Source: http://www.freshpatents.com/-dt20140403ptan20140091914.php
Timestamp: 2014-07-23 13:58:06
Document Index: 568183823

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61']

Systems And Methods For Mapping Message Contents To Virtual Physical Properties For Vibrotactile Messaging FreshPatents Stats2 views for this patent on FreshPatents.com2014: 2 viewsUpdated: July 21 2014 TOP 200 Companies filing patents this week
Systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging Systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messagingSystems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving a sensor signal from a sensor, the sensor configured to detect an interaction with a messaging device, determining a virtual physical property of a virtual message object based at least in part on the sensor signal, determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the virtual physical parameter; and generating a haptic signal configured to cause an actuator to output the haptic effect.Related Terms: Haptic Mapping Tactile Messaging Messaging Device Browse recent Immersion Corporation patents - San Jose, CA, USUSPTO Applicaton #: #20140091914 - Class: 3404071 (USPTO) - Inventors: David M. Birnbaum, Christopher J. Ullrich, Danny Grant The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20140091914, Systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging.
This application is a continuation of and claims priority to: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/502,647, entitled “Systems and Methods for Mapping Message Contents to Virtual Physical Properties for Vibrotactile Messaging” filed Jul. 14, 2009, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/080,978, entitled “Systems and Methods for Physics-Based Tactile Messaging” filed Jul. 15, 2008; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/080,981, entitled “Systems and Methods for Mapping Message Contents to Virtual Physical Properties for Vibrotactile Messaging” filed Jul. 15, 2008; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/080,985, entitled “Systems and Methods for Shifting Sensor Haptic Feedback Function Between Passive and Active Modes” filed Jul. 15, 2008; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/080,987, entitled “Systems and Methods for Gesture Indication of Message Recipients” filed Jul. 15, 2008; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/148,312, entitled “Systems and Methods for Pseudo-Telepresence in a Shared Space” filed Jan. 29, 2009; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/181,280, entitled “Systems and Methods for Transmitting Haptic Messages” filed May 26, 2009, the entirety of all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention generally relates to messaging, and more particularly to systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging.
Conventional tactile feedback in messaging systems is determined by the settings on a message recipient\'s messaging device, which may associate different types of messages with particular vibrations. These vibrations may be generic, and/or based on a prepackaged library of vibration effects included with the messaging device. Such vibrations are not authored by the user, and thus may not be considered personal to the sender or recipient of the message. Furthermore, such vibrations are not generated by the properties of the message contents. Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging.
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging. For example, in one embodiment, a method for physics-based tactile messaging comprises receiving a sensor signal from a sensor configured to sense an interaction with a messaging device, determining a virtual physical parameter of a virtual message object based at least in part on the sensor signal, determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the virtual physical parameter, and generating a haptic signal configured to cause an actuator to output the haptic effect. In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium comprises program code for carrying out such a method.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a system for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a system for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a system for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 7 is an illustration of a system for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging.
Illustrative Embodiment of Vibrotactile Messaging
In one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a messaging device such as a mobile phone comprises a processor in communication with a sensor and an actuator. The actuator is configured to generate a haptic effect. In one such illustrative embodiment, the messaging device comprises the Samsung SGH-i710 mobile computer equipped with Immersion Corporation\'s VibeTonz® vibrotactile feedback system. In another embodiment, the messaging device comprises Immersion Corporations TouchSense® Technology system also known as Immersion TouchSense® vibrotactile feedback system. Other messaging devices and haptic feedback systems may be utilized.
The messaging device may be capable of creating messages, represented as virtual message objects, and exchanging them with other messaging devices. Virtual message objects in the form of a ball, a tube, or an egg, may represent various types of messages, such as a non-verbal message (e.g. a smile), a text message, or a message with a file attachment. In addition to their shape and appearance, virtual message objects may have other properties, or virtual physical parameters, such as size, mass, collision behavior, and/or texture.
When a new virtual message object is created, a user may define one or more virtual physical parameters of the object through gestures on the touchscreen or on the device itself. A processor may receive such gestures in the form of a sensor signal, and determine a virtual physical parameter of the new virtual message object based at least in part on the sensor signal. For example, a user may create a new virtual message ball. Next, the user shakes the messaging device to define the elasticity of the new virtual message ball. A sensor such as an accelerometer or a gyroscope detects the shaking as changes in acceleration, inclination, inertia, or location, and transmits a sensor signal. The processor receives the sensor signal, and determines a virtual physical parameter of the new virtual message object, such as an elastic surface or behavior, imitating a real rubber ball.
After determining a virtual physical parameter of the new virtual message object based at least in part on the sensor signal, the processor determines a haptic effect based at least in part on the virtual physical parameter. Based on a fast jabbing motion, the processor may determine that the new virtual message object is brittle, or fragile. A haptic effect based on a brittle or fragile virtual physical parameter may comprise a vibration imitating an egg cracking or window breaking. If the virtual message object is defined as small and elastic, a corresponding haptic effect may imitate a rubber ball bouncing against a wall. The processor may map or translate one, some, or all of the virtual physical properties into haptic effects associated with the virtual message object.
Finally, the processor generates a haptic signal configured to cause an actuator to output the haptic effect. The haptic signal is then output to the actuator which produces the haptic effect. For example, as the virtual message object is contacted through a touch-screen, the messaging device may vibrate or shake, simulating the effect of touching or feeling the virtual message object. By generating haptic feedback, the messaging device can convey one or more virtual physical parameters associated with the virtual message.
This illustrative example is given to introduce the reader to the general subject matter discussed herein. The invention is not limited to this example. The following sections describe various additional embodiments and examples of methods and systems for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging.
Mapping Message Contents to Virtual Physical Properties
Embodiments of the invention presented herein provide systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging. An application for mapping message contents may take sensor data as input, extract a feature from the sensor data, map the feature to a virtual physical parameter, and synthesize a haptic effect based on the virtual physical parameter. Mapping message contents to virtual physical properties can facilitate non-linguistic communication through audio, visual, and haptic feedback which models a physical metaphor.
Virtual Message Objects and Virtual Physical Properties
In a physical metaphor, virtual objects can behave like real, physical objects. The properties, or virtual physical parameters, of each virtual object inform how each virtual message object behaves. Thus, in a physical metaphor of a messaging system, messages such as text messages, voicemail, or file attachments are represented as virtual message objects with virtual physical parameters. Such virtual message objects may populate a multi-dimensional message inbox, or a virtual message environment. Inside the virtual message environment, virtual message objects can interact with each other and behave like real, physical objects.
Each virtual message object may represent an individual message, such as a text message, a picture message, a video message, a voicemail, a reminder, or a non-verbal message such as a smiley-face or a frown. For example, a virtual message object in the form of a tube or rolled-up scroll may represent a text message. And a virtual message object in the form of an egg or a capsule may represent a message with an attachment, such as a video, picture, or music file. Virtual message objects may also represent various forms of non-verbal communication, such as gestures, facial expressions, or emotions. A virtual message ball may correspond to a non-verbal message such as an indication of playfulness. Or a virtual message arrow may represent a poke or a jabbing gesture (i.e. to request or demand attention). Some effective virtual message objects may have easily identifiable visual and/or haptic properties and/or effects. These properties help a user intuitively understand the contents of a message without physically looking at the device. For example, the clanging keys of a virtual message object in the form of a typewriter may represent a message from work or a word processing file.
Inside a virtual message environment, virtual message objects can interact with each other and the environment, such as by bouncing, rolling, or even breaking. The behavior of virtual message objects, or how they interact, is based at least in part on each virtual message object\'s properties, or virtual physical parameters. Some virtual physical parameters, such as size, mass, shape, collision behavior, texture, or visual representation, are relatively static parameters, or inherent properties of the virtual message object itself. Other virtual physical parameters, such as urgency, lifetime, and/or attitude, may be transitory or temporary parameters. Such variable virtual physical parameters may be associated with how the virtual message object is sent or received from one device to another. The virtual physical parameters of a virtual message object may be based at least in part on properties of the message itself. For instance, the file size of a message attachment, a length of a text message, an area or a resolution of a picture attachment, a length of a song attachment, or a length of a video attachment may be used to determine the size or mass of a virtual message object.
