Abstract:
A tactile device for an aircraft operator has a plurality of tactors for being passively attached to an aircraft operator, the plurality of tactors including a first tactor and a second tactor neighboring the first tactor. A control system controls actuation of the tactors as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft, the control system actuating the first tactor when the variable reaches a first predetermined value, and actuating both the first and second tactor when the variable reaches a second predetermined value different from the first predetermined value. Other tactile devices and methods for actuating tactile devices are also provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   The present invention relates to a tactile device and method for providing information to an aircraft, motor vehicle or equipment operator. 
   Devices and methods for providing information tactually to aircraft operators are known. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,078,982, hereby incorporated by reference herein, for example, describes a tactile device for registering airspeed, altitude or a turn indicator. The information is provided tactually via the operator grasping the tactile device, and is not provided passively. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,902,687, also hereby incorporated by reference herein, describes an aircraft indicator system having a seat cushion and a leg clamp with left and right vibrators which indicate to the aircraft operator a deviation from a course selected via a radio navigational aid receiver. A frequency of vibration is indicative of the magnitude of the deviation. 
   The United States Navy at http://www.namrl.navy.mil/TSAS/, the entire description of which is also hereby incorporated by reference herein, describes a tactile situation awareness system (TSAS) which provides aircraft operators with a vest with tactors arranged in a grid fashion. The tactors provide pitch and roll information via absolute actuating of the tactors. In other words, to convey information regarding pitch, only one tactor at a time is actuated. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the present invention is to improve the ability to convey information tactually to aircraft operators. An alternate or additional object of the present invention is improve the ability to convey information tactually to motor vehicle or equipment operators. 
   The present invention provides a tactile device for an aircraft operator which has a plurality of tactors passively attached to an aircraft operator, the plurality of tactors including a first tactor and a second tactor neighboring the first tactor. A control system controls actuation of the tactors as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft and actuates the first tactor when the variable reaches a first predetermined value. The control system then actuates both the first and second tactor when the variable reaches a second predetermined value different from the first predetermined value. 
   By providing for actuation of both the first and second tactors as the variable changes value, the operator obtains a relative sensation between the first tactor and the second tactor which improves the ability of the operator to detect the actuation of the second tactor. Advantageously, less powerful tactors or more closely spaced tactors may be provided to convey the information from the variable. 
   By having the tactors passively attached to the operator, as opposed to on a handle or at the seat where the position of the operator with regard to the tactors may change, the tactors also may convey information more effectively. 
   The tactile device may include a third tactor, the second tactor being located between the first and third tactors, the first, second and third tactors all being actuated when the variable reaches a third predetermined value, a difference between the first predetermined value and the third predetermined value being greater than a difference between the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value. In other words, the direction of actuation of the tactors and of the value of the variable are the same. Thus for example if the characteristic is altitude, as the altitude reaches a first level, the first tactor may be actuated, as it reaches a higher second level, the first and second tactors are actuated, and as it reaches yet a higher third level, the first, second and third tactors are actuated. 
   The first, second and third tactors may be arranged linearly, and may be spaced equidistantly, and the difference between the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value may be the same as the difference between the second predetermined value and the third predetermined value. 
   Preferably, the characteristic is one of altitude or airspeed. These characteristics are well suited to expression via a row of tactors. The characteristic also could be the proximity of the aircraft in relation to a threat, for example a surface-to-air missile or another nearby aircraft. 
   The tactors for example may be spaced within two centimeters of each other, or more preferably within one centimeter or less of another. Since a forearm, which is an advantageous location for the tactors of the present invention, typically provides about 20 centimeters of tactile space, up to twenty or more tactors may be able to be provided on the forearm. Each individual tactor may be 1.0 cm or less in length and width, and even less than 0.5 cm in length and width. Small piezoelectric tactors for example may advantageously be used with the present invention. 
   Preferably, the tactors are supported by a longitudinal strip of material, which may be fastened for example via perpendicular VELCRO or adhesive tape strips to the forearm. This permits easier attachment of a plurality of tactors. The tactors also may be fastened by a longitudinal strip of adhesive tape or by other means. 
   The present invention also provides a tactile device for an aircraft operator in which a plurality of tactors are passively attached to an aircraft operator, the plurality of tactors including a first tactor and a second tactor neighboring the first tactor. A control system controls actuation of the tactors as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft, the control system actuating the first tactor as a marker, and actuating the first and second tactors when the variable reaches a first predetermined value. 
