Micro-Touch Simulator Array for High-Resolution Virtual Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual environment systems fail to accurately simulate touch sensations, lacking the granularity and texture fidelity necessary to create a realistic physical experience for users interacting with virtual objects.
Innovation Solution
A touch simulation system utilizing an array of micro-touch simulators embedded in clothing, such as gloves, that apply varying electric or magnetic fields to recreate the texture and force of virtual touches, allowing for precise simulation of tactile sensations like snake skin or dynamic movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If control arms are attached to fingers in a glove to simulate touch, then the user can sense resistance and touch sensation, but the resolution and texture simulation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The glove is divided into multiple independent sections, with each finger containing separate control arms that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows for localized touch simulation at different positions and orientations, improving the resolution of tactile feedback without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire glove structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension of control by allowing control arms to be actuated not only in the forward direction but also in lateral and rotational directions. This multi-directional actuation capability enables the simulation of complex texture patterns and forces that cannot be achieved with traditional single-direction control mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If inflatable air bags are used to simulate touch sensation, then the user experiences tactile feedback, but the granularity and texture simulation resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control arms are designed to be dynamically actuated in multiple directions (forward, lateral, rotational) depending on the virtual touch requirements. This dynamic multi-directional actuation allows the system to adapt to different texture simulation needs, providing high granularity and versatility in reproducing various surface characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including the position, orientation, and force magnitude of control arms to accurately simulate different textures. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system can reproduce fine-grained texture details that static or single-parameter systems cannot achieve.
3Measurement precision
If multiple control arms are used to simulate touch texture, then the resolution of texture simulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into modular units, with each finger containing independent control arms that can be actuated separately. This modular segmentation allows for high-resolution texture simulation through coordinated action of multiple simple units, rather than requiring a single complex centralized control system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control arm is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing multiple functions (pushing, pulling, rotating, lateral movement) depending on the virtual touch requirements. This universality reduces the need for specialized components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high texture simulation resolution.
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
The system achieves high-resolution tactile feedback, enabling users to experience virtual touches with the same level of detail as real-world interactions, enhancing the realism of virtual environments.
Implementation Method 1
A system applies respective electric fields to a set of micro-touch simulators causing the micro-touch simulators to press against the skin of the user
Implementation Method 2
A system applies respective magnetic fields to a set of micro-touch simulators causing the micro-touch simulators to press against the skin of the user
Data Source
AI summary
In various example embodiments, a system and method for simulating touch in a virtual environment is disclosed. In one example embodiment, a system includes one or more circuits configured to receive an indicator of a sensed touch in a virtual environment and to determine, based on the indicator, an area of the sensed touch. The one or more circuits are further configured to generate a simulated touch by applying a field to one or more touch simulators, the field actuating the one or more touch simulators by linearly displacing an element of the one or more touch simulators.