Haptic Wearable Communication for Athletes in High-Noise Games
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes and hearing-impaired individuals face challenges in receiving clear instructions due to loud game noise and existing communication systems are not optimized for sports settings, leading to miscommunications and reduced game performance.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising a triggering device and haptic wearable devices that use vibration patterns to convey instructions wirelessly, allowing athletes to receive haptic feedback through customizable vibration patterns corresponding to specific signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional whistles or electronic whistles are used to communicate instructions to athletes, then the communication method is simple and widely accepted, but the loud noise of spectators prevents athletes from clearly hearing the whistle sound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (wearable haptic feedback device) that receives signals from the whistle and converts them into tactile vibrations. This intermediary transfers the communication function from acoustic domain to haptic domain, allowing athletes to perceive instructions through vibration rather than sound, thus eliminating the harmful effect of spectator noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the acoustic communication system (whistle producing sound waves) with a haptic communication system (wearable device producing mechanical vibrations). This substitution changes the physical domain of signal transmission from acoustic to mechanical, enabling athletes with hearing impairments to receive instructions through tactile feedback independent of auditory capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hearing-impaired athletes are accommodated with specialized communication devices, then communication accessibility is improved, but existing solutions are bulky or fragile and not easily incorporated into athletic life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the haptic feedback device with athletic apparel (such as a cap or headband), integrating the communication function into existing equipment that athletes already wear. This combination eliminates the need for separate bulky devices and makes the system portable and acceptable for athletic use.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable haptic feedback device is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides haptic communication for hearing-impaired athletes, can function as regular athletic headwear for hearing-abable athletes, and is compatible with various sports contexts. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while reducing the need for specialized equipment.
3Loss of information
If haptic feedback devices are used to convey instructions wirelessly, then communication clarity is enhanced, but time delays and interference in-game may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pairing and configuration of the wearable device with the triggering device before game conditions arise. This preliminary setup ensures that when instructions need to be transmitted during gameplay, the communication channel is already established and optimized, minimizing transmission delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic wireless signal transmission with optimized timing and frequency to convey haptic instructions. By employing periodic action rather than continuous transmission, the system reduces interference with game operations while maintaining communication clarity through scheduled signal updates.
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
Enhances communication clarity during games by providing haptic feedback, reducing miscommunications, and ensuring all players, including those with hearing impairments, can respond promptly to instructions.
Implementation Method 1
The generated vibrations provide haptic feedback to the user through a vibration motor
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system for athletes or hearing-impaired users is disclosed. The communication system includes a triggering device having a housing to receive an electronic whistle, such that a switch cap snaps on a whistle switch to align with a triggering switch. A main switch sandwiches the triggering switch with the switch cap, such that when the first user accesses the main switch then the whistle and triggering switch are activated simultaneously for operating the electronic whistle and the triggering device in tandem to facilitate the first user for wirelessly communicating with the second users. The communication system also includes haptic wearable devices associated with second users and having a radio transceiver to receive the transmitted radio frequency signal and generate a vibration to notify the second user about the one or more instructions by the first user.