CN1299479A

CN1299479A - System and method for vibro generations

Info

Publication number: CN1299479A
Application number: CN 99803975
Authority: CN
Inventors: 埃胡德·巴龙; 迈克尔·莫尔迪森
Original assignee: INVIBONO CO Ltd
Current assignee: INVIBONO CO Ltd
Priority date: 1998-02-03
Filing date: 1999-02-02
Publication date: 2001-06-13
Also published as: AU2297799A; WO1999040504A9; WO1999040504A1; EP1053520A1

Abstract

A system and method for input, outputting processing and storing force, tactile or other vibro output. Vibro data in a vibro data signal that contains all the information necessary to produce a specified vibro output in an actuator in a vibro output device is output to the device. The information content of the vibro signal eliminates the need to have a processor or memory to store or process vibro information in a vibro input or output device.

Description

Vibrative system and method

Background technology of the present invention

Invention field

The present invention relates generally to a kind of system and method that is used to produce for the mankind's sensation and the actual perceived that interacts, and relate more particularly to be used to produce as the human perceptible actual perceived of all or part multimedia experience and be used to produce and drive the system and method that driver produces the passage of this perception.

The explanation of prior art

Thereby having used already such as those used external force output units in the force feedback system outside provides sensory cue to strengthen the experience that the user plays computing machine or video-game.Typically, in computing machine or video-game, on display or other visual output device, described a width of cloth scene.As the part of recreation, the user will often respond or respond recreation and go up situation or the prompting that occurs.In addition, thus in game experiencing, can increase to have sound that the sound effect form occurs and music that recreation is become more to have recreational and/or feedback can be provided or signal message is offered the user.More and more, can also use external force or haptic apparatus to strengthen the experience that the user plays this class recreation.

Being generally used for exporting external force is included in the external force output unit of the outer force feedback system part of conduct in the outer force feedback operating rod for a kind of device of user.The external force output unit of this outer force feedback operating rod be used for play in the relevant recreation of the scene described sense of touch output is provided.Give one example, when the user was put rifle in the recreation, in game process, when the user pulled rifle, the external force output unit in the outer force feedback operating rod can cause being applied to a slight power on the operating rod handle.The feedback of this power can provide extra dark experience for the user who plays games and the signal that rifle can have been opened fire offers the user as the part of recreation.If user's role does not have ammunition and the user attempts out the rifle in the recreation and wish to feel on operating rod a distinctive power in the recreation, then can utilize does not have this peculiar external force to notify user this role in playing not have ammunition.

Can operate many current available by receiving the short instruction that must use the processor that is included in the power output unit and power storer such as the such device for force feedback of force feedback operating rod.For example, even these force feedback operating rods all link to each other with computing machine, they also need comprise processor and be used to store the possible storer of power output effect in the power output unit.Impel the price of having raised this power output unit like this and may limit those power effects that to export and to be stored in the storer.

Needed is a kind of system and method that is used for generation power or produces other actual sensation that its output (all be called as " vibration " output) can be experienced by the user, existing data storage and/or disposal route and agreement or other output unit on this system can use a computer.In addition, needed is a kind of like this vibration output unit, and it does not need to be included in processor or vibrating effect storer in this vibration output unit.

Summary of the invention

In one embodiment, the present invention uses and is commonly used to signal is outputed to loudspeaker with sonorific system output means.These output means are used to power output, or more generally will vibrate output result (or equivalence vibration output or result of oscillation) and directly output in the vibration output unit and do not need to depend on the processor or the storer that are included in the vibration output unit and produce or store result of oscillation.Outputing to the data of vibration in the output unit replaces with by vibration generating apparatus or vibration server and produces and its continuous data stream as the vibration sampling that outputs to the vibration output unit through the analog or digital line is realized.

In one aspect of the invention, enter into the vibration input media or flow permission by carrying out vibration command or result's processing through the high speed connection away from the processor and/or the storer that vibrate input or the setting of vibration output unit from the vibration data that the vibration output unit is exported.The lot of data result of long-range generation can be sent to the vibration input media effectively through connecting at a high speed or be exported from the vibration output unit.Make vibration input or the operation of vibration output unit like this and do not need to be used to produce or store the processor or the storer of a large amount of vibration datas.This vibration inputs or outputs the leverage that device has replaced the processor and the storer of long-range setting, has lowered like this to vibrate the cost that inputs or outputs device.

To realize vibration data stream with the similar mode of employed processing in outputting audio data.Each sampling provides the information of the desired vibration of the output on the relevant particular point in time.

Vibration data in the vibration data signal has comprised necessary all information of generation vibration output in vibration output unit driver.Its result, the vibration output unit does not need to have processor or vibration information is stored or handled to storer.The vibration instruction comprises the information of the relevant result of oscillation that will be output, and is not included in the required data of generation vibration output in the driver but vibrate instruction itself.

For vibration input in real time, the vibration input media is input to vibration data in the vibration server.In case arrive the vibration server, this vibration data can be used as the vibration file and is stored, or it is outputed in the vibration output unit so that vibratory communication to be provided.Can handle the vibration file of storage and send it to when needed and vibrate in the output unit.

Can also use predefined oscillating function storehouse to produce result of oscillation.Then, the vibration server is analyzed oscillating function and is also produced the vibration data that is used for vibrational waveform for each oscillating function.These vibrational waveforms mixed then and be sent to the vibration output unit in or as the vibration file be stored.

The vibration server communicates through transfer medium and vibration input and vibration output unit.The digital cable that used USB (universal serial bus) (USB), network connection, intranet, Internet, the WWW of use such as computing machine is such and realize transfer medium such as the such dummycable of voice-frequency cable, fiber optic cables and such as the wireless connections that is used for cell phone or pager or high data rate communication channel.

The vibration input media can be these the device in any, these devices can produce vibration input, this vibration input media comprise such as vibrate microphone, vibration transducer, be used for the such vibration record device of the device of recording voice or other voice data or information, such as the vibrational feedback device that vibrates operating rod, position, speed and/or the acceleration transducer that links to each other with pen or other writing implement.In one embodiment, the device that produces with being applied to position, vibration or vibration signal output signal related in the input media can be used as the vibration input media.

The vibration output unit comprises any device that can produce the result of oscillation that can be felt by the user.The vibration output unit comprises such as the such vibrating device of chair or plate, produces or such haptic device and the fan of disperser, but be not limited to this such as the such motion simulator of vibrational feedback operating rod and handwheel and such as vibration gloves, sense of smell/smell.

The vibration server comprises any such device, and this device can handle vibration input, produce the vibration of exporting from the vibration file of storage or vibration storehouse, or produces vibration data.This vibration server can send to vibration data in the vibration output unit that can be felt by the user.Can on any computing machine such or processor, realize the vibration server such as personal computer.Can and vibrate the vibration server and input or output the device combination to produce such as the vibration TV, to be used for vibration phone or the such vibration activation unit of vibration computing machine that direction vibration is communicated by letter.

Can notice, in instructions of the present invention, should be noted that any one embodiment that uses term " power " can reduce comprises other the actual sense of touch that can be felt by the people of power and all or an embodiment of " vibration ", and this conclusion can not break away from essence of the present invention.In addition, any one embodiment of use term " vibration " can comprise " power " as particular case.

One embodiment of the present of invention are directly at such as the such vibration output unit of the vibrational feedback operating rod that links to each other with computing machine.In this embodiment, use being connected in sound or Audio Processing, agreement and the computing machine to handle and handle and output to the vibration data that vibrates in the output unit.To be used on the vibration output unit, producing the data storage of result of oscillation at computer memory.This storer can further include the different result of oscillation storehouse that can be used as result of oscillation storehouse index.

In operation, the function of vibration output unit is as described below.When the user plays, for example, vibration on the computing machine activates recreation in the face of the such a case in the recreation, and when wherein needing to output to one or more result of oscillation on the vibration output unit, games produce the vibration instruction of the required result of oscillation of one or more expressions.Use these vibration instructions, from storer, obtain or produce to be used for producing the suitable data of vibration output at the vibration output unit.Can be used for sonorific form and be stored in these data in the storer and be sent on the sound card and be converted into and be applicable to that USB goes up the form of transmission to make by computing machine.Then, by sound card these data are sent to the vibration output unit on USB.When receiving these data by the vibration output unit, it is converted into and is fit to drive the form of the vibration exciter in the vibration output unit and be sent in this driver.

