U.S. patent application number 16/106177 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-21 for deformable haptic wearables with variable physical properties.
The applicant listed for this patent is Immersion Corporation. Invention is credited to Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Abdelwahab HAMAM, Vincent LEVESQUE, Jamal SABOUNE.
Application Number | 20190056789 16/106177 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54366024 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190056789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CRUZ-HERNANDEZ; Juan Manuel ;
et al. |
February 21, 2019 |
DEFORMABLE HAPTIC WEARABLES WITH VARIABLE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Abstract
A haptically-enabled device has an interface for receiving an
instruction to provide haptic information. The device includes a
tangible element with a physical property including length,
stiffness, or texture. A haptic output device is attached to the
tangible element and a haptic response module provides haptic
information to the haptic output device. The haptic output device
causes the tangible element to be altered from a first state to a
second state of the physical property.
Inventors: |
CRUZ-HERNANDEZ; Juan Manuel;
(Westmount, CA) ; SABOUNE; Jamal; (Montreal,
CA) ; HAMAM; Abdelwahab; (Montreal, CA) ;
LEVESQUE; Vincent; (Montreal, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Immersion Corporation |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54366024 |
Appl. No.: |
16/106177 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14585429 |
Dec 30, 2014 |
10082872 |
|
|
16106177 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/016 20130101;
G06F 1/163 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01; G06F 1/16 20060101 G06F001/16 |
Claims
1. A wearable haptically-enabled device comprising: an interface
for receiving an instruction to provide haptic information; a
tangible element having a physical property; a haptic output device
attached to the tangible element; a haptic response module for
providing haptic information to the haptic output device, the
haptic output device causing the tangible element to be altered
from a first state to a second state of the physical property.
Description
PRIORITY APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/585,429, filed on Dec. 30, 2014, which has
been incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] One embodiment is directed to a wearable device. More
particularly, one embodiment is directed to a haptically-enabled
wearable device.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] Wearable devices can be a convenience to users. Haptics can
be incorporated into wearable devices to provide haptic information
such as feedback or notifications to a user. For example, a
smartwatch can vibrate when a notification is sent to a user
wearing the watch, thereby notifying the user inaudibly.
[0004] Conventional devices use visual and auditory cues to provide
feedback to a user. In some user interfaces, haptic feedback can
provide cues that enhance and simplify the user interface. For
example, vibration effects, or vibrotactile haptic effects, may be
useful in providing cues to users of electronic devices to alert
the user to specific events, or provide realistic feedback to
create greater sensory immersion within a simulated or virtual
environment.
SUMMARY
[0005] One embodiment is a haptically-enabled device with an
interface for receiving an instruction to provide haptic
information. The device includes a tangible element that has a
physical property including length, stiffness, or texture. A haptic
output device is attached to the tangible element and a haptic
response module provides haptic information to the haptic output
device. The haptic output device causes the tangible element to be
altered from a first state to a second state of the physical
property.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a haptically-enabled system in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a deformable wearable haptic
device in accordance with one embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating processing an
instruction to provide haptic feedback in a deformable wearable
device in accordance with some embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows a graphical illustration of a band with two
jackets in accordance with one embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows an illustration of a wrist band that is capable
of sending deformations to provide feedback on the inside or
outside of the device by changing the physical properties of the
tangible wrist strap element, in accordance with some
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Deformable wearable devices can be used to provide haptic
information or haptic feedback to a user by deforming the device by
changing a physical property of a tangible element of the device
from one state to another state. Deformation can be a more natural
way of conveying information as opposed to vibration. Deformation
can be more natural and human like (e.g., tapping someone on the
shoulder), whereas vibration can be more efficient at displaying
alerts or alarms to gain instant attention. Wearable devices
provide a vast array of mediums to provide such haptic information.
Different techniques can be used to achieve the change from one
state to another to provide a deformation-based haptic effect.
[0012] As used herein, a wearable device is any device that can be
worn by a user and that is in contact directly or indirectly,
permanently or intermittently, with a user's body part. A graspable
(by the hand) device is also considered a wearable device even if
it is only "wearable" so long as it is grasped, such as an arm rest
of a chair or a phone. Also as used herein, a deformable device is
a device that can deform or change physical properties like
stiffness or size from one physical state to another, and that can
be programmable such that the sense of touch can distinguish the
different programmed states. Examples of physical properties that
can be deformed using the disclosed embodiments include length,
size, stiffness/rigidity, texture, shape, elasticity, temperature,
friction, and so forth.
