Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090085878 | Multi-Touch Device Having Dynamic Haptic Effects - A system for generating haptic effects senses at least two generally simultaneous touches on a touchscreen and, in response, generates a dynamic haptic effect. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085882 | Directional Haptic Effects For A Handheld Device - A handheld device includes at least two sections that are substantially mechanically isolated. Each section includes an actuator that generates haptic effects. The haptic effects generated by an actuator in one section are substantially isolated to that section so that, for example, directional haptic effects can be generated on the handheld device. | 04-02-2009 |
20090128503 | Method and Apparatus for Providing A Fixed Relief Touch Screen With Locating Features Using Deformable Haptic Surfaces - A method and apparatus for an electronic interface device capable of providing a fixed relief touch screen with locating features using deformable haptic surfaces are disclosed. The device, in one embodiment, includes a haptic mechanism and a touch-sensitive surface. The haptic mechanism provides haptic feedback in response to an activating command. The touch-sensitive surface is capable of changing its surface texture from a first surface characteristic to a second surface characteristic in response to the haptic feedback. For example, the first surface characteristic may be coarse texture while the second surface characteristic may be smooth texture. | 05-21-2009 |
20090231271 | Haptically Enabled User Interface - A device has a user interface that generates a haptic effect in response to user inputs or gestures. In one embodiment, the device receives an indication that the user is scrolling through a list of elements and an indication that an element is selected. The device determines the scroll rate and generates a haptic effect that has a magnitude that is based on the scroll rate. | 09-17-2009 |
20090243997 | Systems and Methods For Resonance Detection - Systems and methods for resonance detection are disclosed. For example, one method for resonance detection includes the step of transmitting an actuator signal to an actuator coupled to a surface of a device. The actuator signal is configured to cause the actuator to output a force to the surface. The method further includes the steps of receiving a response of the surface to the force; determining a resonant frequency of the surface based at least in part on the response; and outputting a signal indicative of the resonant frequency. | 10-01-2009 |
20090313542 | User Interface Impact Actuator - A system generates a haptic effect that simulates a mechanical button. The system receives a signal that indicates that a user has contacted a user interface of the system. The system includes an impact actuator. In response to the signal, a moving element of the impact actuator contacts the user interface, which generates the haptic effect. | 12-17-2009 |
20100033426 | Haptic Enabled Gaming Peripheral for a Musical Game - A haptic enabled gaming peripheral that simulates a musical instrument includes a body, a first sensing element and a first actuator. A processor, located within the body of the gaming peripheral, communicates with a host computer running a software program corresponding to a musical game. The first sensing element, disposed within the body and coupled to the processor, senses an input from the user. The sensed input is communicated to the host processor. The first actuator, disposed within the body and coupled to the processor, outputs a haptic effect in response to receiving an activating signal based on an event that occurs in the software program. In some implementations, the first sensed element is disposed proximate to the first actuator so that the user perceives the haptic effect in response to providing the input. | 02-11-2010 |
20100073304 | Multiple Actuation Handheld Device - A device includes a housing, a processor that is coupled to the housing, the processor is configured to process a software program stored in a memory. A touch screen is coupled to the housing and configured to display graphical objects, wherein a sensor signal associated with a user's interaction with the touch screen is provided to the processor. A first actuator is coupled to the touch screen and positioned within the housing. The first actuator is configured to output a first haptic effect to the touch screen upon receiving a first activating signal from the processor. A second actuator is coupled to the housing and configured to output a second haptic effect to the housing upon receiving a second activating signal from the processor. The first activating signal is associated with a foreground event and the second activating signal is associated with a background event occurring in the software program. | 03-25-2010 |
20100116562 | Haptic Effect Generation With An Eccentric Rotating Mass Actuator - A haptically-enabled system includes a touch sensitive surface and an eccentric rotating mass (“ERM”) actuator coupled to the touch sensitive surface. The ERM actuator includes a motor, a housing and a constrained mass. The system further includes a drive circuit that creates a haptic effect on the touch sensitive surface by coupling an alternating current signal to the ERM actuator. | 05-13-2010 |