In this embodiment, the vibration data of storing with the suitable audio form makes the present invention to break away from and is used to processing audio data so that send it to the hardware and software in the sonorific existing computing machine in the loudspeaker.In addition, produce all required information of vibrating effect, therefore, need in the vibration output unit, not have vibration storehouse or complicated processor because the vibration output data is included in the vibration output unit.This will reduce the cost of vibration output unit.

An embodiment according to vibration output unit of the present invention comprises a shell, the displaceable element that links to each other with this shell and vibration data signal input part, wherein can feel that displaceable element can move at least on one degree of freedom by the user.Be used for the conversion of signals source that vibration data is converted to such as the such driver driving data signal of the driver driving data signal that comprises the result of oscillation information identical with the vibration data signal is electrically connected to the vibration data input end.Driver is electrically connected to this conversion of signals source and is mechanically linked to each other with shell with displaceable element, thereby at least one degree of freedom result of oscillation is applied on this displaceable element.

In one aspect of the invention, described conversion of signals source can be an ASIC or any other circuit that receives from the vibration data signal of USB and be converted into the form that is suitable for driving driver that is configured.Suitable driver comprises electric motor, such as piezoelectric element such piezoelectric or any other device or system that can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, but be not limited thereto.This driver can be applied to result of oscillation on the displaceable element, or in some cases, can not need this displaceable element and driver can directly be felt by the user.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is a kind of method that is used to be controlled at the result of oscillation that is produced on the vibration output unit, and wherein this vibration output unit comprises the object that can move at least one degree of freedom.This method comprises these steps: receive and to comprise the signal of vibration data, be driver driving data signal with this vibration data conversion of signals and use this driver driving data signal to produce vibration at least one degree of freedom on this object that can move, wherein exported by the definite vibration that is produced of vibration data.

In one aspect of the invention, on USB, receive the vibration data signal from computing machine.In yet another aspect, on telephone wire, receive the vibration data signal through the Internet.In yet another aspect, receive the vibration data signal through the Internet from the vibration server.In yet another aspect, from TV, such as such video play device of VCR or DVD player or the vibration data generator reception vibration data signal that links to each other with mobile projector or any other vibration active device.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is the vibration output unit that is used to produce the vibration output that can be felt by the people.In this embodiment, this device comprises a driver that is used to produce vibration output.This driver links to each other with a displaceable element, and this displaceable element can move at least one degree of freedom.This exciter response is input to the analog or digital electric signal in this vibration output unit from outside source.The suitable driver that is used for the embodiment of the invention comprises piezo-electric motor and electric motor, but is not limited to this.In one aspect of the invention, the part of described at least electric signal comprises a vibration data signal.In another aspect of the present invention, this electric signal comprises an audio signal modulation that has been converted into the vibration data signal.In another aspect of the present invention, this vibration output unit comprises an electric connector, is used for expression is sent to driver from the electric signal of the vibration data of the device that can export the vibration data signal.In another aspect of the present invention, this electric connector comprises a standard earphone or speaker plug, but is not limited to this.

In another embodiment, the device that the vibration data signal can be outputed on the driver can comprise, but be not limited to this, a vibration input media, wherein the user can be applied to vibration input on this input media and these vibration inputs can be converted into a relevant signal of vibration input that is applied with the user.Other device that is suitable for exporting the signal that can be converted into the vibration data signal comprises video game apparatus, computing machine, TV, radio, video disc play machine, such as the video tape recorder of VCRs or any other device that can produce the electric signal that is used to drive flexible piezoelectric sound-generating devices.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is a vibration output system, and this system comprises a processor and storer, and this storer links to each other with this processor.An output interface device links to each other with this processor, and this output interface can produce analog voltage signal.This output interface device links to each other with the vibration output unit.This vibration output unit comprises a shell and a driver, the described analog voltage signal of this exciter response.At this embodiment on the other hand, this analog voltage signal be in about 0Hz and approximately between the 18Hz (frequency that can not hear), approximately 0Hz and approximately between the 40Hz, approximately 0Hz and approximately between the 200Hz, about 0Hz and approximately in the frequency range between the 400Hz, or it is any scope that comprises wherein, or modulated or be encoded and be converted into those signals of the signal that is suitable for driving driver on a carrier frequency in the said frequencies scope.At this embodiment on the other hand, this driver comprises that being used to use piezoelectric effect to produce vibrates a crystal of exporting.This crystal can be a piezoelectric crystal.

Another embodiment comprises the vibration input/output device that is used to produce sense of touch output and can feels user N-space input and output (wherein N be equal to or greater than 1 integer).An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises two or more being connected with each other so that a device reproduces the vibration input/output device of user's operation of another device.

Only be modulated on the sound signal or and can be connected on the vibration output unit through transfer medium by digitally coded vibration data signal, these transfer mediums comprise, but be not limited to this, the signal that uses analog or digital communication line, radiowave, microwave, infrared ray, the Internet of wired or wireless connection or use for example induction coupling stack or pick up from line of electric force.In order to use a channel, the signal that comprises this vibration data is converted into and through the form of selected channel transmission (for example is suitable for, be used for communicating through the Internet, any standard voice file layout that can use by this way), this signal is transmitted through this channel then, be received (if desired at the other end, can be converted into an electric signal), and be converted into the vibration data signal and be fed to the vibration output unit one or more drivers on.

In another embodiment, the vibration output unit comprises a chair or a seat, and it is configured to tactile sensation to be informed the user who is sitting on this chair or the seat.The driver that is used to produce this tactile feel includes, but are not limited to this, piezoelectric driving systen, electric motor, is configured to produce such as tilting and side is changeed and/or these motors of one group of special exercise of quadrature x and y direction are right.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is the vibration server system, this system comprises a vibration storage and synthetic source, be used for receiving the vibration instruction and respond this vibration instruction identification or, and be used for a source at the transmission over networks vibration data in a source of vibration storage and synthetic source generation vibration data.In an embodiment of first server, can be that a server of playing is connected to such as on the such network in internet.One or more and the user who links to each other such as the such network in Internet through access to netwoks first server so that for example play computer game.First server links to each other with the vibration server, this vibration server may reside in through direct connection, network or Internet with it on the identical or different computing machine that links to each other of computing machine of existence first server.When the user of one or more visit first servers will face such a case, wish that wherein vibration output will be output on it, such as, when a role in the recreation bumped against on the wall, a vibration instruction was sent on the vibration server.Role in this vibration instruction expression recreation collides the vibrating effect of wall.This vibration server vibration in the server the vibration storage or synthetic source in be provided with or produce the vibration signal that is used for this vibration output, and this vibration data be synchronized in the game data and through network send it to the user there that its role collides wall.The vibration output unit that links to each other with network receives vibration data and exports the vibration output that the user can experience.

The accompanying drawing summary

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of an embodiment of explanation seismesthesia device.

Fig. 2 is the block diagram of an embodiment of explanation seismesthesia device.

Fig. 3 has illustrated the various embodiment of driver.

Fig. 4 is the oscillogram that illustrates on all places that is in the seismesthesia device.

Fig. 5 is an embodiment of AVC circuit.

Fig. 6 is the typical frequencies response of an embodiment of this AVC.

Fig. 7 is the synoptic diagram of an embodiment of an exemplary audio signal of expression, and wherein carrier frequency is 1000Hz, and modulating frequency is 10Hz.

Fig. 8 has shown through AVC shown in Figure 5 and the corresponding vibration signal after passing the described signal of Figure 10.

Fig. 9 is the block diagram of an explanation seismesthesia embodiment of system.

Figure 10 is the block diagram of an embodiment of explanation wireless vibration sensory system.

Figure 11 is the embodiment block diagram that the seismesthesia system that comprises a computing machine has been described.

Figure 12 has described one vibration output chair.

Figure 13 has described and has been configured the pair of orthogonal electric motor that is used as driver.

Figure 14 and 15 has described and has been used for the circuit that demodulation comprises the signal of vibration data.

Figure 16 has described the one embodiment of the invention that comprises a USB channel, a vibration processor and a vibration data storehouse.

Figure 17 has described the one embodiment of the present of invention that are used for controlling the car system.

