Haptic Feedback for Remote Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video conferencing applications do not enable medical professionals to remotely control imaging devices positioned at a patient's location, leading to imprecision in device repositioning due to verbal instructions.
Innovation Solution
A method using haptic feedback communication between paired mobile devices allows a medical professional to remotely guide the positioning of an image-capturing device by synchronizing the positions of the director device and the recipient device, providing tactile feedback to assist in precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If verbal instructions are used to guide device repositioning, then the system remains simple to operate, but the precision of device positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements haptic feedback that provides tactile resistance to guide the user's hand movements. The director device generates haptic signals that create physical resistance sensations, guiding the user to move the recipient device to the correct position without requiring complex visual or verbal instructions. This feedback mechanism directly improves positioning precision while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/verbal instruction system with a haptic feedback system. Instead of using verbal commands or visual displays to guide device positioning, the system uses haptic actuators to generate tactile forces that physically guide the user's hand movements, substituting a more sophisticated haptic control mechanism for simpler verbal instructions.
2Measurement precision
If haptic feedback communication is implemented, then the precision of device positioning is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes both the director device and recipient device capable of haptic communication. Each device can generate and interpret haptic signals, allowing the system to function with either device as the director or recipient. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by distributing capabilities across both devices rather than requiring specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic feedback system is self-regulating, automatically adjusting the tactile resistance based on the positional relationship between the director and recipient devices. The system does not require external calibration or complex control algorithms, as the haptic actuators naturally provide guidance forces based on the spatial configuration, making the system easier to implement despite the added functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a computer implemented method that includes receiving, by a recipient device, an instruction to move the recipient device from a current position to a target position. The instruction is received from a director device. The method also includes generating a haptic response based on the received instruction. The haptic response is generated based upon the relative positioning between the current position and the target position.