20100152586 | Spatial Array of Sensors Mounted on A Tool - Systems and methods described herein include an array of sensors positioned on a tool. In one embodiment, among others, a tool includes a handle configured to be manipulated by a user. The tool also includes an end portion arranged in mechanical communication with the handle. In addition, the tool includes an array of sensors mounted on the end portion, in which the array of sensors is configured to sense a property of an object. The tool also comprises a processing device configured to process the properties of the object sensed by the array of sensors and to obtain spatial information of the object. The processing device is further configured to communicate the spatial information to the handle. | 06-17-2010 |
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 |
20100173686 | Programmable Game-Based Haptic Enabled Gun Controller - Various systems, game controllers, and methods for simulating various objects such as weapons are provided. For example, a game controller may include a trigger, a processor within the body that receives a trigger signal when the trigger is activated by the user. The processor may communicate with a computer running a software program such as a gaming application, and an actuator coupled to the trigger, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the trigger in response to receiving a control signal from the processor. The game controller may simulate a gun and generate a recoil effect. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by impacting a moving mass from a discharge end of the gun to a handle end of the gun. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by using a body part of a user as a tether. | 07-08-2010 |
20100179587 | Providing Haptic Feedback To The Handle Of A Tool - Tools, such as surgical tools, are normally designed to interact with an object, such as a patient. As disclosed herein, one particular tool is implemented such that it comprises a handle having a feedback portion configured to contact one or more digits of a user's hand. The tool also includes a sensor positioned near or in contact with an object. The sensor is configured to measure a property of the object. Also, the tool includes a haptic output mechanism supported by the feedback portion of the handle. The haptic output mechanism is configured to communicate the measured property of the object to the user. | 07-15-2010 |
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 |
20100231508 | Systems and Methods for Using Multiple Actuators to Realize Textures - Systems and methods for using multiple actuators to realize textures are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes, a system including: a first actuator configured to receive a first haptic signal and output a first haptic effect based at least in part on the first haptic signal; a second actuator configured to receive a second haptic signal and output a second haptic effect based at least in part on the second haptic signal; and a processor configured to: determine the first haptic effect and the second haptic effect, the first and second haptic effects configured when combined to output a texture; and transmit the first haptic signal to the first actuator and transmit the second haptic signal to the second actuator. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231539 | Systems and Methods for Interfaces Featuring Surface-Based Haptic Effects - Systems and methods for interfaces featuring surface-based haptic effects are described. One described system includes a sensor configured to detect a touch in a touch area when an object contacts a touch surface. The touch surface may correspond to the display area or may correspond to a non-display surface of a computing device or peripheral interfaced to a computing device. The system can further include an actuator in communication with the processor and coupled to the touch surface, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect and a processor configured to select a haptic effect to generate. The haptic effect can be selected based on a position of the touch and recognizing an input gesture provided by the touch and/or content displayed in a graphical user interface at a location mapped to a position in the touch area at or near the touch. The haptic effect may provide a texture, simulate an obstacle, and/or adjust the coefficient of friction of the surface. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231540 | Systems and Methods For A Texture Engine - Systems and methods for a texture engine are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes: a processor configured to receive a display signal including a plurality of pixels, determine a haptic effect comprising a texture, and transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to an actuator in communication with the processor, the actuator configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231541 | Systems and Methods for Using Textures in Graphical User Interface Widgets - Systems and methods for using textures in graphical user interface widgets are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes: a system including: an actuator configured to receive a haptic signal and output a haptic effect based at least in part on the haptic signal, the haptic effect configured to simulate a texture; a touch-sensitive interface configured to detect a user interaction and output a interface signal; and a processor in communication with the actuator and the touch-sensitive interface, the processor configured to: receive the interface signal; receive a display signal including a plurality of pixels defining a display area; determine a first texture associated with a first group of pixels defining a first section of the display area; determine a second texture associated with a second group of pixels defining a second section of the display area; and transmit a haptic signal configured to cause the actuator to: output a first haptic effect configured to simulate the first texture if the user interaction is associated with the first section of the display area, and output a second haptic effect configured to simulate the second texture if the user interaction is associated with the second section of the display area. | 09-16-2010 |
