Flexible Electrode Array for VR Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality haptic feedback systems lack effective integration of force and touch feedback, leading to reduced immersion and are cumbersome and costly, with existing methods failing to provide precise and diverse haptic stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A virtual reality haptic feedback system utilizing flexible electrode arrays and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulations, where different skin haptic receptors are stimulated with varying pulses to generate realistic haptic feedback, enhancing user experience and immersion, and featuring a head display module, storage module, electrical stimulation device, time-division multiplexing circuit, and flexible electrode array for precise and adaptable stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional force feedback interactive devices are used for whole body or upper body, then haptic feedback can be provided, but the device becomes large, inconvenient to wear, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical force feedback systems with electrical stimulation systems. Instead of using heavy mechanical actuators to provide haptic feedback, the system uses electrical signals delivered through flexible electrode arrays to stimulate skin receptors directly, thereby achieving haptic feedback without the bulk and complexity of mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flexible electrode arrays as an intermediary between the control system and the user's skin. These electrode arrays serve as a lightweight interface that delivers electrical stimulation to activate skin receptors, replacing the need for direct mechanical contact and enabling portable, wearable implementation
2Reliability
If sensor vibration or pressure stimulation is used for haptic feedback, then feedback can be provided, but effective constraints on the user are not achieved and immersion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of haptic feedback delivery from mechanical vibration/pressure to electrical stimulation. By varying electrical parameters such as pulse width, frequency, and amplitude, the system can selectively activate different skin receptors (mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, nociceptors) to create diverse haptic sensations that provide effective user constraints and enhance immersion
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrical stimulation is used for haptic feedback, then high energy conversion efficiency and resolution are achieved, but precise and diverse stimulation requires complex control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the skin into multiple regions with different receptor densities and types. By dividing the stimulation area into discrete zones that can be independently controlled, the system can target specific receptor populations (e.g., Meissner's corpuscles for light touch, Pacinian corpuscles for vibration) with tailored electrical parameters, achieving precise and diverse haptic feedback through modular control
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 provides more realistic and precise haptic feedback, is lightweight, comfortable, and cost-effective, enabling enhanced immersion in virtual environments through diverse and accurate stimulation modes.
Implementation Method 1
a virtual reality haptic feedback interaction system based on flexible electrode arrays and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulations
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual reality haptic feedback interaction system, comprising a head display module, a storage module, an electrical stimulation device, a time-division multiplexing circuit, and a flexible electrode array connected in sequence. The storage module receives haptic feedback parameters corresponding to virtual scene interaction events, and converts the corresponding haptic feedback parameters into corresponding electrical signals through its drive circuit; the electrical stimulation device controls the output pulse parameters of each electrical stimulation channel according to the received electrical signals. The time-division multiplexing circuit selects the optimal stimulation paradigm for each haptic experience, and outputs the corresponding pulse to the flexible electrode array.