Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds Subject: Xtensory announces new Tactool tactile I/O devices. Date: Fri, 10 Jan 1992 06:30:00 GMT From: fong@world.std.com (pin fong) Message-Id: <9201071319.AA05728@world.std.com> Reply-To: fong@world.std.com X t e n s o r y I n c ...opening the doors of perception TM 140 Sunridge Drive Scotts Valley, CA 95066 408/439-0600 Xtensory Inc is pleased to announce a series of tactile feedback building blocks so that virtual reality builders can effectively provide tactile sensa- tions for their virtual reality applications. These building blocks, Tactools brings the sense of touch to virtual reality and is now available from Xtensory as prototype development systems. In addition, Xtensory provides custom engineering for special requirements. The Xtensory tactile building blocks start with the Tactool experimenter's kit and finish with the Tactool controller that allows up to ten tactors per controller. Tactool Experimenter is a single tactor with parts and a circuit diagram so that an experimenter is able to try shape memory alloy tactile feedback in his applications. This kit requires assembly and is the perfect low cost solution for an experimenter wishing to try shape memory alloy. Tactool Controller combines flexibility and performance. This product provides both a MIDI and an RS232 interface for easy connections to PCs or workstations. This product is provided in both the single tactor and multiple tactor configurations. Each Tactool controller can control up to ten tactors. Up to sixteen Tactool controllers can be linked together. This provides the ability to control up to 160 tactors from one single serial port. Each controller can also be individually addressed. This is the solution to sharing tactile sensations among participants within virtual environments. All Tactool controllers have - 1. User selectable addressing 2. TacSoft, Xtensory's software control software enabling control of tactors. 3. Passthrough of MIDI signals for simultaneous control of music and tactile sensations. Tactools is a true tactile feedback system in which the operator receives tactile cues from mechanical elements (tactors) via computer control. Tactools is comprised of two parts, tactors and a controller. Shape-memory alloy actuators move the tactors permitting forceful yet compact devices to be placed where they meet the fingertips. The tactors are small enough to permit unimpeded hand grasp motions in gloves and compact enough to fit in pointing devices. Each tactor is individually controllable and can be acutated in impulsive and vibratory modes. The peripheral controller receives commands from the host and "fires" the appropriate tactors at the appropriate times. The host is not burdened with actuator control overhead and needs only to send out commands to fire the tactors. A simple protocol is used for communications via EIA232 and MIDI interfaces, providing for easy connections to PCs and workstations. Each Tactools controller can control up to ten tactors, and up to sixteen Tactool controllers can be linked together providing the ability to control up to 160 tactors from a single serial port. Both the EIA232 and MIDI ports may be physically connected, with only one or the other communicating at a time. Tactools systems are available in the basic two tactor up to ten tactor configuration. Xtensory also provides custom engineering to tailor TacSoft for specialized customer applications. Tactool Experimenter $250.00 Tactool Controller with two tactors $2000.00 (Addition of tactors available) Prices are FOB Santa Cruz, CA, 60 days ARO. Tactool and TacSoft are trademarks of Xtensory Inc Call Xtensory Inc (408) 439-0600 for further details. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- TactoolsTM Technical Summary HOST Host-Controller Interfaces: EIA232, MIDI Host Software: Any software producing EIA232 or MIDI signals. Communication Protocol: Standard protocol provided. Custom protocols available. CONTROLLER Model XTC1 Type: Microprocessor-based system Software: Tacsoft onboard controller code. Customization available. Interconnections: EIA232, MIDI IN, MIDI THRU, MIDI OUT, Tactile Switches: Tactor Mode (Enable/Disable), Power, Reset, MIDI Base Channel Bootup: Autostart upon power-up or reset Size: Approx. 1.7" H x 8.5" W x 10.3" D Weight: Approx. 4 lbs Power supply: 110/220V tabletop, included with system (International) Environment: Indoor use only TACTORS Model XTE1 Addressability: Individually controllable Configuration: Single tactor in each tactor module Tactor Module Size: .35" x .80" x .20 " thick Force: 30 grams Interconnections: Tactors attached to cable assembly Environment: Indoor use only Contact us regarding custom features. Specifications subject to change without notice. Tactools and Tacsoft are trademarks of Xtensory Inc. Copyright 1991 Xtensory Inc [MODERATOR'S NOTE: Xtensory is a new R&D/systems integrator firm working in the field of virtual interfaces, with assistance from the tactile field generator people at TiNi Alloys (Dave Johnson et al). The principal at Xtensory is Pin Fong Ng, formerly with Digital Equipment Corporation. The firm is headquartered in Scotts Valley, California, near Santa Cruz. -- Bob Jacobson]