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Thermal Haptic Effects

a technology of haptic feedback and thermal energy, applied in the field of haptic feedback system, can solve the problem of distributing minimal information

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-05-14
IMMERSION CORPORATION
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device that uses cells to create thermal haptic feedback. These cells are controlled by a processor, which allows them to generate heat or cooling effects independently. This technology can create unique haptic experiences, such as a simulated wind effect, by making some cells hot or cold and changing others from hot to cold.

Problems solved by technology

However, the known uses of thermal haptic effects is fairly basic and is only able to impart minimal information to the user, especially when compared to other known haptic effects such as vibration based haptic effects.

Method used

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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0008]One embodiment is a thermal haptic system that can provide both heat and cold to a user in localized areas to provide complex haptic effects.

[0009]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a thermal haptic system 10 in accordance with one embodiment. System 10 includes a garment or wearable object 20 that is designed to be worn by a user or otherwise located near a user so that it is touching the user's skin. Coupled to garment 20 is a processor 24, and memory 22. Processor 24 may be any general purpose processor or controller, or any device that can execute instructions. Memory 22 is any type of storage media that can store instructions and other data. Garment 20, for example, may be a glove, sleeve, pant leg, neck covering, shoe, hat, etc. Garment 20 may be embedded within a larger garment or clothing. Garment 20 may be flexible so it can be wrapped around a portion of a user's body. Processor 24 is coupled to garment 20 through one or more wires 23.

[0010]Garment 20 includes multiple cel...

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PUM

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Abstract

A thermal haptic feedback device includes a plurality of cells coupled to a processor. The processor controls each of the cells so that each cell can independently generate heating or cooling effects. Unique haptic effects, such as a simulated wind effect, can be generated by causing some cells to be hot or cold, or changing some of the cells from hot to cold.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a haptic feedback system. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a thermal haptic feedback system.BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0002]Electronic device manufacturers strive to produce a rich interface for users. Conventional devices use visual and auditory cues to provide feedback to a user. In some interface devices, kinesthetic feedback (such as active and resistive force feedback) and / or tactile feedback (such as vibration, texture, and heat) is also provided to the user, more generally known collectively as “haptic feedback” or “haptic effects”.[0003]Some known haptic feedback systems use heating or cooling haptic effects (collectively, “thermal haptics effects”) in addition to force feedback effects. However, the known uses of thermal haptic effects is fairly basic and is only able to impart minimal information to the user, especially when compared to other known haptic...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F25B21/02
CPCG06F3/016G06F3/011
Inventor RAMSAY, ERIN B.OLIEN, NEIL T.
Owner IMMERSION CORPORATION
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