Tactile information supply module

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10049539-B2
Application number	US-201715683178-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Aug 22, 2017
Priority date	Jul 28, 2014
Publication date	Aug 14, 2018
Grant date	Aug 14, 2018

Abstract

Provided is a tactile information supply module. The tactile information supply module includes a receiver for receiving message information from the outside, a controller for converting the message information into a tactile signal, and an operator for providing tactile information to a user based on the tactile signal, wherein the operator includes at least one tactile sensation provider comprising magnetic particles and a matrix material, and wherein the tactile sensation provider is transformed in response to an external magnetic field to provide the tactile information.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. A method comprising:
receiving message information;
transforming the message information into a tactile signal; and
actuating an operator to provide tactile information according to the tactile signal,
wherein the operator includes at least one tactile sensation provider comprising magnetic particles and a matrix material, and
wherein the tactile sensation provider provides the tactile information by being transformed in response to an external magnetic field.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tactile sensation provider is made of a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE).

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic particles include at least one of iron (Fe), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni).

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the matrix material is made of rubber or a polymer.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the operator further comprises:
a tactile unit that contacts a user; and
a magnetic field generator for applying a magnetic field to the tactile unit,
wherein the at least one tactile sensation provider is connected to the tactile unit.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the tactile unit includes at least one cell, and
wherein the magnetic field generator is disposed under the tactile unit.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the magnetic field generator includes at least one coil unit that corresponds to the cell.

8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the tactile sensation provider maintains a first shape when not influenced by the magnetic field, and
wherein the tactile sensation provider maintains a second shape when influenced by the magnetic field.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein at least one of a degree, a direction, and a frequency of the transformation from the first shape to the second shape is controlled by controlling at least one of an intensity, a direction, and a frequency of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tactile sensation provider is in a shape of at least one of a fine projection, an empty cylinder, a dome, a polyhedron, a plate, a leaf spring, a seesaw and a tunnel.

11. The method of claim 8 , wherein the tactile sensation provider returns from the second shape to the first shape and produces a reciprocating motion by elastic force, thereby transferring the tactile information.

12. The method of claim 6 , wherein the message information comprises a text, a geometric figure, a symbol, a warning, an alarm, or notice, and
wherein the operator provides the tactile information by sequentially or simultaneously applying/removing the magnetic field to/from each of the cells according to the tactile signal.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the operator includes a plurality of operators,
wherein the plurality of operators provide different types of tactile information.

Assignees

• Ck Mat Lab Co Ltd

Inventors

• Do Seoung Hun
• Kim Hyeong Jun

Classifications

• G06F3/016

  Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user · CPC title

• B06B1/045

  using vibrating magnet, armature or coil system · CPC title

• G09B21/004

  Details of particular tactile cells, e.g. electro-mechanical or mechanical layout · CPC title

• H01F7/126

  Supporting or mounting · CPC title

• G06F3/01

  Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer (G06F3/16 takes precedence) · CPC title