Apparatus and method for providing elevated, indented or texturized sensations to an object near a display device or input detection using ultrasound

Abstract

An apparatus and method for providing elevated, indented, or texturized contactless sensations to an object at a distance from a display device using ultrasound or ultrasonic waves is disclosed. Processes are also given involving elevated, indented, or texturized sensations to an object near a display device using airborne ultrasound or ultrasonic waves. By providing elevated, indented, or texturized sensations to an object near a display device enhanced input/output functions are provided.

1 . An apparatus for providing ultrasound sensations to a user at a predetermined distance from the apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
 a display device having a plurality of display pixels, a plurality of ultrasound transducers, and a plurality of ultrasound detectors;   a controller coupled to the plurality of ultrasound transducers and the plurality of ultrasound detectors, where the controller controls transmit of ultrasound over air to the user by the plurality of ultrasound transducers and receives feedback information from the plurality of ultrasound detectors of reflections off of the user; and   wherein the controller controls transmit of ultrasound over air to provide an ultrasound pattern having a plurality of ultrasound focal points to the user and tracks the motion of the user from received feedback from the plurality of ultrasound detectors to determine user input commands, where the user input commands are related to selection of a hyperlink displayed on the display device.   
     
     
         2 . A method for providing ultrasound sensations to a user at a predetermined distance from an apparatus, the method comprising:
 controlling a plurality of ultrasound transducers to transmit ultrasound over air to the user;   controlling a plurality of ultrasound detectors to receives feedback information of reflections off of the user;   transmitting ultrasound over air to provide an ultrasound pattern having a plurality of ultrasound focal points to the user; and   tracking the motion of the user from received feedback from the plurality of ultrasound detectors to determine user input commands, where user input commands are related to selecting a hyperlink displayed on a display device.