Haptic Shape Representation Using Contour-Mapped Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a way to provide a vibrotactile experience that haptically represents or communicates a shape.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for haptically representing a shape by extracting its contour, assigning coordinates or parameters along the contour at intervals, and generating a vibratory output pattern with variable parameters that correspond to these coordinates or parameters, which can be delivered through haptic motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If visual information is used to communicate shape, then information transmission is efficient, but accessibility is limited for visually impaired users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual optical system with a haptic mechanical vibration system to convey shape information. Vibratory motors generate tactile patterns that map to shape contours, allowing visually impaired users to perceive geometric information through touch rather than sight, thus improving accessibility without losing essential shape representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces haptic vibration patterns as an intermediary between the visual shape and the user's perception. The vibration patterns serve as a mediator that translates visual geometric information into tactile feedback, enabling indirect access to shape information for users who cannot directly see the visual display.
2Adaptability or versatility
If haptic feedback is added to visual interfaces, then accessibility and user experience are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vibratory motor serve multiple functions: it provides traditional notification vibrations and simultaneously generates complex haptic patterns for shape representation. By programming the motor with variable parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration), the same hardware component delivers diverse tactile information, avoiding the need for separate haptic actuators for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the vibratory motor by dynamically changing its operating parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) to encode different shape information. Instead of adding complex hardware, the system achieves multi-sensory capability by programmatically adjusting the motor's vibration characteristics to represent different geometric contours and features.
3Measurement precision
If detailed contour information is mapped to haptic patterns, then shape representation accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous shape contour into discrete segments or key points that are then mapped to corresponding haptic vibration events. By segmenting the contour information and selecting essential features rather than processing every point, the system maintains shape representation accuracy while reducing the computational burden of generating complex vibration patterns.
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 an accessible and intuitive tactile experience that conveys the shape's characteristics, enhancing user interaction and providing authentication through tactile verification.
Implementation Method 1
generating a vibratory output pattern corresponding to the contour
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and methods of haptically representing a shape are disclosed herein. Certain methods include extracting a contour of at least one of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape, assigning a plurality of coordinates or parameters along the contour at intervals, and generating a vibratory output pattern corresponding to the contour, wherein the vibratory output pattern comprises one or more variable parameters, and wherein the one or more variable parameters are programmed to correspond to one of the plurality of coordinates or parameters.