Networked Tactile Pin Interface for Remote Touch Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices for remote communication between individuals are limited to voice, video, or virtual interactions, lacking the capability for more immersive and tactile experiences.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with movable pins that simulate touch through a networked system, using sensors to detect external forces and actuators to control pin movement and force, enabling synchronized tactile interaction with a remote device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electronic devices are used for remote communication, then voice and video communication is enabled, but tactile interaction and physical presence are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of physical touch by using pins that can be actuated to simulate tactile sensations. When a user touches a pin on one device, the system transmits this information to a remote device where corresponding pins are actuated to replicate the touch sensation, effectively copying the physical interaction across networked devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical touch interfaces with a networked system that uses electronic signals to transmit and replicate tactile sensations. Instead of direct physical contact, the system uses sensors to detect touch and actuators to simulate it remotely, substituting the mechanical connection with an electronic and teleological system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pins are made movable to simulate touch, then tactile interaction is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tactile interface into discrete pin elements that can be independently controlled. Each pin acts as an individual actuator that can be controlled separately, allowing complex tactile patterns to be created through simple, modular units rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable pins that can change their position and state dynamically in response to sensor input and actuator commands. The pins transition between different states (e.g., extended, retracted, angled) to simulate various tactile sensations, enabling adaptive interaction without requiring complex static mechanisms.
3Reliability
If sensors detect external forces on pins, then force feedback is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor detection function with the pin structure itself, integrating the force sensor directly into the pin assembly. This merging of functions allows the pin to serve both as a tactile element and as a force sensing component, reducing the need for separate precision-mounted sensors and simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for touch translation includes a body and pins extending therefrom and including couplings to facilitate movement of a first portion relative to a second portion. The pins are controllable to more the first portion relative to the second portion and to control force applied by the pins on an external object. Heads are disposed on the pins, which heads are greater in width than the pins and are moveable relative to the pins about respective couplings. Sensors cooperating with the pins detect forces applied to the pins and a communication subsystem communicates over a network, with a remote electronic device. A controller based on detected forces transmits signals to the remote electronic device to control the remote electronic device, and actuates pins to control the relative movement of the portions based on signals received from the remote electronic device.