Refreshable Haptic Interface for Non-Visual 3D Object Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional assistive technologies for individuals with impaired or lost sight are limited, relying on Braille-based tactile systems that are rudimentary and separate input and output interfaces, making it difficult for them to understand and track objects in their surroundings effectively.
Innovation Solution
An assistive device with a refreshable haptic feedback interface that provides non-visual assistance by generating touch-discernible output layouts on a haptic feedback interface, using haptic elements to represent a 3D real-world area, allowing users to track moving objects through spatially arranged haptic indicators and receive navigation assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Braille-based tactile systems are used, then assistive functionality is provided, but the system complexity increases and functionality remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (input, output, navigation, object tracking) into a single unified haptic interface system, eliminating the need for separate Braille input and output devices. The haptic interface integrates tactile feedback elements with sensors and processors to provide comprehensive assistive functionality in one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic interface is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing tactile feedback, enabling navigation, tracking moving objects, and facilitating user input. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining adaptability to various assistive needs.
2Ease of operation
If separate input and output interfaces are used, then basic tactile interaction is enabled, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate input and output interfaces into a single haptic interface that handles both functions. Users interact with the same tactile surface for both receiving information and providing input, simplifying the operational workflow and reducing the cognitive load of managing multiple separate devices.
3Loss of information
If conventional tactile presentation systems are used, then basic information display is provided, but the loss of information occurs regarding spatial awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds spatial and temporal dimensions to tactile feedback by dynamically adjusting haptic indicators based on object position, movement, and distance. This transforms static Braille-like presentations into dynamic spatial representations that convey environmental layout and object relationships, restoring spatial awareness through multi-dimensional haptic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic interface dynamically adapts its feedback characteristics based on real-time environmental data, object movement, and user interaction. This dynamic adjustment provides continuous spatial awareness and environmental understanding, unlike static conventional tactile systems.
4Productivity
If Braille-based systems are used, then input functionality is provided, but the productivity decreases due to limited functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic interface provides multiple functions including navigation, object tracking, information display, and user input within a single system. This eliminates the need to switch between separate devices for different tasks, improving overall user efficiency and productivity while maintaining adaptability to various assistive needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An assistive device and method to provide non-visual assistance to a user, includes a haptic feedback interface that includes a plurality of haptic elements. The assistive device generates a touch-discernible output layout on the haptic feedback interface using the plurality of haptic elements. The touch-discernible output layout corresponds to a reproduction of a 3D real-world area within a proximity range of the assistive device and includes a set of different haptic indicators to discern movement of a set of moving objects within the proximity range. The assistive device receives a user input via the haptic feedback interface and tracking a movement of a target moving object in the 3D real-world area based on the received user input.