[0013] The following example embodiments will be discussed in
greater detail individually, below.
[0014] One embodiment is a deformable wearable device that can
change a physical property of a tangible element as part of a
deformation-based haptic response. Changing the physical property
can provide a user with haptic feedback based on the type of
change.
[0015] One embodiment is a deformable wearable device that can
variably change its length. For example, a tangible element of the
device can include nylon fibers coated with electrodes, such as
carbon nanotubes. When a current is passed through the electrodes,
the nylon fibers will shrink, causing the length of the tangible
element to shrink. The tangible element can be incorporated into a
strap, fastener, or sleeve on a wearable device. When the length of
the tangible element is lessened, the strap, fastener, or sleeve
can become tighter.
[0016] Another embodiment is a deformable wearable device that can
also variably change its length. In this example, a tangible
element of the device can be a strap of a wearable device attached
to an electric motor. When a current is applied to the motor, the
motor can engage and turn to lessen the length of the strap,
thereby making the wearable device tighter at the strap.
[0017] Another embodiment is a deformable wearable device that can
variably change its stiffness. For example, a tangible element of
the device can include a composite material such as
polycaprolactone in the physical element. One example of the
tangible element is a band of a wristband for example on a watch.
The polycaprolactone or other suitable composite material can be
heated with a proximal heating element, causing the stiffness of
the material to increase with increased heat or decrease with
decreased heat.
[0018] Another embodiment is a deformable wearable device that can
variably change its texture. For example, a tangible element of the
device can include a matrix of electroactive polymer ("EAP") haptic
output device deposits on the surface of the tangible element, such
as a band of a wristband. Carbon nanotubes can form a base layer or
top layer, then the EAP output devices, then an electrical matrix
corresponding to each of the EAP deposits, such that each EAP
output device can be activated by supplying an electrical signal to
the EAP. The texture of the tangible element can be changed to feel
bumpy.
[0019] Another embodiment is a deformable wearable device that can
also variably change its texture. For example, a tangible element
of the device can include a matrix of electrostatic friction
("ESF") output devices similarly placed as the EAP output devices
described above, but achieving a different texture feel. The
texture of the tangible element can be changed to feel smoother or
rougher by changing the static force.
[0020] Another embodiment is a deformable wearable device that can
also variably change its texture. For example, a tangible element
of the device can include a matrix of ultrasonic frequency ("USF")
output devices similarly placed as the EAP output devices described
above, but achieving a different texture feel. The texture of the
tangible element can be changed to feel smoother or rougher by
changing the feel of the surface friction.
[0021] While the example embodiments above will be described in
greater detail below, they each represent a deformable wearable
with a tangible element that can be physically altered from one
state to another to produce a haptic effect.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a haptically-enabled system 10
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. System
10 includes a wearable device 11 with a tangible element 13.
Internal to system 10 is a haptic feedback system that generates
haptics on system 10. In one embodiment, a haptic effect is
generated on tangible element 13.
[0023] The haptic feedback system includes a processor or
controller 12. Coupled to processor 12 are a memory 20 and a haptic
output device drive circuit 16, which is coupled to a haptic output
device 18 located on wearable device 12. Haptic output device 18
can include any type of haptic output device as described herein,
including nylon fibers with carbon nanotubes, motors, actuators,
polycaprolactone bars wrapped in a heating element, ESF devices,
USF devices, and any other haptic output device that can be used to
cause a physical property of a device to change.
[0024] In addition to the haptic output devices discussed above,
system 10 may include a variety of other haptic output devices
including flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid materials, including smart
fluids actuators, rheological fluidic actuators, Macro-Fiber
Composite ("MFC") actuators, Shape Memory Alloy ("SMA") actuators,
piezo actuators, and Micro-Electro-Mechanical System ("MEMS")
actuators.
[0025] Processor 12 may be any type of general purpose processor,
or could be a processor specifically designed to provide haptic
effects, such as an application-specific integrated circuit
("ASIC"). Processor 12 may be the same processor that operates the
entire system 10, or may be a separate processor. Processor 12 can
decide what haptic effects are to be played and the order in which
the effects are played based on high level parameters. A haptic
effect may be considered "dynamic" if it includes some variation in
the generation of haptic effects amongst haptic output device(s) or
a variation in the generation of haptic effects based on a user's
interaction with wearable device 11 or some other aspect of system
10.
[0026] Processor 12 outputs the control signals to haptic output
device drive circuit 16, which includes electronic components and
circuitry used to supply haptic output device 18 with the required
electrical current and voltage to cause the desired haptic effects.
System 10 may include more than one haptic output device 18, and
each haptic output device may include a separate drive circuit 16,
all coupled to a common processor 12. Memory device 20 can be any
type of storage device or computer-readable medium, such as random
access memory ("RAM") or read-only memory ("ROM"). Memory 20 stores
instructions executed by processor 12. Among the instructions,
memory 20 includes a haptic effects module 22 which are
instructions that, when executed by processor 12, generate drive
signals for haptic output device 18 that provide haptic effects, as
disclosed in more detail below. Memory 20 may also be located
internal to processor 12, or any combination of internal and
external memory.
[0027] System 10 may include a variety of sensors, such as sensor
17, for sensing interactions with wearable device 11 including,
among others: strain gauge sensors to measure the deformation
magnitude during interactions, force sensing resistor ("FSR")
sensors to measure the force/stress applied to the wearable device
structures, multi-touch touch sensors to detect the location of
single or multiple touches on the wearable device, multi-touch
pressure sensors to measure the pressure applied under each touch
location, temperature/humidity/atmospheric pressure sensors to
capture environmental conditions, an
accelerometer/gyroscope/magnetometer to characterize the motion,
velocity, acceleration and orientation of the device, a microphone
to capture a user's voice command or environmental audio
information, and wireless transmitters to receive/transmit
information from/to other devices wirelessly. The data
corresponding to sensor 17 is sent to processor 12, or another
processor within system 10, and processor 12 interprets the sensor
data and provides a response that can include haptic effects.
[0028] System 10 may be any kind of wearable device that is made
deformable at least through the application of haptic output
devices as described herein. Such wearable devices can include but
are not limited to: clothing items, devices, accessories, modified
devices, and purpose-built devices.
[0029] Clothing items and accessories can include items such as
shirts, pants, dresses, belts, suspenders, hats, gloves, socks,
boots, shoes, shoelaces, underwear, swimwear, wetsuit, skin suit,
leggings, pajamas, athletic wear, rings, goggles, glasses,
bracelets, anklets, necklaces, hairbands, earrings, other jewelry,
and so forth.
[0030] Devices can include items such as phones, phone cases,
watches, music players, biometric sensors, arm rests, computer
mice, timers, pens (to change shape, size, or stiffness of tip--pen
vs. brush-like effect), pens (to provide deformation based on
information from another source--e.g., deformation in a pen used to
write prescriptions based on patient information in a file),
dentures, braces, orthotics, pedometer, pagers, and so forth.
[0031] Accessories can include items such as purses, backpacks,
bags, bundling straps, tie downs, and so forth.
[0032] Modified devices can include items such as a cane
(deformation depending on surface where the cane stands), steering
wheels or handle bars (deformation to provide directions or
directional information), bracelet (deformation to provide
information such as an alert when a child moves out of proximity of
parents), keyboards (deformation to reconfigure, highlight key
combinations, reshape keys), containers (deformation of handle to
provide information on viscosity or texture of liquid in a blender,
level of liquid in a container, heat of liquid in a microwaved
container; deformation of container size based on what or how much
is inside the container; deformation based on weight of contents or
expiration date of contents), handles in bags (deformation to
massage hand), buttons that can be reconfigured, surfaces that can
be deformed to supply grip, objects to resist manipulation through
increased stiffness like a wallet that resists opening, shoes that
can alter to simulate different terrains, construction equipment
such as hats and gloves that can deform to provide information
related to safety, procedures, health, or other communication, and
so forth.
[0033] Purpose built devices can include items such as a device to
stimulate Chinese medicine pressure points, support braces that can
become more or less rigid, a deformable wearable box for patients
to store pills that can deform as a reminder to take medicine,
games with gameplay based on deformable properties of an object,
devices used in sports or physical therapy to guide exercises or
inform user to do or know something, a photographic lens add on to
deform to hood ambient light or provide wide-angle or narrow-angle
changes, a comfort device to provide emotional communication (such
as a hug sent by remote loved-one), a device to communicate
information (such as power on/off, recording on/off, wetsuit
information, environmentals like temperature, barometric pressure,
or the presence of dangerous chemicals or sufficient oxygen), toys
(such as modeling dough with haptic output devices integrated that
can be formed into any shape), shape changing toys (such as a toy
sword that is hard, but becomes soft and flexible when within a
certain proximity to the face), cut-able materials with integrated
haptic output devices that can be configured and integrated into
craft projects and manufacturing processes, and so forth.
