Tactile feedback mechanism for a data processing system
First Claim
1. An apparatus for providing a stimulus to a human operator, the apparatus for use in a virtual reality system in which a part of the body of the human operator is depicted as a virtual body part in a visual display, the apparatus comprising:
- a signaling unit configured to provide an indication in response to the virtual body part contacting a virtual object; and
a stimulus unit configured to provide a stimulus to the human operator in response to the indication from the signaling unit;
wherein the stimulus unit comprises;
a segment of memory metal disposed in close proximity to a part of the body of the human operator; and
a signal generator operable to produce, depending upon the indication from the signaling unit, a signal to cause the segment of memory metal to change form, whereby a movement of the segment of memory metal into a different form imparts a tactile stimulus to the human operator.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for providing a tactile stimulus to a part of the body of a physical operator when a virtual operator, created by movements of the physical operator, encounters a virtual object defined by a computer. A signalling unit communicates with the computer and emits a signal when the virtual operator encounters a virtual object. A stimulus unit responsive to the signalling unit is disposed in close proximity to a part of the body of the physical operator for providing a tactile stimulus when the virtual operator encounters a virtual object. The stimulus unit may comprise a segment of memory metal which undergoes a martensitic transformation to a different form or a solenoid having a member which moves in response to a signal emitted by the signalling unit. A vibrating member, such as a piezoceramic bender may be used instead of or in addition to the solenoid or memory metal.
178 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An apparatus for providing a stimulus to a human operator, the apparatus for use in a virtual reality system in which a part of the body of the human operator is depicted as a virtual body part in a visual display, the apparatus comprising:
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a signaling unit configured to provide an indication in response to the virtual body part contacting a virtual object; and a stimulus unit configured to provide a stimulus to the human operator in response to the indication from the signaling unit; wherein the stimulus unit comprises; a segment of memory metal disposed in close proximity to a part of the body of the human operator; and a signal generator operable to produce, depending upon the indication from the signaling unit, a signal to cause the segment of memory metal to change form, whereby a movement of the segment of memory metal into a different form imparts a tactile stimulus to the human operator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for providing a stimulus to a human operator, the apparatus for use in a virtual reality system in which a part of the body of the human operator is depicted as a virtual body part in a visual display, the apparatus comprising:
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a signaling unit configured to provide an indication in response to the virtual body part contacting a virtual object; and a stimulus unit configured to provide a stimulus to the human operator in response to the indication from the signaling unit, wherein the stimulus unit includes a metallic member which moves depending upon the indication from the signaling unit, wherein the metallic member includes a nickle titanium alloy.
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12. An apparatus for interacting with a virtual object represented within a display, the apparatus comprising:
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a processing system configured to generate a virtual representation of a part of a user'"'"'s body on the display; a signaling unit configured to provide an indication in response to the virtual representation of the part of the user'"'"'s body contacting the virtual object within the display; and a stimulus unit configured to provide a stimulus to the user depending upon the indication from the signaling unit; wherein the stimulus unit includes a segment of memory metal disposed in close proximity to the part of the user'"'"'s body; and a signal generator operable to produce, depending upon the indication from the signaling unit, a signal to cause the segment of memory metal to change form, whereby a movement of the segment of memory metal into a different form imparts a tactile stimulus to the user.
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13. An apparatus for use with a virtual reality system, the apparatus comprising:
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a glove adapted to be worn on a part of a user'"'"'s body; and a stimulus unit attached to the glove, wherein the stimulus unit is configured to provide a tactile stimulus to the user depending upon a signal from the virtual reality system; wherein the stimulus unit includes a segment of memory metal disposed in close proximity to the part of the user'"'"'s body; and a signal generator operable to produce, depending upon the indication from the signaling unit, a signal to cause the segment of memory metal to change form, whereby a movement of the segment of memory metal into a different form imparts a tactile stimulus to the user. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A method for providing a tactile stimulus to a part of a body of a human operator using a virtual reality system in which a virtual operator controlled by the human operator manipulates virtual objects, the method comprising:
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disposing a segment of memory metal in close proximity to a part of the body of the human operator; producing a signal when the virtual operator contacts the virtual object; and applying a current in response to the signal sufficient to cause the segment of memory metal to change form, whereby a movement of the segment of memory metal into a different form imparts a tactile stimulus to the human operator.
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Specification