Author Archive for sansandl

Portable Navigation Device Incorporates Haptics

csn-7040

Korea is becoming the main hub for all technological advancements. It’s no wonder that this country is very focused on industrial design and the latest in consumer technology. Leading manufacturer, CTT-Net, or Computer Telephones Technology, comes out with a state-of-the-art consumer device that has received global acclaim.

Portable Navigation Devices are now commonly found in vehicles. Apart from serving as a main switchboard for all your car add-ons and controls, it also often holds a virtual map for easily finding directions. Drivers are well-aware that it’s not easy to maneuver this main panel and drive at the same time. CTT-Net answers this dilemma with a gadget that boasts of haptic technology. Powered by Immersion’s TouchSense technology, the touchscreen display on the CSN-7040 gives tactile feedback to its users. This is very helpful when maneuvering through busy streets, when the confirmation pings and clicks are inaudible. Tactile feedback ensures the user that a command has been executed, and the driver won’t even have to take his eyes off the road.

The CSN-7040 stands out in the market due to this haptics integration. It makes navigation so much more convenient, and also easier to use. This device will definitely increase on-road productivity, apart from possibly eliminating unnecessary road accidents.

Nokia Goes Haptics

It’s still in the works, but the internet is abuzz with how leading mobile phone company Nokia is going to regain their footing on the market that was taken over by the iPhone storm. With word of their latest device on the drawing board, “Haptikos”, it’s evident that haptics technology is something we can look forward to in the company’s next product launch.

haptikosAlready with a prototype, the Finnish mobile phone manufacturer is said to be perfecting their force feedback technology. Touch-screen technology is already something they’ve incorporated in some of their cellphone models. But now they’re finding ways to make sure the screen touches back. “Haptikos” will be a wide-screen PDA smartphone that will provide tactile feedback at every screen interaction. This is definitely something to look forward to for our next generation of consumer devices.

Though Samsung has already released a haptics phone to the Korean market, it seems that Nokia still wants to keep their name as the leading brand in mobile phones. And they’re out to do this on a global scale. In the meantime, while iPhone users are downloading simple programs with “haptics” (more like vibrate mode) feedback, technophiles will be on the lookout for when Haptikos finally hits the shelves.

Haptics Wristwatch

tactile-watch1 tactile-watch2

No this is not some alien device that can communicate with Klingons, neither is this the latest accessory for biker dudes and rockers. This is your not-so-average consumer wristwatch. Designed by Matthew Wagerfield, the Sentio Digital Tactile Watch is meant to be felt, not seen nor heard. This nifty device is not limited to the visually impaired. This can also serve as a very interesting conversation piece. It will definitely make you stand out knowing that no one else will be able to tell the time apart from you.

Equipped with 14 small metal bars, the wearer will be able to tell the time just by feeling the wristwatch’s face. The metal segments do not light up, as that would defeat the purpose of its haptics design. Instead, the bars are raised by 1mm so you can actually feel the time. It’s not even complicated to decipher. If you look at the raised segments, you’ll be able to see the number that corresponds to the time. This revolutionary timepiece definitely raises the bar in haptics consumer devices.

Only available in prototype, you can aid the marketing of this haptics device by going to the official site.

Gamers Get Punched

Gamers are all used to controllers now that employ force feedback and DualShock vibrate technology. With every rumble and bang, your controller gives you the haptics feedback of every computer-generated carnage. There are even gamer paraphernalia right now that mimics the recoil of machine guns. Though high-end graphics and realistic vibrations are being employed in every console available today, this has not been enough to give gamers the true experience of combat.gaming-vest1

Presenting, the vest with a punch! TN Games has developed the 3rd Space Gaming Vest. This vest is an impact-generating gear that gives hardcore gamers realistic combat experience. Connecting directly via USB, and compatible with 20 games, the wearer gets to feel every hit and blow that their 3D avatars receive in-game. This lightweight vest was originally created for military and medical training. Now it’s available to consumers for the sheer joy of a more realistic gameplay. Gamers don’t mind getting beaten up, as long as it’s in the comfort of their living room and not in a bloodbath in a deserted parking lot. This full-impact gaming accessory boasts of 8 numeric impact shells, both front and back. These are activated every time your game avatar receives a punch, blow, or shot.

The 3rd Space Gaming Vests comes in 3 different colors. Girl gamers need not feel left out either because this accessory comes in pink. Now the only thing missing is a haptics helmet that can allow gamers to feel the power of an uppercut.

Haptics Wand for the Blind

Visually impaired individuals have developed a very sensitive sense of touch. Without their sight, they have learned to depend on their other senses to give them an idea of their current surroundings. One very useful gadget for blind people is currently under development. And aptly, it utilizes haptics technology. The Tactile Wand, developed by Jin Woo Han, is designed like some state of the art Nintendo Wii controller. But it’s intended to be of aid to the visually impaired.

wand-for-blind1Though only in concept stage, it would be great to see this “magic” wand in the market. Geared towards the visually impaired, this innovative device replaces the traditional walking stick that blind people have grown to depend on. Instead of just feeling around for road blocks and corners, this advanced device has built-in sensors that measure the distance between the distance sensor and the object. The device then vibrates according, thereby communicating to the owner the gap between the wand and the obstruction. The level of vibration depends on the distance the sensor has calculated.

Apart from being a device to alert the owner of any danger, this can also greatly increase the blind man’s sensitivity to tactile feedback. Furthermore, since this gadget is very handy and portable, it’s very convenient to carry around.