AR Exercise System with Haptic Feedback for Immersive Workouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exercise systems lack immersive and interactive fitness experiences, particularly in providing real-time haptic feedback that simulates the interaction with virtual digital content, limiting the engagement and effectiveness of virtual training programs.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality (AR) exercise system that combines an AR device with a haptic feedback arrangement, including an inertial measurement unit and a haptic actuator, to track and respond to user movements, providing tactile feedback that aligns with virtual digital objects, such as a virtual punch pad, enhancing the realism and engagement of workouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual reality exercise systems are used, then user immersion is improved, but user isolation and lack of real-world awareness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges virtual reality technology with augmented reality technology to create a hybrid system that maintains virtual immersion while incorporating real-world visual elements, thereby reducing user isolation and increasing safety awareness
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides multiple viewing modes (fully virtual, augmented reality, and real-world camera feed) to serve different user needs and safety requirements, making the exercise system adaptable to various user preferences and environmental conditions
2Device complexity
If traditional exercise systems are used, then simplicity is maintained, but user engagement and interactivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates haptic feedback actuators that provide tactile responses when users interact with virtual objects, creating engaging feedback loops that enhance user engagement without requiring complex mechanical exercise equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical exercise equipment with a software-based virtual environment that uses sensors and haptic feedback to simulate physical interaction, reducing physical device complexity while maintaining or enhancing user engagement
3Adaptability or versatility
If haptic feedback arrangement is added to AR device, then user engagement is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the haptic feedback functionality into separate wearable actuators that can be independently controlled and adjusted, allowing the main AR device to remain relatively simple while adding engagement-enhancing features through modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that manages the complex coordination between motion tracking sensors, virtual object detection, and haptic feedback actuation, thereby simplifying the control architecture while enabling sophisticated interactive features
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system offers an immersive and interactive fitness experience by providing real-time haptic feedback, improving user engagement and workout effectiveness by simulating the interaction with virtual objects, thus enhancing physical and cognitive training.
Implementation Method 1
a haptic feedback arrangement adapted to be worn or held by at least one hand of the user, the haptic feedback arrangement including a tracking unit, such as an inertial measurement unit which supports 6DOF tracking, to track the movement of at least one of the user's hands
Implementation Method 2
the inertial measurement unit measures the orientation (by measuring the angular, gyroscopic position) and acceleration of the user's hand/s
Implementation Method 3
the haptic feedback arrangement further including a haptic actuator to generate a haptic or tactile response that can be felt by the user's hand/s in response to the movement of the user's hand
Implementation Method 4
the haptic feedback arrangement includes a motor driver to drive a motor that in turn actuates an eccentric rotating mass to provide the haptic or tactile response in the form of a vibration or pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise system is provided comprising an augmented reality (AR) device worn by or fitted to a user, the AR device being adapted to display virtual digital content which the user can view and interact with; and a haptic feedback arrangement adapted to be worn or held by at least one hand of the user. The haptic feedback arrangement includes a tracking unit to track the movement of at least one of the user's hands so as determine an action by the user in response to the digital content viewed by the user via the AR device, the haptic feedback arrangement further including a haptic actuator to generate a haptic or tactile response that can be felt by the user's hand/s in response to the user's action. The haptic feedback arrangement is integrated into or secured to a hand device, which comprises either a glove arranged to be fitted to the user's hands or a handheld body that can held by the user.