38 results about "Vibrotactile stimulation" patented technology

A system and method for providing therapy and assessment utilizing vibrotactile feedback is disclosed. Such treatment is useful for the assessment and treatment of disequilibrium, movement and balance disorders. The system and method measures a subject's performance of predetermined tasks with respect to expected parameters using sensors such as force plates, inertial sensors, and three dimensional cameras. Predetermined motions are motions such as stand, sit-to-stand, reach, bend, functional gait, functional gait plus headshake, and other functional tasks. Vibrotactile stimulation may be applied during the subject's performance as disruptive input. Variance and rate of change of variance between measured and expected parameters is used as a tool for assessment of said subject, and is also used for providing real-time vibrotactile training to said subject. The invention is useful in the treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), neurologic disorders causing disequilibrium and balance disorders, and the like.

An apparatus generates a cutaneous sense stimulus to call a subject attention to a change in posture based on posture change information (the amount of change in the barycenter, a changing direction of the same, and the like) from a device for detecting a change in posture of the subject. The apparatus has stimulus generating means (a plurality of vibrators) for generating a cutaneous sense stimulus, and stimulus control means for driving the stimulus generating means based on the posture change information. The control means comprises means for selecting a plurality of vibrators arranged substantially parallel with the changing direction based on the changing direction of the barycenter, and sequentially driving the selected vibrators, for example, in a direction substantially opposite to the direction in which the barycenter changes. The control means also drives the vibrators to generate the tactile sense stimulus of a magnitude corresponding to a changing amount of the barycenter. The vibrators are mounted on plantar soles, waist, chest, or the like. The apparatus can accurately notify the subject of a change in posture, and prompt the subject to take actions to maintain the posture.

A system and method for providing therapy and assessment utilizing vibrotactile feedback is disclosed and claimed. Such treatment is useful for the treatment of disequilibrium and balance disorders. The system and method uses sensors such as force plates, inertial sensors, and three dimensional cameras to provide a subject with vibrotactile feedback in response to an attempt by the subject to perform predetermined motions. Predetermined motions are motions such as stand, sit-to-stand, reach, bend, functional gait, functional gait plus headshake, and other functional tasks. Vibrotactile stimulation may be applied during the subject's performance of a functional gait task as a disruptive input. Variance and rate of change of variance between measured and expected parameters are determined and used as a tool for assessment, and may also be used for providing real-time vibrotactile training. Such assessment and therapy is useful in the treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

A planar reciprocating actuator (PRA) provides a linear motor configured and optimized for small displacement and oscillation, and can use the effect of a designed mechanical or magnetic spring to increase the amplitude of displacement at certain operating points. The PRA is intended to be used in vibrotactile and haptic applications. The PRA can generate various types of vibratory characteristics that may be perceived as distinct and readily user-identifiable haptic stimuli.

To provide the user with the relationship between the scrolling speed in scroll-displaying and an operation performed on an input surface, a tactile stimulus control apparatus includes an intensity determination unit and a tactile stimulus control unit. In a case where an operation performed by a manipulator on the input surface provided corresponding to a display unit is detected while an image is scroll-displayed by the display unit, the intensity determination unit determines the intensity of a tactile stimulus to be provided to the manipulator based on the scrolling speed at the timing of detection of the operation. The tactile stimulus control unit controls a tactile stimulus generating unit, which is configured to generate the tactile stimulus to be provided to the manipulator, to generate the tactile stimulus with the intensity determined by the intensity determination unit.

Embodiments of tactile stimulation apparatuses and components of such apparatuses are generally described herein. For example, in one embodiment, a tactile stimulation apparatus is provided. This tactile stimulation apparatus has a composite section comprising an insulation region and a semiconducting region that is proximate to the insulation region. This insulation region is touchable by a body member. Additionally included is a voltage source proximate to the semiconducting region. Here, the voltage source is configured to charge the semiconducting region to an electric potential, which produces an electrosensory sensation on the body member.

