Tangible Display Moveable Pins Transmit Depth Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote communication systems lack the ability to convey physical interaction or presence between locations, limiting them to visual and auditory means only.
Innovation Solution
The development of tangible displays that transmit depth data over a network to remotely displace moveable pins, creating a three-dimensional representation of objects and allowing for force or touch feedback, enabling physical interaction between users at different locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional visual and auditory communication systems are used, then communication between remote locations is enabled, but the ability to convey physical interaction or presence is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates tangible copies of physical objects and interactions by capturing depth data and reconstructing three-dimensional representations at remote locations. Moveable pins are displaced to replicate the shape, depth, and physical characteristics of objects, enabling remote users to perceive and interact with tactile copies of distant objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tangible display devices with moveable pins as intermediaries between remote users. These devices translate physical interactions at one location into corresponding tactile sensations at another location, serving as a mediator that conveys force and touch information across network distances.
2Loss of information
If depth data transmission and three-dimensional representation are implemented, then three-dimensional presence is conveyed, but data transmission requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-dimensional representation into discrete depth data points that correspond to individual moveable pins. Each pin's position is controlled by specific depth information, allowing the system to transmit only the necessary data for each tactile element rather than complete volumetric data sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of detail and data resolution to different regions of the three-dimensional representation based on local requirements. Areas of greater interaction importance receive higher fidelity depth data, while less critical areas use reduced data, optimizing transmission efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If moveable pins are used to create three-dimensional representations, then tactile feedback is enabled, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable pins are designed to automatically return to their neutral positions after being displaced, eliminating the need for complex reset mechanisms. The system self-regulates the tactile display state through spring-loaded or elastic recovery mechanisms inherent in each pin structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with direct actuation of individual moveable pins through electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuators. This substitution simplifies the mechanical structure while enabling precise control of each pin's position for accurate tactile representation.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are systems, methods, and apparatus that produce depth data representative of an object, such as a user, at a first location, transmit that depth data to a second location, and use that depth data to produce, at the second location, a three-dimensional representation of the object. A tangible display at the second location may receive the depth data and use that depth data to determine displacement amounts for each of a plurality of moveable pins of the tangible display. The moveable pins may be then displaced by the displacement amounts to form the three-dimensional representation of the object.