33 results about "Tactile transducer" patented technology

A vibrotactile transducer provides a point-like vibrational stimulus to the body of a user in response to an electrical input. The apparatus includes a housing held in contact with the skin and a moving mechanical contactor protruding through in an opening in said housing and preloaded into skin. The contactor is attached to a torroidal moving magnet assembly suspended by springs in a magnetic circuit assembly consisting of a housing containing a pair of electrical coils. The mass of the magnet / contactor assembly and the compliance of the spring are chosen so that the electromechanical resonance of the motional masses, when loaded by a typical skin site on the human body, are in a frequency band where the human body is most sensitive to vibrational stimuli. By varying the drive signal to the vibrotactile transducer and activating one or more transducer at specific location on the body using an appropriate choice of signal characteristics and / or modulation, different information can be provided to a user in a intuitive, body referenced manner.

An eccentric mass (EM) motor in a vibrotactile transducer provides a wide band vibrational stimulus to a mechanical load in response to an electrical input. The eccentric mass and motor may form part of the transducer actuator moving mass, which is in contact with a load, i.e, the skin of a user. The moving mass and the actuator housing may be in simultaneous contact with the load. The moving mass may be guided by a spring between the actuator housing and the moving mass. The load, moving mass, spring compliance, and housing mass make up a moving mass resonant system. The spring compliance and system component masses may be configured to maximize the actuator displacement and / or tailor the transducer response to a desired level. This configuration may be implemented as a low-mass wearable wide-band vibrotactile transducer.

A device, system, and method of assistance for visually impaired users. The system comprises a plurality of video cameras, often head mounted, computer processors and associated support devices and algorithms configured for computer vision, and a user worn haptic band comprising a plurality (two or more) of distantly spaced haptic transducers. This haptic band is worn such that user's hands are free for other tasks. The system uses its video camera, depth processing algorithms, and object recognition algorithms (hardware and / or software based) to identify a limited number of navigationally important objects. The spatial locations of each object deemed important is output to the user by varying output to the haptic transducers accordingly. The system is configured to identify and report objects as generic objects, identified objects, and potential obstacle objects. The system can also optionally provide audio information pertaining to these objects as well.

A device, system, and method of assistance for visually impaired users. The system comprises a plurality of video cameras, often head mounted, computer processors and associated support devices and algorithms configured for computer vision, and a user worn haptic band comprising a plurality (two or more) of distantly spaced haptic transducers. This haptic band is worn such that user's hands are free for other tasks. The system uses its video camera, depth processing algorithms, and object recognition algorithms (hardware and / or software based) to identify a limited number of navigationally important objects. The spatial locations of each object deemed important is output to the user by varying output to the haptic transducers accordingly. The system is configured to identify and report objects as generic objects, identified objects, and potential obstacle objects. The system can also optionally provide audio information or tactile graphics display information pertaining to these objects as well.

A portable electronic device (100) includes a vibrating transducer having a resilient support and a first mass supported by the first resilient support forming a mechanical resonator, and an electrical circuit coupled to the first vibrating transducer to apply a drive signal. A plurality of tactile vibration transducers (130, 140) can work in unison to produce strong tactile stimulus (216, 228, 230).

A portable electronic device (100) includes a vibrating transducer having a resilient support and a first mass supported by the first resilient support forming a mechanical resonator, and an electrical circuit coupled to the first vibrating transducer to apply a drive signal. A plurality of tactile vibration transducers (130, 140) can work in unison to produce strong tactile stimulus (216, 228, 230).

A tactile metronome for use by a musician generally includes a signal generator for producing an electrical signal according to a desired timing scheme and a tactile transducer in electrical communication with the signal generator. The tactile transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a tactile sensation to the musician in response to the generated electrical signal. A strap, which may be formed from an elastic material or a soft cloth material with hook and loop fasteners, is provided to secure the tactile transducer in place on the musician's body.

