Patent · US Active

Device and method for transmitting shape information of image through tactile sensation using rheological fluid

US7777137B2 · kind B2 · utility

13Cited by
5References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 5, 2007
Grant dateAug 17, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 13, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG09B21/004
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The tactile transmission device includes a plurality of cells arranged at regular intervals, each having a storage space therein. A contact member is installed in each of the cells, an upper portion of the contact member protruding out of the cell. An elastic member is installed in each of the cells, and biases the contact member upwards. A sensor is installed in each of the cells, and measures displacement of the contact member. A magneto-rheological fluid is contained in each of the cells. A coil is installed in each of the cells and generates a magnetic field in the cell. A control means compares a shape information value of the image with a displacement value of the contact member output from the sensor, thus controlling a quantity of current applied to the coil. According to the present invention, the shape information of an image displayed on a screen is corrected to be suitable for a user's characteristics, thus more precisely transmitting the shape information on the screen to the user. Further, a transmission medium for transmitting a tactile sensation to a user has a simple construction, so that miniaturization of the tactile transmission device is very easily realized.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.