Floor Haptic System Using Vibrotactile Actuators for Pedestrian Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic communication systems for floor surfaces are inadequate for providing efficient vibrotactile feedback during movement, particularly for applications involving pedestrian navigation and location-based information display, as they often result in unintended behavioral modifications and lack systematic evaluation for effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A floor-based haptic communication system that uses a rigid surface with integrated vibrotactile actuators and sensors to provide structured vibrotactile feedback, mimicking natural ground materials and allowing interactive feedback, enabling the transmission of symbolic cues and virtual control experiences through rhythmic patterns and impact transients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If vibrotactile feedback is provided through floor surfaces during locomotion, then information communication to users is enhanced, but unintended behavioral modifications affecting posture and gait occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies vibrotactile stimulation in periodic pulses synchronized with the user's gait cycle rather than continuous stimulation. The controller detects gait phase and delivers vibrations at specific moments (e.g., during stance phase) to minimize interference with natural locomotion while maintaining effective information transmission to the foot mechanoreceptors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to detect user pressure and gait characteristics, then uses this feedback to adaptively control the vibrotactile stimulation parameters. This closed-loop control ensures that vibrations are delivered at optimal times and intensities that communicate information effectively without causing adverse behavioral modifications or disrupting natural walking patterns.
2Productivity
If high-frequency vibrotactile stimulation is applied to the foot, then information transmission efficiency is improved, but sensory adaptation reduces perception over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vibration frequency and amplitude based on real-time detection of user gait phase and pressure. Rather than using fixed high-frequency stimulation that would cause rapid adaptation, the controller modulates parameters to match the dynamic conditions of locomotion, delivering stimulation when the foot is in phases most receptive to tactile input while avoiding saturation of mechanoreceptors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential sensory adaptation by pre-planning stimulation sequences that vary in frequency and pattern. The controller alternates between different vibration protocols (e.g., high-frequency for urgent information, lower-frequency for confirmatory cues) to maintain user awareness and prevent habituation, ensuring reliable perception throughout extended use periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If force sensors and actuators are integrated into the floor surface, then interactive haptic communication is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floor surface modules are designed to perform multiple functions: force sensors detect both user presence and gait characteristics, while actuators provide both informative vibrations and directional guidance cues. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, managing system complexity while maintaining high adaptability for various interactive applications such as navigation, warning signals, and location-based information display.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic floor is divided into independent modular units, each containing its own sensors and actuators. This segmentation allows individual modules to be controlled independently, enabling complex interactive patterns across the floor surface while keeping each module's internal complexity manageable. Modules can be configured and calibrated separately, then assembled into larger interactive displays, reducing overall system integration difficulty.
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 communicates information to users by simulating natural ground materials and providing interactive feedback, enhancing pedestrian navigation and location-based information display while minimizing adverse effects on gait and stance, with high recognition rates and perceived realism.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is a voice coil motor, which uses electromagnetic force to drive a rigid, vibrationally isolated surface
Implementation Method 2
A force sensor, such as a piezoresistive force sensor, is provided beneath the rigid surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present relates to a system for providing vibration feedback to at least one foot. The system comprises at least one rigid surface for receiving the at least one foot, one vibrotactile actuator for each of the at least one rigid surface, and a suspension mechanism. The vibrotactile actuator is installed underneath the corresponding rigid surface and provides vibration feedback there through. The suspension mechanism supports the at least one rigid surface.