A device for providing tactile stimulation of a subject via a pulse of compressible fluid, typically for medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The device preferably includes a high pressure fluid source and a low pressure fluid source. A pressure valve selectively connects the pressure sources to an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit includes an applicator for directing pulses against the skin of a subject. The pulses may be applied via one applicator or a plurality of applicators, and may be applied in one pattern or several patterns at various application sites. A method of providing tactile stimulation is also disclosed.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to vibrometers, vibrometric systems, and methods of using the same. In particular, some embodiments of the vibrometers are capable of producing vibrotactile stimulation at any frequency between 1 and 500 Hz. Moreover, some embodiments of the vibrometer and / or vibrometric system are capable of applying vibrotactile stimulation to a test subject's skin to determine the existence of peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, some embodiments of the method can provide test subjects with comparative vibrotactile threshold test results that can aid in discovering and / or managing of peripheral neuropathy.

A vibroacoustic system includes a shell having a plurality of transducers mounted in an energy transmitting relation thereto. The transducers receive input signals having distinct wave characteristics and drive the shell to simultaneously produce both a vibratory experience effected by a tactile stimulus and an auditory experience effected by an aural stimulus.

This invention generally provides two tactile stimulation modules, or “tappers”. One tapper is held by a person in each of his hands. Alternatively, a tapper is secured to each wrist or to other parts of the body on opposite sides. Each tapper is powered by a rechargeable battery, and contains both a tactile stimulation transducer, such as an electric motor having either a balanced or unbalanced mass on its output shaft, and a transceiver that communicates with a host or master. Each tapper includes at least one control button and a status indicator. Each tapper contains a micro-controller that performs tasks such as communication, motor activation, user monitoring and control, battery monitoring, low-power sleep, and algorithm execution. At least one tapper can contain at least one optional sensor, which measures a physiological function. Measurements can be used to modify performance of the tactile stimulation transducers.

The invention discloses an electro-tactile feedback device and a surgical robot provided with the same. The electro-tactile feedback device comprises a multi-dimensional force sensor and an electro-tactile feedback system, detects force information contact between surgical instruments and sicken tissues in actual minimally invasive surgeries and transfers the force information to an electro-tactile control system. The electro-tactile control system comprises a master control module and a current stimulation module, wherein the master control module receives a signal output by the multi-dimensional force sensor, sends an instrument to the current stimulation module, provides tactile stimulation feedback through the current stimulation module, feeds real-time force information back to an operator and accordingly can guide the operator to exert an accurate acting force. Accordingly, the surgical robot provided with the electro-tactile feedback device can effectively improve the accuracy and stability of surgical operation.

A system for evaluating neurologic dysfunction of a subject includes an odorant generator configured to deliver an odorant stimulation to the subject, an auditory generator configured to deliver an audible stimulation to the subject, a vibrotactile stimulator configured to generate a somatosensory stimulation to the subject, a plurality of electrodes configured to be attached to the subject at respective different locations, and at least one processor. The plurality of electrodes are configured to collect neural signals from the subject as a result of the odorant stimulation, the audible stimulation, and the somatosensory stimulation. The at least one processor is configured to process the neural signals from the plurality of electrodes and generate an assessment of neurologic dysfunction of the subject.

The invention discloses an execution control attention measurement system and method based on finger vibration tactile stimulation. The system comprises a main control module, a driven control module, a vibration tactile module, and an anti-interference module; the main control module can be used for controlling a driven control module to drive a vibration tactile module to stimulate a user, and receiving user feedback to measure the reaction time of the user and calculating the execution control attention of the user according to the reaction time of the user; the driven control module can be used for driving the vibration tactile module to produce vibrations with different intensities; the vibration tactile module is arranged on a finger of the user, can produce vibrations with different intensities on the finger of the user for vibration tactile stimulation; the anti-interference module is used in the measurement process and worn on the user to isolate the user from the voice interference and visual interference in the external environment. The system solves the problem that it is difficult to measure the execution control attention when the visual channel is damaged. The execution control attention measurement system is simple in operation, convenient to measure and high in measurement efficiency.

