Drone-Based Tactile Feedback for Virtual Reality Immersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual reality systems lack the capability to realistically simulate real-world touch-related sensations such as air movement and interactions with objects, relying on limited haptic feedback that falls short of the immersive experience provided by audio and visual interactions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing physical drones to simulate virtual interactions in a virtual reality environment by determining parameters associated with these interactions and generating instructions for the drones to provide tactile and force feedback, allowing for realistic physical feedback to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional haptic feedback devices are used, then the system provides tactile stimulus to the user, but the feedback is limited to generalized vibration and cannot realistically simulate real-world touch sensations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drone as an intermediary device between the virtual reality system and the user. The drone physically interacts with the user (e.g., hovering, contacting, or simulating object interactions) to provide tactile feedback, replacing traditional vibration motors with a mechanical intermediary that can deliver diverse touch sensations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical vibration system with a more sophisticated mechanical interaction system involving a drone. Instead of using simple oscillating masses, the system employs a controllable aerial vehicle that can apply varied forces, movements, and contact patterns to simulate different tactile experiences.
2Reliability
If haptic feedback is continuously activated, then the user receives constant tactile stimulus, but this consumes excessive energy and reduces battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of the drone-based haptic system, activating it only when tactile feedback is required for specific virtual interactions rather than running continuously. This allows the system to provide high-quality feedback when needed while consuming minimal energy during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the drone's operation, adjusting its activity level based on real-time requirements of the virtual reality experience. The drone can transition between different states (hovering, contacting, moving) to provide feedback only when necessary, optimizing the balance between feedback quality and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing tactile and force feedback in virtual reality via drone includes a processor and a non-volatile memory including code, where the code is configured to perform operations including: determining a parameter associated with a virtual interaction with a virtual reality object in a virtual reality environment; generating an instruction configured to cause a physical drone to simulate the virtual interaction using a physical interaction with the physical drone to provide physical feedback based on the parameter; and communicating the instruction to the physical drone. A method and system also perform the functions of the apparatus.