   The marker, which for example may be actuated when the device is first turned on or the aircraft started and always left on, advantageously also provides for relative sensation when the second tactor is actuated. 
   The present invention also provides a tactile device for an aircraft operator comprising a strip-shaped tactor passively attached to the aircraft operator over a longitudinal surface and infinitely variable in the longitudinal direction. A control system controls actuation of the strip-shaped tactor as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft, the control system actuating the strip-shaped tactor longitudinally as a function of the variable. 
   The strip-shaped tactor functions similarly to the plurality of tactors but provides for infinitely variable sensation, for example via a spring-loaded inflatable device. 
   The control system may actuate the strip-shaped tactor longitudinally in a direct linear relation to a value of the variable, but may also proceed logarithmically or in other related fashion. 
   The present invention also provides a tactile device for an aircraft operator with a tactor passively attached to an aircraft operator, the tactor having a characteristic infinitely variable between two points. A control system controls the infinitely-variable characteristic of the tactor as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft, the characteristic being independent of signals generated outside the aircraft. Thus altimeter and airspeed signals, generated onboard, may be provided via the infinitely-variable tactor characteristic. 
   The infinitely-variable characteristic may be for example a vibration of the tactor, a temperature of the tactor, an electric voltage of the tactor, or a pressure provided by the tactor to the operator. 
   The present invention also provides a method for actuating a plurality of tactors passively attached to an aircraft operator, the plurality of tactors including a first tactor and a second tactor neighboring the first tactor. The method includes actuating a first tactor when a variable reaches a first predetermined value or as a marker, the variable being a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft and actuating the second tactor when the variable reaches a second predetermined value. 
   The present invention also provides a method for actuating a strip-shaped tactor passively attached to an aircraft operator, the strip-shaped tactor being longitudinally actuable. The method includes actuating the strip-shaped tactor to provide a signal at a first tactile location when a variable reaches a first predetermined value or as a marker, the variable being a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft and actuating the strip-shaped tactor to provide further signals longitudinally downstream from the first tactile location as a value of the variable changes. 
   Any of the tactile devices according to the present invention above may also be provided for a motor vehicle or equipment operator to provide information regarding a motor vehicle or other equipment operating characteristic. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are described with respect to the figures in which: 
       FIG. 1  shows a tactile device having a plurality of tactors for attachment to a forearm of an aircraft, motor vehicle or equipment operator; 
       FIG. 2  shows a tactile device have a strip-shaped tactor; 
       FIG. 3  shows an alternate tactile device in circular form; and 
       FIG. 4  shows an alternate tactile device similar to  FIG. 1  with transverse marker strips. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  shows a tactile device having a plurality of tactors for attachment to a forearm of an aircraft, motor vehicle or equipment operator. A plurality of tactors  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  and  17  are arranged linearly and spaced at equal distances on a longitudinal strip of material  20 , which can be attached via VELCRO or adhesive tape strips  22 ,  24  for example to the forearm of an aircraft operator. Preferably, the tactors directly contact the skin of the operator. The strip of material  20  or tactors  11  may for example be about 0.25 inches wide. The strip of material preferably is made of cloth or other flexible natural or synthetic material. 
   The tactors may be piezoelectric or pneumatic tactors for example, or may be vibrating motors, for example those manufactured by ALCOM or JAMECO, or may be tactors which provide heat or a minor electric charge to the skin. The tactors may contact the skin directly through cutouts in the strip  20 , or if appropriate through the strip  20 . A lubricant or gel may be used to increase electric sensitivity to the charge. 
   A voltage source  50  may provide electricity to the tactors through a flexible connection  40 . A battery source alternately could be located directly on the strip  20 . 
   A controller  30  may receive inputs from an airspeed detector  60  and/or an altimeter  62 , and/or other components of the aircraft or of a motor vehicle or other equipment. 
   As a function of theses inputs, controller  30  controls individual actuation of the tactors via connection  40  and a flexible control line  32 . Each tactor may be connected to a bus  42  and has an individually addressable location for a header for control signals from the controller  30 . For example, with eight tactor system shown, a three bit header can be used, as well as a single bit on/off control signal. The connections between the controller  30  and tactors and aircraft operating signal inputs may be wireless. Each tactor may also be connected via an individual wire or other connection to the controller  30 , instead of through the bus  42 . 