20100231550 | Systems and Methods for Friction Displays and Additional Haptic Effects - Systems, methods, and computer program products for providing composite haptic effects are disclosed. One disclosed method includes detecting a touch occurring in a touch area when an object contacts a touch surface and selecting a composite haptic effect to generate in response to the touch, the composite haptic effect including at least one surface-based haptic effect and at least one other effect. Based on the selected composite haptic effect, a first haptic signal can be sent to cause an actuator to vary a coefficient of friction of the touch surface and a second actuator can be caused to provide a second haptic output in addition to the variation in the coefficient of friction. The second haptic signal can be sent to a second actuator or the same actuator(s) used to vary the coefficient of friction can generate the second haptic output. | 09-16-2010 |
20100245232 | Handheld Computer Interface With Haptic Feedback - A handheld computer interface includes an enclosure, a mass coupled to the enclosure, and an actuator coupled to the mass to change a position of the mass relative to the enclosure. When the actuator receives a signal indicating a change in the center of mass of the interface, it changes the position of the mass. | 09-30-2010 |
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 |
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 |
20100287311 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ORDERING HAPTIC EFFECTS - A signal associated with multiple haptic effects is received, each haptic effect from the multiple haptic effects being associated with a time slot from multiple time slots. Each haptic effect from the multiple haptic effects is associated with an effect slot from multiple effect slots at least partially based on the time slot associated with that haptic effect. An output signal is sent for each effect slot from the multiple effect slots, when the associated haptic effect is scheduled for its time slot. | 11-11-2010 |
20100309141 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HAPTIC EFFECTS USING ACTUATORS - A method and apparatus of actuator control mechanisms for haptic effects are disclosed. The apparatus can include an actuator and a controller for controlling a haptic cell. Depending on the type of haptic effect desired, as well as the damping characteristics of the system, the controller can generate a kick-in pulse followed by a main pulse to create an increased acceleration response, and/or a braking pulse to provide a damping effect for a short mechanical type of haptic effect. | 12-09-2010 |
20100309142 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HAPTIC EFFECTS USING ACTUATORS - A method and apparatus of actuator control mechanisms for haptic effects are disclosed. The apparatus can include an actuator and a controller for controlling a haptic cell. Depending on the type of haptic effect desired, as well as the damping characteristics of the system, the controller can generate a kick-in pulse followed by a main pulse to create an increased acceleration response, and/or a breaking pulse to provide a damping effect for a short mechanical type of haptic effect. | 12-09-2010 |
20110021272 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING COMPLEX HAPTIC STIMULATION DURING INPUT OF CONTROL GESTURES, AND RELATING TO CONTROL OF VIRTUAL EQUIPMENT - A system is configured to provide haptic stimulation to a user. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with the performance of one or more control gestures through which the user controls, for example, a game, a real world component or piece of equipment, and/or other entity. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with control of virtual equipment by the user. | 01-27-2011 |
20110043454 | HAPTIC FEEDBACK USING COMPOSITE PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR - Human-computer interface devices are described in the present disclosure. In one embodiment, among several embodiments, a human-computer interface includes a display device configured to visually display images to a user and a touch sensitive device configured to sense contact with the user. Furthermore, the human-computer interface includes a composite piezoelectric layer positioned between the display device and the touch sensitive device. The composite piezoelectric layer is configured to provide haptic feedback to the user. | 02-24-2011 |
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 |
20110121953 | 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. | 05-26-2011 |
20110138277 | HAPTIC EFFECTS WITH PROXIMITY SENSING - A method of generating haptic effects on a device includes detecting the presence of an object near an input area of the device and generating a haptic effect on the device in response to the presence detection. | 06-09-2011 |
20110181403 | GENERATION OF CONSISTENT HAPTIC EFFECTS - A system generates a consistent haptic effect in a handset that includes an actuator. The system determines performance data for the actuator, and generates haptic effect controller parameters from the performance data by comparing the performance data with reference performance data derived from a reference actuator. The system then stores the haptic effect controller parameters on the handset. | 07-28-2011 |