In some embodiments, virtual physical parameters are determined based on sensor signals generated when a user interacts with the messaging device. For instance, a user may move or interact with a device to create and/or define a new virtual message object. In one embodiment, a user blows on a microphone to inflate a new virtual message balloon. The virtual message balloon\'s virtual physical size may directly correlate to the length of time the user blew on the microphone. In another embodiment, a user with a picture phone may define a new virtual message object by taking a picture. For example, after taking a picture of a basketball, the messaging device is assigned properties, such as size, texture, or appearance, extracted from or based at least in part on properties of the picture.
The virtual message environment may also implement a token metaphor for its contents. In a token metaphor, virtual objects are passed back and forth between devices, mimicking the exchange of a definite physical object. A token, such as a virtual message object, may be passed from one messaging device to another. When one messaging device sends a virtual message object to another messaging device, the virtual message object disappears from the sending messaging device, as if it was physically passed to the receiving messaging device.
When a messaging device receives a new virtual message object, the messaging device may output effects, such as haptic effects, to signify that a new virtual message object has been received, and is in the virtual message environment. For example, when a virtual message ball is received, sound and haptic effects may be played to mimic a bouncing ball, signifying to the user that a new virtual message ball has been received.
The audio, visual, and/or haptic effects associated with virtual message objects may be determined based at least in part on one or more virtual message properties of a virtual message object. A thin, egg-shelled virtual message object may crack or break upon impact with the virtual message environment. Alternatively, a toy ball or ping-pong ball may continually bounce off the boundaries of the virtual message environment. A virtual message object in the form of a bubble may be associated with a brief, pointed haptic effect, indicative of a bubble bursting.
Illustrative Systems for Mapping Message Contents to Virtual Physical Properties
Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several Figures, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 comprises a messaging device 102, such as a mobile phone, portable digital assistant (PDA), portable media player, or portable gaming device. The messaging device 102 comprises a processor 110. The processor 110 is in communication with a network connection 112, a sensor 114, a display 116, an actuator 118, and a speaker 120. The messaging device 102 may show a virtual message environment generated by the processor 110 on the display 116.
The processor 110 is in communication with the network connection 112. The network connection 112 may comprise one or more methods of mobile communication, such as infrared, radio, Wi-Fi, or cellular network communication. In other variations, the network connection 112 comprises a wired network connection, such as an Ethernet connection or a modem. The messaging device 102 can be configured to exchange messages, such as voice messages, text messages, data messages, or virtual message objects with other messaging devices (not shown) over networks such as a cellular network or the Internet.
The processor 110 is also in communication with one or more sensors 114. The sensor 114 may comprise an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a GPS sensor, a touch-sensitive input device (e.g. touch screen, touch-pad), a texture stylus, an imaging sensor, or some other type of sensor. The one or more sensors 114 may be configured to detect changes in acceleration, inclination, inertia, or location. For example, the messaging device 102 may comprise an accelerometer configured to measure acceleration of the messaging device 102. Or the messaging device 102 may comprise a location sensor, rotary velocity sensor, light sensor, pressure sensor, texture sensor, camera, microphone, or other type of sensor. In the embodiment shown, the one or more sensors 114 are configured to send a sensor signal to the processor 110. The processor 110 can be configured to receive the sensor signal from the one or more sensors 114.
In some embodiments of the present invention, users record virtual physical parameters of a virtual message object through interactions, such as movements or gestures. These physical interactions are detected by the one or more sensors 114. As the messaging device 102 is tilted, shaken, or otherwise moved, the one or more sensors 114 may detect these movements, and generate a sensor signal based at least in part on the movement of the messaging device 102. In one embodiment, an accelerometer sensor is configured to detect the inclination and acceleration of the messaging device 102. As the messaging device 102 is tilted, the accelerometer can be configured to send signals to the processor based at least in part on the tilt and/or acceleration of the messaging device 102. In another embodiment, the display 116 comprises a touch-screen configured to detect gestures or position inputs. As a finger is positioned or dragged on the touch-screen display 116, the touch-screen is configured to send signal to the processor 110 based at least in part on the finger\'s movement.