[0034] Other types of wearable devices that can utilize deformation
as described herein can include biofeedback devices to deform a
wearable device based on heart rate or insulin levels, such as
deformation that beats at the same rate as your heart or another's
heart, stiffness of a wearable device that changes based on insulin
level, or an armband that squeezes the user when heartbeat reaches
unsafe levels. Buttons on phones could be programmable based on
landscape or portrait mode of the phone. Surfaces could adapt to
the shape of a user's fingers. One game could be configured to
interact with a programmable deformation on the outside of a wrist
band that interacts with a racing deformation going around the
inside of the band. Athletic clothing can be formed with adjustable
tightness and can transmit information regarding athletic training
or performance to the athlete through the athlete's clothing.
[0035] Although the specific embodiments discussed herein may
include example applications provided in order to supply example
contexts of use, one of skill will understand that the techniques
described in relation to each embodiment can be easily adapted for
use in other applications such as those listed above, and the
like.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a deformable wearable haptic
device in accordance with one embodiment. In one embodiment, the
functionality of the flow diagram of FIG. 2 (and FIG. 3 below) is
implemented by software stored in memory or other computer readable
or tangible medium, and executed by a processor. In other
embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware (e.g.,
through the use of an application specific integrated circuit
("ASIC"), a programmable gate array ("PGA"), a field programmable
gate array ("FPGA"), etc.), or any combination of hardware and
software.
[0037] At 205, an instruction can be received by the wearable
device to provide haptic information. The instruction can come from
processor 12 or some other processor in system 10. For example, the
instruction can come from a smart phone connected wirelessly to the
wearable device. The instruction can be received by processor 12.
At 210, the instruction can be processed. The processing will
determine what physical property of device 11 will be altered from
one physical state to another physical state based on the
instruction and the capabilities of device 11. In other words, the
processing will determine what type of haptic feedback to
provide.
[0038] At 215, haptic information can be produced and provided to a
haptic output device such as haptic output device 18 via a haptic
drive circuit such as drive circuit 16. Haptic output device 18
will vary depending on the capabilities of device 11. Haptic
information can be provided to one or more haptic output devices
via one or more drive circuits. Multiple haptic output devices can
be controlled by a same number of multiple drive circuits or haptic
output devices can be grouped so a group of one or more haptic
output devices can be controlled by one drive circuit.
[0039] At 220, haptic drive circuit 16 triggers haptic output
device 18 according to the haptic information, thereby causing a
change in a physical property of a tangible element of device 11.
In some embodiments haptic output devices will either be triggered
on or off, while in other embodiments, the haptic output devices
can be triggered to a degree of response.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating processing an
instruction to provide haptic feedback as in element 210 of FIG. 2
in a deformable wearable device, such as device 11, in accordance
with some embodiments. One or more of elements 305-335 will be
executed depending on the types of haptic output devices available
in device 11.
[0041] At 305, if nylon fibers are present in device 11 to control
the length of a tangible element and the instruction is to shorten
or lengthen the tangible element, then haptic information can be
determined to cause the nylon fibers to change from one state to
another state. For example, to change the length of a wristband,
the band can be composed of nylon fibers coated with electrodes.
When current is passed through the electrodes the nylon fibers will
shrink, effectively reducing the length of the band and creating a
squeeze effect. The electrode coating around the nylon fiber can be
made of carbon nanotubes that are compliant and can deform with the
nylon fibers and still preserve their conductive properties.
Another coating can be placed on or around the band of many nylon
fibers with carbon nanotubes in the form of a loose jacket,
allowing the contraction or expansion of the band and contact area
with the user. The contact area with the user can also be formed as
two jackets that slide on each other, one jacket sliding into the
other, to allow the length of the band to change while avoiding
buckling of the jacket, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a graphic illustration of a band with two
jackets on a portion of the band in accordance with one embodiment.
405 is a watch with a left band portion 410, a clasp 415, watch
body 420, and right band portion 425. Watch 405 has a deformable
tangible element, which in this example is left band portion 410. A
haptic output device is included in the form of nylon fibers coated
with carbon nanotubes 430 in left band portion 410 which causes
deformation of left band portion 410 when a current is applied to
the nylon fibers by the carbon nanotubes. Also included in left
band portion 410 are two sleeves 435 that nest to allow contraction
or expansion of left band portion 410 without causing buckling of
the left band portion material. The sleeves are configured such
that the end of one sleeve can slide within the end of the other
sleeve, reducing or expanding the length of the tangible member as
controlled by haptic output device 430.
