Leland Stanford Junior University

University of Southern California

Heather Culbertson

Sean Follmer

Inrak Choi

Allison Mariko Okamura

Mianlun Zheng

Cara M Nunez

Matthew Fontaine

Sophia R Williams

Shihan Lu

Human interactive texture generation and search systems and methods are described. A deep convolutional generative adversarial network is used for mapping information in a latent space into texture models. An interactive evolutionary computation algorithm for searching a texture through an evolving latent space driven by human preference is also described. Advantages of a generative model and an evolutionary computation are combined to realize a controllable and bounded texture tuning process under the guidance of human preferences. Additionally, a fully haptic user interface is described, which can be used to evaluate the systems and methods in terms of their efficiency and accuracy of searching and generating new virtual textures that are closely representative of given real textures.

Interactive human preference driven virtual texture generation and search, and haptic feedback systems and methods

Haptic illusions of continuous lateral motion across the skin are provided in two distinct ways. The first approach is to provide a discrete array of tactors and drive them to provide normal forces to the skin in a sequential pattern along the array of tactors. The second approach is to provide a discrete array of tactors that each provide both normal and lateral forces to the skin in a sequential pattern along the array of tactors. In both cases, the result is a perceived motion of a contact point across the skin, occurring along the length of the factor array.

Haptic devices to create the sensation of continuous lateral motion

A device to simulate kinesthetic pad opposition grip forces and weight for grasping virtual objects in a virtual reality is provided. The device includes a base, a sliding part, a braking mechanism and a swinging part with linear resonant actuators (e.g. voice coil actuators). The sliding part is connected with the base through a first prismatic joint which allows for single degree of freedom pinching motions for grasping an object. The swinging part connected to the sliding part and the base through revolute joints. The brake mechanism is used to create a grasping force. The linear resonant actuators provide both touch sensation at initial contact and sensation of weight when lifting the object.

Grabity: A virtual reality haptic controller for creating gravity and stiffness during grasping motions through asymmetric vibrations

Grabity: a virtual reality haptic controller for creating gravity and stiffness during grasping motions through asymmetric vibrations

Growing community of inventors

Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Heather Culbertson