Deformable Transmissive Layer for Remote Tactile Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems lack the ability to provide a sense of local 'touch' for remote participants, which is essential for true local presence, especially in scenarios like remote inspection or manufacturing where tactile intelligence is critical.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a deformable transmissive layer coupled to a mounting structure and an interface membrane, which is interfaced with an object to be characterized. This system includes a first illumination source, a detector, an ultrasonic emission source, and a computing system to determine surface orientations and characterize the geometric profile of the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current communication systems are used, then remote communication is enabled, but the sense of local touch is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical touch transmission with an optical sensing system. A deformable transmissive layer captures mechanical deformation data from remote objects, and this data is transmitted optically/electronically to recreate the tactile sensation for remote users, substituting the mechanical touch pathway with an information-based pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the tactile experience by measuring mechanical deformations through the deformable transmissive layer and representing this information through optical or electrical signals. This copy allows remote users to perceive touch without physical contact, resolving the contradiction between remote communication and tactile information transmission.
2Measurement precision
If a deformable transmissive layer is used for touch sensing, then tactile intelligence is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable transmissive layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical sensor for touch detection, an optical element for light transmission, and a structural component for device form factor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing system complexity while enhancing tactile sensing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensing function with the structural form factor by integrating the deformable transmissive layer directly into the device housing or interface. This consolidation combines multiple subsystems (structural support, optical transmission, mechanical sensing) into a single integrated component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple sensors are integrated for geometric characterization, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into modular functional segments: the deformable transmissive layer for mechanical sensing, integrated optical elements for light transmission, and separate processing units for geometric characterization. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently before assembly, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining the precision required for geometric profile characterization through coordinated operation of the segmented sensors.
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 effectively enhances the characterization of touch and provides a perception of touch for remote users, enabling high-precision touch sensing and facilitating remote inspection and manufacturing tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a first illumination source operatively coupled to the deformable transmissive layer using a lighting control layer, the lighting control layer configured to emit first illumination light into the deformable transmissive layer
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic emission source operatively coupled to the deformable transmissive layer; an ultrasonic detection module operatively coupled to the deformable transmissive layer and configured to detect emissions directed from the ultrasonic emission source toward the deformable transmissive layer
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to an ultrasound-integrated system for geometric surface characterization, comprising: a deformable transmissive layer coupled to a mounting structure and to an interface membrane, wherein the interface membrane is interfaced against at least one aspect of an interfaced object; a first illumination source operatively coupled to the deformable transmissive layer using a lighting control layer, the lighting control layer configured to emit first illumination light into the deformable transmissive layer at one or more known first illumination orientations relative to the deformable transmissive layer, such that at least a portion of the first illumination light interacts with the deformable transmissive layer; a detector configured to detect light from within at least a portion of the deformable transmissive layer; and an ultrasound-integrated computing system configured to utilize determined surface orientations to characterize a geometric profile of the surface of the object as interfaced against the interface membrane.