The invention discloses an implementation method for wearable human body basic posture recognition. The method comprises the following steps: a wearer collecting picture information through a worn camera to extract figure posture features in the image, triggering a vibration motor worn by the wearer by applying dynamic tactile coding, controlling vibration units in a vibration motor dot matrix tovibrate according to a certain frequency, time sequence and rhythm, and generating dynamic vibration tactile stimulation to the wearer, so that the wearer senses the posture features of the wearer inthe image through the tactile stimulation. Picture information can be collected through the camera, posture features of the picture information are extracted, the vibration motor is triggered throughdynamic tactile coding, dynamic vibration tactile stimulation is generated, a wearer can perceive the posture features of a person in an image through the tactile stimulation, and the advantages of being portable, small in size, low in energy consumption and easy to operate are achieved.

The invention provides a tactile stimulation module and a multi-channel tactile stimulation device, and relates to the technical field of tactile function brain spectrums. The tactile stimulation module comprises a fixed frame, piezoelectric bending type drivers, a steering driver and a guide wire. The fixed frame comprises a containing cavity, and the piezoelectric bending type drivers are suspended in the containing cavity. The steering driver is arranged on the fixed frame and is connected with the free ends of the piezoelectric bending type drivers and is used for converting the displacement generated by the piezoelectric bending type drivers into force parallel to the stimulation direction. The guide wire comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is fixed on the steering driver, and the second end penetrates through the fixed frame in the stimulation direction and extends out of the fixed frame. The tactile stimulation module disclosed by the invention has relatively high stimulation frequency and relatively high resolution. The tactile stimulation module can be freely combined into the multi-channel tactile stimulation device according to the required number of channels, and can alleviate the problems of insufficient channel number, small selection operation frequency, low resolution and the like in a tactile brain activity experiment.

A handheld device configured to provide tactile stimulation to a head of a human user. The handheld device comprises an outer housing sized and shaped to fit ergonomically and substantially within a hand of the human user. The outer housing defines an internal space and skin facing surface for placement adjacent to or proximate the user's head. A controller is contained within internal space of the outer housing, wherein the controller is configured to generate a signal corresponding to a pattern sequence. A vibration unit is in electronic communication with the controller, the vibration unit being configured to be actuated in response to a signal from the controller so as to generate vibrations that correspond to the pattern sequence.

The invention relates to an anti-sleepiness earphone control method. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring an anti-sleepiness mode starting signal, starting an anti-sleepiness mode operation, and providing auditory stimulation and / or tactile stimulation to prevent a user from entering a sleep state. Auditory stimulation and / or tactile stimulation are / is provided to prevent a user from entering a sleep state, thus the user is in a waking state. Compared with other existing stimulation modes, the user can be kept excited continuously, so that a new method is provided for relievingthe fatigue state, and safety accidents caused by dozing of the user during work or wearing of earphones are avoided. The invention also provides an anti-sleepiness earphone.

The present invention relates to a therapeutic system and methods of using the therapeutic system. In particular, the present invention relates to systems having hardware, software, and appliance components for assessing and entraining a neuromuscular pattern or behavior in a patient. The methods include configuring the hardware and software systems to receive data from an orofacial stimulation appliance and to generate a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus. In one embodiment, the system and methods also include collecting data using the orofacial stimulation appliance and delivering the tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized neuromuscular pattern or behavior.

A method for providing tactile stimulation is applied in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a touch-sensitive screen and a tactile stimulation multilayer connected to the touch-sensitive screen. The tactile stimulation multilayer includes a number of electrodes. The method includes follow steps: displaying a number of game objects set by a game; determining each touched position of a slide operation; determining whether a first distance between one touched position and one target position is less than a predetermined distance; if yes, energizing the determined electrode corresponding to the touched position with a predetermined electrical parameter; determining whether a second distance between a new touched position and the target position is different from the first distance; if yes, altering the predetermined electronic parameter according to a difference between the first and the second distances; and energizing the electrode corresponding to the new touched position with the altered electrical parameter.

A tactile stimulating device that is either floor mounted and portable, or a ceiling mounted unit that provides for therapeutic tactile stimulation to a person is disclosed. The tactile stimulating device rotates a variety of materials to create tactile stimulation in a random pattern on the user. The random stimulation pattern is achieved through rotation provided by a main rotational bar, followed by rotation of a first and second rotational bar that are located at opposite ends of the main rotational bar. The tactile stimulating device may be set up and operated by the user and has a timing device to shut down the device automatically, negating the need for the user to move to turn off the device after being in a relaxed state.

