U.S. patent application number 16/408574 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-29 for haptic implants.
The applicant listed for this patent is Immersion Corporation. Invention is credited to Benoit Paul BELLEY, David M. BIRNBAUM, Juan Manuel CRUZ HERNANDEZ, Abdelwahab HAMAM, Vincent LEVESQUE, Mohammadreza MOTAMEDI, Ravikumar PATEL, Jamal SABOUNE, Christopher ULLRICH.
Application Number | 20190262208 16/408574 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63041774 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190262208 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEVESQUE; Vincent ; et
al. |
August 29, 2019 |
HAPTIC IMPLANTS
Abstract
This disclosure relates to haptic devices for implantation in a
human subject. Such haptic devices can include various actuators,
including both active and passive haptic actuators, for providing
feedback to a user.
Inventors: |
LEVESQUE; Vincent;
(Montreal, CA) ; BIRNBAUM; David M.; (Oakland,
CA) ; BELLEY; Benoit Paul; (San Jose, CA) ;
SABOUNE; Jamal; (Montreal, CA) ; HAMAM;
Abdelwahab; (Montreal, CA) ; PATEL; Ravikumar;
(Montreal, CA) ; ULLRICH; Christopher; (Ventura,
CA) ; MOTAMEDI; Mohammadreza; (Montreal, CA) ;
CRUZ HERNANDEZ; Juan Manuel; (Montreal, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Immersion Corporation |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63041774 |
Appl. No.: |
16/408574 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15666691 |
Aug 2, 2017 |
10327974 |
|
|
16408574 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 34/76 20160201;
A61H 23/0245 20130101; A61H 2201/123 20130101; G06F 3/016 20130101;
A61H 2201/1215 20130101; A61H 1/00 20130101; A61H 23/0263 20130101;
A61F 2/02 20130101; A61F 2/28 20130101; A61H 2205/067 20130101;
A61H 2201/10 20130101; G08B 6/00 20130101; A61B 90/98 20160201 |
International
Class: |
A61H 1/00 20060101
A61H001/00; A61B 90/98 20060101 A61B090/98; A61H 23/02 20060101
A61H023/02; G06F 3/01 20060101 G06F003/01; A61B 34/00 20060101
A61B034/00; G08B 6/00 20060101 G08B006/00; A61F 2/02 20060101
A61F002/02 |
Claims
1. A passive haptic device, comprising: a biocompatible
encapsulating material; a passive haptic actuator comprising a
material that is a liquid at body temperature, but a solid at room
temperature, contained within the biocompatible encapsulating
material, wherein the passive haptic device is configured for
implanting within a body of a user, and wherein the passive haptic
actuator, in response to an external cooling, provides the haptic
feedback to the user.
2. The passive haptic device of claim 1, further comprising: a
radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag contained within the
biocompatible encapsulating material.
3. The passive haptic device of claim 1, wherein the external
cooling comprises a thermal sink or a cooling device.
4. The passive haptic device of claim 1, wherein the passive haptic
device is in the form of a prosthetic body part.
5. The passive haptic device of claim 1, wherein the material is
metal.
6. The passive haptic device of claim 5, wherein the metal is
gallium.
7. A method of providing haptic feedback to a user, comprising: a.
cooling a passive haptic actuator comprising a material that is
liquid at body temperature, but a solid at room temperature, the
passive haptic actuator implanted within the body of the user; b.
reducing the temperature of the passive haptic actuator, causing it
to solidify; and c. providing haptic feedback to the user.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the material is a metal.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the metal is gallium.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the haptic feedback is a change
in state of the material.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein the haptic feedback is a change
in temperature of the material.
12. The method of claim 7, wherein the haptic actuator is implanted
under skin of a hand of the user.
