Wearable Haptic Garment for Immersive Spectator Sensory Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectators at sporting events or similar activities lack a tangible, sensory experience of the events they are watching, which can be particularly limiting for those with disabilities or those who cannot physically attend.
Innovation Solution
A wearable garment that uses sensors and actuators to simulate the sensory experiences of athletes or participants in real-time, allowing spectators to feel activities such as collisions, heart rates, and movements through haptic feedback, synchronized with data processing from servers and mobile apps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional spectator regalia (jerseys, hats, jackets) are worn to show support, then spectator allegiance and support are indicated, but no non-emotional physical effects or sensory experiences are provided to the spectator
Solution Approach 1:
The spectator garment is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as traditional team support regalia while simultaneously functioning as a sensor array, communication device, and haptic feedback system. This multi-functionality allows the garment to transmit sensory information from athletes to spectators without requiring separate dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment acts as an intermediary device between athletes and spectators, translating athletic experiences into tangible sensory feedback for fans. The sensors, processors, and actuators work together as intermediate components to capture, transmit, and reproduce physical sensations that would otherwise be inaccessible to distant spectators.
2Reliability
If sensors and actuators are integrated into wearable garments for both athletes and spectators, then sensory experiences can be transmitted in real-time, but the device complexity and system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional segments: athlete wearables with sensors, communication networks, server processing systems, and spectator wearables with actuators. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by distributing functions across multiple devices rather than concentrating all complexity in single garments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor athletic activities, process this data through communication networks and servers, and immediately translate it into haptic feedback for spectators. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable real-time transmission while allowing for dynamic adjustment of system parameters based on actual performance data.
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
Enhances the participation experience of spectators by providing immersive sensory stimulations, enabling them to feel the excitement and intensity of events, even if they are not physically present, thereby increasing engagement and inclusivity.
Implementation Method 1
actuator means designed to enter physical feedback sensations to the body and/or head of a user using the skin of the user as an interface
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a spectator enhancement system which may comprise a garment including one or more actuators configured to produce an effect comprising at least one of vibration, percussion, temperature, and pressure, and a first communications circuit configured for wireless communication with a first external device. The system may also include at least one of a control circuit or processor configured to control the one or more actuators and the first communications circuit, and a power source configured to supply power to at least one or more of the one or more actuators, the first communications circuit, and the control circuit. The processor may be configured to control the one or more actuators to produce the effect upon processing tactile experience information received from the first external device; and the effect is configured to cause tactile stimulation on the body of an individual wearing the garment.