Embodiments of tactile stimulation apparatuses and components of such apparatuses are generally described herein. For example, in one embodiment, a tactile stimulation apparatus is provided. This tactile stimulation apparatus has a composite section comprising an insulation region and a semiconducting region that is proximate to the insulation region. This insulation region is touchable by a body member. Additionally included is a voltage source proximate to the semiconducting region. Here, the voltage source is configured to charge the semiconducting region to an electric potential, which produces an electrosensory sensation on the body member.

The invention discloses an execution control attention measurement system and method based on finger vibration tactile stimulation. The system comprises a main control module, a driven control module, a vibration tactile module, and an anti-interference module; the main control module can be used for controlling a driven control module to drive a vibration tactile module to stimulate a user, and receiving user feedback to measure the reaction time of the user and calculating the execution control attention of the user according to the reaction time of the user; the driven control module can be used for driving the vibration tactile module to produce vibrations with different intensities; the vibration tactile module is arranged on a finger of the user, can produce vibrations with different intensities on the finger of the user for vibration tactile stimulation; the anti-interference module is used in the measurement process and worn on the user to isolate the user from the voice interference and visual interference in the external environment. The system solves the problem that it is difficult to measure the execution control attention when the visual channel is damaged. The execution control attention measurement system is simple in operation, convenient to measure and high in measurement efficiency.

The invention provides a portable multi-sense organ stimulation device, which comprises: a shell body; a multi-sense organ stimuli origin being arranged in the shell body, and including a cognition stimuli origin, a vision stimuli origin, an olfaction stimuli origin, a hearing stimuli origin and a feeling stimuli origin; a user interactive input interface being used for sensing and producing signals for opening and closing the multi-sense organ stimuli origins; a microcontroller having a memory cell and being positioned in the shell body, and connecting with the multi-sense organ stimuli origin and the user interactive input interface electrically for receiving signals for the opening and closing of the multi-sense organ stimuli origins, storaging and recording user information and the multi-sense organ stimuli origins information, and controlling the output f one or more sensor organ stimuli origins. Therefore, the multi-functional sense organ stimulation device of the invention canbe used in the room as well as the outside. The invention can be carried to any place the patient likes by the clinician or the psychologist at any time. Compared with the prior services, the invention has the advantage of easy carrying.

The invention discloses a device for generating local vibration on a touch screen and a control method. The device comprises a control module, a driving module, a display module, a tactile feedback module and the like. The control module is used for receiving tactile information generated in the interaction process and calculated by a tactile rendering algorithm, processing the tactile information through an internal signal processing unit and then sending a corresponding control instruction to the driving module. The driving module is composed of an MOSFET driver and used for driving eight piezoelectric ceramic patches, and each piezoelectric ceramic patch corresponds to one driving module. The display module is composed of a capacitive touch screen. The tactile feedback module is composed of eight piezoelectric ceramic patches which are evenly distributed on the periphery of the surface of the touch screen, and the distance between the piezoelectric ceramic patches and the boundary is larger than the wavelength of mechanical waves. The time reversal mirror principle is introduced into the control method, and the interaction experience when multiple fingers make contact with the touch screen at the same time can be enhanced by generating local vibration tactile stimulation at different positions of the touch screen.

Your applicants, Gail B. Rehmert (formerly Dreybus) and Colby D. Rehmert desire to be granted a Utility Patent for the hereinafter described improvements and enhancements to her former U.S. Pat. No. 4,312,333, a Tactile Stimulating Mechanism, granted Jan. 26, 1982. Goal of device is to relax, soothe, and calm the body and reduce stress. This modified enhanced application, renamed Tactile Sensory Stimulator, is an improvement allowing the device to reduce stress, while able to adjust to a user's large or small body type while in horizontal position. This mechanism creates a relaxing and sensitive touch over user's body by three adjustable wand assemblies holding filaments changed in figure to include light plastic orbed bendable units which do not weigh over 1-2 ounces each. This configuration of filaments creates very gentle pressure as all strands move in a rotational, reversible 360 degree orbit over the user body.