Convex Finger Haptic Device for Realistic Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic devices for virtual and augmented reality systems are limited in spatial hand tracking and gesture recognition, require adaptation to specific systems, and provide inadequate tactile feedback with limited realism and performance.
Innovation Solution
A haptic device with a fixed body worn on the finger and a movable convex flap actuated by a motor, providing tactile feedback through a convex contact surface that moves from a spaced position to contact with the fingertip, integrated with a control circuit and accelerometer for wireless operation and compatibility with various tracking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a haptic device uses a flat movable surface that remains tangential to the virtual surface, then the device can transmit tactile sensations, but the tactile sensation is limited and touch realism is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by making the contact surface of the movable body convex rather than flat. This convex surface allows the device to conform to the curvature of the fingertip and provide more natural tactile feedback, improving touch realism while maintaining ease of manufacture through a simple convex geometry rather than complex surface control mechanisms
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional haptic devices are used, then tactile feedback can be provided, but spatial tracking and gesture recognition performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the device universal by designing it to be compatible with any spatial hand tracking system without requiring modifications to the tracking system. The device includes an accelerometer and control circuit that work with external tracking systems, allowing the same haptic device to be used across different VR/AR applications and tracking technologies, thereby improving spatial tracking performance while maintaining tactile feedback capability
3Measurement precision
If haptic devices are specially adapted to specific tracking systems, then tracking performance may be optimized, but device versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the haptic device with standard interfaces and an accelerometer-based tracking system that can work with any external tracking system. The device does not require proprietary adaptations to specific VR/AR systems, allowing it to be universally applied across different platforms while maintaining good tracking performance through compatibility with various tracking technologies
4Ease of operation
If a movable body actuated by motor means is used, then tactile feedback can be provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the haptic device into distinct functional components: a fixed body worn on the finger, a separate movable body that provides tactile feedback, and a motor means that actuates the movable body. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining effective tactile feedback capability
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 device offers enhanced spatial tracking, gesture recognition, and realistic tactile sensations, allowing users to interact with virtual environments with improved realism and versatility across different systems without requiring modifications to existing tracking systems.
Implementation Method 1
a movable body (3) associated with said fixed body (2) and actuated by a motor means (7)
Implementation Method 2
integrated with a control circuit and accelerometer for wireless operation and compatibility with various tracking systems
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic device, for interaction with virtual reality or augmented reality systems, including a fixed body configured to be worn on a finger of the hand, and a movable body associated with the fixed body and actuated by a motor means; the device includes a flap associated with the movable body and having a convex contact surface; the movable body being movable with respect to the fixed body so that the contact surface moves from a position that is spaced from the fingertip to a position of contact with the fingertip.