Haptic Array for Sensory Substitution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies fail to effectively provide sensory experiences for users with sensory conditions, such as reduced or enhanced sensory sensitivity, by transforming input information like music into suitable haptic outputs that enhance perception and enjoyment.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that receive input information, determine feature sets, and control output devices to generate haptic outputs through a distribution of tactile interface devices, allowing users to experience sensory substitution, enhancement, or cross-boosting, using wearable devices or support systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current technologies are used to provide sensory experiences, then users with sensory conditions can receive information, but the sensory experiences are not effectively transformed into suitable haptic outputs that enhance perception and enjoyment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensory experience transformation capabilityVSAvoideffectiveness of haptic output

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms input information parameters (audio, visual, olfactory) into haptic output parameters by analyzing feature sets and mapping them to tactile interface device outputs. This parameter transformation enables effective sensory substitution and enhancement for users with sensory conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives input information, determines feature sets, and controls output devices to generate haptic outputs. This intermediary transformation process bridges the gap between diverse input modalities and effective haptic feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a distribution of tactile interface devices is used to provide haptic outputs, then sensory substitution and enhancement are enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensory substitution capabilityVSAvoidtactile interface device distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tactile interface system is segmented into multiple distributed devices that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to provide localized haptic feedback corresponding to different feature sets while managing complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distributed tactile interface devices serve multiple functions including sensory substitution, enhancement, and cross-boosting. This multi-functionality justifies the device complexity by providing versatile sensory experiences through a unified system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If haptic outputs are generated to enhance sensory experiences, then user enjoyment and perception are improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensory experience enhancementVSAvoidenergy consumption of haptic output devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The haptic outputs are generated periodically based on the input information特征 sets rather than continuously. This periodic activation of tactile interface devices reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective sensory enhancement during relevant periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts haptic output parameters based on the importance and nature of the input feature sets. By modulating the intensity, duration, and frequency of haptic outputs according to input characteristics, the system optimizes energy consumption relative to the level of sensory enhancement required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10699538B2Method and system for determining and providing sensory experiences

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)

AI summary

A method including: receiving a music input; determining values of musical parameters based on the input; generating a spatial representation of the music input based on the values; and at a plurality of haptic actuators defining a spatial distribution, cooperatively producing a haptic output based on the spatial representation. A method including: mechanically coupling haptic actuators defining a multidimensional array to a user; receiving a music input; generating a spatial representation of the music input defined on a multidimensional space, wherein the multidimensional space and the multidimensional array have equal dimensionality; and, for each haptic actuator: based on the haptic actuator location within the multidimensional array, determining a corresponding location within the multidimensional space; based on a value of the spatial representation associated with the corresponding location, determining an actuation intensity; and controlling the haptic actuator to actuate based on the actuation intensity.