13. The method of claim 7, comprising providing and implanting
multiple passive haptic actuator under skin of a hand of the
user.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the passive haptic actuator
response results from collective or sequential actuation of the
haptic actuators.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/666,691, filed Aug. 2, 2017, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to haptic devices for implantation
in a human subject. Such haptic devices can include various
actuators, including both active and passive haptic actuators, for
providing feedback to a user.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Producing haptic feedback typically includes either direct
interaction between an object and a user. Alternatively, the body
of a user can be augmented with a haptic actuator. The first
solution is practical for many devices, but does not scale to all
objects in a user's environment particularly as objects in a user's
environment gain interactive qualities ("the internet of things"
concept). The second solution scales to an arbitrary number of
objects but typically requires the user to wear a device with a
haptic actuator, which can be cumbersome or inconvenient.
[0004] What is needed is a mechanism for providing haptic feedback
that does not rely on haptic actuation inside an external device or
the wearing of a device.
SUMMARY
[0005] In order to address these needs, provided herein are
implantable haptic devices.
[0006] In embodiments, provided herein is a passive haptic device,
including a biocompatible encapsulating material, and a passive
haptic actuator contained within the encapsulating material. In
embodiments, the passive haptic device is configured for implanting
within a body of a user. In further embodiments, the haptic
actuator, in response to an actuation signal from an actuation
component, provides haptic feedback to the user, and in still
further embodiments, the passive haptic device does not comprise a
power source. Instead, the passive haptic device receives power
from a power source external to the body of the user.
[0007] Also provided herein is an active haptic device, including a
biocompatible encapsulating material, an active haptic actuator
contained within the encapsulating material, and a power source for
powering the haptic actuator that is electrically coupled to the
active haptic actuator, and is configured for implanting within the
body of a user. In embodiments, the active haptic device is
configured for implanting within a body of a user, and the active
haptic actuator, in response to an actuation signal from an
actuation component, provides haptic feedback to the user.
[0008] In additional embodiments, provided are methods of providing
haptic feedback to a user. The methods suitably include sensing a
phenomenon, determining whether the phenomenon crosses a threshold
sufficient to trigger a haptic feedback, determining an active
haptic actuator response or a passive haptic actuator response
based on the phenomenon, and actuating the active haptic actuator
response or the passive haptic actuator response.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing and other features and aspects of the present
technology can be better understood from the following description
of embodiments and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The
accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a
part of the specification, further serve to illustrate the
principles of the present technology. The components in the
drawings are not necessarily to scale.
[0010] FIG. 1A shows a passive haptic device in accordance with an
embodiment hereof.
[0011] FIG. 1B shows some possible locations for an implanted
passive haptic device in accordance with an embodiment hereof.
[0012] FIGS. 2A-2C show passive haptic actuators in accordance with
embodiments hereof.
[0013] FIGS. 3A-3B show further passive haptic actuators in
accordance with embodiments hereof.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows the actuation of a passive haptic device in
accordance with an embodiment hereof.
[0015] FIGS. 5A-5B show an active haptic device in accordance with
an embodiment hereof.
[0016] FIGS. 6A-6B show flowcharts of providing haptic feedback via
haptic devices in accordance with embodiments hereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Various embodiments will be described in detail, some with
reference to the drawings. Reference to various embodiments does
not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally,
any embodiments set forth in this specification are not intended to
be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible
embodiments for the appended claims.
[0018] Whenever appropriate, terms used in the singular also will
include the plural and vice versa. The use of "a" herein means "one
or more" unless stated otherwise or where the use of "one or more"
is clearly inappropriate. The use of "or" means "and/or" unless
stated otherwise. The use of "comprise," "comprises," "comprising,"
"include," "includes," "including," "has," and "having" are
interchangeable and not intended to be limiting. The term "such as"
also is not intended to be limiting. For example, the term
"including" shall mean "including, but not limited to."
[0019] In exemplary embodiments, provided herein are passive haptic
devices. As used herein, a "passive haptic device" refers to a
device for providing haptic feedback to a user, wherein the haptic
device does not include a power source. Instead, a passive haptic
actuator within a passive haptic device functions by interacting
with an external actuation component (outside of the body of the
user) and reacts to an external actuation by modifying the
conformation, position, shape, location or orientation of the
haptic actuator.
