Haptic Feedback Communication Interface for Messaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing messaging systems lack the tactile or haptic feedback necessary to create a more immersive and engaging communication experience, falling short of replicating the depth of face-to-face interactions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating haptic capabilities into the communication interface of messaging systems, allowing users to experience tactile responses during interactions, thereby enhancing the sense of touch and proximity in digital communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If haptic feedback is integrated into the communication interface, then user engagement and immersion are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser engagementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces haptic feedback as an intermediary element between the digital communication interface and the user's tactile sense. The haptic feedback mechanism acts as a mediator that translates digital interactions into physical sensations, allowing users to feel tactile responses without requiring complex system architecture changes. This resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced user engagement through a dedicated intermediary component rather than restructuring the entire communication system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or physical communication methods with electronic haptic feedback mechanisms. Instead of requiring physical presence or complex mechanical interaction systems, the invention uses electronically controlled haptic actuators to simulate tactile sensations. This substitution achieves improved user engagement while avoiding the complexity of mechanical systems, as electronic haptic control can be implemented through software-driven actuators integrated into existing device architectures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If haptic feedback is added to replicate face-to-face interaction depth, then communication immersion is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication immersionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements haptic feedback mechanisms that serve multiple communication functions simultaneously. The same haptic actuator system provides tactile feedback for various interaction types including message notifications, video call presence simulation, and gesture recognition. This multi-functionality approach achieves improved communication immersion without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity, as a single versatile haptic system replaces the need for multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves enhanced communication immersion by dynamically adjusting haptic feedback parameters such as vibration frequency, amplitude, and pattern based on the type of interaction. Rather than requiring complex manufacturing for different haptic mechanisms, the system uses programmable parameter changes in existing haptic actuators to simulate various tactile sensations. This software-controlled parameter adjustment provides face-to-face interaction depth while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized hardware components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12216823B2Communication interface with haptic feedback response
Publication Date: 2025.02.04 SNAP INC
  • US12216823B2 patent drawing
  • US12216823B2 patent drawing
  • US12216823B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Method for generating haptic feedback responses starts with processor causing communication interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface and on a second user interface. Processor detects first touch input on first user interface. Processor causes second user interface to display first indicator element at location on second user interface of second client device corresponding to location of first touch input on first user interface. First indicator element is displayed for a predetermined period of time. Processor detects second touch input on second user interface. In response to determining that location of the second touch input on second user interface corresponds to location of first indicator on second user interface and determining that second touch input on second user interface is detected within predetermined period of time, processor causes first user interface and second user interface to generate haptic feedback response. Other embodiments are described herein.