   As an example, tactor  10  may function as an initiation tactor, and is actuated for example when the operator inputs a control to the aircraft controller  30  indicating that the strip  20  is attached to the operator. As the aircraft increases in speed, for example to 100 miles per hour, tactor  11  is actuated. When the aircraft reaches 200 miles per hour, tactor  12  is actuated, and tactors  10  and  11  remain actuated. At 300 miles per hour, tactor  13  is actuated, and so on until at 700 miles per hour tactor  17 , and thus all tactors  10  to  17  are actuated. As the aircraft slows the tactors are deactivated, starting with tactor  17 . 
   The tactile device thus provides a sensitive tactile device for airspeed, which can aid in reducing or eliminating the need for the aircraft operator to view the airspeed indicator. The present invention has particular applicability to military aircraft where the pilots often face visual and aural information overload. 
   A second strip with tactors could be provided for the other arm for indicating altitude, and controlled by controller  30  in a similar manner as the altitude varies. 
   If the tactors operate via electronic signals to the skin surface of the aircraft operator, the present invention also provides that controller  30  can send a known electric charge to one of the tactors and measure the electric charge delivered via another, for example, neighboring, tactor so as to determine the skin resistance. Thus as the skin resistance of the aircraft operator varies, for example via perspiration, the electric charges delivered via the tactors can be varied. The operator also may control the electric charge strength, for example through input to controller  30 . 
     FIG. 2  shows an alternate tactile device with an infinitely variable tactor, here made up of an inflatable device and a spring. A rectangular frame  130  with an open bottom may be attached to the strip  20 , which may have a cutout  148 . Frame  130  for example may be made of thin plexiglass. An inflatable bladder  142  may move a stopper  146  back and forth against springs  144 , and may be inflated via a pneumatic pressure device  140 , for example. The bladder  142  may be felt by the operator through its pressure through the strip  20 , and if present, directly on the skin through cutout  148 . The longitudinal extent of the bladder may increase or decrease as a function of the airspeed, so that for example the location of stopper  146  shown in  FIG. 2  may indicate an airspeed of 455 miles per hour. The location of stopper  146  is infinitely variable within the frame  130 . As airspeed decreases, pressure from pressure device  140  decreases and springs  144  force the stopper  146  and thus bladder  142  to move downwardly, as oriented in  FIG. 2 . The pneumatic connection between  140  and bladder  142  is flexible. 
     FIG. 3  shows an alternate embodiment in which tactors  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220 ,  222 ,  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  230  and  232  are arranged in a circular or expanding pattern. Thus for example when the aircraft speed is 200 miles per hour, tactor  210  is actuated, at 300 miles per hour, tactors  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216  and  218  are actuated, and at 400 miles per hour, all tactors are actuated. More tactors outside the ring of tactors  220  to  234  maybe provided to provide even a larger expansion area. However other linearly-laterally expanding tactor patterns may be used, for example a V-shaped or inverted triangle pattern where the tip of the V represents a first speed or variable value, and the top of the V, which may be for example twelve or more tactors across a highest speed or variable value. A cross-shaped pattern is another example of a linearly-laterally expanding tactor pattern. 
     FIG. 4  shows an alternate embodiment in which a main tactor strip  300  is supplemented with individual transverse marker tactor strips  310 ,  312 ,  314  spaced apart, for example on a forearm. The marker strips  310 ,  312 ,  314  may be spaced more then five centimeters apart. The marker strips  310 ,  312 ,  314  may be activated at all times or be triggered as the tactors on strip  300  are activated in linear fashion to reach the marker strip. Tactor marker strip  310  for example may indicate an aircraft speed of 200 miles per hour. Marker strip  312  may indicate 300 miles per hour. Marker strip  314  may indicate a speed of 400 miles per hour. The marker strip may have an actuating length of for example 1 to 1.5 inches in the transverse direction, and may be a single tactor or a plurality of tactors as described above. The individual tactors on strip  300  thus may be provide a finer feeling for the variable changes and operate similar to the  FIG. 1  embodiment, while the marker strips  310 ,  312 ,  314  may aid the operator in determining the value of the variable. 
   It should also be noted that in an alternate embodiment of the present invention a single tactor could provide variable information in some cases. For example in the  FIG. 1  embodiment, tactor  10  could vibrate at a frequency or amplitude indicative of airspeed  60 , be heated or cooled to a temperature, or provide a pressure or an electric voltage indicative of airspeed  60 . 
   The embodiments of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3  and  4  could also be used for example to provide motor vehicle or equipment operating information, for example vehicle speed information or proximity information, for example the proximity of a crane to an object.