Modular electrotactile system and method
US6930590B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG09B21/003
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This application relates to an electrotactile system and method for delivering tactile stimuli to a skin surface of a user. The system includes one or more electrotactile modules each comprising an array of electrodes electrically connected to an integrated circuit. Each integrated circuit has data processing and current driving capability. The current delivered from the integrated circuit to each electrode is relatively small, preferably less than 4 milliamps. The modules may be connected to a flexible PC board by spring-loaded connectors. In one embodiment a plurality of electrotactile modules may be grouped together to from an electrotactile device. Multiple electrotactile devices may in turn be deployed as part of a wearable article for use in virtual reality, telepresence, telerrobotics or other haptic feedback applications. The system is capable receiving and transmitting tactile data via a communication link, such as a conventional data network. For example, tactile data can be transmitted in a scalable streaming format from a remote site to the system via a data network. The system may form part of a virtual reality entertainment application.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.