Garment Tactile Array for Remote Vibrotactile Pattern Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vibratory stimulation devices, such as sex toys and massagers, lack optimal remote control methods that are distracting and not ergonomically natural, and there is a need for a system that can remotely replicate touch patterns or gestures for various applications including sensory feedback in sports, training, and non-verbal communication.
Innovation Solution
A communication system and method for remote vibrotactile interaction that includes a first user device with a communication interface and a vibrotactile controller, which characterizes touch patterns and transmits them to a second user device with a tactile array attached to a garment, allowing the modulation of vibration timing and intensity to replicate the touch patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fader-style controls are used in vibrators, then the user can vary the intensity of vibration, but the controls become distractions from the sensations and are not ergonomically natural
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is extracted from the vibrator itself and placed in a separate remote device. The vibrator contains only the vibration motor and power source, while the remote device houses the fader control, battery, and communication interface. This separation eliminates the distraction of controls from the sensory experience while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary (Bluetooth or other wireless protocol) mediates between the remote control device and the vibrator. This allows the user to control vibration intensity remotely without physical contact or direct manipulation of controls on the vibrator itself, improving ergonomics and reducing distraction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tactile array with multiple micro-vibratory devices is used, then complex touch patterns can be replicated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile array is segmented into multiple independently controllable micro-vibratory devices arranged in a grid or matrix pattern. Each micro-vibrator can be activated individually or in combinations, allowing complex touch patterns to be replicated by selectively engaging different segments of the array based on the characteristics of the reference touch.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tactile array can produce different vibration characteristics (intensity, frequency, pattern) to match the local qualities of the original touch. The system varies the vibration properties across different locations of the array to replicate the spatial and temporal variations in the reference touch pattern.
3Ease of operation
If remote control is implemented via separate device, then control distraction is reduced, but the system requires additional components and setup
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device is designed to be a universal controller that can work with multiple vibrators through wireless communication protocols. The same remote device can control different vibrators without requiring reconfiguration, as it communicates through standard wireless interfaces and can identify and pair with various vibrator models.
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
Enables natural and ergonomic remote control of vibratory devices and allows for the replication of complex touch patterns, enhancing sensory feedback and communication in diverse applications, including sexual stimulation, athletic training, and non-verbal communication.
Implementation Method 1
a tactile array of micro-vibratory devices attachable to a garment
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system and method are provided for remotely reproducing a touch pattern or gesture as a vibrotactile output. At a touch screen, a first user device receives a touch pattern by a first user, characterizes the touch pattern as a touch pattern data based upon time and intensity of touch at a plurality of array points of the touch screen, and communicates the touch pattern data to a network. A tactile array patch of micro-vibratory devices is attachable to a garment and worn by a second user. The touch pattern data is wirelessly received from the first user device via the network. Vibration of selected micro-vibratory devices of the tactile array is modulated in timing and intensity in response to the touch pattern data to reproduce the touch pattern.