Haptic Signal Conversion via Mechanical Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current remote video broadcasts of events lack the haptic-tactile, motion, or movement stimuli, failing to provide a fully immersive experience for remote viewers, who cannot perceive the vibrations and movements associated with live events.

Innovation Solution

A haptic-tactile, motion, or movement signal conversion system that captures event effects, processes them into signals, and transmits these signals to a remote location, where they are converted into physical movements using a signal conversion device and transmission member, allowing remote users to experience the haptic-tactile, motion, or movement effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If video broadcast reproduces moving visible images and audio from events, then visual and auditory experience is provided to remote viewers, but haptic-tactile, motion, and movement stimuli are omitted and cannot be perceived

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic-tactile, motion, and movement stimuliVSAvoidsystem complexity for haptic transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary mechanical connection system comprising a transmission member (such as a rod or shaft) that physically couples the actuator to a support structure (chair, bench, or floor). This intermediary mechanism transfers haptic-tactile, motion, and movement stimuli from the actuator through the transmission member to the support structure, enabling remote viewers to perceive these stimuli through their seating or standing surface without requiring direct contact with the actuator itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration transmission systems with an electromechanical actuator system that converts electrical signals into mechanical movements. The actuator (electromechanical transducer) receives electrical signals containing haptic information and converts them into corresponding physical movements, which are then transmitted through the mechanical connection to the support structure, substituting complex mechanical vibration generation with electrical signal-driven actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If an electromechanical transducer is mechanically connected to a solid physical object like a chair for haptic transmission, then haptic vibrations can be applied to remote viewers, but the system requires direct mechanical connection between transducer and viewer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of haptic transmission to userVSAvoidmechanical connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the haptic transmission system into distinct functional components: the actuator (electromechanical transducer), the transmission member (rod or shaft), and the support structure (chair, bench, or floor). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables flexible installation configurations where the actuator can be positioned remotely from the user while still transmitting haptic stimuli through the transmission member to the support structure that the user contacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission member serves as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the actuator and the support structure. Instead of requiring direct mechanical connection between the transducer and the viewer's body, the transmission member transmits the mechanical movements from the actuator through a controlled path to the support structure, which then contacts the user, providing a more flexible and comfortable haptic transmission pathway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If haptic vibrations are transmitted through furniture or seating, then remote viewers can perceive motion effects, but the transmission member must be precisely positioned and connected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of haptic effect transmissionVSAvoidinstallation and positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the support structure to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the user (chair, bench, or floor surface), serves as the haptic transmission medium, and acts as the interface between the transmission member and the user's body. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated haptic transmission components and simplifies installation, as existing furniture can be utilized for haptic transmission purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic connection approach where the transmission member can be positioned and connected in various configurations depending on the specific installation environment. The system allows for adjustable positioning of the actuator and transmission member to optimize haptic transmission while accommodating different furniture types and user positions, making the system adaptable rather than requiring precise fixed positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 a more immersive remote experience by replicating the haptic-tactile, motion, or movement effects of events, enhancing viewer engagement and realism through the use of a separate physical object that supports the user, such as furniture, to transmit these effects.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator disposed in the outer casing and configured to receive a signal and produce a physical movement based on one or more effects of an event

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transduction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an actuator disposed in the outer casing and configured to receive a signal and produce a physical movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a transmission member positioned adjacent to the signal conversion device and configured to transmit the physical movement from the signal conversion device to a signal conversion device user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical contact transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3100244B1Haptic-tactile, motion or movement signal conversion system and assembly
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 GUITAMMER CO
  • EP3100244B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3100244B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3100244B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A haptic-tactile, motion or movement signal conversion system and assembly are disclosed. The conversion system includes a capturing member configured to capture one or more effects of an event, a processor in communication with the capturing member and configured to provide a signal based on the one or more effects for transmission to a remote location, a receiver positioned at the remote location and configured to receive the signal, a signal conversion device in communication with the receiver and configured to convert the signal into a physical movement, and a transmission member positioned adjacent to the signal conversion device and configured to transmit the physical movement from the signal conversion device to a signal conversion device user.