Haptic communication system using cutaneous actuators for simulation of continuous human touch
摘要
說明書
The haptic communication device 1600 includes electronic circuitry 1608 coupled to the cutaneous actuators 1602 to drive the cutaneous actuators 1602. The electronic circuitry 1608 is located within a space 1622 between the cushioning member 1612 and the spacing member 1606. The space 1622 includes the wire routing and locating layers to locate the cutaneous actuators 1602. The electronic circuitry 1608 may be digital logic, analog circuitry, or circuitry implemented on a printed circuit board (PCB) that mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components and the cutaneous actuators 1602 using wires, conductive tracks, pads, etc. The haptic communication device 1600 includes clearance to cover the electronic circuitry 1608 and improve aesthetics of the haptic communication device 1600. In one embodiment, the cutaneous actuator 1602 is attached to a PCB that has a sensor and a connector; the space 1622 between the spacing member 1606 and the dampening member 1610 gives the PCB room to be rigid and not bend with the other layers. The electronic circuitry 1608 transmits the actuator signals to the cutaneous actuators 1602. The electronic circuitry 1608 may also determine a temperature of the haptic communication device 1600 using a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance thermometer, or a silicon bandgap temperature sensor). The electronic circuitry 1608 may measure the temperature onboard the haptic communication device 1600 and transmit corresponding measurement signals to a main electronic system offboard. Responsive to the temperature exceeding a threshold, the electronic circuitry 1608 may terminate operation of the cutaneous actuators. For example, if the temperature increases to uncomfortable levels, the main electronic system may cut power to the cutaneous actuator 1602 via the electronic circuitry 1608.