Upon receiving a sensor signal, the processor 110 may be configured to determine a virtual physical parameter of a virtual message object based at least in part on the sensor signal. Virtual physical parameters may be determined based on features extracted from sensor signals, such as color, texture, or speed. After determining a virtual physical parameter, the processor 110 may be configured to determine a haptic effect based at least in part on the virtual physical parameter. A haptic effect may simulate a rough-textured virtual message through vibrations or hard, irregular jolts.
In one embodiment, a user selects a new virtual message egg from a menu. Next, the user may move the messaging device 102 in a large circle or oval, to indicate the size of the virtual message egg. After determining the large size of the virtual message egg based on the large movement of the messaging device 102, the processor 110 may determine a haptic effect simulating the cracking of a large egg, such as through a number of vibrations.
As shown in FIG. 1, the processor 110 is in communication with a display 116. The processor 110 can be configured to generate a graphical representation of a virtual message environment, to be shown on display 116. The display 116 may comprise a touch-sensitive input device, such as a touch screen, configured to send and receive signals from the processor 110. Virtual message objects shown on the display 116 may be directly manipulated through a touch-screen. For example, two dimensional finger gestures on a touch screen display may select, touch, feel, drag, or throw a virtual message object within the virtual message environment.
The processor 110 is also in communication with one or more actuators 118. The processor 110 may transmit a haptic signal associated with a haptic effect to the one or more actuators 118. The actuators 118 receive haptic signals associated with haptic effects, and then output haptic effects. The actuator 118 may be, for example, an electric motor, an electro-magnetic actuator, a voice coil, a linear resonant actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, a shape memory alloy, an electro-active polymer, a solenoid, an eccentric rotating mass motor (ERM) or a linear resonant actuator (LRA).
Finally, in the embodiment shown, the processor 110 is in communication with a speaker 120. The processor 110 may be configured to determine a sound effect based at least in part on the interaction between a virtual message object and the virtual message environment, and send an audio signal to the speaker based at least in part on the sound effect. The speaker 120 can be configured to generate the sound effect based at least in part on the audio signal generated by the processor 110. The output of a sound effect and a haptic effect may be coordinated, or generated at the same time as the haptic effect. In one embodiment, the speaker may generate the sound effect substantially simultaneously as the actuator generates the haptic effect.
Sound effects generated by the processor 110 may simulate an interaction between a virtual message object and the virtual message environment, and/or an interaction between a first virtual message object and one or more other virtual message objects. Examples of sound effects include a ball bouncing against a wall, an arrow hitting a wall with a thud, or an egg cracking. For example, a messaging device 102 may receive a virtual message object in the form of a water balloon from another messaging device. Upon the virtual message object\'s arrival, a sound effect of a water balloon splashing against a wall may be generated at the same time as a vibration simulating the splash.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a system for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging according to one embodiment of the present invention. The elements of the system 200 are described with reference to the system depicted in FIG. 1. A variety of other implementations are possible.
As shown in FIG. 2, the system 200 comprises a messaging device 102, such as a mobile phone, portable digital assistant (PDA), portable media player, or portable gaming device. The messaging device 102 can be configured to send and receive signals, such as voice mail, text messages, and other data messages, over a network such as a cellular phone network or the Internet. The messaging device 102 may include a wireless and/or a wired network connection 112. Although the device 102 is illustrated as a handheld messaging device in FIG. 2, other embodiments may use other devices, such as video game systems, video game controllers, personal media players, personal digital assistants, and/or personal computers to send and receive virtual message objects.
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Patent InfoApplication # US 20140091914 A1Publish Date 04/03/2014 Document # 14069892 File Date 11/01/2013 USPTO Class 3404071 Other USPTO Classes International Class 08B6/00 Drawings 7 HapticMappingTactileMessagingMessaging Device