A method of presenting audio signals to a user is comprised of receiving audio signals to be presented, separating the audio signals into plural discrete frequency components extending from a low frequency to a high frequency, translating each of the frequency components into control signals, and applying the control signals to an array of tactile transducers for sensing by the user.

The apparatus and methods of the present invention provide improved accuracy of response for a tactile transducer included in a body-mounted device such as a headphone, VR / AR headset or similar device. Accuracy is increased through the application of digital signal processing, such as with Infinite Impulse Response filters or Finite Impulse Response filters.

A metronome used by one or more musician generally includes a signal generator for producing an electrical signal according to a desired timing scheme and one or more tactile transducers in wireless communication with the signal generator. Each tactile transducer is designed to wear by musician and contained in a wearable housing, the housing does not include electric source for supplying electricity to the transducer. The signal generator controlled by conductor, bandleader, lead musician or music instructor can output electric signal on a plurality of independent communication channels corresponding to a plurality of independent timing scheme, and also be suitable for generating output with presetting time-shift between the signals.

A tactile rhythm generator for use by an athlete in training generally includes a signal generator for producing an electrical signal according to a desired timing scheme and a tactile transducer in electrical communication with the signal generator. The tactile transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a tactile sensation to the athlete in response to the generated electrical signal. A strap, which may be formed from an elastic material or a soft cloth material with hook and loop fasteners, is provided to secure the tactile transducer in place on the musician's body.

An improved method of treating depression in a person can be generally said to include applying to a body area of the person a therapeutic stimulation device having a tactile transducer that is positioned proximate the body area, and emitting with the tactile transducer a vibrational output toward the body area. A therapeutic stimulation device and a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium are also disclosed.

One embodiment of the present disclosure sets forth a technique for determining the location of an object with a haptic transducer device. The technique includes configuring one or more haptic transducer devices to output a ping. The technique further includes configuring the one or more haptic transducer devices to detect a ping echo associated with the ping. The technique further includes identifying a location of an object based on the ping echo. The technique further includes configuring the one or more haptic transducer devices to generate haptic output based on the location of the object.

Presenting audio signals to a user is comprised of receiving audio signals to be presented, separating the audio signals into plural discrete frequency components extending from a low frequency to a high frequency, translating each of the frequency components into control signals, and applying the control signals to an array of tactile transducers for sensing by the user.

A method of manufacturing a tactile transducer includes providing a substrate; performing a surface treatment on the substrate by using an electrolysis system; depositing a buffer layer on the substrate; forming a layer of a piezoactive thin film on the substrate; baking the piezoactive thin film; annealing the piezoactive thin film; performing a poling process on the piezoactive thin film; and depositing a top electrode on the piezoactive thin film.

The apparatus and methods of the present invention provide improved accuracy of response for a tactile transducer included in a body-mounted device such as a headphone, VR / AR headset or similar device. Accuracy is increased through the application of digital signal processing, such as with Infinite Impulse Response filters or Finite Impulse Response filters.

A tactile metronome for use by a musician generally includes a signal generator for producing an electrical signal according to a desired timing scheme and a tactile transducer in electrical communication with the signal generator. The tactile transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a tactile sensation to the musician in response to the generated electrical signal. A strap, which may be formed from an elastic material or a soft cloth material with hook and loop fasteners, is provided to secure the tactile transducer in place on the musician's body.

A Therapeutic High Backed Reclining Gaming Chair with Surround Sound and a Tactile Transducer. The chair is designed using Human Factors Engineering. Design characteristics are specifically fashioned to afford therapeutic support and comfort based on the typical movements of seated gaming participants. It is a recliner with targeted padded support, fixed armrests, adjustable headrest, footrest and a repository for gaming remotes and controllers. 5.1 Surround Sound is provided via a plurality of speakers recessed within the chair core and strategically directed toward the occupant. The chair core contains sound deadening materials. There is minimal sound bleeding. Vibrational energy is transmitted including controlling sound and vibrations, which are transmitted through speakers and the transducer. An Infrared Remote Control induces a Transmitter to communicate with a Central Processing Unit in the Chair. A programmable chip within the Central Processing Unit directs communications with the speakers and transducer.

