Using haptic effects to enhance information content in communications
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method, comprising:
- receiving an input signal;
extracting a haptic code from the input signal, the haptic code being associated with a haptic logo; and
providing a control signal to an actuator, the control signal being based at least in part on the haptic code and configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the haptic logo.
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Abstract
Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for providing customized “haptic messaging” to users of handheld communication devices in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, businesses and organizations may each be associated with a distinct haptic logo and include their haptic logos in various messages sent to the handheld communication devices of their customers. In another embodiment, haptically-enabled avatars can be used in a chat session between users of handheld communication devices.
114 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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receiving an input signal;
extracting a haptic code from the input signal, the haptic code being associated with a haptic logo; and
providing a control signal to an actuator, the control signal being based at least in part on the haptic code and configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the haptic logo. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method, comprising:
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receiving an input signal associated with a chat message;
causing a graphical representation associated with the chat message to be displayed on a handheld communication device; and
outputting a control signal to an actuator coupled to the handheld communication device, the control signal configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the chat message. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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8. A computer-readable medium on which is encoded program code, comprising:
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program code for receiving an input signal;
program code for extracting a haptic code from the input signal, the haptic code being associated with a haptic logo; and
program code for providing a control signal to an actuator, the control signal being based at least in part on the haptic code and configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the haptic logo. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A computer-readable medium on which is encoded program code, comprising:
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program code for receiving an input signal associated with a chat message;
program code for causing a grahical representation associated with the chat message to be displayed on a handheld communication device; and
program code for outputting a control signal to an actuator coupled to the handheld communication device, the control signal configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the chat message. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. A data stream embodied in a carrier signal, carrying instructions to:
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receive an input signal;
extract a haptic code from the input signal, the haptic code being associated with a haptic logo; and
provide a control signal to an actuator, the control signal being based at least in part on the haptic code and configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the haptic logo.
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16. A data stream embodied in a carrier signal, carrying instructions to:
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receive an input signal associated with a chat message;
cause a graphical representation associated with the chat message to be displayed on a handheld communication device; and
output a control signal to an actuator coupled to the handheld communication device, the control signal configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the chat message.
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17. An apparatus, comprising:
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a processor;
an actuator in communication with the processor; and
a memory in communication with the processor, the memory storing program code executable by the processor, including;
program code for receiving an input signal;
program code for extracting a haptic code from the input signal, the haptic code being associated with a haptic logo; and
program code for providing a control signal to the actuator, the control signal being based at least in part on the haptic code and configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the haptic logo. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. An apparatus, comprising:
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a processor;
a display module in communication with the processor;
an actuator in communication with the processor; and
a memory in communication with the processor, the memory storing program code executable by the processor, including;
program code for receiving an input signal associated with a chat message;
program code for causing a graphical representation associated with the chat message to be displayed on the display module; and
program code for outputting a control signal to the actuator, the control signal configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the chat message. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification