Haptic Interface Device Reducing Latency in Remote Touch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current human-machine interface devices lack the ability to transmit and receive force and displacement information in real time, failing to replicate authentic tactile communication between users, and are hindered by system latencies that affect the authenticity of touch interactions.

Innovation Solution

A human-machine interface device comprising an interaction element, a drive mechanism, sensors to measure user interaction, and a network connection to transmit and receive interaction data, allowing for the replication of force and displacement information between two users, with optional inclusion of optical and temperature sensors for more comprehensive interaction data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If force and displacement information is transmitted over a network to enable remote tactile communication, then users can interact with remote objects, but system latency increases which degrades the authenticity of touch interaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile communication capabilityVSAvoidsystem latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting the future position and state of the interaction element based on current velocity and acceleration data. This allows the remote device to anticipate user movements and prepare the corresponding tactile feedback in advance, reducing the perceived latency in the tactile communication loop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the control parameters including velocity limits, acceleration limits, and position thresholds based on real-time network conditions and user interaction patterns. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between transmission speed and accuracy, minimizing latency while maintaining authentic tactile feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If sensors are integrated into the drive mechanism to measure interaction forces, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision decreases due to interference from drive mechanism mechanics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor integrationVSAvoidforce measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the measurement function from the drive mechanism by using separate force sensors (load cells) that are mechanically isolated from the motor assembly. This segmentation allows independent optimization of both the drive mechanism for motion control and the sensors for accurate force measurement, eliminating cross-interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces intermediary elements including separate force sensor assemblies and isolation mechanisms that mediate between the user's interaction with the pin and the measurement system. These intermediaries transmit force information accurately while filtering out mechanical noise from the drive mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the system is highly sensitive to detect small forces and displacements for authentic tactile feedback, then tactile communication fidelity is improved, but the system becomes more susceptible to detecting mechanical vibrations from the drive mechanism itself

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile sensitivityVSAvoidmechanical vibration noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the measurement function from the drive mechanism by using separate, dedicated force sensors that are mechanically isolated. This extraction allows the sensitive measurement system to operate independently without being contaminated by the mechanical vibrations and noise generated by the motor and drive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential harmful effect of mechanical vibrations by using the drive mechanism's own position and velocity data to predict and compensate for vibration patterns. The controller uses this information to filter out expected mechanical noise while preserving genuine user interaction signals, turning a potential source of error into a useful reference for signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20240342915A1Human machine interface device for communicating touch interaction

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 TACTY LTD

AI summary

A human-machine interface device is provided for communicating touch interaction between two users. The device comprises: a drive mechanism, an interaction element, a sensor, a network connection, and a controller. The drive mechanism is configured to apply a drive force to the interaction element. The sensor is configured to measure interaction by a user with the interaction element so as to obtain interaction data. The network connection is configured to transmit the interaction data to a corresponding human-machine interface device and receive remote interaction data from the corresponding human-machine interface device which is indicative of a second user's interaction with the corresponding device. The controller is configured to control the drive mechanism such that a force is applied to the interaction element based on the remote interaction data.