Inflatable Haptic Glove Bladder for VR Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional VR/AR systems fail to provide haptic feedback, preventing users from experiencing the sensation of touching virtual objects, as they do not control or prevent user movement in physical space when interacting with virtual objects.
Innovation Solution
A haptic glove system with an expandable bladder and pressure source that adjusts resistance based on virtual object hardness and user force, allowing for tactile perception of virtual interactions by inflating or deflating to resist or allow finger movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional VR/AR systems allow free user movement in physical space, then ease of operation is improved, but haptic feedback capability deteriorates (users cannot perceive touching virtual objects)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inflatable bladder mechanism within the haptic glove that uses pneumatic pressure to provide resistance force. When the bladder is inflated, it physically resists finger movement, simulating the sensation of touching virtual objects. This pneumatic approach enables dynamic control of haptic feedback while maintaining natural hand movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the inflation pressure of the bladder based on virtual object properties (hardness, density) and interaction context. By changing the physical parameter of bladder volume/pressure in real-time, the system adapts the resistance force to match different virtual scenarios, enabling both free movement and haptic feedback perception.
2Reliability
If an inflatable bladder is added to provide haptic feedback, then haptic feedback capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bladder serves multiple functions: it provides haptic resistance force, tracks finger position through pressure sensors, and can be controlled to simulate different virtual object properties. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a flexible inflatable bladder allows for a compact, integrated design that conforms to the natural shape of the finger. This flexible membrane approach is more space-efficient and less mechanically complex than rigid actuator mechanisms, helping to minimize structural complexity while achieving haptic feedback.
3Force
If the bladder size is increased to control movement, then haptic feedback strength is improved, but loss of substance increases (more air required)
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the bladder inflation level based on the specific interaction requirements. The pressure source modulates air flow to maintain only the necessary resistance force, rather than maintaining constant high pressure. This dynamic control optimizes air consumption by providing maximum force only when and where needed during virtual object interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation and deflation of the bladder occurs in periodic cycles corresponding to interaction phases (approach, contact, manipulation). The pressure source activates intermittently to inflate the bladder during contact phases and allows deflation during movement phases, reducing overall air consumption compared to continuous inflation.
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 users to perceive tactile feedback when interacting with virtual objects, enhancing the immersive VR/AR experience by simulating resistance and movement in response to virtual object properties.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure source is configured to adjust the size of the expandable bladder, via adjusting fluid pressure within the expandable bladder
Implementation Method 2
an expandable bladder coupled to the third portion of the glove body, the expandable bladder having an adjustable size that controls an amount of relative movement between the first portion and the second portion of the glove body
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic feedback glove worn by a user provides an amount of a resistance to a physical movement of a portion of the user's hand. The haptic feedback glove includes a glove body, an expandable bladder and a pressure source. The glove body includes a first portion corresponding to a first phalange of a user hand, a second portion corresponding to a second phalange of the user hand, and a third portion corresponding to a joint between the first phalange and the second phalange of the user hand. The expandable bladder is coupled to the third portion of the glove body. The expandable bladder has an adjustable size that controls an amount of relative movement between the first portion and the second portion of the glove body. The pressure source is coupled to the glove body, and is configured to adjust the size of the expandable bladder.