[0020] As used herein "haptic feedback" or "haptic feedback signal"
refer to information such as vibration, texture, and/or heat, etc.,
that are transferred, via the sense of touch, from a haptic device
as described herein, to a user.
[0021] An exemplary passive haptic device 100, shown in FIG. 1A,
includes, for example, a biocompatible encapsulating material 102
and a passive haptic actuator 104 contained within the
encapsulating material. As described in detail herein, passive
haptic device 100 is configured for implanting or implantation
within a body of a user. That is, passive haptic device 100 can be
readily implanted or inserted into a body of a user by
implantation, insertion or embedding under the skin of a user,
including into muscle tissue, bone tissue, subdermal tissue,
cartilage, various organs, etc. Implantation or insertion of
passive haptic device 100 can occur via the use of a needle,
catheter, etc., or can be carried out via a surgical procedure.
[0022] For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, passive haptic device 100
can be implanted under the skin of a hand of a user, including in a
finger 110, a fingertip 112, or a palm 120. Passive haptic device
100 an be implanted in any area or body part of a user, for
example, the hands, feet, head, face, ears, legs, arms, trunk,
chest, back, etc. In embodiments, passive haptic actuator 104
within passive haptic device 100, in response to an actuation
signal 406 from an external actuation component 404 (see FIG. 4),
provides haptic feedback to a user 402.
[0023] The shape and size of passive haptic device 100 shown in
FIG. 1A is for illustrative purposes only, and it should be
understood that any suitable shape can be used, for example,
spherical, rectangular, square, oblong, cylindrical,
capsule-shaped, egg-shaped, asymmetrically shaped, thread-like
shaped, etc. In addition, it should be understood that the size and
shape of passive haptic actuator 104 shown in FIG. 1A is for
illustrative purposes only, and any shapes such as spherical,
rectangular, square, oblong, cylindrical, capsule-shaped,
egg-shaped, non-uniform shaped, asymmetrically shaped, thread-like
shaped, etc., can be used. Furthermore, a plurality of passive
haptic actuators 104 can be included in passive haptic device 100,
and encapsulated within biocompatible encapsulating material 102,
for example a plurality of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 50, 100,
200, 500, etc.
[0024] The macro-scale shape of passive haptic actuator 104 (as
well as its surface features as described herein) can be used to
provide haptic feedback to a user, such that when the passive
haptic actuator moves, translates, rotates, vibrates, etc., a user
feels the passive haptic actuator 104 under a surface of his or her
skin, or against a muscle, bone, nerve, cartilage, etc., of his or
her body. For example the use of a spherical or ball-shaped passive
haptic actuator 104 would allow for easy and rapid repositioning
within a body of a user by rolling or translating the ball. For
example by using an electromagnet, passive haptic actuator 104 can
be moved to a desired portion of a user's body where haptic
feedback is desired, including different portions of finger 110 or
finger tips 112 of the user.
[0025] As described herein, in exemplary embodiments, passive
haptic actuator 104 comprises a magnetic material. Exemplary
magnetic materials which can be used, include iron, nickel, cobalt,
alloys of rare earth metals, and naturally occurring minerals such
as lodestone. In further embodiments, the magnetic material can
comprise magnetic particles, including micro-particles or
nanoparticles of the magnetic material. For example, the magnetic
material can comprise a matrix of a polymeric material with
magnetic particles embedded therein. The polymeric material can be
chosen from those described herein, including for example, soft
polymeric materials, such as silicone, natural rubber and synthetic
rubber, or a rigid material, such as polyethylene terephthalate
(PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalene (PEN), silicon
based polymers, polyurethanes, thermoplastics,
thermoplastic-elastomers, thermoset polymers, and polymer
composites filled with natural or synthetic fillers. The magnetic
particles can be nanoparticles of magnetic materials such as carbon
iron nanoparticles or rare-earth (e.g., neodymium)
nanoparticles.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, in embodiments, passive haptic
actuator 104 can have a programmed surface. As used herein,
"programmed surface" refers to surface characteristics or
structural features that are included, implemented, or otherwise
formed on passive haptic actuator 104, prior to inclusion in the
passive haptic devices described herein (i.e., prior to
encapsulation and implantation). For example, as shown in FIG. 2A,
passive haptic actuator 104 can include surface features 204 that
impart a rough or textured surface, or a change in the frictional
coefficient of a surface. For example raised regions, indented
regions, additional structures, cracks, cut-outs, protrusions,
bumps, holes, etc., can all be used to create surface features 204
on an outer surface of passive haptic actuator 104. In further
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, a programmed surface can be
implemented by providing the passive haptic actuator with a wavy or
bent structure. In embodiments that employ passive haptic actuator
104 having a programmed surface, movement, rotation, a change in
position or orientation of the passive haptic actuator (as the
result of an actuation by an external actuation component 404),
results in the passive haptic actuator being felt or perceived by a
user, and thus, a haptic feedback being provided to the user (for
example, in a fingertip of a user where the passive haptic device
is located).