Figure 18 is the functional block diagram that comprises the one embodiment of the invention of a computing machine and a vibration input/output device.

Figure 19 is the functional block diagram of an embodiment in vibration data source.

Figure 20 is the functional block diagram of an embodiment of power transport layer.

Figure 21 is the functional block diagram of an embodiment of vibration output unit.

Figure 22 is the functional block diagram of an embodiment of state/position feedback device.

Figure 23 is the functional block diagram of an embodiment of IO interface.

Figure 24 is to use the embodiment block diagram of an online game system of a vibration force server that is connected with a plurality of users through the Internet.

Figure 25 has described the method that feasible vibration I/O or vibrational feedback device communicate with vibration data on USB.

Describe in detail

The following explanation that occurs can make those skilled in the art can understand and use the present invention, and the content of application-specific and its necessary condition are provided.For the various modification that disclosed various embodiment taked will be conspicuous to those skilled in the art, and determined here cardinal rule goes for other embodiment and application and can not depart from the scope of the present invention.Therefore, the present invention is not limited to disclosed these embodiment, but meets the wide region consistent with principle disclosed herein and characteristic.

Fig. 1 has described one embodiment of the present of invention.In this embodiment, vibration output unit 100 comprises shell 102, driver 104 and vibration data signal wire 106.Driver 104 to small part is in the shell 102, and is electrically connected with vibration data signal wire 106, and carries out mechanical connection with displaceable element 108.If this signal that is on the vibration data signal wire 106 is a modulation or the vibration data signal of encoding, then will be used for modulation or coding vibration data conversion of signals is that the source that is fit to the form of driving driver 104 is inserted between vibration data signal wire 106 and the driver 104.Suitable source comprises, is not limited to this, and an ASIC, this ASIC are converted to the vibration data signal (for example, the signal of a USB form) of coding the signal (PWM) of width modulation.

Displaceable element 108 can move at least one degree of freedom and can send motion or the vibration output that is produced by driver 104 to user.Displaceable element 108 can be any size or shape and can rotate and/or translation.In addition, displaceable element 108 comprises that by use gearing or the such technology of other mechanical attachment can or be converted into another type of motion or vibration output or size with a type of motion or vibration output or size conversion.For example, driver 104 can produce little displacement circular motion, and wherein displaceable element 108 can be big displacement translation motion with this movement conversion.Can export by motion or vibration that the user feels if driver 104 can directly produce, then can remove displaceable element 108.

Shell 102 can any shape or size and can being made of any material; All these is necessary, promptly, at least a portion of driver 104 is connected on the shell 102, and if shell 102 constructed like this so that can or remove displaceable element 108 then can be used as tactile sensation and the actual people of being sent to there by displaceable element 108 by motion that driver 104 produced or vibration output.

Driver 104 can be can the respond vibration data-signal and produce any system or the device of motion or vibration output.Suitable driver is including, but not limited to this linearity or rotating electron motor (comprising the DC motor), piezoelectric crystal, solenoid, relay, electronically controlled pneumatic device etc.Signal that driver 104 is responded produces the vibration output in the frequency range that can be felt by the human tactile sensory system.Be input to vibration this vibration data signal in the output unit and can comprise the vibration data that is in these frequency ranges, these vibration datas can be modulated or coding and being transformed in the frequency range that can be felt by the user.Suitable modulation or coding form include, but are not limited to this, amplitude modulation(PAM), frequency modulation (PFM) or such as the numerical coding that constitutes the such form of signal that can transmit on USB.

Vibration data signal wire 106 can receive the signal that arrives on the receiver (not shown) through connecting.This receiver can be this receiver, that is, can use any transmission and/or encoding scheme to come received signal.This transmission plan can be, but be not limited to this, radio frequency, infrared ray, ultrasound wave, microwave or light transmission and receiving system.Coding method can be amplitude modulation(PAM), frequency modulation (PFM), pulse code modulation (PCM) or digital coding method, but is not limited to this.In another embodiment, if received signal can the activation device, then received signal does not need to be converted to simulating signal.

Fig. 2 is an alternative embodiment of the invention.In this embodiment, vibration output system 200 is configured to be similar to an operating rod.Shell 202 comprises the driver 204 that links to each other with displaceable element 206, and displaceable element 206 can move at least one degree of freedom.Driver 204 responses are moved or vibration output to produce through the simulating signal of simulating signal incoming line 208 inputs.It should be noted that vibration output system 200 does not comprise a digital processing unit or a vibration storehouse memorizer.

Another embodiment of driver 204 has been described among Fig. 3.In the embodiments of figure 3, displaceable element 206 links to each other with operating rod shell (not shown) by rotatable point 302.Displaceable element 206 will cause the end 304 of displaceable element 206 to move or produce vibration output on indicated x and y direction with respect to rotatable point 302 rotations.The oval parts 306 and 308 of fluting make terminal 304 to move on y and x direction respectively.The oval parts 306 of fluting link to each other with rod 310 and the oval parts 308 of slotting link to each other with excellent 312.

Relative piezoelectric crystal 314A and 314B are placed on the opposite side of rod 310, and all are connected on the X-driver 316, and relative piezoelectric crystal 318A and 318B are placed on the opposite side of rod 312, and all are connected on the Y-driver 320.Piezoelectric crystal all links to each other with shell.Under the situation that does not break away from essence of the present invention, can use still less or multiple pressure electric crystal more.For example, two pairs of relative crystal can be placed on the both sides of rod 310, or can only a crystal be placed on rod 310 1 sides.

An embodiment of X-driver 316 (it comprises and is used for the analog vibration data-signal is converted to the form that is suitable for driving driver) is to be in the plug-in unit 340.Analog vibration data-signal 342 input rectifiers of being imported 344 are entered low-pass filter 346 then.The output of low-pass filter 346 is converted into pulse-width signal then in converter (PWM) 348, this signal is fed to power amplifier 350 then.The output of power amplifier 350 is fed in the resonant circuit 352 then, and this resonant circuit has a resonance frequency at about and relative piezoelectric crystal 314A and 314B same frequency place.Can realize Y driver 320 in an identical manner.

With using analog vibration data input signal example the operation of X driver 340 is described.This only is not mean that by any way for illustrative purposes to limit it.A kind of sampling input waveform has been described in Fig. 4.The signal that comprises other type of for example AM, FM or digital signal also is suitable for as input signal and can uses such as such known method of amplitude demodulation device, frequency demodulator or digital circuit or device being converted into the signal that is suitable for this embodiment.By rectification and become rectified wave 404, this rectified wave is the filtered signal 406 that becomes filtered mistake in low-pass filter 346 then in rectifier 344 for incoming wave 402.Use pulse width modulated converter (PWM) 348 that this filtering signal 406 is converted to pulse-width signal 408 then.

Another embodiment of X driver has used the described circuit of Fig. 5.This circuit has the low-pass filter of the frequency response described in Fig. 6 and has removed rectifier.This embodiment has produced the vibration data signal that has around the baseline of reference voltage (for example, zero), and this signal has been limited the scope of switching rate (signal rises and fall time).Before the described filtering of Fig. 7 and after the described filtering of Fig. 8, this signal is converted into pulse-width signal.

Can by discrete component circuit, ASIC or have A/D and the microprocessor of PWM characteristic to obtain conversion of signals be this conversion of PWM.Amplify pwm pulse by power H bridge-type power amplifier, be entered into then in the resonant circuit 352.The output drive pressure electric crystal 314A and the 314B of resonant circuit 352.The motion that is produced in crystal causes plane of crystal to carry out clockwise or counterclockwise circular motion, causes motion and vibration on the x of displaceable element 206 direction to be exported forward or backward thereby this sequence of motion promotes rod 310.

In addition, when driving plectane or dish, piezoelectric driving systen can produce and rotatablely move or vibrate output.This device can be realized to reduce friction (for example, realizing by linearity or swing roller) by relative piezo-electric motor or by a motor and linearity or whirligig.

Realize piezoelectric driving systen is connected to operation on the moving meter through an elastic coupling, wherein piezoelectric driving systen is pressed to displaceable element by spring or other pre-load means.Can use other piezo-electric motor and structure to be created in here special exercise and the vibration output of being discussed among as a reference the book AnIntroduction to Ultrasonic Motor (ultrasonic motor introduction) that is write by Toshiiku Sashida and Takashi Kenjo, Clarendon Press.

