US 9,040,875 B2Granted

Thermal pixel array device

OwnerPrakash C R J Naidu, Milos R Popovic +1inventors

InventorsPrakash C R J Naidu, Milos R Popovic, Kshirsagar C J Naidu

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Abstract

A thermal pixel array stimulating device is disclosed providing flexibility between the different pixels of the array to enable wrapping of the device over a curved surface of the human body by connecting the pixel substrates by flexible material or linkages. The distance between the pixels may further optionally be adjustable. A controller may control the temperature pattern generated by the array. The controller may be programmable to provide a temperature pattern. Individual pixels may be provided with sensors to measure stimulus, with the outputs from such sensors being directed to data recordal and display devices. Stimulation modes provided may include at least one of vibratory stimulation, actuation stimulation, thermal stimulation or a combination of two or more of them.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A thermal pixel array device for pain research, communication, education or enhanced perception in gaming applications comprising:

an array of heaters having at least three heaters serving as a pixel array for providing a stimulus for stimulating a human subject;
a means to hold the heaters such that one side of the heaters can position substantially conforming to shape of a curved surface and at the same time providing for changing the distance between a pair of heaters independent from the distance between another pair of heaters by sliding and clamping means in one direction and in addition optionally providing for change in distances between heaters at a direction 90 degrees with respect to the first direction by means of stretching or sliding and clamping;
a means to cool the heaters;
a means for programmable control of temperatures of individual heaters in the array independent from each other.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.