Mobile Haptic Robots for Scalable World-Grounded VR Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic feedback systems for virtual reality, such as hand-held devices and shape displays, struggle with deployability, scalability, and generalizability, particularly in rendering smooth and continuous surfaces across large interaction areas, and fail to provide a convincing world-grounded sensation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of distributed encountered-type haptics using multiple independently-controllable, shape-changing HapticBots that can move and transform to simulate various surfaces and objects, providing haptic feedback through a swarm of robots that can be easily deployed and scaled, and adapt to different shapes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex stationary haptic devices are used, then haptic feedback capability is provided, but deployability and ease of movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the haptic feedback system into multiple independent mobile robotic devices (HapticBots) instead of using a single complex stationary device. Each HapticBot is a self-contained unit with its own haptic actuator, controller, and navigation capabilities, allowing the system to be easily deployed and reconfigured by simply moving individual units rather than dismantling and reassembling a complex stationary system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static nature of traditional haptic devices into dynamic mobile robots that can autonomously navigate and reposition themselves. The HapticBots use differential wheel drive and can change their position and orientation dynamically, providing haptic feedback at different locations without requiring the entire system to be moved or reconfigured.
2Ease of operation
If hand-held haptic devices are used, then portability is improved, but ability to provide world-grounded sensation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile robotic devices as intermediaries between the user and the virtual environment. These HapticBots serve as physical proxies that can be positioned on surfaces and provide haptic feedback grounded in the real world, while still being controlled remotely. The robots act as mediators that translate virtual interactions into physical sensations without requiring the user to directly hold or wear haptic devices.
3Reliability
If stationary haptic devices are used, then haptic feedback is provided, but scalability and adaptability to different locations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal mobile robotic platforms that can perform multiple functions: providing haptic feedback, navigating autonomously, and adapting to different environments. Each HapticBot is equipped with sensors, actuators, and control systems that enable it to operate in various locations and configurations, making the system scalable and adaptable without requiring location-specific hardware installations.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple haptic devices are deployed to cover large areas, then interaction area is expanded, but system complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous navigation and self-positioning capabilities in the mobile robotic devices, allowing them to automatically determine their location and orient themselves without external guidance or manual calibration. The HapticBots use onboard sensors and algorithms to navigate autonomously, eliminating the need for complex system-wide calibration procedures when deploying multiple devices across large areas.
Data Source
AI summary
The present concepts relate to devices that can approximate virtual objects when touched by a user. One example device can include a location assembly configured to sense a location of the device on a surface and configured to move the robotic device on the surface and a shape assembly secured to the location assembly and configured to adjust a height and a pitch of an upper surface of the robotic device.