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System and method for shape deformation and force display of devices

  • US 10,268,270 B2
  • Filed: 06/27/2014
  • Issued: 04/23/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/07/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method performed by a handheld haptic deformation device for deforming a flexible housing of the handheld haptic deformation device, comprising:

  • generating or receiving, by the handheld haptic deformation device, a shape input signal when the flexible housing of the handheld haptic deformation device is in a first shape configuration, wherein the handheld haptic deformation device comprises a plurality of deformation components contained within the flexible housing, and wherein the shape input signal is generated by the handheld haptic deformation device or by a host computer in communication with the handheld haptic deformation device and is based on a shape of a virtual object being held by a character in an application that either is executing on the handheld haptic deformation device or is in communication with the handheld haptic deformation device;

    activating a plurality of actuators of the handheld haptic deformation device based on the shape input signal,wherein the plurality of actuators are configured to move the plurality of deformation components based on the shape input signal,wherein movement of the plurality of deformation components by the plurality of actuators causes a first plurality of corresponding regions of the flexible housing of the handheld haptic deformation device to deform in a first direction and causes a second plurality of corresponding regions of the flexible housing that are opposite to the first plurality of corresponding regions to deform in a second and opposite direction, andwherein deformation of the first plurality of corresponding regions by the plurality of deformation components and deformation of the second plurality of corresponding regions by the plurality of deformation components cause the handheld haptic deformation device to deform into a second shape configuration that is different from the first shape configuration and that approximates the shape of the virtual object being held by the character in the application; and

    substantially maintaining the second shape configuration until another shape input signal is generated or received by the handheld haptic deformation device.

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