Haptic and Visual Communication Devices for Silent Non-Verbal Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices lack the capability for users to communicate in a non-verbal, unobtrusive manner beyond voice and text, limiting the range of communication methods available.
Innovation Solution
Development of haptic/visual communication devices that can receive tactile or visual inputs and produce corresponding outputs, allowing users to communicate wirelessly over long distances using existing wireless infrastructure, with devices capable of being paired or grouped for simultaneous communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing mobile devices are used for communication, then voice and text communication capabilities are provided, but the range of communication methods is limited and lacks non-verbal communication options
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is enhanced to perform multiple communication functions beyond traditional voice and text, including haptic communication through vibration patterns and visual communication through LED light patterns. The device universally supports various communication modalities (voice, text, haptic, visual) through a single integrated platform, allowing users to communicate in different ways depending on the situation without needing separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device dynamically adapts its output mode based on the input received. When a user inputs a message, the system dynamically selects appropriate communication channels (haptic vibration patterns, visual LED patterns, or traditional text/voice) to transmit the message to another device, making the communication method flexible and context-dependent.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new communication capabilities are added to mobile devices, then non-verbal communication is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes existing components within the mobile device as intermediaries for new communication functions. Standard vibration motors used for notifications are repurposed to generate haptic communication patterns, and existing LED indicators are repurposed to generate visual communication patterns. This approach enables new communication capabilities without adding separate dedicated hardware components, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing device components serve multiple functions: the vibration motor not only provides notification feedback but also generates haptic communication signals; the LED indicators not only show status information but also transmit visual messages. This multi-functional use of existing components adds communication capabilities while avoiding the need for additional specialized hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If haptic and visual communication devices are developed, then silent non-verbal communication is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repurposes existing standard components (vibration motors and LED indicators) that are already mass-produced and widely available in mobile devices. By using these existing components as intermediaries for haptic and visual communication, the manufacturing process does not require new specialized parts, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling new communication modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device uses its own existing components to generate haptic and visual communication signals, making the system self-sufficient. The vibration motor and LED indicators that are already part of the device are utilized for communication purposes, eliminating the need for additional dedicated haptic actuators or visual display components, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
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 silent, non-verbal communication between users over long distances without the need for new signals, using existing cellular protocols, facilitating communication through vibration, color changes, and other haptic or visual cues, enhancing the range of communication methods beyond voice and text.
Implementation Method 1
a first communication device receives a haptic input and generates a haptic output... causes a second communication device to vibrate
Implementation Method 2
a first communication device receives a visual input and generates a visual output... causes a second communication device to emit light
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for communication between users is described. In some examples, the system provides two or more dedicated communication devices that communicate with one another without voice-based or written communications. In some cases, the devices provide single input/out capabilities. In some cases, the devices provide multiple input/output capabilities.