[0027] In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2C, passive haptic
actuator 104 can include a programmed polarity. That is, in
embodiments where a magnetic material is utilized to prepare
passive haptic actuator 104, the "programmed polarity" of the
passive haptic actuator can be included, implemented, or otherwise
imparted to passive haptic actuator 104, prior to inclusion in the
haptic devices described herein (i.e., prior to encapsulation and
implantation), by specifically orienting the magnetic or electric
polarity of the passive haptic actuator in a desired orientation.
For example, in embodiments, a programmed polarity can be
implemented in the passive haptic actuator, such that, for example,
in response to an external electromagnetic field, the passive
haptic actuator rotates, spins, moves, travels, or orients in a
particular manner, such that it is felt by a user and provides a
haptic feedback to the user. The programmed polarity can also
provide a response to an actuation signal by spinning at a
particular rate (e.g., 1-100 rotations/second, or higher, for
example 1000 rotations/second, or even higher at 10-100 Hz to kHz
frequencies), or can simply provide an attractive force or a
repulsive force relative to an external device, to thereby provide
a haptic feedback to a user that indicates the external device has
interacted with the passive haptic device. For example, an external
electromagnet can be used to vary magnetic polarity, thereby
generating attractive/repulsive forces. The electromagnet can be
controlled using an amplifier that sends to the electromagnet an
alternative signal (voltage/current) where the polarity of the
signal is proportional to the polarity of the magnetic field.
[0028] Similarly, using electrets, the surface of passive haptic
actuator 104 can be polarized in a certain way such that when an
external electrostatic field is present, a repulsive/attractive
force can be generated.
[0029] In additional embodiments, the programmed surface of passive
haptic actuator 104 can change conformation in response to an
actuation signal. For example, in response to an electromagnetic
field, the programmed surface can transform or modify a surface
characteristic to generate a haptic feedback. In embodiments, the
change in conformation can occur, for example, by an extension or a
protrusion of a section of the passive haptic actuator, or a
warping or a bending of the shape, resulting in contact with a
user, and thereby providing haptic feedback. By utilizing
appropriately sized passive haptic actuators 104 (e.g., those large
enough to be felt through biocompatible encapsulating material 102
when they move), or actuators that sufficiently contact
biocompatible encapsulating material 102 (e.g., sufficient movement
within the biocompatible encapsulating material so as to translate
haptic feedback beyond the biocompatible encapsulating
material).
[0030] In embodiments, passive haptic actuator 104 can comprise a
smart material. Examples of smart materials include various
polymers, including electroactive polymers, shape memory alloys,
shape memory polymers (SMP), and macro fiber composites (MFC). With
reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a smart material haptic actuator 302A
can be included in passive haptic devices described herein in a
conformation shown in FIG. 3A. In response to an actuation signal
(see FIG. 4), the smart material that comprises the haptic actuator
deforms to deformed smart material haptic actuator 302B having, for
example, a wavy, textured, extended, compressed, warped, bent, or
otherwise modified shape. It is the deformation of smart material
haptic actuator 302A to deformed smart material haptic actuator
302B that results in a haptic feedback being felt by a user.
