Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090189746 | Actuating A Tactile Sensation In Response To A Sensed Event - Systems and methods for actuating a tactile stimulation in response to detecting a specific event associated with exposure to a particular environmental or physiological condition are described herein. A tactile stimulation device, according to one of several implementations, comprises a sensing layer, an actuating layer, and an adhesive layer. The sensing layer, which is sensitive to exposure to a particular condition, is configured to sense when a specific event associated with exposure to the particular condition occurs. The actuating layer is configured to provide a tactile stimulation to a human subject when the specific event occurs. The adhesive layer is configured to affix the sensing layer and actuating layer with respect to a surface portion of the skin of the human subject such that the human subject can sense the tactile stimulation provided by the actuating layer. The sensing layer, actuating layer, and adhesive layer can be bonded together to form a relatively flat structure. | 07-30-2009 |
20090202972 | Bi-Directional Communication of Simulation Information - Systems, methods, and associated software for providing a virtual reality experience for a user, particularly a virtual training experience, are described herein. A server associated with a virtual training system according to one embodiment, among others, comprises memory and a network interface. The memory is configured to store virtual training software and a simulation variations database. The virtual training software comprises training simulation logic adapted to provide a virtual training experience. The simulation variations database comprises data associated with preset variations to the virtual training experience. The network interface is configured to communicate with a remote client device within a network and is further configured to receive a first set of information from the client device associated with the virtual training software. Also, the network interface is further configured to transmit a second set of information to the client device associated with the virtual training software. | 08-13-2009 |
20090207129 | Providing Haptic Feedback To User-Operated Switch - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for generating haptic feedback, tactile feedback, or force feedback to an electromechanical switch that is toggled by a user. In one specific example among many possible embodiments, a switch feedback system is disclosed. The switch feedback system comprises a user-operated switch, which is operable to toggle between one of an open state and a closed state. The switch feedback system also includes electrical circuitry in electrical communication with the user-operated switch, wherein the electrical circuitry is configured to react to a change of state of the user-operated switch. The system also includes a haptic feedback device in electrical communication with the user-operated switch and in physical communication with the user-operated switch. The haptic feedback device is configured to detect the change of state of the user-operated switch and provide a haptic feedback to the user-operated switch in response to the detected change of state. | 08-20-2009 |
20090231276 | System And Method For Automatically Producing Haptic Events From A Digital Audio File - In an embodiment, a system and method for automatically converting a plurality of events in a plurality of channels in a structured representation sequence into haptic events. The method comprises calculating an event score for each event of the sequence in one or more channels. The method also comprises calculating a cumulative score based on the event scores in the one or more channels. The method includes selectively designating haptic events to the events based on the event scores in one or more selected channels, wherein the haptic events are output by a haptic actuator. This may be done by the system by calculating properties of the sound or by taking already existing values associated with those properties to efficiently produce haptic events. | 09-17-2009 |
20090263775 | Systems and Methods for Surgical Simulation and Training - A surgical simulation and training platform can mimic human physiology to the extent possible, while enabling dynamic pathology and complication introduction to facilitate training and evaluation needs. The platform can include a subject body having an outer surface and defining at least one cavity, with a capture mechanism configured to receive an instrument and mounted to a robotic positioning assembly within the cavity. The system can further include one or more sensors configured to determine the position of at least one instrument or provide data for determining the position, and a processor. The processor can receive data indicating a position of at least one instrument relative to the cavity in a subject body and provide a command to the robotic positioning assembly to adjust the position of the capture mechanism to encounter and engage the instrument during surgical simulation. | 10-22-2009 |
20090305744 | Developing A Notification Framework For Electronic Device Events - Systems and methods are described herein for developing a notification framework for presenting notification information to a user of an electronic device. One embodiment of a method, among others, includes receiving input from physical sensors located in proximity to an electronic device and receiving input from one or more other electronic devices in proximity to the electronic device. The method further comprises assessing a context of the electronic device from the received input. A notification framework is then determined from the assessed context. The method also includes notifying a user of the electronic device of a detected event associated with the electronic device. Notifying the user includes notifying the user within the notification framework. | 12-10-2009 |
