Haptic Glove for Virtual Cockpit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality systems for simulating complex Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) like helicopter cockpits are hindered by limited resolution, lack of precision, and ergonomic issues, making it difficult for users to interact with dense arrays of virtual controls without specific training, especially in environments where space and equipment are limited.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a hand-wearable glove with integrated interaction task sensors and haptic feedback components, allowing precise 3D motion detection and tactile feedback to replicate the experience of interacting with virtual controls on a computer, enabling intuitive control of complex HMIs on smaller screens and in varied environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional virtual reality systems are used for simulating complex HMIs, then the system can provide virtual control interfaces, but the resolution is limited and precision is poor making it difficult to interact with dense arrays of virtual controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical interaction devices (mouse, keyboard, trackball) with a haptic glove that uses tactile feedback mechanisms. The glove incorporates vibration motors and pressure sensors to detect hand movements and provide tactile responses, substituting mechanical pointer-based interaction with direct tactile sensing and feedback, thereby improving precision for dense control arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the haptic glove provides tactile feedback to the user in real-time. The vibration motors activate based on detected hand movements and contact with virtual controls, creating a feedback loop that enhances measurement precision and interaction accuracy without requiring complex external equipment.
2Ease of operation
If users interact with dense arrays of virtual controls without specific training, then the system should be easy to use, but current systems require extensive training due to ergonomic issues and lack of precision
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic glove provides self-guiding tactile feedback that automatically guides users through interactions with virtual controls. The vibration patterns and tactile responses serve as intuitive cues that help users understand control functions without requiring external training, making the system both easy to operate and precise simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing traditional mechanical input devices with a haptic sensing glove, the system naturally improves ergonomics while maintaining precision. The glove fits directly on the hand, eliminating the need for awkward positioning and extensive training required by mouse or trackball operations with dense control arrays.
3Reliability
If added skeleton appliances arrangements are used for hand-worn sensing systems, then sensing capability is provided, but the arrangement becomes bulky, heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible glove structure with thin-film integrated circuits and miniaturized vibration motors embedded directly into the fabric. This replaces bulky skeleton appliances with flexible, lightweight sensing elements that maintain reliability while dramatically reducing weight and cost. The thin-film technology allows sensors to be sewn or printed directly onto the glove material.
Solution Approach 2:
The system substitutes traditional mechanical skeleton structures with electronic sensing elements integrated into a flexible fabric glove. This substitution eliminates the need for rigid support structures, reducing weight while maintaining or improving sensing capability through more sensitive electronic sensors and direct tactile feedback mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If integrated arrangements with limited sensing appliances are used, then the arrangement is compact, but control sequences are poor and feedback signals are uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic glove integrates multiple sensing functions into a single unified device. It combines vibration motor activation, pressure sensing, and hand movement detection in one compact system, providing reliable feedback signals for various control sequences without requiring multiple separate components. This multi-functionality maintains compactness while improving feedback reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms within the integrated glove structure. Multiple vibration motors positioned at different locations provide spatially-resolved tactile feedback, while pressure sensors and motion detectors work together to generate reliable feedback signals for complex control sequences, overcoming the limitations of simpler integrated arrangements.
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 accurate and ergonomic interaction with complex virtual HMIs, reducing physical fatigue and improving user experience by providing precise tactile feedback and motion detection, allowing effective training and operation on smaller screens without the need for extensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The glove includes at least one vibration motor integrated into the glove and arranged to activate in response to a preselected recent physical touch-up
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a replicated human-machine interface, having simulated objects (40) virtually manipulated via a hand wearable glove (6) during operating of a simulator mock up (1). In the glove (6) with finger sleeves, a 3D overall motion detection means (21) is integrated together with at least one interaction task sensor (19) and one haptic feed back component (27). This allows the glove (6) to reflect a tactile vibration, not only when begins a physical touch-up between the glove (6) and a simulated object (40). A smart magnification is offered allowing a comfortable visual display, even on a reduced sized screen. The invention can apply to airborne vehicles simulators, e.g. to simulators to rotary wing aircrafts cockpits.