[0031] In embodiments, as described herein, actuation signal 406
can comprise an electromagnetic field or a thermal energy. In other
embodiments, actuation signal 406 can include an electric field,
infrared radiation, ultraviolet or visible light, ultrasound, etc.
In embodiments where an actuation signal comprises an
electromagnetic field, suitably passive haptic actuator 104
comprises a magnetic material such that the passive haptic actuator
interacts and changes, moves, or otherwise responds to the
actuation signal to provide a haptic feedback, as described herein.
In embodiments where a thermal energy is used, external actuation
component 404 suitably includes some type of a thermal energy
source, including laser, radio frequency, ultrasound, light,
conductive or inductive heating elements, etc., to provide thermal
energy. In such embodiments, passive haptic actuator 104 can
respond to the thermal energy, for example, by changing
conformation or shape, deforming, etc., to provide a haptic
feedback to a user.
[0032] In exemplary embodiments, external actuation component 404
may comprise an electromagnet that can be driven to output a
constant or varying magnetic field. Such an actuation component may
induce an attractive and/or repulsive force on passive haptic
actuator 104. Other exemplary external actuation components 404
include an air coil (or air core coil), an induction coil, a
thermal energy source such as a resistor, an electrostatic
generator, an ultrasound generator, an ultraviolet light source, or
a visible light source, including a laser light source, etc.
[0033] In further embodiments, passive haptic actuator 104 can
include a material such as gallium, a metal that is a liquid at
body temperature, but a solid at room temperature. In response to
an external cooling (e.g., via a thermal sink or other cooling
device), a temperature of passive haptic actuator 104 may be
reduced, causing it to solidify, and thereby providing a haptic
feedback to a user who notices or feels a change in the state of
the material (e.g, liquid to solid) within the passive haptic
device, or can be perceived as a change in temperature.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1A, in further embodiments, passive haptic
device 100 can further comprise a radio-frequency identification
(RFID) tag 140, contained within biocompatible encapsulating
material 102. RFID tags are well known in the art and typically
contain electrically stored information, and can be powered from a
RFID reader external to a user, which emits interrogating radio
waves. Stated another way, generally, a RFID reader transmits an
encoded radio signal to interrogate the tag, wherein the RFID tag
receives the signal and then responds with its identification and
other information, which may be stored in a non-volatile memory
thereof. In embodiments, in response to the interrogating radio
waves, the RFID tag provides information, such as, the location,
orientation, status, etc., of the RFID tag. RFID tags suitably
contain at least two parts: an integrated circuit for storing and
processing information, modulating and demodulating a
radio-frequency (RF) signal, collecting DC power from an incident
reader signal, and performing other specialized functions; and an
antenna for receiving and transmitting a signal. The RFID tag may
further include either fixed or programmable logic for processing
the transmission and sensor data (use of the implants as sensors
described herein), respectively. The RFID tag can also contain
information about the haptic device(s) that are encapsulated in the
biocompatible encapsulating material. For example, the RFID can
identify the type(s) of haptic actuator(s) within the biocompatible
encapsulating material (piezoelectric, smart material, etc.),
and/or the type of actuation signal that may be required (e.g.,
magnetic field, thermal, etc.), as well as the frequency or wave
form needed for actuation (e.g., pulse, square wave, sine wave,
etc.). The RFID tag can also be utilized for non-haptic feedback
functionality, including payment or credit card information, health
information, personal identification information, etc.
[0035] Examples of suitable biocompatible encapsulating materials
102 include various glasses, metals, polymers, etc., including, but
not limited to, various silicones, poly(ethylenes), poly
(propylenes), poly(tetrafluorethylenes), poly(methacrylates), etc.
Exemplary metals include titanium, iron, cobalt, chromium,
tantalum, etc. Such materials can be readily shaped or processed in
the form of a sphere, a capsule or other structure useful for
containing the haptic actuators described herein. In embodiments,
passive haptic device 100 is in the form of a prosthetic body part.
For example, passive haptic device 100 can be prepared and shaped
so as to take the form of a fake tooth, a fake nail, a bone
replacement or a bone implant, etc.
[0036] In further embodiments, provided herein are active haptic
devices. As used herein, an "active haptic device" refers to a
device for providing a haptic feedback to a user, wherein the
haptic device includes a power source which is electrically coupled
to a haptic actuator, and is configured for implanting within the
body of a user, and thus provides power to the haptic actuator from
within the user. Active haptic devices, as described herein, may
include replaceable or rechargeable power supplies.
[0037] In embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 5A, an active
haptic device 500 includes biocompatible encapsulating material 102
and an active haptic actuator 504 contained within the
encapsulating material. Active haptic device 500 further includes a
power source 506 that is electrically coupled thereto and that is
configured for powering the active haptic actuator 504. As used
herein, "electrically coupled" includes wired connections and
wireless connections for providing power. As shown in FIG. 4,
active haptic device 500 is configured for implanting within a body
of a user, as described herein, for example in a finger or a hand
of a user, or other body parts or areas of a user. While power
source 506 is suitably contained within biocompatible material 102,
and thus configured for implantation, in other embodiments, power
source 506 can be provided in a separate biocompatible structure or
capsule, or otherwise configured to be implanted, within the body
of a user.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, in response to an actuation
signal 406 from external actuation component 404, active haptic
device 500 provides a haptic feedback to a user for example by
modifying its shape, etc. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in
embodiments, power source 506 can include an antenna 508 for
receiving a recharging signal 510 for recharging power source 506
(i.e., when power source 506 is a rechargeable power source). This
recharging can occur through an inductive power source by
interaction across the skin with an external charger. Inductive
power sources can include an induction coil to create an
alternating electromagnetic field from within a charging base, and
a second induction coil in the active haptic device to take power
from the electromagnetic field and convert it back into electric
current to charge the inductive power source, e.g., battery. In
additional embodiments, power source 506 can be a dynamic or
self-charged power source, including mechanisms that use a body's
motion (piezoelectric) or heat (thermal power generation) or ionic
characteristics (salt concentration, or pH), to provide a
self-powered system. Power source 506 can also be a replaceable
battery, for example.
[0039] Exemplary active haptic actuators 504 may include, for
example, an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) actuator, a linear
resonant actuator (LRA), a materials-based heavy duty actuator, a
piezoelectric actuator, a voice coil actuator, an electro-active
polymer (EAP) actuator, a shape memory alloy, a pager, a DC motor,
an AC motor, a moving magnet actuator, a smartgel, an electrostatic
actuator, an electrotactile actuator, a deformable surface, an
electrostatic force (ESF) device, an ultrasonic friction (USF)
device, or any other haptic output device or collection of
components that perform the functions of a haptic actuator or that
are capable of outputting haptic feedback. Multiple haptic output
devices, or different-sized haptic output devices, may be used to
provide a range of vibrational frequencies, and may be actuated
individually or simultaneously. Various examples may include
multiple haptic output devices that have the same type, or a
combination of different types, of haptic output devices.
[0040] Additional haptic actuators include, for example, actuators
based on an "electroactive material," which refers to a material
that exhibits a change in shape or size when stimulated by an
electric field (either direct or alternating current). Exemplary
electroactive materials, as described herein, include electroactive
polymers and piezoelectric materials. Exemplary electroactive
polymers include polymers such as, but not limited to,
poly(vinylidene fluoride), poly(pyrrole), poly(thiophene),
poly(analine) and mixtures, co-polymers, and derivatives thereof.