20110244963 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING HAPTIC STIMULUS BASED ON POSITION - Haptic stimulus associated with other sensory content is generated for conveyance to one or more users with the other sensory content. This may enhance the experience provided to the one or more users by the content. The sensory content may include video content, video game content, audio content, and/or other content. The haptic stimulus may be varied based on position information. Such position information may include information related to the position of the one or more users, the position of a controller (e.g., a game controller), the position of an actuator delivering the haptic stimulus, and/or other position information. | 10-06-2011 |
20110261021 | TRANSPARENT COMPOSITE PIEZOELECTRIC COMBINED TOUCH SENSOR AND HAPTIC ACTUATOR - A haptic device includes a substantially transparent composite piezoelectric cell configured to measure a deformation of a surface of the cell and to provide a haptic feedback effect as a result of the deformation. | 10-27-2011 |
20120081326 | MULTI-TOUCH DEVICE HAVING DYNAMIC HAPTIC EFFECTS - A system for generating haptic effects senses at least two generally simultaneous touches on a touchscreen and, in response, generates a dynamic haptic effect. | 04-05-2012 |
20120081327 | MULTI-TOUCH DEVICE HAVING DYNAMIC HAPTIC EFFECTS - A system for generating haptic effects senses at least two generally simultaneous touches on a touchscreen and, in response, generates a dynamic haptic effect. | 04-05-2012 |
20120084467 | HAPTICALLY ENHANCED INTERACTIVITY WITH INTERACTIVE CONTENT - Interactive content may be presented to a user that is manipulating a peripheral. One or more state parameters that are related to the position of the peripheral may be determined. The peripheral may be identified from a plurality of possible peripherals. The interactive content may be adjusted based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or, the identification of the peripheral. Haptic feedback to be provided to the user may be determined based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or the identification of the peripheral. | 04-05-2012 |
20120249464 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ORDERING HAPTIC EFFECTS - A signal associated with multiple haptic effects is received, each haptic effect from the multiple haptic effects being associated with a time slot from multiple time slots. Each haptic effect from the multiple haptic effects is associated with an effect slot from multiple effect slots at least partially based on the time slot associated with that haptic effect. An output signal is sent for each effect slot from the multiple effect slots, when the associated haptic effect is scheduled for its time slot. | 10-04-2012 |
20120268412 | ELECTRO-VIBROTACTILE DISPLAY - A system for generating a haptic effect with an electrostatic device, alone or in combination with actuators or other devices configured to generate a haptic effect. The system may generate the haptic effect to simulate a coefficient of friction or texture on the surface of a user interface, such as a display screen or touchpad. The simulated coefficient of friction may be adjusted to convey other properties on the user interface surface. The system may also include sensors that measure the simulated coefficient of friction and the impedance at the surface. | 10-25-2012 |
20130057509 | HAPTIC OUTPUT DEVICE AND METHOD OF GENERATING A HAPTIC EFFECT IN A HAPTIC OUTPUT DEVICE - A haptic output device includes a touch surface, a sensor configured to sense an input at the touch surface, and a controller configured to read the sensor, identify a location of the input, switch from a read mode to a write mode, and write a voltage based on the location of the input to generate an electrostatic output. | 03-07-2013 |
20130104040 | HAPTICALLY ENHANCED INTERACTIVITY WITH INTERACTIVE CONTENT - Interactive content may be presented to a user that is manipulating a peripheral. One or more state parameters that are related to the position of the peripheral may be determined. The peripheral may be identified from a plurality of possible peripherals. The interactive content may be adjusted based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or the identification of the peripheral. Haptic feedback to be provided to the user may be determined based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or the identification of the peripheral. | 04-25-2013 |
20130113715 | Systems and Methods for Multi-Pressure Interaction on Touch-Sensitive Surfaces - Systems and methods for multi-pressure interaction on touch-sensitive surfaces are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment of a method comprises receiving a first sensor signal from a touch-sensitive input device in response to a first contact of a first object on the touch-sensitive input device, the first sensor signal comprising a first location and a first pressure of the first contact, receiving a second sensor signal from the touch-sensitive input device in response to a second contact of a second object on the touch-sensitive input device substantially simultaneously with the first contact, the second sensor signal comprising a second location of the second contact and a second pressure of the second contact, generating a signal based at least in part on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, the signal configured to cause a haptic effect, and outputting the signal. | 05-09-2013 |
