KR20160013786A - Tactile information supply module - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tactile information providing module. The tactile information providing module (50) according to the present invention comprises: a receiving unit (51) for receiving notifying information from the outside; a control unit (52) for converting the notifying information into a tactile signal; and a driving unit (53) for sending the tactile information to a user according to the tactile signal. The driving unit (53) includes a tactile sending unit (1) configured of magnetic particles and a matrix element, and the tactile sending unit (1) provides the tactile information through modifications (10a to 10d and 20a to 20d) by an external magnetic field.

Description

Tactile information providing module {TACTILE INFORMATION SUPPLY MODULE}

The present invention relates to a tactile information providing module. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tactile information providing module for converting tactile information received from an external device into a tactile signal and transmitting tactile information to a shape change caused by application of an external magnetic field of a tactile transmission unit formed of magnetic particles and a matrix material.

Haptics is a technique related to touch, specifically, a technique that allows a user of an electronic device to feel touch, force, and sense of movement through a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, and a touch screen. In recent years, haptic technology has been attracting attention for more concrete and realistic information delivery.

In general, a tube-shaped actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator, and an electrostatic actuator are used as an actuator for haptic technology. The tube-shaped actuator has an eccentric motor that vibrates with eccentric force generated when the motor rotates, and a linear resonant actuator (LRA) that maximizes the intensity of vibration using the resonance frequency. The piezoelectric actuator is driven by a piezoelectric element having a shape of a beam or a disk and having an instantaneous change in size or shape by an electric field. An electroactive polymer actuator attaches a mass onto an electroactive polymer film to produce vibrations by repeated movement of the mass. The electrostatic force actuator is driven by the repulsive force generated when charges of the same kind as the attractive force generated between the two glass surfaces charged with different electric charges are charged.

However, the above-described conventional haptic technology merely transmits a simple vibration, and thus it is limited to transmit emotional information or complex character information. Accordingly, there is a need for research on a tactile information transmission structure and a device using the tactile information transmission structure that can transmit more emotional transmission and more complex information effectively.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tactile information providing module capable of more sensitively transmitting various tactile information.

In addition, the present invention provides a tactile information providing module capable of effectively transmitting tactile information through at least one tactile unit formed of at least one cell in addition to simple signals such as alarms received from the outside as well as more complicated information such as characters, And to provide the above objects.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by a receiving apparatus comprising: a receiving unit for receiving notification information from outside; A controller for converting the notification information into a tactile signal; And an operation unit for transmitting tactile information to the user according to the tactile signal, wherein the operation unit includes a tactile transmission unit composed of magnetic particles and a matrix material, and the tactile transmission unit transmits the tactile information through deformation by an external magnetic field And a tactile information providing module.

According to the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to transmit various tactile information more emotionally.

In addition, according to the present invention, there is an effect that, in addition to simple signals such as alarms received from the outside, more complex information such as characters and figures can be effectively transmitted as tactile information through a tactile unit formed in at least one cell form.

1 is a view illustrating a tactile information providing module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view illustrating a tactile information providing module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view showing a shape change according to an external magnetic field of a tactile-force transmitting portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a diagram illustrating a process of providing tactile information according to an external magnetic field of a tactile transmission unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a diagram illustrating a process of providing tactile information according to an external magnetic field of a tactile transmission unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a view showing various shapes of a tactile transmission unit according to various embodiments of the present invention.
7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a view showing a tactile unit including a plurality of cells according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 to 11 are a perspective view and a side view showing the configuration of a tactile transmission unit and an operation unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 to 15 are diagrams illustrating an operation procedure of an operation unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
16 to 18 are views showing an example of applying the tactile information providing module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, embodiments. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are different, but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, certain features, structures, and characteristics described herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in connection with an embodiment. It is also to be understood that the position or arrangement of the individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled, if properly explained. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar functions throughout the several views, and length and area, thickness, and the like may be exaggerated for convenience.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention.

1 is a view showing a tactile information providing module 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the tactile information providing module 50 of the present invention may include a receiving unit 51, a control unit 52, and an operation unit 53. The tactile information providing module 50 may be used by itself or may be attached to an existing device such as a mobile communication terminal such as a smart phone, a wearable device such as a smart watch, have.

The receiving unit 51 can receive notification information from the outside, and can use a known data receiving apparatus without limitation. The notification information should be understood to include not only image information such as characters, figures, symbols, etc., which can be transmitted through wired / wireless communication networks, but also information such as simple warning, alarm,

The control unit 52 can convert the notification information received by the receiving unit 51 into a tactile signal. The tactile sense signal is a control signal that can control each configuration of the operation unit 53 and should be understood as a control signal for applying / releasing a magnetic field to a plurality of cells 110 of the tactile unit 100 to be described later.

The operation unit 53 can provide tactile information to the user in accordance with the tactile signal of the control unit 52. [ Here, the tactile information is not only the touch such as vibration, squeeze, tightening, slapping, pushing, tapping, tilting, and tickling force, but also the sensibility, emotion, etc. To convey the feelings of "I love you" or to convey the feelings of "sad" through the touch of "ㅠㅠ" style).

The operation unit 53 is mounted on the surface of the tactile information providing module 50 and can provide tactile information directly to the user. The operation unit 53 is mounted inside the tactile information providing module 50 and indirectly vibrates, Tactile information of the user. 1 shows a configuration in which the operating section 53 has a clock shape that can be put on the wrist of a user and can provide tactile information through the inner circumferential surface of the watch band in contact with the user. Of course, the operating portion 53 may be mounted on the entire inner peripheral surface of the watch band, or may be mounted on only a part of the inner peripheral surface. In addition, there is no limit to the shape of the object as long as it is within the scope of the object capable of providing tactile information with a part of the user. For example, the tactile information providing module 50 may be manufactured in the form of a bracelet, a ring, a ring, an accessory, clothing, and the like as well as a band, and may provide tactile information at a part where the user is in contact.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a tactile information providing module 50 ', 50 "according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the tactile information providing module 50 'may include a plurality of operation units 53 (53a-53d, 53e-53h). The respective operating portions 53a-53d and 53e-53h may be mounted at different positions. For example, in the band-shaped tactile information providing module 50 'for taking a wrist, one operation part 53 is placed on the wrist, the other operation part 53 is placed under the wrist, and the other operation part 53 May contact the side of the wrist to provide tactile information.

The operating portions 53a-53d and 53e-53h can transmit tactile information of different kinds (for example, vibration, squeeze, tightening, hitting, pressing, tapping, tilting,

The tactile information providing module 50 'according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 (a) is configured such that each of the operating portions 53a, 53b, 53c and 53d has a different shape (for example, , Prototype, etc.], so that the tactile information can be transmitted in various forms.

The tactile information providing module 50 "according to another embodiment shown in Fig. 2 (b) is configured such that each of the operation parts 53e, 53f, 53g, and 53h For example, the operation section 53e notifies the person or the group that the father, the operation section 53f is the mother, the operation section 53g is the lover, and the operation section 53h corresponds to the friend. When the information is transmitted, the tactile information can be transmitted only by the corresponding operation sections 53e, 53f, 53g, and 53h.

In addition, when the telephone call comes, the tactile information is transmitted at 53e, 53e at the time of text, 53g at the time of E-mail, 53h at the time of informing the specific time Can be set. In addition, the operation units 53 (53a-53d, 53e-53h) may be variously set to correspond to specific functions.

When the tactile information providing module 50 is used independently without being coupled to a wearable device or a mobile communication terminal, a power supply unit (not shown) for supplying power to the receiving unit 51, the control unit 52 and the operation unit 53 Time).

Hereinafter, the structure in which the tactile information providing module 50 of the present invention transmits tactile information will be described in detail.

3 is a diagram showing a shape change according to an external magnetic field of the tactile-force transmitting portion 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3, the tactile feedback unit 1 may be made of a matrix material such as a rubber or other polymer material such as iron, cobalt, nickel or ferrite particles of nano or micron size, .

The tactile-force transmitting portion 1 has a shape of a fine protrusion 10 (see Fig. 4), a hollow cylindrical shape 20 (see Fig. 5), a polyhedron shape, a dome shape, (See FIG. 9), a leaf spring shape, a seesaw shape (see FIG. 10), or a tunnel shape 40 (see FIG. 11).

For example, the tactile transfer unit 1 may be made of a Magneto-Rheological Elastomer (MRE) material to transmit tactile information. Since the magnetorheic elastomer is an elastic material including particles capable of reacting with an external magnetic field and includes magnetic particles such as iron (Fe) that can be magnetized by an external magnetic field in an elastic material, The characteristics such as stiffness, tensile strength and elongation can be changed by the use of the adhesive.

The tactile-force transmitting portion 1 may exhibit different shapes depending on the influence of the external magnetic field.

3 (a), when the plurality of tactile transfer parts 1 are not influenced by the external magnetic field (Off state), that is, when the coil unit 210 of the magnetic field generating part 200 (See FIGS. 4 and 5), when the magnetic field generated by the first tactile transmission portion 1 is not formed by the first tactile transmission portion 1 (see FIG. 7).

3 (b), when a part of the plurality of tactile-force transmitters 1 is influenced by an external magnetic field (Local On State), that is, when the coil unit 210 of the magnetic field generating unit 200 A portion of the plurality of tactile-force transmitting portions 1 may represent the second shapes 10b and 20b (see Figs. 4 and 5).

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process of providing tactile information according to an external magnetic field of the tactile transmission unit 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating various shapes of a tactile-force transmitting unit according to various embodiments of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 4, the tactile transmission unit 1 may have the shape of a fine protrusion 10. The shape of the fine protrusions 10 may have a thickness of about 25 mu m or less to resemble fleece or the like or about 100 mu m or less to resemble human hair or the like so as to transmit tactile information in detail and emotionally.

As shown in Fig. 4 (a), the microprojections 10 can maintain a slightly inclined shape (or the first shape 10a) when they are not affected by the external magnetic field. Of course, it is also possible to have the shape of the micro-projection erected vertically without tilting. 4 (b), the microprojections 10 can be further inclined or even lying down (or the second shape 10b) when subjected to an external magnetic field. Next, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, when the application of the magnetic field is released and is not affected by the external magnetic field, the fine protrusions 10 are deformed from the second shape 10b to the first shape (10c, 10d) by its own elastic force (or resilience) while returning to the return path (10a). Therefore, tactile information such as rubbing or tickling can be transmitted by the reciprocating fine protrusions 10c and 10d.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, the tactile feedback unit 1 may have the shape of a hollow cylinder 20, a dome or a polyhedron 20 '(see FIG. 6 (b)). 5 (a) is a perspective view of the tactile-force transmitting portion 1 in the shape of a cylinder 20, and Fig. 5 (b) is a side sectional view of the tactile-

In the case where the inner surface of the hollow cylinder 20 is not affected by the external magnetic field, the upper surface 21 may have a flat shape (or the first shape 20a) as in (1). Next, in the case of being influenced by an external magnetic field, the cylinder 21 may exhibit a shape (or a second shape 20b) that concavely enters the inner space in which the upper surface 21 is hollow, as in (2). Then, when the application of the magnetic field is released and is not affected by the external magnetic field, the elastic force (or recovery force) of the second shape 20b returns from the second shape 20b to the first shape 20a, The surface can make reciprocating movements 20c and 20d. Therefore, the tactile information, which seems to be knocked by the reciprocating cylinders 20c and 20d, can be transmitted.

By controlling at least one of the intensity, the direction or the frequency of the magnetic field / electric field formed by the magnetic field generating unit 200 (see FIG. 7) in the tactile sense transfer unit 1, the first shapes 10a and 20a Direction (size), direction, or frequency from the first shape 10b to the second shape 10b, 20b. For example, when a stronger magnetic field is applied, the degree of tilting of the fine protrusions 10 becomes larger and the degree of concave entry of the upper surface 21 of the cylinder 20 becomes larger, so that the tactile information can be transmitted more strongly. For example, when the frequency of the magnetic field is changed, the first shapes 10a and 20a, the second shapes 10b and 20b, and the first shapes 10a and 20a of the fine protrusions 10 or the cylinders 20, The tactile information of various senses can be transmitted.

6, the tactile feedback unit 1 may have various shapes in addition to the shape of the fine protrusions 10 or the hollow cylindrical body 20, the dome or the polyhedron 20 '.

6 (b) is a hexahedron 20 '(or a polyhedron 20') in which the interior is hollow, and (3) 6C is a cylinder 20 having a micro hole 25 formed on its upper surface and having an empty interior and air is introduced into the micro hole 25C during the reciprocating motion 20c and 20d of the upper surface. 6 (d) is a cross-sectional view of the micro-projection 10 and a hollow cylindrical portion 20 (see FIG. 6 (a)) in which the micro- 6 (e) shows a shape in which a plurality of fine holes 25 are formed on the upper surface of the cylinder 20 in addition to the shape of FIG. 6 (d), (6) (F) of FIG. 5 shows a configuration in which a plurality of fine holes 25 of FIG. 5 (c) are formed. (7) (8) In Fig. 6 (h), the shape of the inner side of the inner side of the cylinder And an embossed structure 27 in the form of a dome is formed on the upper surface of the cylinder 20.

As described above, according to the present invention, since various shapes of the tactile transmission unit 1 are configured, it is possible to transmit various kinds of tactile information such as squeeze, jagginess, tapping and the like in a complex manner.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a configuration of an operation section 53 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a view showing a tactile section 100 including a plurality of cells 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. to be.

7, the operation unit 53 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a tactile unit 100 and a magnetic field generation unit 200. The tactile unit 100 includes at least one tactile transmission unit 1) is installed.

The tactile feedback unit 100 is a part that actually contacts the user of the tactile information providing module 50 and transmits tactile information. The tactile portion 100 may include at least one cell (Cell) 110. The size of the cell 110 may be appropriately set in consideration of the size of the tactile unit 100 and the resolution of tactile information to be provided.

The cell 110 may include at least one tactile transmission part 1. [ The cell 110 may include one type or two or more kinds of tactile transfer parts 1. Each of the cells 110 may include various types of tactile transmission parts 1 such as the fine protrusions 10 and the hollow cylindrical body 20 such as the operating part 53 ' .

The magnetic field generator 200 may form a magnetic field and may include at least one coil unit 210. The magnetic field generator 200 is disposed below the tactile unit 100 so that each of the coil units 210 (or the cell 110 'including the coil unit 210) It is preferable to correspond to the cell 110 of FIG. However, if the coil unit 210 is within a target range for applying a magnetic field to each of the corresponding cells 110, the magnetic field generating unit 200 is not positioned below the tactile sensor 100, Location.

As the magnetic field is generated by one coil unit 210, the tactile feedback unit 1 provided in the cell 110 corresponding to the coil unit 210 is shifted from the first shape 10a, 20a to the second shape 10b , 20b. When the magnetic field generated by the coil unit 210 disappears, the tactile feedback unit 1 provided in the cell 110 corresponding to the coil unit 210 is moved from the second shape 10b, 20b to the first shape (10a, 20a).

9 to 11 are a perspective view and a side view showing the configuration of a tactile transmission unit and an operation unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

9, the tactile unit 100 includes a support 31 having a curved shape integrally formed on both sides of a plate-shaped tactile-force transmitting unit 1 (30) and a tactile-force transmitting unit 30 can do. 10, the tactile portion 100 includes a plate-like tactile transmission portion 1 (30) and a support 32 having a wavy shape integrally formed on both sides of the tactile-force transmitting portion 30 .

The supporting members 31 and 32 are further provided between the tactile transmission unit 1 and the magnetic field generating unit 200 so that the operating space of the tactile transmission unit 1 can be secured . Further, the supports 31 and 32 may be magnetorheological elastomers.

The plurality of tactile transfer parts (1: 30) and the supports (31, 32) form at least one cell, and a plurality of the cells may be disposed on the insulator 130 at regular intervals. The coil unit 210 of the magnetic field generator 200 may be formed as a single layer or a plurality of layers 211 and 212.

9 (b), the tactile feedback unit 30 and the support 31 are moved up and down by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 200, and the shape change (the first shape and the second shape) To perform a reciprocating motion. By this shape change, one cell or the entire cell can be moved, thereby providing a tactile touch to the user. Here, the tactile-force transmitting portion 1 may have a shape in which a plurality of plates are overlapped with each other in the form of a plate spring in addition to a plate shape.

10 (b), the support 32 formed of the magnetorheic elastomer changes shape by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 200, and the support 32, which is formed of a magnetorheological elastomer, (First shape) by the elastic force if the magnetic field is not generated in the magnetic field generator 200, and the magnetic field generator 200 inclines toward the center of the magnetic field generator 200 (second shape). That is, by applying a magnetic field to one or all of the cells, the user can transmit various tactile sensations such as vibration, beating, tapping, or tilting.

Referring to FIG. 11, the tactile portion 100 includes a tactile transmission portion 1: 40 having a tunnel shape and forming an elliptical space therein. When the magnetic field is generated by the magnetic field generating unit 200, the tactile transmission unit 1 formed of the magnetorheic elastomer changes shape, and one end of the tactile transmission unit 1 moves toward the center of the magnetic field generating unit 200 [Second shape] If the magnetic field is not generated in the magnetic field generator 200, it can be returned to the circular shape (first shape) by the elastic force. That is, by applying a magnetic field to one cell or all of the cells, various tactile sensations, such as twisting or tightening, can be transmitted to the user.

12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the operation unit 53 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

12 (a), a magnetic field is not applied to the cells A1 to C3 on the tactile portion 100. In this case, Therefore, all the fine protrusions 10 on the tactile portion 100 can hold the first shape 10a.

12B, a magnetic field is applied to the cells A1 to C3 on the tactile portion 100 so that all the fine protrusions 10 on the tactile portion 100 can hold the second shape 10b have.

12 (c), when the application of the magnetic field to the coil unit 210 located at the position corresponding to the cell A1 is released, only the fine protrusion 10 on the cell A1 returns to the first structure 10a It is possible to make reciprocating movements 10c and 10d by its own elastic force (or resilience).

12D, when the application of the magnetic field to the coil unit 210 corresponding to the cell A2 is released, only the fine protrusion 10 on the cell A2 returns to the first structure 10a It is possible to make reciprocating movements 10c and 10d by its own elastic force (or resilience). The fine protrusions 10 on the cell A1 can be less reciprocating than the fine protrusions 10 on the cell A2.

12 (e), when the application of the magnetic field to the coil unit 210 corresponding to the cell A3 is released, only the microprojections 10 on the cell A3 return to the first structure 10a It is possible to make reciprocating movements 10c and 10d by its own elastic force (or resilience). The microprojections 10 on the cell A2 can be less reciprocating than the microprojections 10 on the cell A3. At the same time, a magnetic field may be applied again to the coil unit 210 corresponding to the cell A1 so that the microprojections 10 on the cell A1 maintain the second shape 10b.

In this way, when the magnetic field is applied and released from the cells A1 to C3 in this manner, the fine protrusions 10 on the C3 in the cell A1 are divided into the first shape 10a, the second shape 10b, and the first shape 10b in the second shape 10b. It is possible to provide tactile information sequentially moving from the cells A1 to C3 to the user of the tactile information providing module 50 through a process of reciprocating 10c and 10d while returning to the shape 10a

13 to 15 are diagrams illustrating an operation process of the operation unit 53 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 13 and 14 show an operation process of the control unit 52 and the operation unit 53 for providing the character "" as haptic information. Fig. 15 shows a control unit 52 And the operation unit 53 of the second embodiment.

The tactile information providing module 50 of the present invention can convert the notification information (character form) received from the outside into tactile information and provide it. A tactile unit 100 having a plurality of cells 110 arranged in 5 x 5 from cells A1 to E5 will be described.

Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, when the receiving unit 51 receives notification information of the character type "degrees" from the outside, the control unit 52 can convert it into a tactile signal (control signal). The tactile sense signal is a signal for controlling the plurality of cells 110 of the tactile sense unit 100. A tactile signal corresponding to the character "degrees " is a control signal for the cells A2, A3, A4, B2, C2, C3, C4, D3, E2, E3 and E4 (Fig. 14A).

The control unit 52 simultaneously applies / releases the magnetic field to / from the coil units 210 corresponding to the cells A2, A3, A4, B2, C2, C3, C4, D3, E2, E3, The tactile transmission parts 1 on the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, tenth, eighth, Therefore, the tactile information providing module 50 can provide the user with the tactile information similar to the braille.

B2, C2, C3, C4, C3, C4, C3, C4, C3, C4, C3, The first and second shapes 10a and 20a and the second shapes 10b and 20b are sequentially disposed on the cell when the magnetic field is applied and released to D3 → E3 → E2 → E3 → E4. The user of the tactile information providing module 50 performs a process of reciprocating movements 10c, 10d, 20c and 20d while returning from the second shapes 10b and 20b to the first shapes 10a and 20a, Quot; can be provided as tactile information as if it were written using handwriting.

In addition, the tactile information providing module 50 of the present invention can convert notification information (symbol type) received from the outside into tactile information and provide it. A tactile unit 100 having a plurality of cells 110 arranged in 5 x 5 from cells A1 to E5 will be described.

16, the receiving unit 51 can receive announcement information of the symbol type "♡ " from the outside. The sender can transmit the notification information of "♡" by inputting the character "♡" directly or by inputting characters such as "heart" or "love" that can imply the symbol "♡". The control unit 52 can convert the notification information into a haptic signal (control signal) of the symbol "?" The tactile signal corresponding to the symbol "♡ " is the control signal of the cells A2, A4, B1, B3, B5, C1, C5, D2, D4 and E3 (Fig. In other words, even if the sender does not directly input the symbol "♡ ", if the notification information is registered in advance in the control unit 52 such as" (Control signal) to provide tactile information.

The control unit 52 simultaneously applies / releases the magnetic field to / from the coil units 210 corresponding to the cells A2, A4, B1, B3, B5, C1, C5, D2, D4, The tactile transmission parts 1 on the B5, C1, C5, D2, D4 and E3 can simultaneously change the shape and reciprocating motion 10a to 10d and 20a to 20d. Therefore, the tactile information providing module 50 can provide the user with the symbol "♡ " as tactile information similar to braille.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), the magnetic field is sequentially applied to the cell B3 -> A2 -> B5 -> C5 -> D4 -> E3 -> D2 -> C1 -> B1 -> A2 The tactile feedback unit 1 on the cell sequentially forms the first shapes 10a and 20a in the first shapes 10a and 20a, the second shapes 10b and 20b and the second shapes 10b and 20b, ) To the user of the tactile information providing module 50 through a process of reciprocating movements 10c, 10d (20c, 20d) while returning to the tactile information providing module 50 .

In addition to this, in conjunction with an independent app (App), the form drawn in a pen in real time is received as notification information and equally implemented as tactile information, so that more complex tactile information can be effectively transmitted.

16 to 18 are views showing an example in which the tactile information providing module 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

Referring to FIG. 16, the tactile information providing module 50 may be coupled to a wearable device 60 such as a smart watch, a mobile communication terminal, or the like. 16, a tactile information providing module 50 'having a curvature similar to that of the band 65 of the wearable device 60 is shown. The tactile information providing module 50 'is coupled to the rear surface of the main body 61 so that the tactile transfer unit 1 can be in contact with the user. The tactile information providing module 50 'may be integrally coupled to the wearable device 60 or may be coupled to the wearable device 60 through a terminal provided with a receiving portion 51 in the form of a terminal. 16, the receiving unit 51 ', the control unit 52', and the operating unit 53 'are sequentially combined to constitute the tactile information providing module 50'. However, (Not shown).

FIG. 17 shows an example in which a couple exchanges tactile information using the tactile information providing module 50 of FIG. When the man inputs "♡" through the wearable device 60 or the app of the mobile communication terminal, the receiving section 51 included in the wearable device 60 of the woman receives notification information of the symbol type "♡" The control unit 52 converts this into a tactile signal (control signal), and can transmit "♡" as tactile information (tactile sense) such as braille, handwriting, vibration and the like. The receiver (recipient) has a convenient advantage in that it is possible to directly receive notification information sent from a man (sender) even in a situation where it is difficult to directly drive the wearable device 60, for example, in a crowded public transportation or during a workout .

Referring to FIG. 18, the tactile information providing module 50 of the present invention can be used for a visually impaired person. When a character or a telephone is received, tactile information can be provided in the form of handwriting, braille, or the like. In addition, when the visually impaired person is walking along the road, the guidance signal S can be provided in conjunction with the guidance application, such as straight forward, leftward, rightward, or crosswalk entry. At this time, it may be useful to correspond signals to each of the plurality of operation parts 53. In addition, the danger signal S and the warning signal S can be provided as tactile information through strong vibration or the like.

Conventionally, a character information transmitting device for a visually impaired person is heavy, has a large size, transmits only braille information, and requires a user to perform a predetermined touch on the device for information recognition or operation. However, since the tactile information providing module 50 of the present invention is based on magnetic particles and a matrix material, it is light and flexible and can be made into a flexible device or a wearable device, and can be used for various characters such as handwriting, It is possible to recognize external information as tactile information in real time without a user's touch.

In addition to the above examples, the tactile information providing module 50 of the present invention can be applied to the real-time tactile transmission in mobile devices, touch screens, online games, and the like in the IT field and can be applied to a lane departure warning system, And can be applied to a driving assistive information feedback system such as a system for prevention of anxiety, etc. Also, in a medical field, it can be applied to a pulse machine, a pressure distribution measurement of human being, a surgical robot,

The present invention has been described on the assumption that the material including the magnetic particles 2 as the tactile-force transmitting portion 1 is a magnetorheic elastomer. However, the tactile-force transmitting portion 1 may be an Electro-Rheological Elastomer (ERE) ) Material, and an external electric field is applied through the electric field generating unit instead of the magnetic field generating unit 200, the same can be realized. Since the electroluminescent elastomer contains particles having polarization and piezoelectric characteristics in the elastomeric material, characteristics such as rigidity thereof may be changed by application of an external electric field, which is similar to that of a magnetorheological elastomer.

An electric field generator (not shown) may form an electric field and may include at least one electrode unit (not shown). An electric field generating unit (not shown) is disposed below the tactile unit 100, and each electrode unit (not shown) may correspond to each cell 110 of the tactile unit 100. Alternatively, a lower electrode (not shown) may be disposed below the tactile portion 100, and an upper electrode (not shown) or an electrode pattern may be formed on the upper surface or the surface of the tactile portion 100. In addition, the position of the electric field generating unit (not shown) can be variously set as long as each electrode unit (not shown) is within a target range for applying an electric field to each corresponding cell 110.

As described above, the present invention has the effect of more sensitively transmitting various tactile information through the various tactile-force transmitting parts 1. [

The present invention can also be applied to a touch panel (not shown) having cells 110 in the form of more complex information such as characters, graphics, etc., corresponding to each cell 110, 100 as well as providing character information or the like to a portion of the user in contact with the skin, thereby effectively transmitting secret information requiring security.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken in conjunction with the present invention. Variations and changes are possible. Such variations and modifications are to be considered as falling within the scope of the invention and the appended claims.

1, 10, 20, 30, 40: tactile transmission part
50: tactile information providing module
51: Receiver
52:
53:
60: Wearable device
100:
110: cell
200: magnetic field generator
210: coil unit

Claims (15)

A receiving unit for receiving notification information from outside;
A controller for converting the notification information into a tactile signal; And
And an operation unit
Lt; / RTI >
Wherein the operation unit includes a tactile transmission unit formed of magnetic particles and a matrix material, and the tactile transmission unit provides the tactile information through deformation due to an external magnetic field. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the tactile feedback unit is a Magneto-Rheological Elastomer (MRE). The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the magnetic particles are constituted by a component including at least one element selected from iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni). The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the matrix material is rubber or polymer. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Wherein,
A tactile portion contacting the user; And
A magnetic field generating portion for applying a magnetic field to the tactile portion,
Further comprising:
And at least one tactile transmission unit is connected to the tactile unit. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the tactile portion comprises at least one cell,
Wherein the magnetic field generating unit is disposed below the tactile portion. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the magnetic field generating unit includes at least one coil unit corresponding to the cell. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the tactile transmission unit maintains the first shape when it is not influenced by the magnetic field and maintains the second shape when it is influenced by the magnetic field. 9. The method of claim 8,
Direction or frequency of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit to control at least one of the strength, direction, or frequency of deformation from the first shape to the second shape by controlling at least one of intensity, direction, And a tactile information providing module. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Characterized in that the tactile-force transmitting portion is at least one of a fine projection, a hollow cylindrical shape, a dome shape, a polyhedral shape, a plate shape, a leaf spring shape, a seesaw shape or a tunnel shape. . 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the tactile feedback unit provides the tactile information by reciprocating movement by elastic force while returning from the second shape to the first shape. The method according to claim 6,
The notification information may include a character, a graphic, a symbol, a warning, an alarm,
Wherein the tactile information providing module provides the tactile information by sequentially or simultaneously applying a magnetic field and releasing application of a magnetic field to each of the cells in accordance with the tactile signal of the controller. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the notification information previously registered in the control unit among the notification information is converted into a line registration tactile signal corresponding to the preliminarily registered notification information to provide the tactile information. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A plurality of said actuating portions,
Wherein the plurality of operation units provide different tactile information, A wearable apparatus to which the tactile information providing module according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is combined.

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