Mixed Reality Haptic Pattern Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing haptic feedback systems face challenges in customizing notifications for users across different devices and scenarios, as they often rely on audio or visual cues that may not be effective in all situations, and struggle to abstract and deliver notifications appropriately.

Innovation Solution

A mixed reality interface system that simulates contextual situations to configure haptic effects, allowing users to customize duration, types, and propagation of haptic feedback through participating haptic devices, enabling personalized and scenario-specific notifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If audio or visual cues are used for notifications, then notifications can be delivered to users, but they may not be effective in all situations and lack personalization across different devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification effectivenessVSAvoidnotification customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameters of notification delivery by introducing haptic feedback with varying intensities, patterns, and durations. Users can customize haptic parameters such as vibration strength, pulse patterns, and timing to create personalized notification experiences that adapt to different situations and user preferences, overcoming the limitations of audio/visual cues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The notification system is enhanced to perform multiple functions by combining audio, visual, and haptic feedback mechanisms. This multi-functional approach allows notifications to be delivered effectively across different situations - haptic feedback provides tactile confirmation that works in environments where audio/visual cues may be insufficient, while maintaining the ability to customize each notification type independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If haptic feedback is customized for different users and scenarios, then personalized notifications are achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic notification personalizationVSAvoidhaptic effect management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The haptic feedback system is segmented into distinct, manageable components including different haptic effect types (vibration, pulse, tap), intensity levels, duration parameters, and pattern configurations. This segmentation allows users to customize individual aspects of haptic notifications without overwhelming complexity, as each parameter can be adjusted independently through the user interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex haptic effect parameters. The GUI provides visual representations and controls that simplify the configuration of haptic notifications, translating complex technical parameters into intuitive adjustments that users can make without understanding the underlying system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple haptic devices participate in notification delivery, then notification coverage and personalization improve, but coordination and management become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-device notification deliveryVSAvoidhaptic effect configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the capabilities of multiple haptic devices into a unified notification delivery system. By combining the haptic feedback from different devices (such as smartphone, smartwatch, and other connected devices), the system creates coordinated multi-device notification experiences that maintain consistent customization across all devices, simplifying management through centralized configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The notification system is designed to universally work across multiple device types by implementing a common haptic effect management framework. This allows the same customization parameters and configuration approach to be applied across smartphones, smartwatches, and other haptic-capable devices, reducing the complexity of managing multi-device notifications through standardized interfaces and protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11755115B2Simulated user interface in mixed reality for haptic effect management

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein include a method for managing haptic effects. The method generates a first graphical representation of a first haptic effect generation pattern in a mixed reality environment, wherein the first haptic effect generation pattern comprises factors for generating a first haptic effect at a first haptic device. The method receives a user alteration to the first haptic effect generation pattern from a first user. The method changes the graphical representation based on the user alteration.