20130162579 | HAPTIC FEEDBACK USING COMPOSITE PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR - An input/output device includes a touch sensitive layer configured to sense if an object touches the touch sensitive layer and to sense where the touch sensitive layer is contacted, a first electrode layer and second electrode layer, at least a portion of one of the first electrode layer and second electrode layer connected to at least a portion of the touch sensitive layer, and a composite piezoelectric layer connected between the first electrode layer and second electrode layer. The composite piezoelectric layer has a plurality of piezoelectric rods arranged in a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix provides the composite piezoelectric layer with a predetermined property. A drive circuit is configured to apply an alternating voltage to the first electrode layer and second electrode layer in response to the sensed object. | 06-27-2013 |
20130214914 | 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. | 08-22-2013 |
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 |
20130314354 | MULTI-TOUCH DEVICE HAVING DYNAMIC HAPTIC EFFECTS - A system for generating haptic effects senses at least two generally simultaneous touches on a touchscreen and, in response, generates a dynamic haptic effect. | 11-28-2013 |
20130331157 | PROGRAMMABLE GAME-BASED HAPTIC ENABLED GUN CONTROLLER - Various systems, game controllers, and methods for simulating various objects such as weapons are provided. For example, a game controller may include a trigger, a processor within the body that receives a trigger signal when the trigger is activated by the user. The processor may communicate with a computer running a software program such as a gaming application, and an actuator coupled to the trigger, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the trigger in response to receiving a control signal from the processor. The game controller may simulate a gun and generate a recoil effect. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by impacting a moving mass from a discharge end of the gun to a handle end of the gun. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by using a body part of a user as a tether. | 12-12-2013 |
20130335454 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPRESENTING USER INTERFACE METAPHORS AS PHYSICAL CHANGES ON A SHAPE-CHANGING DEVICE - An electronic device having a user interface device that has a flexible surface, a haptic output device operatively coupled to the flexible surface and configured to cause a deformation of the flexible surface, and a controller in signal communication with the haptic output device. The controller is configured to trigger the haptic output device to cause the deformation of the flexible surface based on a simulated physical behavior of a virtual element represented on the user interface. | 12-19-2013 |
20140009273 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING COMPLEX HAPTIC STIMULATION DURING INPUT OF CONTROL GESTURES, AND RELATING TO CONTROL OF VIRTUAL EQUIPMENT - A system is configured to provide haptic stimulation to a user. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with the performance of one or more control gestures through which the user controls, for example, a game, a real world component or piece of equipment, and/or other entity. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with control of virtual equipment by the user. | 01-09-2014 |
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 |
20140043228 | System and method for providing haptic stimulus based on position - A method of producing a haptic effect includes receiving a sensory content signal from a user interface device, receiving a sensor signal of a body position of a first body part of a user with respect to a second body part of the user, generating the haptic effect using the sensory content signal and the sensor signal, and applying a drive signal to a haptic actuator to produce the haptic effect. | 02-13-2014 |
20140068110 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ORDERING HAPTIC EFFECTS - A signal associated with multiple haptic effects is received, each haptic effect from the multiple haptic effects being associated with a time slot from multiple time slots. Each haptic effect from the multiple haptic effects is associated with an effect slot from multiple effect slots at least partially based on the time slot associated with that haptic effect. An output signal is sent for each effect slot from the multiple effect slots, when the associated haptic effect is scheduled for its time slot. | 03-06-2014 |
20140256438 | HAPTIC SENSATIONS AS A FUNCTION OF EYE GAZE - Systems, electronic devices, and methods provide haptic sensations as a function of eye gaze. A system may include a detector configured to determine a direction of an eye gaze of a user of the system, a processor configured to generate signal representative of a haptic effect based on the direction of the eye gaze, and a haptic output device configured to receive the signal from the processor and output the haptic effect to the user. A method for providing a haptic effect to a user of a system may include determining a direction of an eye gaze of the user of the system, generating a haptic effect based on the direction of the eye gaze, and outputting the haptic effect to the user. | 09-11-2014 |
