US7167781B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tactile device and method for providing information to an aircraft or motor vehicle or equipment operator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2004-05-13
•
Granted: 2007-01-23
•
Expires: 2024-05-13
Abstract
Abstract A tactile device for an aircraft operator has a plurality of tactors for being passively attached to an aircraft operator, the plurality of tactors including a first tactor and a second tactor neighboring the first tactor. A control system controls actuation of the tactors as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft, the control system actuating the first tactor when the variable reaches a first predetermined value, and actuating both the first and second tactor when the variable reaches a second predetermined value different from the first predetermined value. Other tactile devices and methods for actuating tactile devices are also provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Hugh T. Lee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 20:52
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/016; B; B64; B64D; B64D10/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A tactile device for an aircraft operator comprising: a plurality of tactors for being passively attached to an aircraft operator, the plurality of tactors including a first tactor and a second tactor neighboring the first tactor; and a control system controlling actuation of the tactors as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft, the control system actuating the first tactor when the variable reaches a first predetermined value, and actuating both the first and second tactor when the variable reaches a second predetermined value different from the first predetermined value.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
A tactile device for an aircraft operator comprising: a plurality of tactors for being passively attached to an aircraft operator, the plurality of tactors including a first tactor and a second tactor neighboring the first tactor; and a control system controlling actuation of the tactors as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft, the control system actuating the first tactor when the variable reaches a first predetermined value, and actuating both the first and second tactor when the variable reaches a second predetermined value different from the first predetermined value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
73 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 1 wherein the plurality of tactors further includes a third tactor, the second tactor being located between the first and third tactors, the first, second and third tactors all being actuated when the variable reaches a third predetermined value, a difference between the first predetermined value and the third predetermined value being greater than a difference between the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 2 wherein the first, second and third tactors are arranged linearly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 2 wherein the first and second tactors and second and third tactors are spaced equidistantly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 4 wherein the difference between the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value is the same as the difference between the second predetermined value and the third predetermined value.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 2 wherein the first and second tactors, and second and third tactors are spaced within two centimeters of each other.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 1 wherein the characteristic is one of altitude or airspeed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 1 wherein the first and second tactors are spaced within two centimeters of each other.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a third tactor and a longitudinal strip of material, the first, second and third tactors being supported by the strip and being actuated in response to a variation of the variable.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 9 further comprising a VELCRO attachment or adhesive tape to attach the longitudinal strip of material to the operator.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 1 wherein the device attaches to a forearm.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 1 wherein the plurality of tactors are arranged in a linearly-laterally expanding pattern.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of tactors is a separate attachable strip.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 1 further comprising lateral marker strips.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
85 words
A tactile device for an aircraft operator comprising: a plurality of tactors for being passively attached to an aircraft operator, the plurality of tactors including a first tactor and a second tactor neighboring the first tactor; and a control system controlling actuation of the tactors as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft, the control system actuating the first tactor as a marker, and actuating the first and second tactors when the variable reaches a first predetermined value.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
85 words
A tactile device for an aircraft operator comprising: a plurality of tactors for being passively attached to an aircraft operator, the plurality of tactors including a first tactor and a second tactor neighboring the first tactor; and a control system controlling actuation of the tactors as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft, the control system actuating the first tactor as a marker, and actuating the first and second tactors when the variable reaches a first predetermined value.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
69 words
A tactile device for an aircraft operator comprising: a strip-shaped tactor for being passively attached to the aircraft operator over a longitudinal surface and infinitely variable in the longitudinal direction; and a control system controlling actuation of the strip-shaped tactor as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft, the control system actuating the strip-shaped tactor longitudinally as a function of the variable.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
69 words