20100016855 | Modular Tool With Signal Feedback - Implementations of modular tools and methods of operating modular tools are described in the present disclosure. A modular tool according to one of several possible embodiments comprises a handle portion and a distal portion. The handle portion is configured to be manipulated by a user. The distal portion is configured to be attached to the handle portion, but is further configured to be removable from the handle portion by the user. Manipulation of the handle portion causes movement of one or more components of the distal portion. The distal portion is further configured to sense one or more parameters and transmit the sensed parameters to the handle portion. | 01-21-2010 |
20100160041 | INTERACTIVE PAINTING GAME AND ASSOCIATED CONTROLLER - A gaming concept in which each user in a single-player or a multi-player game is enabled to create artwork or graffiti work virtually or on actual surfaces using haptic-enhanced controllers. The controllers can emulate the experience of using a marker, a paint brush, a paint spray-can or the like. The components of various controllers may be modularized for easily interchanging components to extend the art or graffiti creation experience. The real life experience of using ink or paint on a surface is simulated by haptic feedback. When a paint spray-can controller is used, the experience of paint consumption is recreated by various peripheral enhancements including audio and haptic sensations communicated to the user. | 06-24-2010 |
20100283727 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHAPE DEFORMATION AND FORCE DISPLAY OF DEVICES - Various systems, devices, and methods for shape deformation of a haptic deformation display device are provided. For example, the haptic deformation display device may receive an input signal when the shape of the haptic deformation display device is in a first shape configuration. In response to the input signal, the haptic deformation display device may activate an actuator of the haptic deformation display device. The actuator may move a deformation component of the haptic deformation display device. The deformation component may at least partially defining a shape of the haptic deformation display device, thereby causing the shape of the haptic deformation display device to deform into a second shape configuration different from the first shape configuration. The second shape configuration may be substantially maintained. | 11-11-2010 |
20100283731 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A HAPTIC FEEDBACK SHAPE-CHANGING DISPLAY - A haptic device includes a processor, a communication module coupled to the processor for receiving a shape input, and a housing for housing the communication module and including a deformable portion. The deformable portion includes a deformation actuator, and the processor provides a signal to the deformation actuator in response to the shape input to deform the housing. The shape of other areas of the device may also change in response to the signal. The shape changes may provide haptic effects, provide information, provide ergonomic changes, provide additional functionality, etc., to a user of the device. | 11-11-2010 |
20110102332 | Method for Haptic Display of Data Features - A method is disclosed for transferring digital information from a first electronic device to a second electronic device. In one example, the first device is a computer having a touch screen and the second device is a personal memory device carried or worn by an individual. The method includes selecting information on the first electronic device to be transferred, which can be done by touching the touch screen and performing a predefined finger gesture on the screen. Next, communication is established between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, preferably through a wireless connection such as Bluetooth. The selected information from the first electronic device then begins to upload to the second electronic device. As the information is transferred, vibrotactile sensations are imparted to the body of an individual with the vibrotactile sensations being indicative of the upload of information. For instance, sensations might be sequentially imparted in a line along an individual's arm to convey the progress of information upload to the individual. | 05-05-2011 |
20110105103 | Interfacing a Mobile Device with a Computer - Systems and methods for interfacing a mobile device and a host computer are described in the present disclosure. In one embodiment, among several, an interfacing system comprises a mobile device, which has a sensor, and a host computer. The sensor of the mobile device detects gestures that are translated to cursor control commands for a display of the host computer. | 05-05-2011 |
20110128133 | ACTUATING A TACTILE SENSATION IN RESPONSE TO A SENSED EVENT - Systems and methods for actuating a tactile stimulation in response to detecting a specific event associated with exposure to a particular environmental or physiological condition are described herein. A tactile stimulation device, according to one of several implementations, comprises a sensing layer, an actuating layer, and an adhesive layer. The sensing layer, which is sensitive to exposure to a particular condition, is configured to sense when a specific event associated with exposure to the particular condition occurs. The actuating layer is configured to provide a tactile stimulation to a human subject when the specific event occurs. The adhesive layer is configured to affix the sensing layer and actuating layer with respect to a surface portion of the skin of the human subject such that the human subject can sense the tactile stimulation provided by the actuating layer. The sensing layer, actuating layer, and adhesive layer can be bonded together to form a relatively flat structure. | 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 |
