Method and apparatus for generating tactile feedback via relatively low-burden and/or zero burden telemetry

Abstract

A method and apparatus for providing tactile feedback for computer and video game systems is disclosed which provides real time tactile feedback to enhance a user's experience while interacting with a computer/video game or simulation. The method relies on application-generated telemetry that is generated by an executing application for the benefit of a telemetry processing method, and/or telemetry that is self-generated by said telemetry processor when no telemetry has been provided by said executing application. The application-generated telemetry is used to produce tactile feedback that is derived directly from the internal calculations of said application, where said telemetry is processed by a telemetry processor that calculates said derivative tactile feedback in real time by applying scaling values and algorithms to the raw telemetry. In the event that application-generated telemetry is not available or relatively limited, self-generated telemetry is utilized to supplement the provided telemetry. This telemetry can be used to scale in real time the results of an audio analysis tactile feedback generation method. The system's tactile sensation generators include independent groups of one or more actuators, e.g., electric motors or solenoids, that are embedded within or attached to various devices that can be connected to the system.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . In a computer gaming or simulation system, a method for producing tactile sensations in correspondence to the activity occurring on said system, said method comprising: 
 an executing software application that is providing telemetry indicative of its real-time state;    a real-time telemetry processor for processing said telemetry with various scaling factors and algorithms;    wherein said tactile sensations are derived from said telemetry processor.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , where said tactile sensations are generated by: 
 a flexible pad;    a plurality of actuators, attached to said pad, for selectively generating tactile sensation.    
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said plurality of actuators are comprised by offset weights affixed to DC motors, such that when said motors are energized, said offset weights induce physical vibrations of varying intensities.  
     
     
         4 . In a computer gaming or simulation system, a method for producing tactile sensations in correspondence to the activity occurring on said system, said method comprising: 
 an executing software application that is not providing telemetry, and therefore, providing no information indicative of its real-time state;    a real-time telemetry processor that will self-generate telemetry for its own use by examining the state of said computer gaming or simulation system; and    using said telemetry to directionally bias and/or supplement and otherwise enhance the tactile effects occurring as a result of simultaneous audio analysis.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , where said tactile sensations are generated by: 
 a flexible pad;    a plurality of actuators, attached to said pad, for selectively generating tactile sensation.    
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said plurality of actuators are comprised by offset weights affixed to DC motors, such that when said motors are energized, said offset weights induce physical vibrations of varying intensities.