A tactile device for an aircraft operator comprising: a strip-shaped tactor for being passively attached to the aircraft operator over a longitudinal surface and infinitely variable in the longitudinal direction; and a control system controlling actuation of the strip-shaped tactor as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft, the control system actuating the strip-shaped tactor longitudinally as a function of the variable.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 16 wherein the control system actuates the strip-shaped tactor longitudinally in direct relation to a value of the variable.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
64 words
A tactile device for an aircraft operator comprising: a tactor for being passively attached to an aircraft operator, the tactor having a characteristic infinitely variable between two points, and a control system controlling the infinitely-variable characteristic of the tactor as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft, the characteristic being independent of signals generated outside the aircraft.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
64 words
A tactile device for an aircraft operator comprising: a tactor for being passively attached to an aircraft operator, the tactor having a characteristic infinitely variable between two points, and a control system controlling the infinitely-variable characteristic of the tactor as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft, the characteristic being independent of signals generated outside the aircraft.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 18 wherein the infinitely-variable characteristic is a frequency or amplitude of vibration of the tactor.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 18 wherein the infinitely-variable characteristic is a temperature of the tactor.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
25 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 18 wherein the infinitely-variable characteristic is an electric voltage or current of the tactor provided to the aircraft.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tactile device as recited in claim 18 wherein the infinitely-variable characteristic is a pressure provided by the tactor to the operator.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for actuating a plurality of tactors passively attached to an aircraft operator, the plurality of tactors including a first tactor and a second tactor neighboring the first tactor, the method comprising: actuating a first tactor when a variable reaches a first predetermined value or as a marker, the variable being a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft; and actuating the second tactor when the variable reaches a second predetermined value.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for actuating a plurality of tactors passively attached to an aircraft operator, the plurality of tactors including a first tactor and a second tactor neighboring the first tactor, the method comprising: actuating a first tactor when a variable reaches a first predetermined value or as a marker, the variable being a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft; and actuating the second tactor when the variable reaches a second predetermined value.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for actuating a strip-shaped tactor passively attached to an aircraft operator, the strip-shaped tactor being longitudinally actuable, the method comprising: actuating the strip-shaped tactor to provide a signal at a first tactile location when a variable reaches a first predetermined value or as a marker, the variable being a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft; and actuating the strip-shaped tactor to provide further signals longitudinally downstream from the first tactile location as a value of the variable changes.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for actuating a strip-shaped tactor passively attached to an aircraft operator, the strip-shaped tactor being longitudinally actuable, the method comprising: actuating the strip-shaped tactor to provide a signal at a first tactile location when a variable reaches a first predetermined value or as a marker, the variable being a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the aircraft; and actuating the strip-shaped tactor to provide further signals longitudinally downstream from the first tactile location as a value of the variable changes.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
104 words
A tactile device for a motor vehicle or equipment operator comprising: a plurality of tactors passively attached to the motor vehicle or equipment operator, the plurality of tactors including a first tactor and a second tactor neighboring the first tactor; and a control system controlling actuation of the tactors as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the motor vehicle or equipment, the control system actuating the first tactor when the variable reaches a first predetermined value, and actuating both the first and second tactor when the variable reaches a second predetermined value different from the first predetermined value.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
104 words
A tactile device for a motor vehicle or equipment operator comprising: a plurality of tactors passively attached to the motor vehicle or equipment operator, the plurality of tactors including a first tactor and a second tactor neighboring the first tactor; and a control system controlling actuation of the tactors as a function of a variable representing a characteristic of the operation of the motor vehicle or equipment, the control system actuating the first tactor when the variable reaches a first predetermined value, and actuating both the first and second tactor when the variable reaches a second predetermined value different from the first predetermined value.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
44 words
A tactile device comprising: a first tactor for providing electricity to the skin of a user of the tactile device; a second tactor for contacting the skin; and a controller for determining an electrical conductivity of the skin between the first and second tactors.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
44 words
A tactile device comprising: a first tactor for providing electricity to the skin of a user of the tactile device; a second tactor for contacting the skin; and a controller for determining an electrical conductivity of the skin between the first and second tactors.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2010-01-22 | 2010-07-24 | 2011-01-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2014-01-22 | 2014-07-24 | 2015-01-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2018-01-22 | 2018-07-24 | 2019-01-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |