Refreshable scanning tactile graphic display for localized sensory stimulation
AssigneeUnited States of America
InventorsJohn W. Roberts, Nicholas Guttenberg
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Abstract
Pressure-based refreshable scanning tactile graphic display apparatus and methods are disclosed for localized sensory stimulation. The apparatus include a display array having stimulus points embedded in a matrix, an energy source applied at the stimulus points through a modulator, a control unit, and a position sensing and feedback unit or units (such as a mouse-type device or data glove, for example). The energy source is preferably stored and pressurized fluid with application to selected stimulus points (pins, for example) preferably directed at a microvalve array under the control of a computer-based control unit.
Claims20
A refreshable scanning tactile graphic display apparatus for localized sensory stimulation comprising:
- a high density array of stimulus points each capable of delivering different pressure variable stimulus at a selected body location of a user;
- means for applying activation energy from an energy source to said stimulus points;
- a modulator for selective activation including pressure variation of said stimulus points utilizing said means for applying activation energy;
- and
- a control unit for controlling said modulator operation.
A refreshable scanning tactile graphic display apparatus for localized sensory stimulation to tactilely simulate a virtual display comprising:
- a plurality of fluid actuated pressure variable stimulus points held at a matrix for stimulating a localized area of a user's body;
- an actuator array operatively associated with said stimulus points for selected application of working fluid thereto to both actuate and modulate body applied pressure at said stimulus points;
- a working fluid pressurization, containment and delivery system associated with said actuator array;
- a control unit for controlling function of said actuator array;
- and
- a position sensing and feedback unit connected with said control unit to inform said control unit which portion of the virtual display should be tactilely simulated at said stimulus points.
A method for localized sensory stimulation to tactilely simulate a virtual display comprising the steps of:
- providing for delivery of stimulus at a high density set of points at a selected body location of a user;
- modulating said stimulus delivery at different said points for selective actuation including applying variable differential pressure stimulus at said points;
- and
- controlling said modulation responsive to selected input to control which portion of the virtual display should be tactilely simulated at said points.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.