Exemplary classes of electroactive polymers include dielectric and
ionic polymers. Dielectric polymers change shape in response to an
electrostatic force between two electrodes which squeeze the
polymer. Dielectric polymers are capable of very high strains and
are fundamentally a capacitor that changes its capacitance when a
voltage is applied by allowing the polymer to compress in thickness
and expand in area due to the electric field. Ionic polymers
undergo a change in shape or size caused by the displacement of
ions inside the polymer. Generally, only a small amount of electric
potential is required (on the order of a few volts) for actuation,
but a higher electrical power is often needed for actuation, and
energy may be needed to keep the actuator at a given position. In
addition, some polymers require the presence of an aqueous
environment to maintain the ionic flow. Exemplary piezoelectric
materials include, but are not limited to, barium titanate,
hydroxyapatite, apatite, lithium sulfate monohydrate, sodium
potassium niobate, quartz, lead zirconium titanate (PZT), tartaric
acid and polyvinylidene difluoride fibers. Other piezoelectric
materials known in the art can also be used in the embodiments
described herein.
[0041] The biocompatible encapsulating material can include
multiple different haptic actuators, i.e., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, etc., haptic actuators, as described
herein. The haptic actuators can be active or passive, and can be
of different nature, i.e., combinations of smart materials,
piezoelectrics and mechanical actuators. The combinations of
actuators can be utilized together or separately to provide haptic
feedback.
[0042] Active haptic actuator 504 can provide various forms of
haptic feedback, including for example, vibration, deformation,
electro-stimulation, electrostatic friction or feedback, heating,
etc.
[0043] In embodiments, as described herein, active haptic actuator
504 can further include a wireless communication device 512, for
example, an antenna. Wireless communication device 512 is used to
receive actuation signal 406 from external actuation component 404,
thereby providing haptic feedback to the user by actuating active
haptic actuator 504. Suitably, a switch 520 can also be included to
connect or disconnect the power to haptic actuator 504, or
otherwise control when the haptic actuator 504 is made active.
[0044] Active haptic device 500 can also further comprise RFID tag
140, as described herein. In embodiments, as detailed herein,
active haptic device 500 can be in the form of a prosthetic body
part. Additional electronics necessary for driving the active
haptic device and charging the power source are also to be included
in biocompatible encapsulating material 102. In general, such
additional electronics will be encapsulated within the device,
though can also be placed along the outside, or as part of or
integrated into the surface, of, biocompatible encapsulating
material 102.
[0045] The amount of power provided by power source 506 is suitably
on the order of about 0.1 Watts (W) to about 10 W, or more suitably
about 0.5 W to about 5 W, or about 1 W to about 5 W, or about 0.5
W, about 1 W, about 2 W, about 3 W, about 4 W or about 5 W.
Exemplary power sources 506 include inductive power sources, as
well as various battery packs and solar energy sources. Power
source 506 can also include a re-chargeable system, for example, a
system capable of recharging through the use of a piezoelectric
material.
[0046] The location, orientation and placement of active and
passive haptic devices described herein (referred to herein
collectively as "haptic devices") in a user are important factors
when considering how and where to implant or insert the haptic
devices in a user. In general, the haptic devices described herein
are placed under the skin of a user, generally within a few
millimeters to a few centimeters below the skin surface, so as to
provide a tactile sensation to a user. For example, placing the
haptic devices at or near the surface of a user's fingertip is
suitable for interactions where a user's finger would be the
primary part that would interact with the external device, for
example, via a touchpad, number pad, payment terminal, or other
finger-touch interface. In other embodiments, the haptic devices
can be implanted much deeper into tissue or organs, or can be
placed near muscle spindles or a bone to provide haptic feedback or
sensation to a larger part of a user's body. The haptic devices can
also be placed near a nerve of a user to provide direct stimulation
with an electrical current.
[0047] For surface or near-surface implementations, the use of an
RFID tag in the devices allows for easy identification by an
external device and for the haptic devices to interact readily with
the external device or interface. Examples of external devices
include, for example, touchscreens, touchpads, cellular phones,
tablets, gaming consoles, bank machines, payment terminals, point
of sale devices, purchasing kiosks or keypads at various stores,
etc., automobile consoles, computers, laptops, etc. In additional
embodiments, the external devices can be devices that do not
require physical or close-physical (almost touching) interaction to
initiate external actuation signal 404, for example, a watch,
computer, game console, automobile, etc., located at some distance
from the user.
