Floor-based haptic communication system

摘要

The present relates to a system for providing vibration feedback to at least one foot. The system comprises at least one rigid surface for receiving the at least one foot, one vibrotactile actuator for each of the at least one rigid surface, and a suspension mechanism. The vibrotactile actuator is installed underneath the corresponding rigid surface and provides vibration feedback there through. The suspension mechanism supports the at least one rigid surface.

主权项

1. A device comprising:
a surface to form part of a flooring structure for use by a user formed from a first material having a first stiffness; a sensor coupled to the surface and a controller, the sensor providing a sensor output signal in dependence upon pressure being applied to the surface by the user by moving at least one of onto, across, and off the surface; at least one vibrotactile actuator coupled to the surface, the at least one vibrotactile actuator for receiving a control signal from the controller and generating a vibratory motion of the surface during the user's movement; and the controller for generating the control signal to the at least one vibrotactile actuator, the control signal controlling the vibratory motion of the surface generated by the at least vibrotactile actuator and established in dependence upon at least the sensor output signal and a second material; wherein the vibratory motion applied to the surface by the at least one vibrotactile actuator in combination with the user's pressure upon the surface modify a first compliance the user associates with the surface as being lower than a second compliance the user associates with the surface when no vibratory motion is applied.