20110178508 | Systems and Methods for Minimally Invasive Surgical Tools with Haptic Feedback - Systems and methods for minimally invasive surgical tools with haptic feedback are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment of a system includes an insertion sheath configured to be partially inserted within a patient's body, the insertion sheath configured to receive a surgical tool; a roller disposed at least partially within the insertion sheath, the roller configured to contact a surgical tool inserted within the insertion sheath; and an actuator coupled to the roller, the actuator configured to receive an actuator signal and to output a haptic effect based on the actuator signal. | 07-21-2011 |
20110215913 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING HAPTIC EVENTS FROM A DIGITAL AUDIO FILE - In an embodiment, a system and method for automatically converting a plurality of events in a plurality of channels in a structured representation sequence into haptic events. The method comprises calculating an event score for each event of the sequence in one or more channels. The method also comprises calculating a cumulative score based on the event scores in the one or more channels. The method includes selectively designating haptic events to the events based on the event scores in one or more selected channels, wherein the haptic events are output by a haptic actuator. This may be done by the system by calculating properties of the sound or by taking already existing values associated with those properties to efficiently produce haptic events. | 09-08-2011 |
20110264491 | Systems and Methods for Providing Haptic Effects - Systems and methods for providing haptic effects are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes a computer-readable medium having program code, the program code including program code defining a haptic widget. The haptic widget includes program code defining a haptic effect; program code defining an interface for the haptic widget; program code for receiving, via the interface, a configuration of at least one parameter of the haptic widget; program code for receiving, via the interface, a play command for the haptic effect; and program code for outputting, via the interface, a signal configured to cause the haptic effect, the signal based on the at least one parameter and in response to the play command. | 10-27-2011 |
20120010506 | MULTIMODAL LAPAROSCOPIC ULTRASOUND DEVICE WITH FEEDBACK SYSTEM - A laparoscopic tool or minimally invasive device is augmented with a forward looking ultrasonic transducer that is processed to extract information regarding subsurface structures and to generate haptic, audio, or visual effects to provide relevant feedback to a user that is operating the tool. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer detects the distance or depth of subsurface structures such as a luminal hollow structure or a tumor mass. In another embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer extracts tissue identification information, tissue stiffness, velocity, or other pertinent information regarding subsurface structures that is subsequently communicated to the operator as haptic, audio, and/or visual feedback. The ultrasonic transducer may be operable in one or more modes, including A-mode or Doppler mode. | 01-12-2012 |
20120206247 | SOUND TO HAPTIC EFFECT CONVERSION SYSTEM USING WAVEFORM - A haptic conversion system is provided that intercepts frames of audio data, such as a digital audio signal, converts the frames into a haptic signal, and plays the created haptic signal through an actuator to produce haptic effects. The haptic signal is based on a maximum value of each audio data frame, which defines a magnitude of the haptic signal. The haptic signal is applied to the actuator configured to receive the haptic signal, where the actuator utilizes the haptic signal to generate the one or more haptic effects. | 08-16-2012 |
20130131851 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING HAPTIC EVENTS FROM A DIGITAL AUDIO SIGNAL - In an embodiment, a system and method for automatically converting a plurality of events in a plurality of channels in a structured representation sequence into haptic events. The method comprises calculating an event score for each event of the sequence in one or more channels. The method also comprises calculating a cumulative score based on the event scores in the one or more channels. The method includes selectively designating haptic events to the events based on the event scores in one or more selected channels, wherein the haptic events are output by a haptic actuator. | 05-23-2013 |
20130201141 | Systems and Methods For Shifting Haptic Feedback Function Between Passive And Active Modes - Systems and methods for shifting haptic feedback function between passive and active modes are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes receiving a first signal from a sensor, the first signal associated with a mode of interaction with a graphical user interface; receiving a second signal associated with an interaction with the graphical user interface; determining a haptic feedback effect based at least in part on the mode of interaction with the graphical user interface and the interaction with the graphical user interface; and generating a haptic signal configured to output the haptic feedback effect. | 08-08-2013 |
20130207917 | HIGH DEFINITION HAPTIC EFFECTS GENERATION USING PRIMITIVES - A haptically enabled system receives a haptic effect primitive comprising a plurality of input parameters and receives an input from a sensor. The system generates a haptic effect signal from the haptic effect primitive, the haptic effect signal comprising a plurality of output parameters where at least one of the output parameters is varied based on the sensor input. The system then applies the haptic effect signal to an actuator. | 08-15-2013 |
20130253483 | Tool Having Multiple Feedback Devices - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for managing how signals, which are sensed on a tool, are presented to an operator of the tool. According to one example of a method for managing signals, the method comprises allowing an operator to manipulate a tool having a plurality of output mechanisms mounted thereon. The method also includes sensing a property of an object located near or adjacent to a distal portion of the tool and processing the sensed property to obtain one or more output signals. Furthermore, the method includes applying the one or more output signals to one or more of the output mechanisms. | 09-26-2013 |
20140055358 | CONTEXT-DEPENDENT HAPTIC CONFIRMATION SYSTEM - A haptic confirmation system is provided that produces a confirmation haptic effect in response to a user interaction with a user interface element, where the confirmation haptic effect is based on context metadata. The context metadata is mapped to one or more haptic parameters. A haptic signal is generated based on the one or more haptic parameters. The haptic signal is sent to an actuator configured to receive the haptic signal. The actuator utilized the haptic signal to generate the confirmation haptic effect. | 02-27-2014 |
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 |
20140064516 | SOUND TO HAPTIC EFFECT CONVERSION SYSTEM USING MAPPING - A haptic conversion system is provided that intercepts audio data, such as a digital audio signal, analyzes the audio data in frequency, and divides the analyzed audio data into one or more audio frequency regions, where each audio frequency region includes one or more audio sub-signals. The haptic conversion system further maps the one or more audio frequency regions to one or more haptic frequency regions, where each haptic frequency region includes one or more haptic signals. The haptic conversion system further maps the one or more haptic effects to one or more actuators. The haptic conversion system further sends the one or more haptic signals to one or more actuators, in order to generate one or more haptic effects. | 03-06-2014 |
20140091914 | 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. | 04-03-2014 |
20140125467 | ENCODING DYNAMIC HAPTIC EFFECTS - A system is provided that encodes one or more dynamic haptic effects. The system defines a dynamic haptic effect as including a plurality of key frames, where each key frame includes an interpolant value and a corresponding haptic effect. An interpolant value is a value that specifies where an interpolation occurs. The system generates a haptic effect file, and stores the dynamic haptic effect within the haptic effect file. | 05-08-2014 |
20140152429 | SOUND TO HAPTIC EFFECT CONVERSION SYSTEM USING WAVEFORM - A haptic conversion system is provided that intercepts frames of audio data, such as a digital audio signal, converts the frames into a haptic signal, and plays the created haptic signal through an actuator to produce haptic effects. The haptic signal is based on a maximum value of each audio data frame, which defines a magnitude of the haptic signal. The haptic signal is applied to the actuator configured to receive the haptic signal, where the actuator utilizes the haptic signal to generate the one or more haptic effects. | 06-05-2014 |
20140189506 | Systems And Methods For Interpreting Physical Interactions With A Graphical User Interface - Embodiments of systems and methods for interpreting physical interactions with a graphical user interface are disclosed. For example, one system for interpreting physical interactions with a graphical user interface is a device having a housing configured to be grasped by a user, a display disposed in the housing, the display configured to display a graphical user interface, and a sensor disposed in the housing, the sensor configured to detect a movement of the housing in a degree of freedom. The device also includes a processor disposed in the housing and in communication with the display and the sensor, the processor configured to receive a sensor signal from the sensor, the sensor signal comprising a parameter associated with the movement, to determine a command associated with the graphical user interface based on the parameter, to determine a function to be executed based on the command, and to execute the function. | 07-03-2014 |
20140247120 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING HAPTIC EVENTS FROM A DIGITAL AUDIO FILE - In an embodiment, a system and method for automatically converting a plurality of events in a plurality of channels in a structured representation sequence into haptic events. The method comprises calculating an event score for each event of the sequence in one or more channels. The method also comprises calculating a cumulative score based on the event scores in the one or more channels. The method includes selectively designating haptic events to the events based on the event scores in one or more selected channels, wherein the haptic events are output by a haptic actuator. This may be done by the system by calculating properties of the sound or by taking already existing values associated with those properties to efficiently produce haptic events. | 09-04-2014 |
20140258318 | AUTOMATIC FITTING OF HAPTIC EFFECTS - A system is provided that automatically generates one or more haptic effects from source data, such as audio source data. The system fits the one or more haptic effects to the source data by analyzing the source data and identifying one or more haptic effects that are the most similar to the source data. The system matches the identified one or more haptic effects with the source data. The system subsequently outputs the identified one or more haptic effects. | 09-11-2014 |
20140270681 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENCODING AND DECODING HAPTIC INFORMATION IN MULTI-MEDIA FILES - A method for encoding haptic information inside a multi-media file having content includes changing a portion of the content in the multi-media file, and adding the haptic information to the changed portion of the content, the haptic information corresponding to a haptic signal for generating a haptic effect upon playback of the multi-media file. A method for decoding haptic information from inside a multi-media file having content includes locating the haptic information inside the multi-media file, and generating a haptic signal based on the located haptic information during playback of the content of the multi-media file. A method includes receiving a multi-media signal comprising an audio signal and a haptic signal with a receiver of a haptic device, and outputting a haptic effect with a haptic output device of the haptic device based on the haptic signal in the multi-media signal. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281954 | Systems and Methods For Haptic And Gesture-Driven Paper Simulation - Systems and methods for haptic and gesture-driven paper simulation are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving an electronic document; receiving metadata associated with the electronic document, the metadata comprising a characteristic indicating a type of paper; generating and transmitting a display signal configured to cause display of the at least a portion of the document; and generating and transmitting a haptic signal based on the type of paper, the haptic signal configured to cause a haptic output device to generate a haptic effect. | 09-18-2014 |
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 |
20140320400 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHAPE DEFORMATION AND FORCE DISPLAY OF DEVICES - Various systems, devices, and methods for shape deformation of a haptic deformation display device are provided. For example, the haptic deformation display device may receive an input signal when the shape of the haptic deformation display device is in a first shape configuration. In response to the input signal, the haptic deformation display device may activate an actuator of the haptic deformation display device. The actuator may move a deformation component of the haptic deformation display device. The deformation component may at least partially defining a shape of the haptic deformation display device, thereby causing the shape of the haptic deformation display device to deform into a second shape configuration different from the first shape configuration. The second shape configuration may be substantially maintained. | 10-30-2014 |
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 |
20140347176 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO PROVIDE HAPTIC FEEDBACK BASED ON MEDIA CONTENT AND ONE OR MORE EXTERNAL PARAMETERS - The disclosure relates to systems and methods of providing haptic feedback based on media content and one or more external parameters used to customize the haptic feedback. The system may modify or otherwise alter haptic feedback that is determined using the media content alone. In other words, the system may use both the media content and the external parameters to determine haptic feedback that should be output to the user or others. The external parameters may include, for example, sensor information, customization information, and/or other external parameters that may be used to customize the haptic feedback. | 11-27-2014 |
20140347177 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HAPTIC DATA ENCODING AND STREAMING - A method includes receiving digital content data including audio data and/or video data, generating haptic data using at least some of the received digital content data, encoding the haptic data for efficient transmission over a communication network, multiplexing the encoded haptic data with the received digital content data, embedding information for decoding the encoded haptic data in metadata of the multiplexed data stream, and sending the multiplexed data stream over the communication network. The method may include analyzing the haptic data to determine at least one characteristic of the haptic data, and the encoding the haptic data may include encoding, based on the determined characteristic, the haptic data to meet a pre-defined criteria. | 11-27-2014 |
20140362014 | Systems and Methods for Pressure-Based Haptic Effects - One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a sensor configured to detect a user interaction with a touch surface and transmit a sensor signal including data associated with a pressure of the user interaction. The illustrative system also includes a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to: receive the sensor signal; determine, based on the sensor signal, a pressure level; determine a user interface level based at least in part on the pressure level; perform a function associated with the user interface level and the user interaction; determine a haptic effect based at least in part on the user interface level and the user interaction; generate a haptic signal based at least in part on the haptic effect; and transmit the haptic signal. The illustrative system further includes a haptic output device in configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect. | 12-11-2014 |
20150029125 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A HAPTIC EFFECT ASSOCIATED WITH A GRAPHICAL SIMULATION OR VIRTUAL TAG - A system includes a display configured to display a graphical simulation, a computer configured to run a software program designed to display the graphical simulation on the display, and a stylus constructed and arranged to be manipulated by a user of the system in at least two dimensions to affect the graphical simulation. The stylus includes an actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the user upon receiving a control signal from the computer. | 01-29-2015 |
20150054727 | HAPTICALLY ENABLED VIEWING OF SPORTING EVENTS - A system that generates haptic effects for a sporting event receives sporting event data that includes different types of event data, each type having a corresponding characteristic. The system assigns a different type of haptic effect to each different type of event data, and generates a haptic signal that corresponds to each type of haptic effect. The system then transmits the haptic signal to a haptic output device. | 02-26-2015 |