Tactile feedback man-machine interface device

An apparatus for providing a tactile sensation to a sensing body part in relation to a variable state of a measured body part, said apparatus comprising at least one vibrotactile unit, wherein each unit comprises:

• a mass-moving actuator comprising a shaft and an eccentric mass mounted on said shaft, said mass-moving actuator rotating said shaft;
• and
• fastening means for holding said mass-moving actuator in relation to said sensing body part for transmitting vibrations to said sensing body part;
• wherein said apparatus further comprises:
• a state sensor for measuring the variable state of said measured body part and generating a state signal in relation to said variable state;
• and
• a signal processor for receiving said state signal to produce an activating signal and transmitting said activating signal to said mass-moving actuator for activating said mass-moving actuator to produce a variable tactile sensation in relation to said variable state.

An apparatus for providing a complex tactile sensation to a sensing body part in relation to a variable state signal, said apparatus comprising at least one vibrotactile unit, wherein each unit comprises:

• a mass-moving actuator comprising a shaft and an eccentric mass mounted on said shaft, said mass-moving actuator rotating said shaft;
• and
• fastening means for holding said mass-moving actuator in relation to said sensing body part for transmitting vibrations to said sensing body part;
• wherein said apparatus further comprises a signal processor for interpreting said state signal to produce an activating signal and transmitting said activating signal to said mass-moving actuator for activating said mass-moving actuator to produce a variable complex tactile sensation in relation to said variable state signal.

A method for providing a tactile sensation to a sensing body part in relation to a variable state signal, employing an apparatus comprising a vibrotactile unit, wherein said vibrotactile unit comprises:

• a mass-moving actuator comprising a shaft and an eccentric mass mounted on said shaft, said mass-moving actuator rotating said shaft;
• said method comprising:
• mounting said vibrotactile unit on a sensing body part;
• producing said variable state signal in relation to a variable condition;
• interpreting said state signal to produce an activating signal;
• and
• transmitting said activating signal to said mass-moving actuator for varying the rotation of said shaft to provide a tactile sensation to said sensing body part, said tactile sensation relating to said state signal as a result of varying the frequency and amplitude of vibration of said mass-moving actuator.