Physical feedback channel for entertainement or gaming environments

Abstract

A physical feedback system for computer gaming environments comprises: a computing device for executing an application software program, the computing device having an interface for transmitting feedback signals generated by the application software program, and a wearable receiver having means for receiving the feedback signals from the computing device and actuator means designed to enter physical feedback sensations to the body and/or head of a user using the skin of the user as an interface.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
     
     
         21 . A system comprising: 
 a computing device for executing an application software program, the computing device having an interface for transmitting feedback signals generated by the application software program, and    a wearable receiver having means for receiving the feedback signals from the computing device and actuator means designed to enter physical feedback sensations to the body and/or head of a user using the skin of the user as an interface.    
     
     
         22 . A system according to  claim 21 , 
 characterized in that    the wearable receiver is integrated in a piece of garment.    
     
     
         23 . A system according to  claim 22 , 
 characterized in that    a display is integrated into the piece of garment, wherein the display is designed to react to the feedback signals from the computing device.    
     
     
         24 . A system according to  claim 21 , 
 characterized in that    the wearable receiver comprises a controller for controlling an array of actuators according to an operational pattern depending on any feedback signal received.    
     
     
         25 . A system according to  claim 21 , 
 characterized in that    it furthermore comprises a channel for transmitting signals representing biological data from the user to the computing device hosting the application software program.    
     
     
         26 . A system according to  claim 21 , 
 characterized in that    the application software is an entertainment or game-type software.    
     
     
         27 . A system according to  claim 26 , 
 characterized in that    the feedback signals are generated depending on a user or application context.    
     
     
         28 . A system according to  claim 27 , 
 characterized in that    the feedback signals are generated depending on a background scene, defined virtual objects, sounds, colors and/or a virtual actor generated by a game-type software.    
     
     
         29 . A system according to  claim 21 , 
 characterized in that    the application software is designed to display scenes on the monitor, wherein different elements of the scenes displayed are respectively associated with a channel of the feedback signals and each channel is associated with a respective subgroup of the actuator means.    
     
     
         30 . A system according to  claim 21 , 
 characterized in that    the actuator means comprise means for generating vibrational, tactile an/or heat stimuli.    
     
     
         31 . A system according to  claim 21 , 
 characterized in that    the wearable receiver comprises means for adjusting manually operational parameters of the actuator means.    
     
     
         32 . A method for providing physical feedback sensations to the body of a user of an application software program, the method comprising the following steps: 
 generating feedback signals in an application software program,    transmitting the feedback signals to a wearable receiver, and    entering, based on the received feedback signals, physical feedback sensations to the body and/or head of a user using the skin of the user as an interface.    
     
     
         33 . A method according to  claim 32 , 
 characterized in that    an array of actuators is controlled according to an operational pattern depending on any feedback signal.    
     
     
         34 . A method according to  claim 32 , 
 characterized in that    signals representing biological data from the user are transmitted to the computing device hosting the application software program for further processing.    
     
     
         35 . A method according to  claim 32 , 
 characterized in that    the feedback signals are generated depending on a background scene, defined virtual objects, sounds, colors and/or a virtual actor generated by a game-type software.    
     
     
         36 . A method according to  claim 32 , 
 characterized in that    the application software is divided into several logical parts, wherein each part is associated with a channel of the feedback signals and each channel is associated with a respective subgroup of the actuator means.    
     
     
         37 . A method according to  claim 32 , 
 characterized in that    the actuator means comprise means generating vibrational, tactile an/or heat stimuli to a user.    
     
     
         38 . A computer program product, 
 supporting a method according to  claim 32  when running on a computing device.    
     
     
         39 . A computer game console, 
 designed to support a method according to  claim 32 .    
     
     
         40 . A wearable game accessory, 
 comprising a controller supporting a method according to  claim 32.