[0043] One of skill in the art will understand how the example of
FIG. 4 can be modified to other wearable devices (e.g., necklaces,
backpacks, wristbands, etc.) by using the same technique regardless
of sleeve materials, device location, or device function.
[0044] Turning back to 305 of FIG. 3, a similar configuration can
be used for a backpack strap to adjust the length or tightness of
the strap. Other similar configurations can be used for other
tangible elements of wearable devices with a length property that
can be adjusted, such as necklaces, purse handles, bracelets, and
the like.
[0045] At 310, if one or more electromechanical motors are present
in device 11 to control length of a tangible element and the
instruction is to shorten or lengthen the tangible element, then
haptic information can be determined to cause the electromechanical
motor to turn and shorten or lengthen an attached portion of the
tangible element to change from one state to another state. For
example, to change the length of a backpack strap, the strap can be
attached to the shaft of a motor and the motor turned to tighten
the strap by reducing the length of the strap. When current is
removed, gravity and the weight of the backpack can cause the strap
to return to the previous length. In some embodiments, a locking
mechanism on the motor can cause the strap to stay at a particular
length. In some embodiments, the motor can be powered in either
direction to shorten or lengthen the strap accordingly.
[0046] At 315, if composite materials with properties similar to
polycaprolactone are present in device 11 to control the stiffness
(or rigidity) of a tangible element and the instruction is to alter
the rigidity of the tangible element, then haptic information can
be determined to cause the polycaprolactone to heat to cause the
tangible element to change from one state to another state. For
example, device 11 may be a wristband composed of polycaprolactone
bars wrapped with nichrome wire to act as a heat generator when
current is applied to the wire. When the polycaprolactone reaches a
certain temperature (such as 60 degrees Celsius for a 5
mm.times.152 mm polycaprolactone fiber or a lower temperature for
thinner and/or shorter fibers), the stiffness of the band will
change. The amount of stiffness can be controlled by controlling
the temperature of the polycaprolactone. A thermistor can be
included to monitor the temperature of the polycaprolactone. The
stiffness can be controlled from a range of soft to hard. Stiffness
can be controlled to provide haptic cues for heart rate, distance
run, activity or productivity goals, and the like.
[0047] At 320, if EAP haptic output devices are present in device
11 to control an aspect of the texture of a tangible element and
the instruction is to alter the texture of the tangible element,
then haptic information can be determined to cause the EAP haptic
output devices to activate and create bumps wherever they are
located on the tangible element. For example, device 11 may be a
wristband constructed of a plastic band covered with a matrix
electrode layer with EAPs deposited thereon. A flexible carbon
nanotube layer can be added on top to cover the EAP dots and act as
a second electrode to activate the EAP output devices. The surface
can have an additional optional layer on top of the carbon nanotube
layer for aesthetics or protection. When the EAPs are activated
they deform into a dot, detectible by human touch. Even a
deformation of as little as 10 micrometers can be detected by human
touch. In some embodiments, the matrix electrode layer can be
capable of addressing specific EAP dots, either individually or in
groups. In such embodiments, a configurable and programmable
texture can be created that the user can distinguish amongst other
textures. Configurable textures can be selected based on the
particular type of haptic instruction or effect that is requested.
The EAP material to form the EAP output device dots can be selected
from polyvinylidene fluoride ("PVDF") material with piezoelectric
properties for maximum displacement. A user can explore the band to
receive haptic cues relating to different activities. For example,
a heart rate monitor can cause EAP dots to activate in coordination
with the user's heart rate for easy tactile monitoring while
tending to other activity (e.g., walking, running, watching,
listening). Other examples include haptic cues for miles run,
messages received, and the like.
[0048] FIG. 5 shows an illustration of a wrist band that is capable
of sending deformations to provide feedback on the inside or
outside of the device by changing the physical properties of the
tangible wrist strap element, in accordance with some embodiments.
Watch 505 is a smart watch with a screen interface 515. Watch 510
is a smart watch with a screen interface 515 with haptic output
devices added to the strap of the watch. Deformation bumps 520 are
shown to be added on the inside of the strap. These can be added
using EAP output devices and can be bars as shown in FIG. 5 or
small bumps. Deformation bump 525 is located on the outside of the
strap of watch 510. Other bumps can be added to the inside or
outside of the watch band. In some embodiments, bumps can include
input sensors, such as sensor 17 of FIG. 1, to become configurable
buttons. The embodiments in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be combined to
provide multiple types of haptic output capabilities.
[0049] Turning back to FIG. 3, at 325, if ESF haptic output devices
are present in device 11 to control an aspect of the texture of a
tangible element and the instruction is to alter the texture of the
tangible element, then haptic information can be determined to
cause the ESF output devices to activate and change the friction
texture where the haptic output devices are located on the tangible
element. For example, device 11 may be a wristband with ESF output
devices located thereon. The user could reach and touch the band to
receive information about the number of calls, emails, or text
messages received by differentiating the number of texture signals
in the band at different spatial locations. In another example, a
texture can be applied along the length of the band to signal a
percentage of distance run so far out of a total target for the
run, or a percentage status indicator related to downloading a
file, updating a system, or other task. If only half the band has
texture, then the user has run 50% or accomplished 50% of the task.
ESF output devices can be controlled similar to the EAP output
devices as described above.
[0050] At 330, if USF haptic output devices are present in device
11 to control an aspect of the texture of a tangible element and
the instruction is to alter the texture of the tangible element,
then haptic information can be determined to cause the USF output
devices to activate and change the friction texture where the
haptic output devices are located on the tangible element. For
example, device 11 may be a wristband with USF output devices
located thereon. Similar to the use of ESF output devices, the user
could reach and touch the band to receive information about the
number of calls, emails, or text messages received by
differentiating the number of texture signals in the band at
different spatial locations. Also similar to ESF output devices, in
another example, a texture can be applied along the length of the
band to signal a percentage of distance run so far out of a total
target for the run, or a percentage status indicator related to
downloading a file, updating a system, or other task. If only half
the band has texture, then the user has run 50% or accomplished 50%
of the task. USF output devices can be controlled similar to the
EAP output devices as described above. The band could have isolated
contiguous regions of piezo output devices with metal or ceramic on
top. The different regions can allow the band to wrap around the
user's wrist and still allow the rigidity to create a variable
friction effect. One or more regions of the band can be activated
at different intensities to display different information.
[0051] At 335, if a heating element is present in device 11 to
control an aspect of the temperature of a tangible element and the
instruction is to alter the temperature of the tangible element,
then haptic information can be determined to cause the heating
element to activate and change the temperature of the tangible
element from one state to another. For example, device 11 may be a
wristband with a nichrome wire embedded therein. The temperature of
the wristband could increase more and more when the user is close
to reaching a goal. A thermistor can be incorporated to monitor the
temperature of the wristband.
[0052] At 340, the haptic output device drive circuit signal that
is necessary is determined. If multiple haptic output devices can
be addressed individually or in groups, the addressing scheme can
be determined and an appropriate information signal created for the
haptic drive circuit(s), such as drive circuit 16. Each of the
embodiments represented in elements 305-335 can support some level
of individual or group addressing. For example, with regard to 305
discrete regions of nylon fibers can be shortened or lengthened
together to reduce bunching or evenly distribute stretching over a
covering jacket. With regard to 310, multiple motors can be
incorporated at different portions of the tangible element(s) to be
shortened. With regard to 315, discrete regions of polycaprolacone
fibers can be activated to make portions rigid while leaving other
portions of the tangible element flexible. With regard to 320, 325,
and 330, as discussed above, the electrode matrix can be
implemented to support individual or group addressing. With regard
to 335, discrete regions of the tangible element can have the
temperature manipulated in different ways through separate nichrome
(or other heating element) wire.
[0053] At 345, appropriate haptic information is produced for the
haptic output device drive circuit or circuits, such as drive
circuit 16, based on the type of haptic output device and haptic
information being targeted.
[0054] As disclosed, embodiments incorporate haptic output devices
to physically alter a tangible element of a deformable wearable
device. The haptic output devices can deform the device from one
state to another by altering a physical characteristic of the
device, including length, stiffness/rigidity, texture, shape,
elasticity, temperature, or friction. Deformation of the device can
relate to haptic cues provided to a user of the wearable
device.
[0055] Several embodiments are specifically illustrated and/or
described herein. However, it will be appreciated that
modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are
covered by the above teachings and within the purview of the
appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended
scope of the invention.
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