20140266647 | WEARABLE HAPTIC DEVICE - A wearable device may be configured to generate feedback based on an event that occurs in an environment related to the wearable device. The wearable device may include, for example, a processor configured to generate a control signal representative of an event occurring in an environment related to the wearable device and at least a first haptic output device disposed at a first position at the wearable device. The first haptic output device may be configured to provide haptic feedback based on the generated control signal. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267013 | USER INTERFACE DEVICE PROVIDED WITH SURFACE HAPTIC SENSATIONS - A user interface device includes a housing, a user input element supported by the housing, and a haptic output device supported by the housing. The haptic output device is configured to generate a haptic effect at a surface of the user interface device. The surface is part of the housing and/or the user input element. A processor disposed within the housing. The processor is configured to receive an input command from the user input element, communicate the input command to a host computer, receive an output command from the host computer, and output a haptic signal based on the output command to the haptic output device to generate the haptic effect at the surface. | 09-18-2014 |
20140274398 | PROGRAMMABLE HAPTIC PERIPHERAL - A system includes a host computer, a processor, and a haptic peripheral. The haptic peripheral includes a manipulandum movable in at least one degree of freedom, an inertial haptic output device, and a haptic output device. The inertial haptic output device is coupled to the manipulandum, and is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and output a transient haptic effect to the manipulandum in response to the control signal from the processor. The haptic output device is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and modify the stiffness of the manipulandum in response to the control signal from the processor. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281958 | HAPTICALLY ENHANCED INTERACTIVITY WITH INTERACTIVE CONTENT - Interactive content may be presented to a user that is manipulating a peripheral. One or more state parameters that are related to the position of the peripheral may be determined. The peripheral may be identified from a plurality of possible peripherals. The interactive content may be adjusted based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or the identification of the peripheral. Haptic feedback to be provided to the user may be determined based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or the identification of the peripheral. | 09-18-2014 |
20140315642 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A HAPTIC-ENABLED TRIGGER - A haptic peripheral comprising a housing, a user input element, a position sensor coupled to the user input element, and an actuator located within the housing and coupled to the user input element. The position sensor is configured to detect a position of the user input element and is configured to send the position to a processor. The actuator is configured to receive a haptic effect drive signal from the processor and is configured to output a force in response to the haptic effect drive signal from the processor. The force is transmitted to the user input element as a kinesthetic haptic effect. The haptic peripheral may include a mechanical amplification system coupled to the actuator and configured to increase the force output by the actuator. In such an embodiment, the increased force is transmitted from the mechanical amplification system to the user input element as a kinesthetic haptic effect. The user input element may be a button, joystick, or trigger and is manipulated by a user to interact with a host computer. | 10-23-2014 |
20140320436 | SIMULATION OF TANGIBLE USER INTERFACE INTERACTIONS AND GESTURES USING ARRAY OF HAPTIC CELLS - A user interface device includes a flexible layer comprising a touch surface configured to receive a touch by a user, a plurality of haptic cells covered by the flexible layer, each haptic cell comprising a haptic output device, a sensor configured to sense an amount and/or rate of deformation of the flexible layer when a user touches the touch surface, and a processor configured to receive an output signal from the sensor, generate a haptic control signal based on the output signal from the sensor, and output the haptic control signal to at least one haptic output device of the plurality of haptic cells to cause the haptic output device to deform an associated haptic cell in response to the sensed deformation of the flexible layer. | 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 |
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 |
20150054768 | HAPTIC EFFECTS WITH PROXIMITY SENSING - A method of generating a haptic effect on a device includes detecting a position of an object relative to the device. The method further includes, based at least on the position, determining a gesture indicated by the object, and generating the haptic effect on the device based on the determined gesture, where the haptic effect is generated without the object contacting the device. | 02-26-2015 |
20150058722 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ORDERING HAPTIC EFFECTS - A signal associated with multiple haptic effects is received, each haptic effect from the multiple haptic effects being associated with a time slot from multiple time slots. Each haptic effect from the multiple haptic effects is associated with an effect slot from multiple effect slots at least partially based on the time slot associated with that haptic effect. An output signal is sent for each effect slot from the multiple effect slots, when the associated haptic effect is scheduled for its time slot. | 02-26-2015 |