Skin stretch feedback devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate devices, systems, methods, and for displaying information about the direction and magnitude of position, movement, and / or resistive force experienced for an object. The present disclosure also provides a shear display device that can generate skin shear with one or more tactors, each moving in a two- or three-dimensional space. The movement of the tactors can represent to a user various information about an object.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of and priority to: Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No. PCT / US13 / 32053, filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled “SKIN STRETCH FEEDBACK DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 659,421, filed Jun. 13, 2012, entitled “SKIN STRETCH FEEDBACK DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 659,452, filed Jun. 14, 2012, entitled “SKIN STRETCH FEEDBACK DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 660,162, filed Jun. 15, 2012, entitled “SKIN STRETCH FEEDBACK DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS”; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 961,586 filed Oct. 18, 2013. The entire content of each of the above-referenced applications is incorporated herein by this reference.BACKGROUND[0002]The field of haptics is the science of interfacing with users via the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for displaying information about the movement of an object or the resistance a user encounters while moving it. The device includes a shear display device with a body, a first motor, and a crank coupled to the first motor. The device also has a slider and a tactor that can move in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. The device can display information about the object or the user's movement in a tactile way, making it easier for them to control and interact with the object. The technical effects of the patent text include improved control and feedback for users and improved user experience.

Problems solved by technology

In some instances, however, such stimuli can interfere with the user's ability to accurately and / or safely manipulate the controller that provides such haptic feedback.

For example, force feedback on a controller that is used to operate a crane can result in unintended movements of the user's hand, which may, in turn, move the controller to an unintended position, thereby causing an accident.

Similar results occur in video games when utilizing a force feedback joystick to control game play; however, this resulting loss of control has less catastrophic consequences.

Hence, in some instances, vibration feedback and especially force feedback may reduce safety of operation of a controller that integrates such haptic feedback mechanisms.

Such concerns are the reason why force feedback of tool tip forces are not currently permitted in robotically enabled surgical applications.

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