Communication devices, methods, and systems
Numerous aspects of communication devices, methods, and systems are described in this application. One aspect is a communication device comprising: a body comprising a distal surface compatible with skin; a tissue interface on the distal surface, the tissue interface comprising a plurality of energy generators, each energy generator being operable to output a plurality of energies in a signal direction toward the skin; and a processing unit configured to communicate with nerves associated with the skin by receiving input data, and causing the plurality of energy generators to output an energy signal in the signal direction with one or more energies of the plurality of energies.
1. A communication device comprising:
a body comprising a distal surface compatible with skin;
a tissue interface on the distal surface, the tissue interface comprising a plurality of energy generators, each energy generator being operable to output a plurality of different energy types in a signal direction toward the skin;
an attachment element configured to maintain the tissue interface against the skin; and
a processing unit configured to communicate with nerves associated with the skin by receiving input data from a data source and causing the plurality of energy generators to output an energy signal in the signal direction with one or more energy types of the plurality of different energy types.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises one or more of:
a flexible material;
an insulating material; and
an impact absorbing material.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the body is configured to promote flows of the one or more energy types of the plurality of different energy types in the signal direction, and limit flows of the one or more energy types of the plurality of different energy types in directions between the plurality of energy generators.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the body is configured to direct or focus the one or more energy types of the plurality of different energy types in the signal direction.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the attachment element comprises one or more of:
a biocompatible adhesive;
an elastic portion;
a garment;
a shoe;
a grip;
a bone plate; and
a tissue in-growth structure.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the input data comprises a measurement, and the processing unit is configured to modify the energy signal based on the measurement.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a change of the measurement and modify the energy signal based on the change of the measurement.
8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the processing unit is configured to:
cause the plurality of energy generators to output the energy signal with a first combination of the one or more energy types of the plurality of different energy types when the change of the measurement is within a predetermined range; and
cause the plurality of energy generators to output the energy signal with a second combination of the one or more energy types of the plurality of different energy types when the change of the measurement is outside the predetermined range.
9. The device of claim 6 , wherein the measurement comprises vital signs of a subject.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein:
the plurality of energy generators are spaced apart on the distal surface of the body in a pattern;
each energy generator of the plurality of energy generators is operable to output the one or more energy types of the plurality of different energy types in the signal direction toward a different point on the pattern; and
the energy signal comprises a plurality of symbols based on the pattern.
11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of symbols comprises at least one alphanumeric symbol.
12. The device of claim 10 , wherein the processing unit is operable with the plurality of energy generators to scroll the plurality of symbols across the skin at a scroll rate in a communication direction transverse with the signal direction.
13. The device of claim 1 , wherein each energy generator of the plurality of energy generators comprises a plurality of generator elements, and each generator element of the plurality of generator elements is operable to output one different energy type of the plurality of different energy types in the signal direction.
14. The device of claim 13 , wherein, for each energy generator of the plurality of energy generators, the plurality of generator elements comprises one or more of:
an impact generator element;
a heat generator element;
a shock generator element; and
a pressure generator element.
15. The device of claim 14 , wherein each generator element of the plurality of generator elements is configured to output the one different energy type of the plurality of different energy types in the signal direction toward a similar point or area on the skin.
16. The device of claim 15 , wherein, for each energy generator of the plurality of energy generators, the plurality of generator elements are arranged coaxially with a communication axis parallel to the signal direction.
17. The device of claim 1 , wherein the data source comprises one or more of:
a local sensor that is attached to the body and configured to output a local portion of the input data; and
a remote sensor that is not attached to the body and configured to output a remote portion the input data.
18. The device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more energy types of the plurality of different energy types comprise:
a first energy type configured to communicate the energy signal; and
a second energy type configured to modify a penetration depth of the first energy type.
19. The device of claim 18 , wherein the first energy type is communicable with a first portion of the nerves and the second energy type is communicable with a second portion of the nerves.
20. The device of claim 1 , wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a direction of movement and cause the plurality of energy generators to output the energy signal based on the direction of movement.
21. The device of claim 20 , wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a change in the direction of movement and cause the plurality of energy generators to modify the energy signal based on the change in the direction of movement.
22. The device of claim 20 , wherein the input data comprises GPS signals, and the processing unit is configured to determine the direction of movement based on the GPS signals.
23. The device of claim 1 , wherein:
the plurality of energy generators are arranged in bands;
the attachment element is configured to maintain each band against the skin;
the input data comprises input data for each band; and
the processing unit is configured to communicate with nerves associated with the skin by causing the plurality of energy generators in each band to output a different energy signal based on the input data for each band.
24. The device of claim 23 , wherein the input data for each band comprises different measurements, and each different energy signal for each band is based on one of the different measurements.
25. The device of claim 1 , wherein the signal direction comprises a first signal direction and the device comprises:
an optical interface on a proximal surface of the body, the optical interface comprising at least one display element operable to output at least one color toward eyes in a second signal direction opposite of the first signal direction,
wherein the processing unit is operable with the tissue interface and the optical interface to communicate simultaneously with nerves associated the skin and the eyes by outputting the energy signal with the one or more energy types of the plurality of different energy types in the first signal direction and outputting an optical signal with the at least one color in the second signal direction.
26. The device of claim 25 , wherein the energy signal corresponds with the optical signal.
27. A communication system comprising:
a plurality of communication devices according to claim 1 ; and
at least one processor that is in communication with the plurality of communication devices.