Inflatable Bladder Tactile Input for Virtual Reality Keyboards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial-reality systems face challenges in providing accurate tactile feedback for virtual keyboards, as optical sensors struggle to differentiate between intended keystrokes and hovering actions, and users experience discomfort from pressing on hard surfaces without receiving tactile confirmation of keystrokes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of inflatable and collapsible bladders on wearable devices, coupled with pressure sensors and fluidic valves, which inflate when interacting with virtual objects and collapse to provide tactile feedback upon reaching a predetermined pressure threshold, mimicking the sensation of pressing physical keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to detect user input on virtual keyboards, then the system can provide visual interaction interfaces, but the sensors struggle to differentiate between intended keystrokes and hovering actions
Solution Approach 1:
A physical intermediary surface is introduced between the user's finger and the virtual keyboard. This surface deforms under finger pressure, providing tactile feedback that confirms keystroke intent. The intermediary translates optical detection challenges into mechanical feedback that users can feel, thereby improving detection accuracy without increasing optical sensor complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic elements (inflatable bladders or chambers) within the physical surface to provide tactile feedback. When a user presses their finger against the surface, the pneumatic element compresses and provides resistance, simulating the feel of pressing a physical key. This pneumatic mechanism enhances the user's ability to distinguish between hovering and actual keystroke intent.
2Ease of operation
If users press on hard surfaces to interact with virtual objects, then input detection is possible, but users experience discomfort and lack tactile confirmation of keystrokes
Solution Approach 1:
The hard surface is replaced with a cushioned physical surface that deformably responds to finger pressure. This cushioning layer absorbs the impact of finger pressing, preventing discomfort while still providing sufficient resistance for accurate input detection. The cushioning is pre-configured to provide appropriate tactile feedback before actual keystroke execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical surface parameters (firmness, elasticity, deformation characteristics) are optimized to balance comfort and feedback. The surface is engineered to deform under light finger pressure (providing comfort) while maintaining sufficient resistance for clear keystroke detection. This parameter optimization eliminates discomfort while preserving input accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If a physical surface is introduced for tactile feedback, then user comfort and feedback are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible membranes or thin-walled chambers as the physical surface instead of complex mechanical structures. These flexible elements deform under finger pressure to provide tactile feedback, yet remain simple in construction. The flexible shell approach achieves tactile feedback with minimal structural complexity, avoiding the need for buttons, switches, or other complex mechanisms.
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
This solution enhances user comfort and accuracy in interacting with virtual objects by providing tactile feedback, allowing for more precise input and reducing discomfort, while tailoring the pressure threshold for different virtual object sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor coupled to the bladder and configured to sense a pressure exerted against the bladder
Implementation Method 2
a fluidic valve coupled to the bladder and configured to vent the bladder in response to the sensed pressure reaching a predetermined threshold
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed tactile input mechanisms may include a bladder dimensioned to hold a fluid, a pressure sensor coupled to the bladder and configured to sense a pressure exerted against the bladder, and a fluidic valve coupled to the bladder and configured to vent the bladder in response to the sensed pressure reaching a predetermined threshold. Various other related systems and methods are also disclosed.