[0048] In embodiments, the same active or passive haptic device can
be used in different environments, or separate active and passive
haptic devices, to interact with different environments/devices.
For example, the haptic actuators described herein can be implanted
in a user's finger, and allow for interaction with various
components of an automobile, including warming sensors, etc., on a
steering wheel. The same haptic actuators (or separate if desired)
can also interact with other devices as described herein, including
sales kiosks or automated tellers, as well as gaming or virtual
reality systems. The haptic actuators can thus be made to interact
in a generic fashion, with various different devices and under
different scenarios.
[0049] Exemplary feedback or signals that can be provided by an
external device, include, for example, indications of incoming
messages or communication from a third party, warning signals,
gaming interaction, driver awareness signals, computer prompts,
etc.
[0050] In further embodiments, the haptic devices described herein
can be integrated with or be part of a virtual reality or augmented
reality system. In such embodiments, the haptic devices can provide
haptic feedback to a user as he or she interacts with a virtual or
augmented reality system, providing responses or feedback initiated
by the virtual reality or augmented reality components and
devices.
[0051] In embodiments, multiple haptic devices can be implanted or
inserted into a user. In certain embodiments, for example, each
finger of a user can have a haptic device as described herein
(either passive or active, or some of each) inserted. In other
embodiments, multiple haptic devices can be implanted or inserted
in the same area or body part of a user. For example, multiple
haptic devices can be implanted or inserted in the same fingertip,
creating a flowing or moving sensation when actuated collectively
or sequentially.
[0052] Also provided herein are methods of providing haptic
feedback to a user, which include receiving a haptic signal and
actuating an active haptic actuator response or a passive haptic
actuator response. Examples of haptic signals can come from various
sources such as external mobile phones, tablets, computers,
automobiles, etc., and can signal incoming messages, phone calls,
alerts, etc., as described herein. Exemplary active haptic actuator
responses include vibration, deformation, electro-stimulation,
electrostatic friction or feedback, or heating. Exemplary passive
haptic actuator responses include rotation, a change in shape or a
movement.
[0053] Also provided herein are methods of providing haptic
feedback to a user, including receiving a signal, determining an
active haptic actuator response or a passive haptic actuator
response based on the signal, and actuating the active haptic
actuator response or the passive haptic actuator response. Examples
of signals can come from various sources such as external mobile
phones, tablets, computers, automobiles, etc., and can signal
incoming messages, phone calls, alerts, etc., as described herein.
In addition, signals can also be generated by the user, and include
manual touching or rubbing over a portion of the body which include
the implanted sensors and actuators.
[0054] FIGS. 6A-6B show flowchart 600 of a haptic feedback process
for active haptic devices and flowchart 650 shows an additional
haptic feedback process for passive haptic devices as described
herein. For each type of haptic devices, a sensor (including both
sensors internal to the haptic devices as well as associated with
external devices, including for example, external actuation
component 404), is used in block 602 to sense a phenomenon. In
embodiments, the sensor is an implanted sensor, such as a component
of the haptic device which interacts with an external device.
Examples of phenomena, include, for example, touching or close
approach of a user, an external signal from an additional device, a
voice command, a computer signal, etc. In block 604, it is
determined whether a sensed phenomenon crosses a threshold
sufficient to trigger a haptic feedback to a user. For example, it
is determined that the user's finger touching a touchpad or touch
device is sufficient to trigger a haptic feedback. Then, for the
active haptic actuators described herein, in block 606, a response
is determined based on the sensed phenomenon. For example, it may
be determined that the active haptic actuator is to provide a
vibrational response to the user. Similarly, for the passive haptic
actuators, in block 608, a response is determined based on the
sensed phenomenon. For example, it may be determined that the
passive haptic actuator is to be rotated. In response to these
determinations, in blocks 610 or 612, the active or passive haptic
actuators are actuated, thereby providing a haptic feedback to the
user.
[0055] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily
recognize various modifications and changes that may be made
without following the example embodiments and applications
illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the
true spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *