included in the housing arrangement to provide an image reproduction surface, a control device for controlling the display device such that in an input mode the above provides an input graphic, which supports the carrying out of an input process and an input device for carrying out the input process according to input processes of a manual type, wherein said device is characterised in that the input device is designed such that an input zone is provided in a region apart from the display device on an operative manipulation of the device, within which input operations can be carried out by a user, wherein the user carries out control actions with his free hand with relation to the housing device without, in the process, touching the display device or the communication device with this hand. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100117809 | DISPLAY MODULE WITH PIEZOELECTRIC HAPTICS - A mobile communication terminal ( | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100141408 | Audio amplifier apparatus to drive a panel to produce both an audio signal and haptic feedback - A control panel apparatus includes a control panel that is vibrated to generate sound and/or haptic feedback. The control panel apparatus is configured to receive tactile input, such as a touchscreen, and to provide tactile feedback so as to function like a haptic panel, in response to a haptic signal component of a driving signal. The control panel is also configured to function as an audio speaker in response to an audio signal component of the driving signal. The haptic signal has a wider bandwidth, in the range of approximately 100-400 Hz, and the audio signal has a narrower bandwidth, in the range of approximately 20 Hz-20 kHz. The driving signal is configured to include either or both of the haptic signal and the audio signal. One or more drive elements are coupled to a control panel, each drive element driven by a driving signal. Each drive element converts the electrical driving signal to mechanical movement, thereby vibrating the control panel. In the case of multiple drive elements, each drive element is coupled to a different portion of the control panel. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100141409 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING HAPTIC AUGMENTED REALITY - The present invention relates to haptic augmented reality, and more specifically, to a method for providing haptic augmented reality that provides mixed results of a real environment and a virtual environment to a user. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100141410 | INPUT APPARATUS ACCEPTING A PRESSURE INPUT - There is provided an input apparatus having a configuration simple enough to be compact and capable of presenting an operator with the same real feeling of pressing as the feeling of operating a push-button switch when the operator operates a pressing-type input unit. The input apparatus includes an input unit which accepts a pressure input; a load detection unit which detects a pressure load to the input unit; a vibration unit which vibrates the input unit; and a control unit which, when the pressure load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a predetermined criterion for accepting an input to the input unit, controls driving of the vibration unit so as to generate a floating force on a pressing object pressing the input unit. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100141411 | TOUCH SCREEN AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - Provided are a touch screen and a method of operating the same. The touch screen includes a detecting part, a control part, and a tactile feedback part. The detecting part detects object's approach or contact. The control part receives a signal of the detecting part to output a feedback signal. The tactile feedback part receives the feedback signal of the control part to provide a tactile feedback to a contact position using a magnetic force. The tactile feedback uses the magnetic force of a magnetic dipole. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100148945 | HAPTIC FEEDBACK DEVICE FOR A PORTABLE TERMINAL - A haptic feedback device for a portable terminal. The haptic feedback device includes an input member, a vibration member that passes through the input member, and serves as a rotation axis of the input member, and a piezo actuator in contact with the vibration member. As the input member rotates or pivots with respect to the rotation axis, the piezo actuator actuates to vibrate the vibration member. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100182135 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING TACTILE TOUCH-SENSITIVE DISPLAY - An electronic device including a base, a touch-sensitive display comprising a display device and a touch-sensitive overlay connected to a controller and disposed on the display device for detecting a touch event thereon, the touch-sensitive display connected to and moveable relative to the base, an actuating arrangement including a pad disposed between the touch-sensitive display and the base, the pad having an expandable region for expanding as a result of compression of the pad due to movement of the touch-sensitive display toward the base, a switch in communication with the expandable region for actuating as a result of expansion of the expandable region, and operational components comprising a processor connected to the controller for operation of the electronic device. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100194547 | TACTILE FEEDBACK APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for a tactile feedback instrument, and more specifically, some embodiments are directed toward methods and apparatuses for a tactile feedback stylus. Some embodiments of the invention provide a stylus used in conjunction with mobile devices. Further embodiments of the invention provide a game system, comprising a game console and a stylus. Within such embodiments, the stylus comprises an electric motor and a control circuit coupled to the electric motor that is in communication with the game console and controls the electric motor. Within some of these embodiments, the stylus can vibrate or rumble when the electric motor is activated in response to gaming activity. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100201503 | HAPTIC FEEDBACK TACTILE CONTROL DEVICE - The invention relates to a haptic-feedback tactile control device that comprises a tactile surface ( | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100207746 | DRIVE SYSTEM OF VIBRATION MOUSE - The present invention relates to an apparatus for driving a vibration mouse, which is capable of accurately controlling vibration magnitude, vibration time, etc., in such a way as to match a sound effect when driving the vibration mouse and also making the wiring simplified. According to the present invention, a vibration pattern, which is most suitable for an actual sound effect of a game or an application, is produced using a program for allowing an audio signal to become a vibration pattern Windows file. The vibration pattern file is output from the game or the application together with the sound effect. Accordingly, a vibration motor can be controlled according to a vibration pattern that matches an actual acoustic effect. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100225456 | Dynamic Tactile Interface - 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. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100231367 | Systems and Methods for Providing Features in a Friction Display - A touch-enabled device can simulate one or more features in a touch area. Features may include, but are not limited to, changes in texture and/or simulation of boundaries, obstacles, or other discontinuities in the touch surface that can be perceived through use of an object in contact with the surface. Systems include a sensor configured to detect a touch in a touch area when an object contacts a touch surface, an actuator, and one or more processors. The processor can determine a position of the touch using the sensor and select a haptic effect to generate based at least in part on the position, the haptic effect selected to simulate the presence of a feature at or near the determined position. The processor can transmit a haptic signal to generate the identified haptic effect using the actuator. Some features are simulated by varying the coefficient of friction of the touch surface. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100238005 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR SILENT PULSATING COMMUNICATIONS - 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. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100253485 | TOUCH SCREEN DEVICE - Disclosed herein is a touch screen device. The touch screen device includes a flexible rectangular touch screen panel, an actuator, and a rectangular bezel. The touch screen panel bends when subject to a user's touch. The actuator is mounted to the touch screen panel, thus applying vibration to the touch screen panel. The bezel includes a widthwise mounting part to which part of the touch screen panel is mounted, a lengthwise edge facing the actuator, and a groove having a shape corresponding to that of the actuator so that the actuator does not make contact with the bezel. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100253486 | INFORMATION-PROCESSING APPARATUS AND PROGRAMS USED THEREIN - A method for displaying information includes detecting an input to a surface of a display, the input commanding a predetermined operation; determining a type of operation commanded based on the input; performing a command corresponding to the type of operation; and notifying a user of the type of operation by emitting a sound or vibration pattern associated with the type of operation. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100253487 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING HAPTIC DEVICES HAVING MULTIPLE OPERATIONAL MODES - A haptic device having a plurality of operational modes, including a first operational mode and a second operational mode is provided. The first operational mode is associated with a frequency range. The second operational mode is associated with a frequency range that is different from the frequency range of the first operational mode. A controller is coupled to the haptic device, and is configured to send the haptic device a plurality of control schemes. Each control scheme is uniquely associated with an operational mode from the plurality of operational modes. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100283588 | Systems And Methods For Providing A Haptic Device - Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback in a user interface are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a manipulandum, a rotor in communication with the manipulandum, an actuator in communication with the rotor, and a biasing element disposed between the manipulandum and the rotor. The actuator may be configured to vary a force on the rotor. The biasing element may be configured to store at least a portion of energy input to the apparatus when the actuator increases the force on the rotor, and to provide at least a portion of the stored energy to the manipulandum when the actuator decreases the force on the rotor, or when the manipulandum is released. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100295667 | MOTION BASED POINTING APPARATUS PROVIDING HAPTIC FEEDBACK AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - Provides is a motion based pointing apparatus including a pointing unit that includes an operating sensor sensing a motion of a user and a haptic output unit providing haptic feedback to the user; and a terminal unit that operates pointers displayed on a screen from the motion of the user sensed by the pointing unit and outputs haptic information corresponding to a change in the screen due to the motion of the pointer and the operation of the pointer to the pointing unit, wherein the pointing unit outputs haptic operation according to the haptic information output from the terminal unit. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100302016 | TOUCH - SENSITIVE MOTION DEVICE - A method of entering data to an electronic device is outlined using a modified touch-pad. The touch-pad is modified to include the addition of surface features, which provide distinguishable tactile feedback to the user allowing improved spatial resolution of the positioning of an object onto the surface of the touch-pad. In this manner the touch-pad allows the user to select from multiple positions across the surface of the touch-pad, the outcomes of each position being optionally different, such as alphanumeric character selection. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100302017 | Tactile Feedback for Joystick Position/Speed Controls - The present invention includes a control system with a joystick controller for controlling the direction and speed of one or more controlled systems, such as a boom lift platform or the vehicle on which it rides. The joystick is neutrally-biased and effects a null velocity of the controlled system when the joystick is positioned in a neutral position. The joystick controller has motors, or the like, that provide intuitive tactile feedback to the joystick operator. The tactile feedback includes biasing the joystick away from the neutral position according to the controlled system's actual direction and speed but without generating a commanded direction and speed based on the biased position. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100308983 | Touch Screen with Tactile Feedback - Examples of sensing a human touch to a touch screen and providing tactile and visual feedback are disclosed. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100315212 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING TACTILE INFORMATION - A user interface comprising a display arranged to display visual content and a tactile surface arranged to convey a tactile representation, wherein said tactile representation is based on said visual content. This has the advantage of enabling a user to perceive content being displayed to him with less cognitive effort. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100328052 | OVERLAY FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF IDENTIFYING SAME - An overlay includes a sheet corresponding to a plurality of keys that are associated with an application for a portable electronic device. An identifier is associated with the application. The identifier is identifiable by the portable electronic device, such that the application is opened upon identification of the identifier. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100328053 | ARRAY-TYPE TACTILE FEEDBACK TOUCH PANEL - An array-type tactile feedback touch panel includes a touch unit, a central processing unit (CPU), a vibration unit, and a display unit. The vibration unit has a plurality of thin vibrators. When the display unit displays a touch frame and a touch body performs a touch motion on the touch unit, the touch unit records a motion track during the touch motion and transmits the motion track to the CPU. Then, the vibration unit receives the motion track, and drives the vibrators under corresponding positions of the motion track to generate vibrations. Therefore, during the touch motion, a partial tactile feedback is generated at touch points of the touch body, and the tactile feedback effect is generated sequentially according to the motion track of the touch body. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110001613 | METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE USER INTERFACE OF A DEVICE - A method adjusting a user interface experience for a device that includes providing a user interface to retrieve a user input, providing a tactile interface layer that defines a surface and includes a volume of fluid and a displacement device | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110012716 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTITOUCH TEXT INPUT - 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. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110012717 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOCALIZATION OF HAPTIC FEEDBACK - 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. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110018695 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A TOUCH-SENSITIVE DISPLAY - Method and apparatus for displaying a view of an application on a touch-sensitive display include detecting a touch on the touch-sensitive display. When the touch is at a first force, first feedback is provided and a first function is performed. When the touch is at a second force, second feedback is provided and a second function is performed. The first function and the second function are different. The first force and the second force are different. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110018696 | Vibrotactile Device and Method Using the Same - Disclosed herein is a vibrotactile device intuitively providing information by inducing a tactile sense to a user, and a method using the same. The device according to an embodiment includes a vibrating contact panel contacting with a user's hand; a plurality of vibratory modules that are attached to the lower part of the vibrating contact panel and vibrate with different intensities according to the amount of supplied power; and a plurality of vibration isolating links that are coupled, respectively, to an end of each of the modules to support the modules and to isolate the vibration from the modules. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110018697 | Interactive Touch Screen Gaming Metaphors With Haptic Feedback - A game is provided on one or more portable computing device in which a virtual object travels through views of the game displayed on the interfaces of the one or more portable computing devices. Haptic effects corresponding to the travel of the virtual object through the views are provided on the individual portable computing devices. The haptic effects may be determined based on one or more parameters of the travel of the virtual object, one or more parameters of objects and/or features with which the virtual object interacts, and/or other parameters. The haptic effects may include haptic effects to be provided on portable computing devices that are not currently displaying the virtual object corresponding to the haptic effects. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110032091 | TOUCH SCREEN DEVICE - Disclosed herein is a touch screen device. The touch screen device includes a touch display module having a touch screen panel and an image display unit coupled to the lower surface of the touch screen panel. A plate is attached at a first side thereof to a portion around an edge of a lower surface of the image display unit, and is stepped to extend inwards in a horizontal direction. A vibration generating means is mounted on a horizontally extending portion of the plate in such a way as to be spaced apart from the image display unit. An elastic member is attached to the lower surface of the plate. The touch screen device is applicable to the touch display module, is capable of improving the sensation of vibrations applied to the touch screen panel and controlling the frequency range of vibrations applied to a touch screen panel. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110037576 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND ILLUMINATION CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF - A portable display device includes a display formed with electronic paper, an illuminating unit, and a controller. The electronic paper displays data in response to applied electrical current, and maintains displaying of the data in an absence of the applied electrical current. The illuminating unit selectively illuminates each particular region of a plurality of regions of the display and includes a plurality of light sources which are individually associated with one or more of the plurality of regions of the display. The controller activates the illuminating unit, selectively activating a first group of the plurality of light sources to illuminate a particular region of the display responsive to user contact, and the first group includes at least one of the plurality of light sources. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110050405 | MAGNETIC LEVITATION HAPTIC INTERFACE SYSTEM - This invention discloses a haptic interface system that uses Lorentz forces to provide magnetic levitation for a handle which can be manipulated by a person, typically a computer user. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110050406 | DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A HAPTIC FEEDBACK FROM A KEYLESS INPUT UNIT - The invention relates to a device for the production of a haptic feedback from keyless input units such as touchscreens or keypads in mobile IT devices such as mobile telephones, PDAs, music or multimedia players, cameras, navigation devices, etc. The market demands a device which can produce a haptic signal for a touchscreen such that the display is movable as a whole essentially perpendicular to the housing surface at least in one direction. In order to resolve this object the invention provides for a device for the production of a haptic feedback from a keyless input unit, whereby the device has an elastic, essentially plate-shaped substrate, which at least comprises a first support location for fixing the substrate on a structure of the input device and at least a second support location for fixing the substrate on the input unit, and is formed to support the input unit movably with respect to the structure of the input device, whereby a piezoelectric element between the first and second support locations of the substrate is arranged in such a manner that with an electrical drive to the piezoelectric element one of the support locations is moved transverse to the plane of the plate-shaped substrate. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110074560 | Haptic Surface With Mechanical Buttons - A haptic system including a plurality of mechanical buttons driven by a single haptic feedback driver. The mechanical buttons are integrated within the haptic surface and are configured to move with the haptic interface relative to said base. The haptic surface may include a touch screen interface. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110090070 | Systems And Methods For Providing Haptic Feedback At Multiple Resonance Frequencies - 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. