DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION TACTILE DISPLAYS

摘要

The present disclosure introduces new multi-functional vibrating devices, methods of using the devices, and methods of manufacturing the devices. A multi-functional vibrating device can include one or more actuators, each paired with an amplifier capable of converting small lateral vibration into large vertical vibration. The present disclosure also involves interactive information acquisition technologies and assistive technologies, particularly devices, methods, and systems for tactile information transfer and acquisition. Some embodiments incorporate multi-functional vibrational devices, methods, and systems to achieve unique structural and operational characteristics—such as high-resolution, robustness, versatility, compactness, and/or rapid refresh rates—for communicating information. Some embodiments can convert information from a format that is less convenient and/or accessible in some cases (e.g., visual or audio) to an intuitive and/or private format (e.g., tactile patterns and motions).

主权项

1. A high-resolution actuating array, comprising:
an array of two or more actuators in a plane, each having a long dimension in a first direction in the plane; one or more electrodes positioned in contact with one or more surfaces of each actuator, the two or more actuators in the array being independently configured and arranged to at least one of contract and expand in the first direction upon application of one or more electric voltages to the one or more electrodes; and an amplifier with one or more bendable elements and one or more rigid arms positioned in contact with each actuator, wherein at least one rigid arm is flexibly attached to a surface of the actuator, the at least one rigid arm being configured and arranged to rotate away from the surface of the actuator when the actuator contracts in the first direction and to rotate toward the surface of the actuator when the actuator expands in the first direction.