Patent ID: 8344862

Claim:
A tactile messaging system configured to send tactile messages between users, the tactile messaging system comprising: a first wearable tactile user device configured to accept tactile input from a first user and to wirelessly output tactile information signals conveying information related to the received tactile input; one or more first processors configured to determine whether a tactile message from the first user should be transmitted to a second wearable tactile user device or a third wearable tactile user device, the determination based on one or more of a location, pressure, or timing of the tactile input received by the first wearable tactile user device, wherein the second wearable tactile user device and the third wearable tactile user device each have associated therewith one or more of a distinct location, pressure, and/or timing of tactile input, and wherein responsive to a determination by the one or more first processors that the tactile message should be transmitted to the second wearable tactile user device, the one or more first processors are configured to cause the output tactile information signals or information derived therefrom to be transmitted to the second wearable tactile user device; and the second wearable tactile user device comprising: one or more first actuators configured to provide tactile feedback to a second user wearing the second tactile user device; and one or more second processors configured to control the one or more first actuators based on the received output tactile information signals or information derived therefrom to provide tactile feedback to the second user that corresponds to the tactile input provided to the first wearable tactile user device by the first user.