Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a touch-sensitive surface (116, Fig. 1 ), which includes: a first surface 202; and a second surface 206 adjacent to the first surface, wherein the second surface is or can be arranged to be non-coplanar with the first surface. The illustrative system also includes a haptic output device (118, Fig. 1 ) configured to receive a haptic signal and output a haptic effect. Further, the illustrative system includes a processor (102, Fig. 1 ) coupled to the haptic output device and the touch-sensitive surface, the processor configured to: determine an event; determine the haptic effect based at least in part on the event; determine the haptic signal based at least in part on the haptic effect; and transmit the haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to the haptic output device.
Abstract:
One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a touch-sensitive surface (116, Fig. 1 ), which includes: a first surface 202; and a second surface 206 adjacent to the first surface, wherein the second surface is or can be arranged to be non-coplanar with the first surface. The illustrative system also includes a haptic output device (118, Fig. 1 ) configured to receive a haptic signal and output a haptic effect. Further, the illustrative system includes a processor (102, Fig. 1 ) coupled to the haptic output device and the touch-sensitive surface, the processor configured to: determine an event; determine the haptic effect based at least in part on the event; determine the haptic signal based at least in part on the haptic effect; and transmit the haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to the haptic output device.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system that converts an input, such as audio data, into one or more haptic effects.SOLUTION: The system applies a granular synthesis algorithm to the input in order to generate a haptic signal. The system subsequently outputs the one or more haptic effects on the basis of the generated haptic signal. The system can also shift a frequency of the input, and also filter the input, before the system applies the granular synthesis algorithm to the input.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a haptic representation system that generates a haptic effect in response to sensor input.SOLUTION: A haptic representation system is provided that generates a haptic effect. The system receives input from a sensor. The system maps the received input to a haptic signal. The system further sends the haptic signal to an actuator to generate the haptic effect.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide minimally invasive surgical tools having improved feedback related to the surgical procedure.SOLUTION: A surgical tool system includes an electrosurgical tool for sealing and transecting internal tissue and a haptic feedback system integrated onto a handle of the tool that generates relevant feedback in at least the form of haptic effects to the user. The haptic feedback alerts the user of internal tissue properties, i.e., when the internal tissue located within jaws of the tool is completely sealed, when the internal tissue is ready to be cut, the cutting rate or speed, the quantity of internal tissue located within jaws of the tool, and whether a blood vessel is fully located within jaws of tool. In addition, the haptic feedback alerts the user to the operating status of energy application during the procedure.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide improved surgical staplers having improved feedback related to the surgical procedure.SOLUTION: A stapler 100 includes a feedback system integrated onto a handle 102 that generates relevant feedback in at least the form of haptic effects to the user. The feedback system alerts the user of internal tissue properties, i.e., the type of internal tissue or other structures located within the jaws 108 and 109 of the stapler, whether the quantity or thickness is appropriate for the selected stapler cartridge, whether the proper length of staples has been fired based on the length of internal tissue located in the jaws, whether a blood vessel is located within the jaws of the stapler, whether the stapling process has successfully sealed the internal tissue located within the jaws of the stapler, the position of the cutting element, and/or when the stapling procedure or firing cycle is completed.