A haptic actuator comprising a base and a haptic transducer at least partially suspended by the base. The haptic transducer comprises a substrate and a smart material operably connected to the substrate. The smart material has resonance in response to an electrical signal having a determined frequency, and the resonance causes the haptic transducer to vibrate and deliver a haptic effect.

In one aspect of the exemplary embodiments of this invention an apparatus includes a user interface that contains a plurality of input modalities and a plurality of output modalities, and a data processor coupled with the user interface and configurable to present a user with a content item that includes a plurality of attributes. In response to user input that data processor is operable to partition at least some of the attributes into a plurality of presentation tokens, where an individual presentation token comprises at least one attribute. The data processor is further configurable to respond to further user input to define one of the plurality of input modalities to generate a trigger condition for individual ones of the presentation tokens, where generation of a trigger condition results in an associated presentation token being made manifest to the user. The plurality of input modalities may include two or more of physical or virtual keys, an input acoustic transducer, a speech recognition unit, and a gesture detection unit, and where the plurality of output modalities may include two or more of an output acoustic transducer, a speech synthesis unit, a vibro-tactile transducer, and a display screen.

An infant sleep inducing device that in application, simulates the vibrations that occur in an automobile to soothe a restless infant. The infant sleep inducing device generally comprising a playback device connected to an amplifier, a tactile transducer, a battery source, a housing that defines an inner chamber, and a mounting bracket. A top panel is releasably attached to the housing and includes a central opening. The playback device, amplifier, and battery source are contained within the inner chamber in such a way as to define a recessed portion in the inner chamber. The recessed portion is aligned with the central opening of the top panel. The tactile transducer is received within the recessed portion and a head of the transducer is aligned to project through the central opening of the top panel and is in direct contact with a surface area, such as a surface portion of the infant carrier to transmit physical vibrational impulses to the surface area.

A device (10) used by a drummer to produce low frequency signals in response to the playing of a bass drum (D). Low frequency signals from the device are first amplified and then sent to a subwoofer near the drummer, or tactile transducer connected to the drummer's chair (C). This results in a powerful shaking effect each time the drum is struck. The device is used in a stand alone audio circuit and does not require connection into a band's complete audio system. This is important because it allows the drummer to feel a powerful shaking effect each time the drum is struck when practicing or while playing in situations where an audio system is limited or non-existent.

A metronome used by one or more musician generally includes a signal generator for producing an electrical signal according to a desired timing scheme and one or more tactile transducers in wireless communication with the signal generator. Each tactile transducer is designed to wear by musician and contained in a wearable housing, the housing does not include electric source for supplying electricity to the transducer. The signal generator controlled by conductor, bandleader, lead musician or music instructor can output electric signal on a plurality of independent communication channels corresponding to a plurality of independent timing scheme, and also be suitable for generating output with presetting time-shift between the signals.

Embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for outputting a haptic signal to a haptic transducer. A method for triggering a haptic signal being output to a haptic transducer comprises receiving an audio signal for output through an audio output transducer; determining whether the audio signal comprises a haptic trigger based on an indication of a rate of change of an amplitude ofthe audio signal, and responsive to determining that the audio signal comprises a haptic trigger, triggering the haptic signal to be output to the haptic transducer.

An infrasound drive system and method are disclosed. An infrasound drive system includes a control circuit for transmitting a data signal and a power signal, and one or more infrasound drive that includes an input terminal, an amplifier and a tactile transducer. In one or more infrasound drives, the amplifier receives a power signal from the power channel and a data signal from the data channel. The amplifier outputs an amplified signal to the tactile transducer. The tactile transducer generates a tactile vibration based on the data signal and the power signal. An infrasound drive can be disposed in a housing and transmit a haptic force to a user in contact with the housing. A user can limit the haptic force transmitted by the infrasound drive. The power channel and the data channel can be provided by a power over Ethernet (PoE) cable.