Patent ID: 6326901
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: G08B,G09B

Abstract:
A tactile communications device, suitable for wearing by a tactually sensitive user, for receiving and converting a communications data stream into a tactual message that can be perceived by the user, the device comprising:(a) a housing including a face surface abuttably positionable over a surface of the user suitably sensitive to tactual stimulation;(b) a tactile stimulator array mountable within the housing having a plurality of vibromechanical stimulators positionable adjacent the face surface, the vibromechanical stimulators having a tactile effector suitable for impinging the surface of the user when the vibromechanical stimulator is energized;(c) a power source operably connected to the tactile stimulator array suitable for powering at least the tactile stimulator array;(d) a receiver, operably connected to the power source, for receiving a communications data stream including at least navigational and orientation data; and(e) a controller, operably connected to the power source, receiver and the tactile stimulator array, for independently and sequentially controlling each vibromechanical stimulator, using one vibromechanical stimulator at a time, to tactually stimulate the surface of the user in at least one line pattern equivalent to the received navigational and orientation data stream.