Haptic Feedback Device with Texture, Thermal, and Moisture Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of haptic feedback in internet sales limits the user's experience, as they cannot physically interact with products before purchase, unlike in-store sales.
Innovation Solution
A haptic feedback device that includes an input unit for receiving remote object data, a feedback surface, and haptic actuators controlled by a control unit to simulate tactile, thermal, and moisture properties of the product, enhancing the user's interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If internet sales are used to allow users to access product information remotely, then accessibility and convenience are improved, but haptic feedback and tactile experience are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a haptic feedback device that generates tactile copies of remote objects by reproducing their surface characteristics, texture, and physical properties on a feedback surface that the user can touch, thereby compensating for the loss of direct tactile experience in internet sales
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a haptic feedback device as an intermediary between the user and the remote object data, where the device translates digital object characteristics into tangible tactile sensations that the user can perceive through touch
2Loss of information
If multiple pictures and written descriptions are provided for product review, then information availability is improved, but sensory engagement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates tactile copies of product surfaces by analyzing object characteristics from available information and reproducing them on a feedback surface, allowing users to physically interact with a representation of the product rather than just viewing images and text
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the product information into multiple sensory channels, combining visual display of pictures and text with tactile feedback through the haptic device, thereby distributing information across different sensory modalities to enhance overall engagement
3Ease of operation
If haptic actuators are added to provide tactile feedback, then user experience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional haptic actuators that can generate various tactile sensations including vibration, pressure, and texture feedback, allowing a single device component to fulfill multiple sensory functions rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each type of feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines visual display capabilities with haptic feedback functions in an integrated device system, where the control unit coordinates both visual and tactile outputs based on the same object data, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate independent systems
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
Enriches the user's experience by providing realistic simulations of texture, temperature, and moisture, allowing more informed purchasing decisions based on simulated touch feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the texture feedback actuator comprises a piezoelectric actuator. A piezoelectric actuator can generate a movement or displacement when it is supplied with an electric signal
Implementation Method 2
the temperature feedback actuator comprises a Peltier element and/or a resistive element. A Peltier element can heat or cool a given surface when it is supplied with an electric signal
Implementation Method 3
the humidity feedback actuator comprises at least one fluid channel having an exit port arranged on the feedback surface. The fluid channel can supply pressurized fluid (gas, water, aerosol, droplets, vapour . . . )
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic feedback device that includes an input unit for receiving remote object data, at least one feedback surface arranged to be touched or sensed by a user, at least one haptic actuator arranged for providing a change on the feedback surface, and a control unit that is connected to the input unit to receive the remote object data, connected to the haptic actuator, and arranged to control the haptic actuator according to the received remote object data so as to provide haptic feedback to the user.