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110095877 | Apparatus and methods for mounting haptics actuation circuitry in keyboards - Systems and methods are employed for implementing haptics for pressure sensitive keyboards, such as the type of keyboards having keys that produce alternating digital open/short signals that emulate actuation of conventional “momentary on” digital keys. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to provide haptics for both touch typing and variable pressure sensitive operation of a pressure sensitive keyboard. Users of a variable pressure keyboard may be provided with a variable pressure haptics effect, e.g., to enable the user to intuitively understand from the haptics vibration produced by the key how much pressure they are applying to a given key at any given time. Vibration characteristics (e.g., vibration rate, vibration waveform pattern, etc.) of a given pressed key may be varied in real time in coordination with, or in response to, corresponding changes in user pressure applied to the same given key. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110102161 | Systems And Methods For Haptic Confirmation Of Commands - Systems and methods for haptic confirmation of commands are disclosed. For example a system for generating haptic effects to confirm receipt of a voice command includes a microphone; a housing configured to be contacted by a user, and an actuator in communication with the housing, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the housing. The system also includes a processor in communication with the microphone and the actuator, the processor configured to receive speech information from the microphone; recognize the speech information and determine a command associated with the speech information. If the speech information is recognized and the command is determined, the processor is configured to generate a first actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output a first haptic effect, and transmit the first actuator signal to the actuator. Otherwise, the processor is configured generate a second actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output a second haptic effect; and transmit the second actuator signal to the actuator. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110102162 | HAPTIC FEEDBACK GENERATION BASED ON RESONANT FREQUENCY - 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. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110128134 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING HAPTIC FUNCTION IN PORTABLE TERMINAL - An apparatus and method for synchronizing a sound source and a vibration generated according to a user's touch input in order to implement a haptic function in a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a response processor for synchronizing a time when a vibration is generated and a time when a sound source is generated by regulating a time when a vibration request signal is generated. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110128135 | HAPTIC INTERFACE WITH INCREASED BRAKING FORCE - A haptic interface including an element that interacts with a user; a rotation shaft with a longitudinal axis to which the user interaction element is fixed in rotation; a fluid interaction element, the fluid interaction element being fixed in rotation to the shaft, the fluid being of magneto-rheological type, a system generating magnetic field in the fluid; and a control unit capable of generating orders to magnetic field generation system so as to modify the magnetic field. The interaction element includes a cylindrical wall of revolution with a longitudinal axis, including through openings and/or patterns in relief. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110140870 | Haptic Feedback Device Using Standing Waves - Haptic output devices and related systems and methods are described in the present disclosure. In various implementations, a haptic output device includes a reservoir filled with a liquid. At least one side of the reservoir includes a flexible membrane. The haptic output device also includes a first actuator in physical contact with the reservoir and configured to impart pressure waves to the liquid. The pressure waves interact with the flexible membrane to supply a haptic effect to a user. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110148608 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROL - A method includes generating an actuation signal for tactile feedback, wherein the tactile feedback comprises a ramp-up segment that comprises at least one ramp-up characteristic that changes during the ramp-up segment and providing tactile feedback to a display in response to the actuation signal. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110163860 | Apparatus and Method for Vibrotactile Mobile Device - This disclosure relates to a vibrotactile mobile device which induces a tactile sense at various positions in an interface method of operating the mobile device so that a user may intuitively interact with the mobile device while seeing a program execution status, and to a method of driving the vibrotactile mobile device. The method of driving the vibrotactile mobile device includes: providing a user interface for inputting a command signal on a screen operated in accordance with a program; calculating a target vibration position and a direction and a speed of a vibration flow with time so as to recognize a trajectory of the command signal displayed on the screen and supply a vibration stimulus corresponding to the trajectory of the command signal; and driving the vibration module by controlling a supply of power to be applied to vibration modules based on the calculated result. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110163861 | TERMINAL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR TERMINAL DEVICE - A terminal device includes an operation section in which an operation instruction is performed by being touched with a finger or a pen; an operation detection section that detects that the finger or the pen touches the operation section; a vibration motor that rotates a shaft with a weight having a center of gravity at a position that is shifted from a rotation center; a vibration state detection section that detects state of vibration caused by rotation of the shaft of the vibration motor; and a control section that starts the rotation of the vibration motor when the operation detection section detects the touching, and stops the rotation of the vibration motor when a phase detected by the vibration state detection section falls within a predetermined range. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110181405 | FORCE FEEDBACK INTERFACE WITH IMPROVED SENSATION - 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. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110193691 | VIBRATION MODULE AND VIBRATION METHOD - A vibration module is suitable for an electronic device. The vibration module includes a vibration element, a plurality of pressing units, and a vibration regulating circuit. The pressing units are disposed on the electronic device and respectively have a coordinate relative to the vibration element. The vibration regulating circuit is disposed in the electronic device and coupled to the vibration element and the pressing units. The vibration regulating circuit calculates a distance between one of the pressing units and the vibration element and regulates an output vibration strength of the vibration element based on the distance. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110205038 | DEVICE FOR HAPTIC FEEDBACK CONTROL - The invention relates to a device for haptic feedback control, that comprises a bearing plate ( | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110215914 | APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING TOUCH FEEDBACK FOR USER INPUT TO A TOUCH SENSITIVE SURFACE - 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. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110234387 | Tactile Man-Machine Interface With Data Communication Interface - 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. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110241852 | Hybrid Control Of Haptic Feedback For Host Computer And Interface Device - A hybrid haptic feedback system in which a host computer and haptic feedback device share processing loads to various degrees in the output of haptic sensations, and features for efficient output of haptic sensations in such a system. A haptic feedback interface device in communication with a host computer includes a device microcontroller outputting force values to the actuator to control output forces. In various embodiments, the microcontroller can determine force values for one type of force effect while receiving force values computed by the host computer for a different type of force effect. For example, the microcontroller can determine closed loop effect values and receive computed open loop effect values from the host; or the microcontroller can determine high frequency open loop effect values and receive low frequency open loop effect values from the host. Various features allow the host to efficiently stream computed force values to the device. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110248838 | Apparatuses, Methods, and Systems for an Electronic Device wiht a Detachable User Input Attachment - An electronic device ( | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110248839 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME - A method includes detecting a touch at a touch location on a touch-sensitive display of an electronic device, identifying a first threshold value associated with the touch location, comparing the first threshold value to a force value related to the touch, and providing a first tactile feedback in response to determining that the force value meets the first threshold value. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110254672 | Method for Actuating a Tactile Interface Layer - A method for actuating a tactile interface layer for a device that defines a surface with a deformable region, comprising the steps of detecting a gesture of the user along the surface of the tactile interface layer that includes a movement of a finger of the user from a first location on the surface to a second location on the surface; interpreting the gesture as a command for the deformable region; and manipulating the deformable region of the surface based on the command. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110260842 | APPARATUS, METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND USER INTERFACE - An apparatus, method, computer program and apparatus wherein the apparatus comprises: at least one processor: and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, enable the apparatus to: provide a user selectable part; and configure the apparatus in either a first active state or a second active state wherein, in the first active state the user selectable part is actuated in response to a first mode of actuation and in the second active state the user selectable part is not actuated in response to the first mode of actuation; and configure the apparatus to provide a tactile indication when the apparatus is in the first active state that the user selectable part is actuated in response to the first mode of actuation. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110260843 | Haptic feedback device and electronic device - 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. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110267181 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING TACTILE FEEDBACK FOR USER - In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for providing tactile feedback in response to a user input. Force sensing information associated with force to an input surface by an input object and detected by the force sensor is obtained and a tactile output actuator is controlled to produce tactile output imitating physical sensation associated with displacement of the input surface on the basis of the force sensing information. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110267182 | ACTIVE VIBRATIONS - Active vibration techniques are described. In implementations, a selection of a type of writing surface or a type of writing implement is received, the selection made through interaction with a user interface. The selected type of writing surface or type of writing implement is simulated using vibrations of a stylus or surface of a computing device that is configured to receive one or more inputs from the stylus. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110279250 | Detecting Touch Input and Generating Perceptible Touch Stimulus - An apparatus including a body portion having a surface; at least one feedback electrode configured to provide to a user a feedback stimulus when the user contacts the surface; and a touch sensor arrangement for discriminating different user contacts on the surface. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110285517 | TERMINAL APPARATUS AND VIBRATION NOTIFICATION METHOD THEREOF - The present invention is related to a terminal apparatus and a vibration notification method thereof. The terminal apparatus comprises: a touch screen panel for inputting a contact point by users and generating a touch control signal in response to the contact point; a detecting unit coupled to the touch screen panel for sensing the touch control signal and generating a control signal and a touch-control coordinating signal with respect to the touch control signal; a vibrating unit coupled to the detecting unit for generating a vibration notification in response to the control signal; a microprocessor unit coupled to the detecting unit for displaying the touch-control signal on a display unit with respect to the touch-control coordinating signal. Whereby, the users are capable of being notified by vibrating movements of the touch screen panel as the touch control signal is inputted, thereby confirming the touch control signal has been processed successfully. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110291820 | Passive User Input Attachment Engaging Compressible Conductive Elements and Method for Using the Same - A user input attachment ( | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110291821 | HAPTIC DEVICE - Disclosed herein is a haptic device | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110309920 | TACTILE PROMPTING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TACTUALLY PROMPTING AN OPERATOR OF A RAIL VEHICLE - A tactile prompting system includes a control module that forms an instruction to prompt an operator of a powered rail vehicle to take an action in response thereof, an input device of the powered rail vehicle that is configured to be actuated by the operator, and a haptic feedback device communicatively coupled with the control module and coupled with the input device. The haptic feedback device receives the instruction from the control module and provides a haptic signal to the operator based on the instruction. The haptic signal is tactually perceived by the operator. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110316679 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROXIMITY BASED INPUT - In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for controlling display operations in an electronic device. The electronic device provides an input mode, in which a first function is associated with a hovering input and a second function is associated with a touch input to an input surface. A three-dimensional virtual user interface item is displayed, and in response to detecting an input object within a guard range in relation to the input surface, the virtual user interface item is adapted to alert the user to avoid unintentionally touching the input surface. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120019373 | Method and Apparatus for Wearable Remote Interface Device - 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. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120038469 | ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING SAME - 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. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120038470 | Haptic feedback device and electronic device having the same - 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. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120038471 | Haptic feedback actuator, haptic feedback device and electronic device - 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. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120056733 | Systems And Methods For Haptic Information Preview - 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. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120068835 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Tactile Feedback and Input - 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. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120075086 | INPUT DEVICE, VIBRATION DEVICE AND INPUT DETECTION METHOD - 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. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120075087 | Dynamic Tactile Interface - 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. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120126961 | INPUT APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR INPUT APPARATUS - An input apparatus has a touch sensor | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126962 | INPUT APPARATUS - An input apparatus capable of preventing a user's unintentional input by notifying the user of a change in a pressure load is provided. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120133494 | Systems and Methods for Providing Programmable Deformable Surfaces - 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. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120133495 | HAPTIC SCROLL WHEEL SWITCH FOR VEHICLE - 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. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120133496 | INPUT APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR INPUT APPARATUS - An input apparatus has a touch sensor | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120154134 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING VISUAL-HAPTIC INFORMATION, AND BUTTON HAVING THE SAME - 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. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120161949 | ACUATOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING AN ELECTRICALLY DEFORMABLE MATERIAL - 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. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120161950 | SENSORY OUTPUT APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD - 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. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120188066 | INPUT APPARATUS - An input apparatus capable of receiving inputs of a plurality of levels in accordance with pressed area varied in each operation by an operator is provided. An input apparatus | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120206248 | FLEXURE ASSEMBLIES AND FIXTURES FOR HAPTIC FEEDBACK - The present invention provides methods and devices directed to the use of flexure assemblies to assist components driven by actuators, including but not limited to electroactive polymer transducers for providing sensory feedback. The present invention may be employed in any type of user interface device including, but not limited to, touch pads, touch screens or key pads or the like for computer, phone, PDA, video game console, GPS system, kiosk applications, etc. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120242464 | INPUT DEVICE WITH HAPTIC FEEDBACK - An input device with a housing which includes a displaceable cover wall attached to a circuit board to which is affixed a displaceable magnetic part, at least one sensor and a microprocessor; a second magnetic part which is permanently fixed relative to the housing cooperates with the displaceable magnetic part and, upon displacement of the cover wall, generates a haptically perceptible force; the position of the cover wall relative to the housing is detected by the at least one sensor in the form of a coil which varies its inductance value in response to the detected magnetic field of the two magnetic parts, whereby the coil is a frequency-determining component of an oscillator. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120242465 | INFORMATION PRESENTATION DEVICE USING TACTILE STIMULUS WITH VIBRATOR - An information presentation device transmits information of a car navigation system, installed in a vehicle, to a driver in form of tactile stimuli, wherein a controller controls a plurality of vibrators attached to a steering wheel. The vibrators are arranged in proximity to vibration transmitters, corresponding to holding parts of a steering wheel, so that they are controlled with desired vibration intensity and vibration start timing in response to drive signals from the controller. Two vibrators are arranged in the holding parts of a steering wheel which come in contact with driver's hands and are controlled to generate a virtual vibrating source, thus rendering a driver feeling a sensation as if a vibrating source is moving in upward-downward directions, left-right directions, and far-near directions in the front side of a driver. Thus, it is possible to present accurate information with a small amount of energy consumption in driving vibrators. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120249312 | TACTILE FEEDBACK IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - 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. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120249313 | ELECTRIC HAND TOOL WITH ACTIVATION INDICATION DEVICE - The invention relates to an electrically powered hand tool which comprises a device for providing tactile feedback to an operator of the tool. The tool further comprises a user-operated trigger for activating the working member of the tool. The tactile feedback provided by the tool alerts the operator about the activation status of the tool. More specifically, the operator is provided with an indication that the power to the tool is ON. The tactile feedback is provided at least from the time when the power to the tool is turned ON to the point in time when the trigger is pulled to activate the working member of the tool. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120249314 | TACTILE SENSATION PROVIDING APPARATUS - A tactile sensation providing apparatus capable of providing a tactile sensation to a user at timing maintaining an operation feeling of the user, even when a light pressure load is applied, is provided. According to the present invention, the tactile sensation providing apparatus includes a touch sensor | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120256739 | OPERATION APPARATUS - 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. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120293312 | FORCE FEEDBACK DEVICE AND POSITIONING METHOD OF THE SAME - The invention is to provide a force feedback device and a positioning method. The force feedback device includes a microprocessor which controls a motor to rotate at a constant velocity. The motor moves a non-equidistant blocking grating to passes through a detector. The detector detects the passage of the blocking grating to generate an on or off signal. A timer counts the time of the on or off signal to calculate the angle which the blocking grating passes through. The absolute angle of the blocking grating is decided by comparing with an absolute angle stored in a memory to position a joystick. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120306632 | Custom Vibration Patterns - The present disclosure describes technology, which can be implemented as a method, apparatus, and/or computer software embodied in a computer-readable medium, and which, among other things, be used to create custom vibration patterns in response to user input, for example, in response to the user tapping out a desired pattern on the display of a mobile device. For example, one or more aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in one or more methods that include receiving tactile input from a user of an electronic device specifying a custom vibration pattern, in concert with receiving tactile input, providing visual feedback to the user corresponding to the received tactile input, and storing the specified custom vibration pattern for use by the electronic device to actuate haptic feedback signaling a predetermined notification event. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120306633 | SENSORY OUTPUT SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD - A sensory output system includes a data input section, a user input section, a processing section and a sensory output section. The processing section receives information representative of a geometric form or other measurable parameter from the data input section, and it receives information representative of user input from the user input section. The processing section compares the information received from the data input section with the information received from the user input section according to predetermined criteria. The processing section provides the sensory output section with a signal indicative of whether the predetermined criteria are satisfied. When the predetermined criteria are satisfied, the sensory output section provides a sensory output. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20130009757 | VEHICULAR WINDOW ADJUSTMENT BY MEANS OF A HAPTIC-ENABLED ROTARY CONTROL KNOB - A haptic assembly configured to control a plurality of windows on a vehicle. The assembly includes a haptic device configured to provide haptic feedback to a user when switching between the plurality of windows, and when moving a selected window of the plurality of windows between an open position and a closed position. The assembly can also include a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to display icons that represent each of the plurality of windows, and display a position of the selected window, wherein either the haptic device or the GUI can be used to switch between each of the plurality of windows to be controlled. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130009758 | Tactile Visual Indicator - A tactile visual indicator and methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for controlling a tactile visual indicator are provided. Embodiments include a light source; an electromagnetically inductive wound coil; and a light pipe coupled to a ferromagnetic-metal jacket surrounding the outside of the light pipe. The ferromagnetic-metal jacket is within the wound coil and one end of the light pipe is provided to the light source. The light pipe and the ferromagnetic-metal jacket are configured to move within the wound coil in response to the coil receiving power. Light shining through the light pipe from the light source provides a visual indication of a status and the movement of the light pipe and jacket within the wound coil provides a tactile indication of the status via contact with a user. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130082830 | Systems For and Methods of Digital Recording and Reproduction of Tactile Drawings - Systems and methods of digitally recording and reproducing tactile drawings are disclosed. The method includes moving a stylus over a path on the first tactile drawing medium to form a tactile feature thereon, and digitally recording the path of the moving stylus to generate digital path data. The method also include reproducing the tactile feature on a second tactile drawing medium operably disposed in a tactile printer based on the digital path data. The systems and methods include forming tactile drawings based on a digital graphics file, including filtering the digital graphics file to form a .RLD file suitable for forming a tactile drawing having features capable of being tactilely sensed. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130154813 | Virtual Simulator Having an Eddy Current Brake for Providing Haptic Feedback - A virtual simulator includes a movable user object, an eddy current brake actuator, and a controller. The eddy current brake actuator includes an elongated conductor that is slidingly positioned within at least one magnet. The elongated conductor is coupled to the user object and movement of the user object causes the conductor to move through the at least one magnet which imparts a transient drag force on the conductor. The controller is electrically coupled to the user interface and to the at least one magnet. The controller monitors the velocity of the user object and controls a magnetic field of the at least one magnet to vary the drag force on the conductor in order to provide haptic feedback to a user that relates to force applied to the user object. The virtual simulator may include a display and be configured to perform a medical simulation procedure. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130154814 | Method and Apparatus for Localization of Haptic Feedback - 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. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130162417 | SWITCH-ON/OFF VIBRATING ALERT DEVICE - A switch-on/off vibrating alert device, particularly the device capable of producing a vibrating alert when a switch turns on or off a power supply, and the device comprises: a touch device installed onto a switch casing and provided for a human hand to touch in order to turn on/off the switch, and the casing includes a vibrator for generating a vibration when a control for an operation of turning on/off the switch is received from the touch device, and driving the casing and the touch device to vibrate synchronously, and users can know whether or not the switch has turned on or off the power through the vibration, and thus improving the convenience of the use. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130162418 | MOTOR GENERATED DETENT FEEL - A control stick system for simulating a detent mechanism in an aircraft is provided. The detent mechanism is simulated by a motor operably coupled to a lever and configured to bias the lever such that the user experiences the feel of a traditional detent mechanism. A controller operates the motor that provides the simulated detent by receiving data from multiple sensors regarding the position and the speed of the lever and the position and the speed of a rotor assembly of the motor. Using the position and the speed measurements, the controller is able to detect when the lever is entering a specific zone of a simulated detent range. Depending on what zone the lever is in, within the simulated detent range, the controller is configured to provide a different drive current to the motor. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130162419 | FORCE FEEDBACK DEVICE - A force feedback device is provided. Several spring-sleeved screw bolts respectively pass through the suppression holes around the top cover to fix the top cover on the base. Each spring in the ladder-shaped suppression hole is suppressed between the nut of the screw bolt and the top cover. Since the body of the screw bolt is longer than a predetermined height of the suppression hole, an absorption gap is reserved between the nut and the top cover to provide a smooth feel in operating the joystick. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130169424 | Touch-Scrolling Pad for Computer Input Devices - In embodiments of a touch-scrolling pad for computer input devices, a touch sensor strip detects touch contacts on a touch-scrolling pad that is implemented for vertical scrolling input and horizontal scrolling input. A selectable button positioned proximate below the touch sensor strip can be selected by an actuation depress input to the touch-scrolling pad. The touch-scrolling pad includes programmed instructions in firmware implemented to determine that a touch contact is one of a vertical scrolling input, a horizontal scrolling input, or the actuation depress input to actuate the selectable button. The touch-scrolling pad also includes a haptic system that generates haptic feedback responsive to either of the vertical scrolling input or the horizontal scrolling input. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130194085 | FORCE FEEDBACK TRIGGERS - A force feedback trigger includes an input device comprising a communication subsystem configured to provide bidirectional communication with a computing device. The input device further comprises a force feedback trigger assembly including a user-actuatable trigger configured to pivot about a trigger axis responsive to an applied external force. The input device further comprises a trigger vibrator directly coupled to the force feedback trigger assembly and communicatively coupled to the communication subsystem, the trigger vibrator configured to vibrate the user-actuatable trigger responsive to a vibration signal received from the computing device via the communication subsystem. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130201010 | Tactile Feedback in an Electronic Device - 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; in response to receiving a particular type of communication or in response to receiving a communication from a particular contact; or in response to receiving a particular user input or to detecting a user's finger on a particular portion of the electronic device. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130207793 | ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER TRANSDUCERS FOR TACTILE FEEDBACK DEVICES - Electroactive transducers as well as methods of producing a haptic effect in a user interface device simultaneously with a sound generated by a separately generated audio signal and electroactive polymer transducers for sensory feedback applications in user interface devices are disclosed. | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130222126 | INPUT APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR INPUT APPARATUS - An input apparatus includes a panel ( | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130229272 | Manual control device and method - A manual control device for a machine includes a handle having a variable damper configured to alter a stiffness thereof in response to a control signal. A displacement sensor provides a displacement signal indicative of the displacement of the handle. A controller is associated with the variable damper, the manual control device, the displacement sensor, and the actuator. The controller determines a then present operating state of the actuator and a command provided to the actuator based on the displacement signal, and provides the control signal to stiffen the variable damper such that the displacement of the handle is limited to an additional displacement of the handle that corresponds to a difference between the then present operating state of the actuator and a maximum allowable operating state of the actuator. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130229273 | TACTILE INPUT DEVICE, MICROPROCESSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A TACTILE INPUT DEVICE - The present invention pertains to a tactile input device comprising a control device, a proximity sensor unit arranged to provide a proximity detection signal to the control device, a tactile acoustic wave sensor unit operable in a low power mode and a high power mode according to a mode control signal from the control device, wherein the control device is arranged to control the power mode of the tactile acoustic wave sensor unit by providing a mode control signal based on the proximity detection signal received from the proximity sensor unit. The present invention also pertains to a microprocessor system comprising such a tactile input device and a corresponding method for controlling a tactile input device. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130234843 | SCROLLING CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING TACTILE FEEDBACK - A scrolling control system having tactile feedback includes a rotational control for scrolling through a plurality of user selections. Also included is a first position of the rotational control, wherein rotation away from the first position scrolls through the plurality of user selections. Further included is a pulsating system for providing tactile feedback to a user, wherein the pulsating system distributes pulses at a plurality of frequencies that correspond to a plurality of rotational control positions. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130257602 | CONTROL AND HAPTIC FORCE-FEEDBACK SYSTEMS - A control system that simulates forces associated with controls for mechanically-driven heads includes a control element; a haptic force-feedback system, and a sensor system. Haptic elements can include stiffness elements, motors, and brakes. Each of these haptic elements, used alone or in combination, is capable of producing one or more haptic force-feedback effects that simulate forces associated with controls for mechanical heads. Such forces could result, for example, from handwheel accelerations, decelerations, gear cogging, etc. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130257603 | HAPTIC CONTROL DEVICE INCLUDING A SEAL - Haptic control device that includes a tactile panel mounted movably relative to a support including a peripheral wall, characterized by the fact that a seal is arranged on the periphery of the tactile panel in an annular space situated between the tactile panel and the peripheral wall of the support, the seal including: an inner portion in tight contact with the tactile panel, an outer portion in tight contact with the peripheral wall of the support, and a connecting portion that extends between the inner portion and the outer portion and is elastically deformable so as to absorb the relative displacements of the tactile panel relative to the peripheral wall of the support without removing the haptic effect produced by the movements of the tactile panel. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130278401 | KEYLESS ENTRY DEVICE FOR HAPTIC COMMUNICATIONS - A keyless entry device includes a user interface configured to receive an input from a user of the device; a haptic output device configured to generate a haptic effect to the user; and a processor configured to receive a command based on the input from the user through the user interface, to communicate the command to another entity, to receive information from the another entity, and to output a control signal to a drive circuit coupled to the haptic output device to cause the haptic output device to generate the haptic effect to the user based on the information received from the another entity. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130285801 | PORTABLE TERMINAL HAVING HAPTIC MODULE - The present invention provides a portable terminal having a haptic module in which a piezoelectric element is mounted on a hinge part elastically supporting a touch pad, so that it is possible to more precisely operate a haptic feedback added to the touch pad and it is possible to locally control a haptic feedback exhibited on the touch pad. According to the present invention, the portable terminal having a haptic module comprises: a main body; a touch pad which is included in the main body to recognize a touch of a user; a vibration stage which is disposed between the main body and the touch pad and has a hinge part upwardly elastically supporting the touch pad; a piezoelectric element which is mounted on the hinge part, and when power is applied, wrap-deforms the hinge part to generate a vibration on the touch pad. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130328670 | OPERATOR CONTROL DEVICE - 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. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130335210 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An electronic device causing flexure vibration of touch panel, to allow for preventing vibration from attenuated and providing sufficient water and dust proofness, includes touch panel | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130335211 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE - In an electronic device having a touch panel | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130342331 | INDICATOR OPERATION DETECTING DEVICE - An indicator operation detecting device includes a sensor including two sets of electrodes intersecting each other, an operation detecting circuit configured to detect a position indicated by an indicator (e.g., a finger) with respect to the sensor as a coordinate value on predetermined coordinate axes (e.g., X and Y axes), and a surface operation part disposed to receive an operation (e.g., touching) of the indicator with respect to the sensor. The surface operation part includes a first input part having a curved surface and employing a corresponding area of the sensor as a detection area, and a second input part having a linear region and employing a corresponding linear area of the sensor surrounded by the area for the first input part as a detection area. A surface shape of the linear region is different from the curved surface of the first input part to be tactilely distinguishable. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140022064 | POINTING APPARATUS AND IMAGING APPARATUS - A tactile sense providing apparatus comprising a tactile sense providing unit, a measuring light source unit, a light-receiving unit; and a control unit. The control unit is configured to calculate a distance to an object based on a light emitted by the measuring light source unit and received by the light-receiving unit, determine a tactile stimulus condition based on the distance; and drive the tactile sense providing unit according to the tactile stimulus condition. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140022065 | HANDHELD COMPUTER INTERFACE WITH HAPTIC FEEDBACK - Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating an impact and/or surface haptic effect for a handheld computer interface such as a video game controller. For example, the handheld computer interface may include a handle coupled to an impact actuator. The impact actuator includes a movable mass and an end stop. The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect. A smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material rather than the handle. The handle may be coupled to an end piece having a shape that simulates an object such as a tennis racket, golf club, or other object. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140035735 | LOCALIZED MULTIMODAL ELECTROMECHANICAL POLYMER TRANSDUCERS - 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. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140035736 | Systems and Methods for Haptic Remote Control Gaming - Systems and methods for haptic remote control gaming are disclosed. In one embodiment a portable multifunction device receives information from a remotely controllable device. The portable multifunction device can be operable as a remote control for the remotely controllable device. The portable multifunction device may be a smartphone, a tablet computer, or another suitable electronic device. The portable multifunction device can determine a haptic effect based at least in part on the information received from the remotely controllable device. The portable multifunction device may generate a signal configured to cause an actuator to output the determined haptic effect. The portable multifunction device can output the signal. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140062682 | SYSTEM FOR HAPTICALLY REPRESENTING SENSOR INPUT - A haptic representation system is provided that generates a haptic effect in response to sensor input. The sensor input is mapped to a haptic signal. The haptic signal is sent to an actuator configured to receive the haptic signal. The actuator utilizes the haptic signal to generate the haptic effect. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140062683 | BODY SENSING COMPUTER KEYBOARD - A body sensing computer keyboard includes a trigger module defining a vibratable part and a non-vibratable part, a plurality of key buttons respectively clickable to trigger the trigger module in generating a respective signal, a displacement unit set between the trigger module and the key buttons, and a vibrator provided at the bottom side of the vibratable part of the trigger module and electrically connected to a vibration driving circuit of the trigger module for vibrating the vibratable part when one key button is clicked to trigger the trigger module. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140062684 | Systems And Methods For Implementing Haptics For Pressure Sensitive Keyboards - Systems and methods are employed for implementing haptics for pressure sensitive keyboards, such as the type of keyboards having keys that produce alternating digital open/short signals that emulate actuation of conventional “momentary on” digital keys. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to provide haptics for both touch typing and variable pressure sensitive operation of a pressure sensitive keyboard. Users of a variable pressure keyboard may be provided with a variable pressure haptics effect, e.g., to enable the user to intuitively understand from the haptics vibration produced by the key how much pressure they are applying to a given key at any given time. Vibration characteristics (e.g., vibration rate, vibration waveform pattern, etc.) of a given pressed key may be varied in real time in coordination with, or in response to, corresponding changes in user pressure applied to the same given key. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140085065 | ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER ACTUATOR FEEDBACK APPARATUS SYSTEM AND METHOD - An electronic damping feedback control system for an electroactive polymer module, an electroactive polymer device, and a computer-implemented method for creating realistic effects are provided. The electronic damping controller is coupled in a feedback loop between a user interface device and an electroactive polymer actuator, where the actuator is coupled to the user interface device. The electronic damping controller is configured to receive an actuation signal from the user interface device in response to a user input. In response to the actuation signal, the electronic damping controller generates an electronic damping signal to couple to the actuator. The electroactive polymer device includes a user interface device, an electroactive polymer actuator coupled to the user interface device, and the electronic damping controller. The present invention may provide improved user interface devices. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140097948 | SENSOR PATTERN FOR A TACTILE INPUT DEVICE - 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. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140104047 | DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING A DEFORMABLE SURFACE AND POSITION SENSORS - A tactile display device including: a touch screen including ferromagnetic particles; a plurality of actuators including magnet elements distributed against the touch screen; a mechanism for activating each actuator to generate a local magnetic field in the touch screen; and an elastic membrane formed in an elastomer flexible solid material, the elastomer material including the ferromagnetic particles. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140118127 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SIMULATING SURFACE FEATURES ON A USER INTERFACE WITH HAPTIC EFFECTS - A haptic effect enabled device for simulating a tactile sensation on a surface. In some cases, the haptic effect enabled device may be a user interface device, and the tactile sensation may be simulated on a surface of the user interface device. The interface device may include a haptic output device configured to generate a haptic effect, such as a periodic haptic effect, at the surface. The interface device may include a drive module configured to generate a periodic drive signal based on a touch input at the surface of the interface device and based on the tactile sensation to be simulated at the surface. The interface device may include a drive circuit operatively coupled to the drive module and the haptic output device and configured to apply the periodic drive signal to the haptic output device. In some cases, the surface may be separate from the device. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140125469 | REALISTIC TACTILE HAPTIC FEEDBACK DEVICE AND REALISTIC TACTILE HAPTIC FEEDBACK METHOD THEREOF - 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. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140125470 | Devices Using Tactile Feedback To Deliver Silent Status Information - Handheld weapons using tactile feedback to deliver silent status information are described. One embodiment comprises a handheld weapon comprising: a housing comprising a user contactable region, a tactile element coupled to the user contactable region, and an actuator coupled to the tactile element and capable of outputting a haptic sensation localized to the tactile element. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140125471 | HAPTIC FEEDBACK SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A haptic feedback device can include a surface magnet and a first electromagnet sufficient to cause the physical movement of the surface magnet along a first axis. One or more individually addressable pin driver circuits may be communicably coupled to the electromagnet. The individually addressable pin driver circuit is selectively switchable into a number of operating modes that includes a current sourcing mode, a current sinking mode, and an impulse mode. A controller is communicably coupled to each of the pin driver circuits via a digital bus. The controller selects an operating mode and one or more parameters for each of the individually addressable pin driver circuits. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140139328 | HAPTIC SYSTEM WITH LOCALIZED RESPONSE - 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. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140139329 | SYSTEMS INCLUDING ELECTROMECHANICAL POLYMER SENSORS AND ACTUATORS - 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. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140145836 | DISPLAY APPARATUS PRODUCING AUDIO AND HAPTIC OUTPUT - An apparatus comprising; a first part configured to form at least part of the case of the apparatus; a second part configured to form at least part of the display for the apparatus; at least one actuator coupled to the second part and configured to apply a force to the second part to generate a displacement of the second part; drive circuitry coupled to the at least one actuator and configured to drive the actuator to produce both audio and haptic outputs; and a suspender configured to couple the first part and the second part. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140167942 | USER INTERFACES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - An apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
| 06-19-2014 |
| 20140176318 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An electronic device includes: a touch panel | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140197938 | OPERATOR CONTROL DEVICE - An operator control device has an operating element with haptic feedback. The operating element has a touch-sensitive operator control area and is operated through an input element. The device includes a first and a stationary second flat component that are composed of a ferromagnetic material and arranged to face each other in parallel by way of their large areas. The operator control device also includes a coil or an electrical conductor that is arranged between the first and second flat components and associated with a first pole shoe that is connected to the second flat component and projects in relation to the first flat component. A magnetic field can be generated by applying current to the coil or to the conductor, and the first flat component is driven by the magnetic field such that the first flat component can be displaced horizontally with respect to the stationary second flat component. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140210601 | OPERATION APPARATUS - A touch operation device includes a piezoelectric element, a touch detection unit, and a piezoelectric body control circuit. The piezoelectric element has a piezoelectric property and flexibility. The touch detection unit is disposed to correspond to the piezoelectric element and detects a touch operation. The piezoelectric body control circuit selectively applies a signal to a part of the piezoelectric element corresponding to the touch operation detected by the touch detection unit and then bends the part of the piezoelectric element. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140232535 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMMERSIVE MULTI-SENSORY PERFORMANCES - A system for providing a multisensory performance to a viewer comprising of a plurality of capture modules configured to capture one or more sensory inputs for the multisensory performance. At least one kernel module configured to organize the one or more sensory inputs to create the multisensory performance, and a plurality of output modules configured to present the multisensory performance to the viewer. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140253305 | FORCE SENSING INPUT DEVICE - 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. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140266649 | METHOD FOR PRESENTING TACTILE SENSATION AND DEVICE THEREFOR - The tactile sense presentation device comprises: first electrodes covered with an insulating film and arranged on a same plane; second electrodes arranged on a same plane with tops exposed to outside; and a control unit 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 first electrodes to generate electric fields which are changed by the part of first electrodes, and the second operation is for applying temporally changing first electric currents to a part of second electrodes to cause the electric currents to flow from the part of second electrodes to second electrodes which are different from the part of second electrodes via electric conductors, characterized in that first electrodes and second electrodes are arranged not to overlap each other. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140292501 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING HAPTIC EFFECT USING SOUND EFFECT - Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for providing a haptic effect using a sound effect. The apparatus includes an audio filter storage unit, an acquisition unit, an analysis unit, a message configuration unit, and a haptic output unit. The audio filter storage unit stores a plurality of adaptive audio filters. The acquisition unit obtains sound effects output by an electronic device in response to an application or a user input event. The analysis unit analyzes the frequency components of each of the sound effects. The message configuration unit detects at least one of the adaptive audio filters from the audio filter storage unit, and generates a haptic output message, corresponding to the sound effect. The haptic output unit outputs a haptic effect based on the haptic output message. The adaptive audio filter dynamically varies depending on the application or the user input event. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140300454 | OFFLINE HAPTIC CONVERSION SYSTEM - A system is provided that controls an offline haptic conversion. The system receives an input from a source. The system further converts the input into haptic signals. The system further encodes the haptic signals. The system further stores the haptic signals within the source, where the haptic signals are combined with the input within the source. Alternately, rather than encoding the haptic signals and storing the haptic signals within the source, the system handles the haptic signals separately, independent of the source. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140320276 | Methods and Systems for Providing Haptic Control - Haptic systems are disclosed which may provide increased resolution in tactile feedback. A tiered haptic system may be formed by stacking of haptic elements. One or more arrays of shape change elements such as, for example, piezoelectric elements may be used to actuate a screen surface. Arrays may also be used to sense tactile interactions and stimuli on a screen surface. An embedded haptic system may be formed by inserting haptic elements into a contoured elastic sheet. The embedded haptic system may provide tactile interactions to a user. In some embodiments, both tiered and embedded haptic arrangements may be used. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140327531 | HAPTIC FEEDBACK USING COMPOSITE PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR - 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. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140340208 | LOCALIZED KEY-CLICK FEEDBACK - 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. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140340209 | LOW-FREQUENCY EFFECTS HAPTIC CONVERSION SYSTEM - 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. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140340210 | METHOD FOR PRESENTING TACTILE SENSATION AND DEVICE THEREFOR - 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. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140368323 | HAPTIC EFFECT CONVERSION SYSTEM USING GRANULAR SYNTHESIS - 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. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20150054634 | TACTILE FEEL CONTROL DEVICE - 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. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150054635 | HAPTIC FORCE-FEEDBACK FOR COMPUTING INTERFACES - 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. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150123776 | HAPTIC INTERFACE HAVING SEPARATED INPUT AND OUTPUT POINTS FOR VARIED AND ELABORATE INFORMATION TRANSFER - 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. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150130599 | TRAINING SYSTEM - 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. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150145657 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING FRICTION AND VIBROTACTILE EFFECTS - 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. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150338921 | SYSTEM FOR HAPTICALLY REPRESENTING SENSOR INPUT - A haptic representation system is provided that generates a haptic effect in response to sensor input. The sensor input is mapped to a haptic signal. The haptic signal is sent to an actuator configured to receive the haptic signal. The actuator utilizes the haptic signal to generate the haptic effect. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150355711 | PROGRAMMABLE HAPTIC DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MODIFYING HAPTIC STRENGTH BASED ON PERSPECTIVE AND/OR PROXIMITY - Embodiments hereof relate a system including a host computer configured to generate a virtual environment to a user on a display, a processor, a haptic peripheral, and a proximity sensor. The haptic peripheral includes an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and output a haptic effect to the haptic peripheral in response to the control signal from the processor. The processor is configured to vary the control signal for the actuator depending on a virtual distance within the virtual environment between a virtual camera and a virtual object. In addition or alternatively, the processor is configured to vary the control signal for the actuator depending on a perspective of a virtual camera within the virtual environment. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150355712 | HAPTIC DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING HAPTIC EFFECTS VIA AUDIO TRACKS - Embodiments hereof relate a system that includes a processor and a haptic peripheral with a haptic output device. The processor is configured to receive an audio file, or a haptic file generated from the audio file, that includes a first channel having a first set of control parameters to generate a first haptic effect and a second channel having a second set of control parameters to generate a second haptic effect and to output a control signal that includes the first and second sets of control parameters for the haptic effect. The haptic output device is configured to receive the control signal from the processor and to output the haptic effect to the haptic peripheral. In an embodiment, the haptic output device is coupled to a bi-directional trigger and the control parameters move the trigger in opposing directions. In another embodiment, the control parameters generate different timelines of haptic effects to a user input element. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150362995 | TACTILE FORCE PRESENTATION DEVICE, INFORMATION TERMINAL, TACTILE FORCE PRESENTATION METHOD, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - Provided are a tactile force presentation device, an information terminal, a tactile force presentation method, and a program that make it possible to present three-dimensional tactile force across a wide range while achieving a reduction in device size. The information terminal is provided with: a display device; a position detection unit that detects the position of a part of a user that is to be presented with tactile force; an information processing unit that alters content in accordance with a detected position and calculates the amount of tactile force to be presented on the basis of the altered content; and a tactile force presentation device. The tactile force presentation device is provided with: a transmission member that extends to the part of the user that is to be presented with tactile force and transmits tensile force; a drive unit that generates tensile force and provides the tensile force to the transmission member; and a control unit that causes tensile force to be generated as initial force in the drive unit in advance and increases or decreases the initial force when the calculated tactile force is presented so that the tactile force is provided to the user via the transmission member. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20160005278 | MOBILE DEVICES AND METHODS EMPLOYING HAPTICS - A variety of haptic improvements useful in mobile devices are detailed. In one, a smartphone captures image data from a physical object, and discerns an object identifier from the imagery (e.g., using watermark, barcode, or fingerprint techniques). This identifier is sent to a remote data structure, which returns data defining a distinct haptic signature associated with that object. This smartphone then renders this haptic signal to the user. (Related embodiments identify the object using other means, such as location, or NFC chip.) In another arrangement, haptic feedback signals social network information about a product or place (e.g., the user's social network friends “Like” a particular brand of beverage). In yet another arrangement, the experience of watching a movie on a television screen is augmented by tactile effects issued by a tablet computer on the viewer's lap. In still another arrangement, commercial vendors bid for rights to employ different ones of a library of haptic signals on one or more users' smartphones, e.g., to alert such user(s) to their products/services. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160011663 | Motion-Sensed Mechanical Interface Features | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160063827 | Semantic Framework for Variable Haptic Output - Methods and apparatus organize a plurality of haptic output variations into a cohesive semantic framework that uses various information about the alert condition and trigger, application context, and other conditions to provide a system of haptic outputs that share characteristics between related events. In some embodiments, an event class or application class provides the basis for a corresponding haptic output. In some embodiments, whether an alert-salience setting is on provides the basis for adding an increased salience haptic output to the standard haptic output for the alert. In some embodiments, consistent haptics provide for branding of the associated application class, application, and/or context. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160085303 | Customized Haptic Effects - There is provided a system and method for producing a haptic effect. In one implementation, such a system includes a system processor, a system memory, and a haptic engine stored in the system memory. The system processor is configured to execute the haptic engine to receive a media content, to map an event contained in the media content to a predetermined haptic effect, and to display an interface enabling a system user to produce a customized haptic effect based on the predetermined haptic effect. The system processor is further configured to generate an output data for causing one of the predetermined haptic effect and the customized haptic effect to occur. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160085307 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SIMULATING SURFACE FEATURES ON A USER INTERFACE WITH HAPTIC EFFECTS - A haptic effect enabled device for simulating a tactile sensation on a surface. In some cases, the haptic effect enabled device may be a user interface device, and the tactile sensation may be simulated on a surface of the user interface device. The interface device may include a haptic output device configured to generate a haptic effect, such as a periodic haptic effect, at the surface. The interface device may include a drive module configured to generate a periodic drive signal based on a touch input at the surface of the interface device and based on the tactile sensation to be simulated at the surface. The interface device may include a drive circuit operatively coupled to the drive module and the haptic output device and configured to apply the periodic drive signal to the haptic output device. In some cases, the surface may be separate from the device. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160109950 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAPPING MESSAGE CONTENTS TO VIRTUAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES FOR VIBROTACTILE MESSAGING - 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. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160124510 | TACTILE CONTROL SYSTEM - A tactile control system includes a control member configurable between a plurality of physical configurations and configured to receive manual input from a user. The tactile control system also includes a transducer coupled to the control member and configured to generate a signal based on the manual input from the user, and an actuator coupled to the transducer and the control member and configured to change the physical configuration of the control member based on the signal. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125710 | PORTABLE DEVICE FOR OUTPUTTING VIRTUAL VIBRATION - A portable device for outputting virtual vibration is provided. The portable device includes a controller configured to generate a control signal corresponding to a detected event. The portable device also includes vibrators configured to output virtual vibration based on the control signal. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160154461 | TACTILE DISPLAY DEVICE | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160162027 | HAPTIC EFFECT CONVERSION SYSTEM USING GRANULAR SYNTHESIS - 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. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160179199 | Systems and Methods for Haptically-Enabled Interactions with Objects | 06-23-2016 |
| 20190146588 | Systems and Methods for Haptically-Enabled Interactions with Objects | 05-16-2019 |