Another embodiment is to use linear or rotatable electric motor produces required vibration output.Can use gearing to obtain the ratio of required velocity of displacement and vibration output.

In an embodiment who does not illustrate, the electric motor that uses the vibration data signal driving that is made of appropriate form in driver is with driver alternative or except that piezoelectric driving systen.Can use the combination of piezoelectricity and electric motor to provide than any more efficiently range of results of independent use.Connection between the displaceable element of the structure of electric motor and they and operating rod can be as described in as a reference the United States Patent (USP) of being applied on April 21st, 1998 by people such as Chen 5742278 here.The signal that is input in the motor can extract separately from the input signal that comprises vibration data, or it can be one of divider chain picked the arriving in appropriate position, for example, and after low-pass filter shown in Figure 3.

Fig. 9 has described one embodiment of the present of invention.In this embodiment, vibration output system 900 comprises the vibration data output unit 902 that links to each other with vibration output unit 906 by means of signal wire 904.Vibration data output unit 902 can be any device that can produce the vibration data signal, it can comprise, but be not limited to this, computing machine, TV, radio, CD player, video play device or any other device that can be used for producing the signal of representing vibration data.Signal wire 904 can be any can transportation simulator or the channel of digital signal, it can comprise electric wire, USB, concentric cable or fiber optic cables, but is not limited to this.Can be the form that is suitable for signal wire 904 transmission with the vibration data conversion of signals by vibration data output unit 902, be converted into driver driving data signal by means of a suitable receiver in the vibration output unit 906 then.In one embodiment, vibration data output unit 902 can sensedly be coupled to it provides on the power lead of power supply.Signal wire 904 can be a power lead, comprises device is connected to wall outlet and makes the circuit that is connected with each other between the wall outlet.Vibration output unit 906 usability then should connect from signal wire 904 and extracts signal.

Described an alternative embodiment of the invention in Figure 10, vibration data output unit 1002 comprises the signal that is used for the involving vibrations data and is transmitted into the transmitter 1004 that vibrates on the output unit 1006.Vibration output unit 1006 comprises and is used to receive the receiver 1008 that comprises by the signal of vibration data that transmitter 1004 is launched.Transmitter 1004 and receiver 1008 can use any emission and/or coding method to launch the signal that comprises vibration data.Emission can be that radio frequency, infrared ray, ultrasound wave, microwave or light transmit and receive system, but is not limited to this.Coding method can be amplitude modulation(PAM), frequency modulation (PFM), pulse code modulation or digital coding method, but is not limited to this.It is the form that is suitable for driving vibration output unit 1006 that receiver 1008 will be launched conversion of signals.

Fig. 1 l has described an alternative embodiment of the invention.In this embodiment, vibration output system 1100 comprises computing machine 1102, and computing machine 1102 comprises the processor 1104 that links to each other with memory interface arrangement 1108.Interface arrangement 1108 can link to each other with signal wire, and this signal wire can be the analog or digital signal wire.The computing machine of any type of computing machine 1102 ordinary representations, such as the general or specific computer system based on system, host computer system or any other type of microprocessor, this computer system can comprise an interface, a processor and a storer.Processor 1104 is any types, such as microprocessor, dedicated logic circuit, digital signal processor, programmable gate array, neural network or the central processor unit can other technology realized.Interface 1108 can be the interface of any type, and it can produce the analog or digital signal and it is outputed on the signal wire 1110, and it comprises a sound card or any audio frequency or sound generating circuit, but is not limited to this.Signal wire 1110 links to each other with vibration output unit 1112.Vibration output unit 1112 comprises driver 1114 and displaceable element 1116.Computing machine 1102 can with link to each other such as the such network (not shown) in Internet to send and to receive the signal that comprises vibration data.

The vibration output unit can comprise a position and/or power or vibration transducer.In one embodiment, the vibration output unit comprises driver and corresponding translation or the angle position and/or the palmesthetic driver that can produce translation, rotation or other oscillating movement or sensation.In this embodiment, the vibration output unit comprises two relative piezo-electric motors, and they all are to be driven by identical drivers, and can produce the translational displacement of rod.Rigidly connected with this rod is the device that is used to detect this rod translation.The device that is used to detect translation can comprise the switch that has some holes and be positioned at LED on the side, and be useful on the opposite side calculating LED and detecting device between the detecting device of hole count of translation, but be not limited to this.Can allow like this numerical coding is carried out in the translation of rod.Another kind of detection method comprises the linear variable density optical filter (gray level) that can move between photoelectric tube is to the fluting slit of (optopair).This photoelectric tube is to comprising infrared ray (IR) light emitting diode (LED) and an IR photodiode.When gray level was mobile between the fluting slit, the ray density that is radiated on the photodiode can change, and changes the displacement of the irradiation of light with the corresponding grey scale level.The variation of optical density is created in the variation of voltage on the whole diode, and this voltage is proportional with described displacement.Because the vibration output unit is a mechanical connection with the handle that moved by the user, therefore any motion that is started by the user is all with mover bar and relevant gray level and will produce and the proportional voltage of this displacement.The change in voltage that moves corresponding to the user is a vibration data signal, and this signal can or be fed and drives another vibration output unit, or being used as input signal is input in the electric installation.

Figure 12 has described an embodiment of the vibration output unit that comprises driver, and promptly chair 1200.This chair is according to the sense of touch of its desired generation and on one or more positions thereon one or more drivers can be arranged.Driver 1202 is used to produce hand or points the vibration that can feel, and driver 1204 is used to produce the vibration that the back of the body, shoulder or head can be felt, driver 1206 is used to the vibration of the motion at the whole seat of sensigenous.Driver can be placed on other desired location so that produce other sensation.Aspect of this embodiment, the driver that is suitable for producing the specific sensation type is placed on the ad-hoc location.For example, be suitable for producing tilting and driver that the side transhipment is moved can link together and be placed on the optimum position, change sensation such as (not shown) on the hang plate of chair seat to produce whole inclinations and side, but and x and y driver can be placed on the plate of an independent translation at seat (not shown) with the sensation of generation x and y.Certainly, if desired, all drivers can be placed on chair 1200 same sections and feel to some extent thereon.

Figure 13 has described and has comprised the electric motor 1302 that drives 1306 orthogonal motions of driver converting means and 1304 driver 1300.Driver converting means 1306 is with the movement conversion of the motor sensory signal for can be in such as Figure 12 using in the such vibration output unit of chair 1200.Figure 14 and 15 described be used for demodulation be included in the modulation of the enterprising line amplitude of carrier wave (for being 40kHz) in the used particular element of Figure 14 vibration data signal and amplify its power to drive the circuit of electric motor driver.Can change with method well known in the art and by means of the canonical reference book for different frequency carriers at the described component value of Figure 13 and 14, this canonical reference book is such as the The Art of Electronics (electronic technology) that is shown by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill that is published by Cambridge University Press 1989, and this book is used as reference here.

The circuit of Figure 14 from carrier wave, demodulate signal so that the proportional variation that the variation of signal amplitude causes the DC output amplitude of this circuit and symbol (promptly, motor will rotate fast or at a slow speed according to signal amplitude, and determine clockwise or be rotated counterclockwise according to signal code).The output of Figure 14 circuit is fed in the motor driver of Figure 15.The conversion of signals that this circuit will be exported from Figure 14 is the signal with enough energy drives motors.

In an embodiment of chair 1200, this chair has 300 pounds useful load, driver can obtain high to+/-15 degree inclinations and rotatablely move the fluctuating and the oscillating motion of high arriving+/-1.5 inches; P.s. high to+/-30 degree inclinations and rotatablely move and p.s. height to+/-10 inches fluctuating with wave speed; And ^2 p.s. high inclination and rotary accelerations to+/-150 degree, and rise to+fluctuating of/-0.25 times of gravity and wave acceleration.

An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises such as the such vibration output unit of vibrational feedback operating rod.This vibration output unit does not comprise that CPU (central processing unit) and reception comprise the signal from the vibration data that is positioned at the standard audio input/output end port on computing machine, video game system, TV, VCR or the sound system.Comprising the signal of vibration data can be modulated or be encoded into and comprise AM, FM or digitally coded any form.In an embodiment of output signal from the computing machine that comprises a sound card or dedicated voice processor, through network from the program of operation on computers or the vibration signal that receives using be sent in the Sound Processor Unit in the computing machine.This processor produces and sends vibration data signal to an independent voice-grade channel then, and on this passage, use appears at the digital-analog convertor that is used for handling with sonorific computing machine the vibration data signal is mixed with audio data stream.Can receive from the input signal of vibration data output unit or transducing part and be entered in the computing machine through the audio input end on microphone or the computing machine, use sound processing method to make this input signal digitizing.

In computing machine, do not comprise among the embodiment of digital analog converter, this computing machine can the involving vibrations output unit, and digital signal can send out from this computing machine so that be converted into a simulating signal or be entered in the vibration output unit by digital analog converter.

It should be noted that, can use sound-editing system or software to synthesize the signal that comprises vibration data.The foundation of signal that can be through producing particular result and storage produce the vibration storehouse.This database can synthesize by using this modularization effect to set up and edit vibration.

Figure 16 has described an alternative embodiment of the invention.In this embodiment, vibration output system 1600 comprise by connect 1606 with the vibration output unit 1602 of vibration data system 1604 coupling.Connecting 1606 can be the connection that is used to transmit any type of analog or digital data, this connection can comprise electric wire, concentric cable, USB, infrared link, radio link, telephone wire, cellular phone network, fiber optic links or such as the such network in Internet, but is not limited to this.Vibration output unit 1602 comprises that the conversion of signals that is used for comprising vibration data is the source 1608 that is suitable for driving the signal of driver 1610.Source 1608 can be, but be not limited to this, ASIC, programmable logic array, a processor or be in any logical circuit of analog or digital form, this logical circuit can be converted to the vibration data in connecting the signal that receives in 1606 and be suitable for driving driver 1610 signal forms.The output in source 1608 is input in the driver 1610, and driver 1610 moves and/or power or other oscillating movement are applied on the displaceable element 1612.Driver 1610 can be, but is not limited to this, and one or more can be the device of power, motion or other vibration output with electrical signal conversion such as the such piezoelectric device of piezoelectric crystal, one or more electric motor or DC motor and gearing or other.Displaceable element 1612 can be a joystick lever, but can use other device or structure that power, motion or other vibration output that is produced by driver is connected to the user there.Suitable device includes, but are not limited to this, by the plate of driver vibration, such as the such ball of tracking ball that can be moved or be rotated by driver.In addition, can use driver that friction force is applied to that this device is gone up so that driver can not mobile device itself and only can provide resistibility for the motion of installing.

Displaceable element 1612 links to each other with the position coder 1614 that detects displaceable element 1612 positions.Described appropriate position coder in the above, a useful embodiment is a fluting wheel, in a side of taking turns a LED and detecting device is arranged respectively.The motion of displaceable element cause slotting wheel rotation and when the LED/ detecting device between fluting when rotating, produce a digital signal to respond the relative position of this motion and displaceable element.This coding method is with used identical in mouse.Can referring to, for example, here as a reference in 9/23/97 the application United States Patent (USP) 5670990.The output of position coder 1614 is outputed to the sources 1616 that are used for connecting 1606 transmission.Can notice that source 1616 can be the side circuit identical with source 1608.

Vibration data system 1604 comprises the processor 1618 that links to each other with storer 1620.Processor 1618 can at random comprise a vibration data processor 1622.Vibration data processor 1622 can be, but be not limited to this, a processor that is used to handle sound or multi-medium data.Storer 1620 is involving vibrations database 1624 at random.Vibration data storehouse 1624 can include, but are not limited to this, based on the data of the vibration data that comprises each position that is used for 1612 pairs of driver 1610 and displaceable elements and possible moments of vibration.By this way, can construct any can output according to the data in the vibration data storehouse by the vibration of

driver

1610 and 1612 pairs of generations of displaceable element.Vibration data storehouse 1624 can also be constructed to comprise the particular case that produced corresponding to vibration output system 1600 or the predetermined vibration situation (for example, one or more positions, power, amplitude, frequency and duration) of state.

Vibration data system 1604 is connected 1626 and links to each other with network.Network connects 1612, but is not limited to this, Intranet, Internet, telephone system, such as wireless network or a bank system network of cell phone system.

The operational circumstances of 1600 aspects of vibration output system will be described below.The application program that runs on vibration data system 1604 causes such as the such indicator for displaying of the character in cursor or the computer game on the display (not shown).The user moves displaceable element 1612 and makes it cause position coder 1614 to produce one to be sent to source 1616 and through connecting 1606 position signallings that are sent in the vibration data system 1604.The application program that runs on vibration data system 1604 responds the indicator on this position signalling mobile display then.When indicator was run into a specific objective or arrive ad-hoc location on the display, this application program caused the generation of vibration command.This vibration command outputs to the seismesthesia of vibration output unit 1602 corresponding to hope.For example, this vibration command can regulation duration, amplitude and will be sent to the frequency of the vibration output in the vibration output unit 1602.It is also noted that seismesthesia can also comprise a friction force.The vibration data that this vibration command causes vibration data processor 1622 visit vibration data storehouses 1624 also to be retrieved corresponding to this vibration command.This vibration data comprises for driver 1610 driving displaceable elements 1612 to carry out all required information that vibration command requires.

As an example, when the user will move to the current active window from the indicator of display inertia part, produce " active window " vibration command so that displaceable element vibrates 1 second kind and has 3 hertz frequency and 2.5 millimeters amplitude in its current position as the application program of the operating system part operation in the vibration data system 1604 (or connect 1626 another computing machines that link to each other with vibration output system 1604 through network).Use this vibration prompt (cue) to point out the position of user's indicator.Explain this vibration command by vibration data processor 1622, and from vibration data storehouse 1624, retrieve and be used in vibration output unit 1602, producing this palmesthetic vibration data and sending it to vibrating in the output unit 1602.Another example when by vibration output unit 1602 these vibration prompts of output, connects 1626 by vibration data system 1604 through network and receives the notice that electronic information has arrived the user there.This notice is mirrored in the vibration command of " electronic information arrival " by vibration data processor 1622.In this example, the vibration command of this " electronic information arrival " is 3 pulses of half second of 6 hertz, 1 millimeter changes in amplitude.Vibration data processor 1622 is retrieved the vibration data that is used for this vibration characteristics from vibration data storehouse 1624.Make up by vibration data processor 1622 and to be used for " electronic information arrival " seismesthesia and " active window " palmesthetic vibration data and to send it to vibration output unit 1602.Vibration data processor 1622 can send this prompting one by one in some cases rather than make up them, so that the user can distinguish these promptings separately.

Another example, the present invention has an embodiment, and wherein vibrating output unit 1602 is a mouse, tracking ball or other indicating device.In this embodiment, when the user with display (not shown) that vibration data system 1604 links to each other on when selecting an object, with resistance output to by in the corresponding indicating device of the shared storer of selected object.For example, if the user selects a file on the display and drags it on another position of display, then resistance is outputed to mouse, tracking ball or other can provide resistance to the indicating device of the indicating device of user's operation, wherein this resistance is with proportional by the employed amount of memory of the content of file.

In another example, when the user is placed on indicating device in shown on file or the display file, then typical seismesthesia is outputed in the indicating device to be shown to the information of subscriber-related this document folder or file content.In one embodiment, the word processing file can with displaceable element that this indicating device links to each other on produce the seismesthesia signal of 2 hertz, 5 second duration and 1 millimeter, with the seismesthesia signal that can cause 5 hertz, 1 second and 0.5 millimeter being connected of financial website.The standard " language " that can develop the seismesthesia signal is to show or to point out the situation of some information of user or generation.

Other vibration output unit that can be used for the embodiment of the invention includes, but are not limited to this, oscillating plate, will vibrate to export and be connected in the air so that the fan that can be felt by the user or the equipment that is used to produce smell.Vibration data is among this embodiment of smell therein, and vibration signal is outputed to and can spray in the sprayer of specific blend smell from one group of primary odor.These smells are neutralized to disperse or to eliminate this smell by another vibration data signal then, and this vibration data signal can activate in electro-dissociator, the smell and injection, air strainer or miscellaneous equipment.It is also noted that, output to the user there thereby can end user's gas making flavor equipment the smell data be input in the vibration data system 1600 on another position so that the smell of being perceived can be felt, is stored and sends on a position, as the vibration data system can receive the seismesthesia signal imported from another position, store it and output to it on another locational vibration output unit.

Figure 17 has described an alternative embodiment of the invention.In this embodiment, the vehicle control vibration output system 1700 with involving vibrations output unit 1702 is connected on the bearing circle 1704.Vibration output unit 1702 is through a lead and the processor (not shown) (not shown) that links to each other with a storer (not shown).Vibration output unit 1702 comprises tracking ball 1706.

This embodiment of the present invention makes the user can control the various operations of Vehicular system by using tracking ball 1706.In operation, the user uses its thumb to roll tracking ball in the horizontal direction to select the system of his desired control.When tracking ball, is outputed on the tracking ball by the vibration output system profile of processor with each system during the different system of user's scrolling by rolling.For example, when selecting radio 1708, driver in the vibration output unit 1702 just sends and cause its vibration data signal that vibrates on first frequency, and when the user continued the mobile tracking ball and selects another system, vibration output unit 1702 just vibrated on second frequency then.

When the user felt that system profile is exported in the vibration of required function, the user came operating system by the tracking ball that rolls in vertical direction.For example, when selecting the radio system, the user is during by the tuning radio 1708 of the tracking ball that rolls in vertical direction, when being transferred to the broadcasting station, processor causes friction force to be applied in vertical direction on the tracking ball, and wherein this friction force is relevant with the intensity in broadcasting station.When the user is transferring near the broadcasting station, the friction force grow, and when the user transferred away from the broadcasting station, friction force died down.The user can move horizontally tracking ball and select next system, and for example windscreen wiper 1710.Now, when user's vertical moving tracking ball, resistance increases and increases along with windscreen wiper speed.For example, also can obtain same effect for the control 1712 of travelling.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the vibration output unit is assembled in the operating seat of automobile.Motion sensor and short scope radar, ultrasound wave or other detecting device are placed on all places of automobile, and will be input to the processor from the signal of these detecting device outputs.When detecting an object,, the characteristic oscillation signal is outputed on the vibration output unit in the operating seat to point out him an object to occur in the blind area for example in driver's blind area near the place of automobile.Can will comprise that other detecting device of avoiding collision system and system assembles are in automobile control vibrational system 1700.

Figure 18 is a system chart of the embodiment of the invention.This embodiment comprises computing machine 1802, vibration data source 1808 and the vibration transport layer 1810 of operation system 1804 and application program 1806.Operating system 1804 can be any operating system that can move on computing machine 1802, and this operating system can include, but are not limited to this, the operating system of form (R) (being developed by Microsoft), UNIX or Apple.Application program 1806 can be any application program that can move on computing machine 1802, it comprises, but be not limited to this, word processor, games, utility routine, calendar program, schedule program, web browser, signal procedure, database program, e-mail program or any run on can through network connect (not shown) or such as the network of Internet between connect to come program on the computing machine that communicates with computing machine 1802.1808 involving vibrations retrieval source, vibration data source, vibration synthetic source, vibration mixing source and any one vibration data storehouse or vibration storehouse.

Computing machine 1802 goes out device 1812 with vibration input master and links to each other.Notice, vibration input/output device 1812 can be realized as one or more independent vibration input and/or output units, this device comprises, but be not limited to this, independent input and output device, one or more integrated input/output device and any possible combination of these devices.Vibration input/output device 1812 comprises the input/output device interface 1814 that links to each other with power level 1816.Power level 1816 links to each other with vibration exciter 1818, and this driver 1818 links to each other with target/displaceable element 1820.Target/displaceable element 1820 links to each other with state/position feedback device 1822, and state/position feedback device 1822 links to each other with input/output interface 1814.It is also noted that target/movable-component 1820 can be any device that its motion, position or other vibration output all can be felt by the user.

Figure 19 has described the more detailed block diagram in vibration data source 1900.Vibration data source 1900 involving vibrations command interpreter 1902 and vibration storage and synthetic source 1904.Vibration storage and synthetic source 1904 comprise wave file source 1906, vibration data storehouse 1908, oscillating function storehouse 1910, vibrational feedback source 1912 and anyly are used to produce, synthesize or the source of the other result of oscillation that produces.Wave file source 1906 comprises and is stored in the agreement and produces the consistent vibration data of sound signal in computer system.Constitute or produces the vibration data that is stored in the wave file source 1906 by using voice data and produce and constituting instrument by the user, and it is stored in the vibration command interpreter 1902 so that use subsequently.Vibration data storehouse 1908 is storehouses that vibration data is pre-existing in, and wherein described in certain embodiments vibration data has comprised complete basic group that wants that driven vibration output unit various may states.By this way, can visit every kind of possible state of vibration output unit by the data that are stored in vibration data storehouse 1908.Oscillating function storehouse 1910 comprises oscillating function and the data that produce the output vibration data on the basis of input signal that can be in being included in vibration command.Vibrational feedback source 1912 comprises the oscillating function and the data that can produce the output vibration data on the basis of the position signalling that comes the self-excited oscillation input media.Can on the basis of the vibration command of being sent by operating system the vibration data of exporting be fed to vibration stores and synthetic source 1904.The output of vibration storage and synthetic source 1904 is sent in the extra mixer these result of oscillation of combination in this mixer.Then resulting vibration data signal is sent to the vibration transport layer.

Aspect of this embodiment, the time of these vibration command of vibration command interpreter 1902 control be so that a result of oscillation can not be covered another result of oscillation, and can guarantee the result of oscillation that the user can feel that each is different.For example, if identical or near identical time with the vibration command of blast and be used for sending new Email the vibration command of arriving signal be input to vibration storage and synthetic source 1904, vibration storage and synthetic source 1904 will postpone the output of new mail vibration signal up to the vibration signal end of exploding.

Figure 20 has described an embodiment of vibration transport layer 2000.The signal that is input to vibration transport layer 2000 is sent to coding source 2002, there, it is converted to the form that is suitable for being input to data bus controller 2004.Coded signal is sent to data bus controller 2004 so that it is transferred to analog/digital data bus 2006 then.If desired, data bus controller 2004 can be suitable form with conversion of signals, such as the USB form that is used for transmission on analog/digital data bus 2006.

Figure 21 has described the vibration output unit 2100 that can be used as an input/output device part.Receive vibration signal by input/output device interface 2102 from the analog/digital data bus.If this vibration signal also is not the PWM form, then this vibration signal is converted to the PWM form, and this pwm signal is sent to power level so that it can drive driver 2106.If desired, driver 2106 can be connected on a target or the movable-component to obtain required vibration output.

Figure 22 has described the vibration input/position feedback device 2200 that can be used as a vibration input/output device or a vibrational feedback device part.Target/movable-component 2202 is connected on vibration/position transducer 2204, and this sensor can be felt and is applied to position on target/movable-component 2202 and/or oscillating movement and this information is sent to coding source 2206.Coding source 2206 is to be entered into form required in the input/output interface 2208 with this information translation.User button 2210 can also be connected on the input/output interface 2208 through user button detection resources 2212.

Input/output interface 2208 is to be suitable for the form that transmits in the analog/digital bus with its conversion of signals that receives from coding source 2206 and user button detection resources 2212.

Figure 23 has described the input/output device interface that comprises the analog/digital data bus interface 2302 that is connected to the analog/digital data bus.Analog/digital data bus interface 2302 is connected to signal coder/demoder CODEC2304.CODEC2304 is used for the vibration data signal at the format conversion of the analog/digital data bus interface 2302 transmission vibration output unit institute using form of serving as reasons, as PWM from it.Signal from CODEC2304 is sent to vibration exciter controller 2306 then, and this controller 2306 extracts control data and produces the control signal that is used for driver from the vibration data signal.This control signal can comprise an automatic gaining controling signal and timing and power signal, but is not limited to this.

2308 receptions of vibration input/position feedback device source come the data-signal of self-excited oscillation input/position feedback device and it are fed among the CODEC2304 so that be converted into be suitable for the form that transmits on the analog/digital data bus interface such such as usb protocol.User button source 2310 receives from the signal of user button detection resources and is translated into and be suitable for the form that transmits on the analog/digital data bus.

In operation, the described embodiment of Figure 18 aspect is with such work as follows.The one or more application programs of operation on computing machine 1802.This application program can comprise a web browser, an email application, a word-processing application, a calendar and a computer game.Email application receives a new Email Information and subsequently with this advisory operating system, operating system sends to this signal the vibration data source then makes it note the arrival of this mail.In addition, web browser receives the affirmation information of having carried out for the user from the transaction of online transaction service.Operating system receives this information from web browser and also this information is sent to the vibration data source.Playing user at this moment computer game, this computer game continues to send through operating system and relevantly result of oscillation is outputed to the user and using its to play request in the vibrational feedback device of computer game to the vibration data source.

Email notification signal, trade confirmation signal and the request signal of output vibration from computer game all is used as vibration command and is sent in the vibration data source.The retrieval of vibration command interpreter has produced the wave file of determining with corresponding to the user in the wave file source of trade confirmation order from the email notification vibration data and the user in vibration data storehouse.Vibration command from recreation is to ask the relevant result of oscillation of fighting that user role carried out a series of and as a recreation part.The vibration command interpreter determines it is not to send to all result of oscillation in the vibration output unit and immediately by user's sensation, so the vibration command interpreter uses the priority of distinguishing vibration signal based on the predetermined right of priority table of user preferences and default right of priority.The user can before determine deal and confirm that request had precedence over email notification and recreation output, and the default mail notice has recently the lower right of priority of interactive feedback vibration signal from computer game (such as, the vibration signal of fighting).The vibration command interpreter sends to the trade confirmation vibration data in the additional mixer then immediately and postpones the recreation relevant with vibration data or reduce its amplitude.Mix these signals then and send it to the vibration transport layer and arrive in the vibration output unit through the analog/digital data bus.The vibration command interpreter subsequently the mail notification vibration data is sent to mixer, then arrive the vibration transport layer and through the analog/digital data bus to the vibration output unit.

Figure 24 has described one embodiment of the present of invention, wherein vibration data is sent to the user there through the Internet.In this embodiment, one or more user 2402A, 2402B and 2402C are just by their corresponding calculated machine 2404A-C and use their corresponding vibrational feedback operating rod 2406A-C 2408 to play computer games through the Internet.Game server 2410 all links to each other with Internet 2408 with vibration server 2412 and is connected with each other.Vibration server 2412 comprises and comprises the result of oscillation that is used for each recreation that can play on game server 2410 and the vibration data storehouse 2414 of vibration data.

In operation, when the user plays game on line through the Internet, game server 2410 sends to the situation in the relevant recreation or the data of scene on each subscriber computer, and game server also with relevant the vibration data as a recreation part should be outputed to the user there and send to according to the information of duration of the required output of process of user in recreation vibrate on the server.The vibration server outputs to suitable vibration data on corresponding user's vibrational feedback operating rod through the Internet.

The vibration server is the 2408 relevant information in position that receive with vibrational feedback operating rod 2406A-C through the Internet, and produce to be output the reuse family there suitable vibration data and this feedback information is transferred in the game server so that can correspondingly adjust the process of user in recreation.For example, if game on line is the interactive mode recreation of fighting then can be used a user to vibrate input media by the user and produce the action of playing.This vibration input is sent in vibration server and the game server through the Internet.Show that this information of playing action is sent out back the process that play with demonstration each user there subsequently, and when this plays action when colliding the adversary, each player just sends and shows and kick the vibration data that a player and the head by the adversary stop to play player's pin.Can send the other vibration prompt that the weapon that comprises explicit user is pointing to the vibration signal of another user role in the recreation, but be not limited to this.

In one embodiment of the invention, the result of oscillation in the user capture vibration data server will be charged.Can charge to the user according to employed time quantum, result of oscillation number that the player visited or each recreation.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a vibration topomap (terrain mapper).In this embodiment, thus the user produces areal map by determine different seismesthesia for the zones of different on the figure.For example, the computer programmer can produce the vibrorecord of the graphical user interface that can be developed, and determines to meet different palmesthetic each viewing area or interface.This figure can be stored in the vibration data source or be combined in the application program.In addition, can come strengthening computerized map or, be used for the application program that these palmesthetic vibration command can be bonded to this map or show these maps with seismesthesia such as the map in computer game.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is the vibration record device.This embodiment can write down the seismesthesia of sense of touch, power or other position or object.The vibration data of being collected by this pen recorder can be sent on another position so that export or be stored in the computing machine so that use subsequently.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is a vibrating channel.Vibrating channel can be these passages: vibration information passage, order maybe can be affixed to the data channel on the medium of playing on the multimedia playing apparatus, and these multimedia playing apparatus can be that TV, film projector, CD player, video recorder, DVD player, phone, website or any energy produce human other medium exported of can feeling.An example, the additional to some extent oscillation trajectory (very onomatopoeia track mark) of the film of Bo Fanging is so that can vibrate the synchronous vibration output unit of pictures and sounds that movie theatre has its output and film at the cinema.TV programme can have along the vibration signal of sound transmission and other signal of comprising program.These vibration signals can be by the vibration output unit output that is connected with this TV.Phone can have a vibration record device that links to each other with her and/or one vibration output unit, so that the user can produce vibration signal and send it to another user and/or the vibrating channel through comprising acoustic information receives vibration output by phone.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is the source that is used for receiving the vibration data of vibration output and is converted into the form that is suitable for driving driver.The integrated circuit (ASIC) of logical circuit, microcontroller, microprocessor or application-specific that this source can comprise a programmable logic array, can realize in hardware or software, but be not limited to this.Figure 25 has described an embodiment.In this embodiment, source 2500 comprises that the USB that links to each other with USB core 2504 is connected 2502.USB core 2504 links to each other with processor 2506 and extends to (not shown) on the driver.Position signalling input 2510 is connected in the source 2500.In one embodiment, this position input signal comprises in the source of being input to 2500 that these position signallings are converted into a digital signal by processor 2506 as the positional information of 4 axles of simulating signal.In another embodiment, this position signalling is serial or 4 parallel digital channel signals, and wherein each passage is 8.

The button input is connected in the source 2500.In one embodiment, this button input signal comprises that 4 take advantage of 4 button information matrixes (change of independent if desired button control then is 8 or 16).

In operation, connect 2502 signals that are input to source 2500 through USB and be imported in the USB core 2504, and this signal is output in the processor 2506 and is converted into the PWM form and is sent in the driver then.Position and button information are input in the processor 2506 through position signalling input 2510 and button input 2512 respectively.Processor 2506 carries out digital coding with the information in these signals, and sends it in the USB core.From the USB core, signal connects 2502 through USB and transmits on USB.

The above-mentioned description for the embodiment of the invention that is presented only is an example and illustrative.They are not exhaustive or only limit the invention to disclosed form.Various modifications and variations will be conspicuous to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. one kind is used for being controlled at the method that the vibration vibration that output unit produced is exported, and wherein this vibration output unit comprises an object that can move at least on one degree of freedom, and this method comprises:

Reception comprises the vibration data signal of result of oscillation information;

With the vibration data conversion of signals is driver driving data signal so that this driver driving data signal comprises and the essentially identical result of oscillation information of vibration data signal; And

Use described driver driving data signal can on the object that moves on the one degree of freedom, produce vibration output at least, wherein determine the vibration output that produced by result of oscillation information substantially.

2. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that the step of the vibration data signal that comprises result of oscillation information that receives from computing machine comprises the step that receives the vibration data signal from USB (universal serial bus).

According to the process of claim 1 wherein the vibration data conversion of signals be driver driving data signal so that this driver driving data signal comprise that step with the essentially identical result of oscillation information of vibration data signal comprises and produce a pulse-width signal.

4. so that comprising step with the essentially identical result of oscillation information of vibration data signal, this driver driving data signal comprises step according to the process of claim 1 wherein the vibration data conversion of signals be driver driving data signal with the information coding in the power object information in duration of pulse in the driver driving data signal.

5. according to the method for claim 1, thus comprise use comprise with display that computing machine links to each other on the information of shown information in computing machine, produce the step of the signal that comprises vibration data.

6. according to the method for claim 1, comprising:

Produce position signalling based on a target location; And

Described position signalling is sent on the computing machine.

7. according to the method for claim 1, be included in and produce the vibration data signal in the computing machine, wherein, use the information that is included in the position signalling to produce described vibration data signal.

8. according to the method for claim 7, the step that wherein described position signalling is sent on the computing machine is included in the described position signalling of transmission on the USB (universal serial bus).

9. according to the method for claim 7, the step that wherein produces the vibration data signal comprises the information of using the information in the computer memory that is included in.

10. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that this target can move at least two degree of freedom.

11. produce a friction force on this target according to the process of claim 1 wherein that vibration output is included in.

12. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that vibration output comprises the generation smell.

13. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that the step that receives the vibration data signal comprise result of oscillation information from computing machine is included in network and receives described vibration data signal.

14. according to the method for claim 13, wherein said network comprises the Internet.

15. according to the process of claim 1 wherein not involving vibrations database of vibration output unit.

16. a device that is used to produce result of oscillation comprises:

A shell;

The object that is connected and can at least one degree of freedom, moves with described shell;

A vibration data input port;

A conversion of signals source that is electrically connected with described vibration data input port, being used for the vibration data conversion of signals is that driver driving data signal is so that this driver driving data signal comprises identical with the vibration data signal basically vibration information;

A driver, be electrically connected with the conversion of signals source and with object that can at least one degree of freedom, move and shell mechanical connection, this driver is used for a vibration output is applied to the object that can move at least one degree of freedom.

17., wherein construct the conversion of signals source like this and make it receive the vibration data signal from USB (universal serial bus) according to the device of claim 16.

18. according to the device of claim 16, wherein said conversion of signals source comprises the source that produces a width modulation format signal.

19. according to the device of claim 16, wherein said conversion of signals source comprises can be with the source of the coding of the information in the power object information in duration of pulse in the driver driving data signal.

20. device according to claim 16, comprise a computing machine, wherein this computing machine links to each other with the vibration data input port, and this computing machine comprises the source of using the information be included in displayed information on the display that links to each other with described computing machine to produce the vibration data signal.

21., comprise the source that can on the basis, target location, produce position signalling according to the device of claim 16.

22. according to the device of claim 21, comprise a computing machine, wherein this computing machine links to each other with the vibration data input port, this computing machine comprises the source that the information of using the information in the position signalling that is included in produces the signal that comprises force data.

23. according to the device of claim 22, the source that wherein produces position signalling can produce this position signalling in the agreement that is used for transmitting on USB (universal serial bus).

24. according to the device of claim 21, comprise a computing machine, wherein this computing machine links to each other with the vibration data input port, this computing machine comprises that use comprises the source that the information that is stored in the information in the computer memory produces the signal that comprises force data.

25. according to the device of claim 24, the connection of wherein said computing machine through comprising network links to each other with the vibration data input port.

26. according to the device of claim 25, wherein said network comprises the Internet.

27. according to the device of claim 16, comprise a cell phone, wherein this cell phone is connected on the described vibration data input port.

28., comprise that one is used for the source of reading vibration information from medium, wherein will be used for being connected to the vibration data input port from the source that medium are read vibration information according to the device of claim 16.

29., wherein be used for comprising a video tape recorder from the source that medium are read vibration information according to the device of claim 16.

30., comprise a vibration input media that links to each other with described vibration data input port according to the device of claim 16.

31., wherein the vibration data input media is connected on the vibration data input port by the connection that comprises the Internet according to the device of claim 30.

32. according to the device of claim 16, wherein said target can be moved at least two degree of freedom.

33. a device that is used to produce result of oscillation comprises:

A shell;

The movably assembly that is connected and can at least one degree of freedom, moves with described shell;

A vibration data input port;

A conversion of signals source that is electrically connected with described force data input port is used to use a non-conversion process of searching that the vibration data conversion of signals is driver driving data signal;

A driver, be electrically connected with the conversion of signals source and with movable-component and shell mechanical connection, this driver is used for a vibration output is applied to the movable-component that is at least one degree of freedom.

34. according to the device of claim 33, comprise a computing machine that can produce the vibration data signal, wherein this computing machine links to each other with the vibration data input port.

35. according to the device of claim 33, wherein said computing machine comprises an oscillating function storehouse.

36. according to the device of claim 33, wherein said computing machine comprises a vibration data storehouse.

37. according to the device of claim 34, wherein said computing machine links to each other with described vibration data input port by comprising the internet.

38. according to the device of claim 33, comprise a cell phone that produces the vibration data signal, wherein said cell phone links to each other with described vibration data input port.

39. the device according to claim 33 comprises

A computing machine, this computing machine links to each other with described vibration data input port;

A source that is used to produce interactive data, the described connection of source through comprising the Internet that is used to produce interactive data links to each other with described computing machine;

A source that is used to produce vibration data, the wherein said source that is used to produce vibration data links to each other with the source that is used to produce interactive data, and the described connection of source through comprising the Internet that is used to produce vibration data links to each other with described computing machine.

40. according to the device of claim 39, the source that wherein is used to produce vibration data comprises a vibration server.

41. according to the device of claim 39, the source that wherein is used to produce interactive data comprises a game server.

42., comprise a vibration input media that links to each other with described vibration input port according to the device of claim 33.

43. according to the device of claim 42, the connection of wherein said vibration input media through comprising the internet links to each other with described vibration input port.

44. according to the device of claim 42, the connection of wherein said vibration input media through comprising computing machine links to each other with described vibration input port.

45. according to the device of claim 33, comprise a computing machine, wherein said computing machine comprises the source of an energy with audio data format storage vibration data.

46. according to the device of claim 34, wherein said computing machine comprises one from comprising by producing the source that comprises vibration data the information of information that computer game produces.

47. according to the device of claim 34, wherein said computing machine comprises that produces a source that comprises vibration data from comprise the information that is stored in information the oscillating function storehouse.

48. according to the device of claim 34, wherein said computing machine is stored vibration data in the vibration file.

49. the device according to claim 33 comprises:

A processor that links to each other with described vibration data port; And

Be used for described processor is connected to a source on the network.

50. according to the device of claim 49, wherein said network comprises that a cell phone connects.

51. according to the device of claim 49, wherein said network comprises that an internet connects.

52., comprise the image karaoke device of the vibration data signal that links to each other with described internet and export according to the device of claim 49.

53. the method for the vibration output that a vibration output unit that is used for being controlled at as an interactive application part is produced, wherein this vibration output unit comprises an object that can move at least on one degree of freedom, and this method comprises:

Receive the vibration data signal that comprises result of oscillation information from the vibration server;

Use described driver driving data signal can on the object that moves on the one degree of freedom, produce vibration output at least, wherein determine the vibration output that produced by result of oscillation information substantially;

The vibration input of the input media of self-excited oscillation in the future sends in the described vibration server; And

Use comprises that the information that is included in the information in the described vibration input produces the vibration data signal that was corrected.

54. according to the method for claim 53, wherein

The step that receives vibration signal comprises that the connection through comprising the internet receives the step of vibration signal, and

The step that sends the vibration input from described vibration input media comprises that the connection through comprising described internet sends the step of described vibration input signal.

55. according to the method for claim 53, the step that wherein produces the vibration signal that was corrected comprises using and comprises and the step of importing the information of relevant information from the vibration of the second vibration input media.

56. with a kind of vibration output unit that the computing machine of display graphics information uses, described vibration output unit comprises:

A shell;

A movable part, rotor links to each other with described shell rotatably, thereby described movable part can be moved at least one degree of freedom;

A driver, response is by the vibration data signal of described computing machine output, and wherein said vibration data signal is included in the vibration information that produces on the described picture information basis; And

With the driver that described shell links to each other with movable part, be used for vibration output be applied to can be at least one degree of freedom movable handle, the amplitude of wherein said vibration output and simulating signal is proportional.

57., comprise that can produce a sensor of determining about the positioning signal of the handle position of described one degree of freedom according to the device of claim 56.

58., wherein can at least two degree of freedom, control described movable part by the user according to the device of claim 56.

59. according to the device of claim 56, wherein said driver comprises piezoelectric.

60. according to the device of claim 56, wherein said driver comprises an electric motor.

61. according to the device of claim 56, wherein said vibration output unit respond vibration data-signal is exported a kind of smell.