Haptic Object Differentiation via Proximity Adaptation

Solution Overview

Problem

Haptic devices face challenges in discerning and perceiving haptic objects with similar properties when they are proximate to each other, leading to difficulty in differentiation, especially in augmented and virtual reality applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for haptic devices to adapt the haptic properties of one object relative to another with similar properties by evaluating their proximity and similarity, allowing for adjustments in haptic properties such as stiffness and texture to ensure discernibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If haptic properties of multiple objects are kept similar to maintain realism, then haptic authenticity is improved, but haptic discernibility deteriorates when objects are proximate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic authenticityVSAvoidhaptic discernibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making haptic properties object-specific rather than uniform. Each haptic object receives tailored haptic characteristics (texture, stiffness, friction) that reflect its unique identity, allowing proximate objects to be distinguished through their localized haptic signatures even when visually similar

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting haptic parameters (texture, stiffness, friction) based on object identity and proximity relationships. When objects are proximate, the system modifies their haptic parameters to enhance differentiation, transforming the haptic presentation adaptively rather than maintaining fixed properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If haptic properties are adapted to improve object differentiation, then haptic discernibility is improved, but haptic realism deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic discernibilityVSAvoidhaptic realism

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making haptic properties adaptive rather than static. The haptic characteristics of objects change dynamically based on their spatial relationships with other objects, particularly when proximate. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain realism for isolated objects while enhancing discernibility when objects are close together

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting haptic parameters (texture, stiffness, friction) based on object identity and proximity relationships. When objects are proximate, the system modifies their haptic parameters to enhance differentiation, transforming the haptic presentation adaptively rather than maintaining fixed properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If standard haptic presentation is used for all objects, then device complexity is reduced, but haptic perception quality deteriorates for proximate similar objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic control simplicityVSAvoidhaptic perception quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining haptic profiles and characteristics for different object types. Rather than computing haptic properties in real-time during interaction, the system prepares haptic presentations in advance based on object identity and expected spatial relationships, reducing computational complexity while maintaining high perception quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting haptic parameters (texture, stiffness, friction) based on object identity and proximity relationships. When objects are proximate, the system modifies their haptic parameters to enhance differentiation, transforming the haptic presentation adaptively rather than maintaining fixed properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4141622B1Improved perception of haptic objects

Publication Date: 2024.01.31 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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Figure 3A~4B

AI summary

Method and apparatus for receiving a haptic model comprising two or more haptic objects being associated with haptic properties; determining at least one location property of at least a first haptic object and a second haptic object of the two or more haptic objects, wherein the location property is related to a location of the corresponding haptic object by determining if said two or more haptic objects are proximate to one another; determining a relation between haptic properties of the first and second haptic objects by evaluating similarities of the haptic properties of the first and second haptic objects that are proximate to one another; determining that the first and second haptic objects are similar and proximate to one another; and adapting at least one haptic property of one or both of the first and second haptic objects, based on the at least one location property and the determined relation between the haptic properties of the first and second haptic objects by adapting the haptic properties of one or more of the first and second haptic objects that are similar and proximate to one another.