Remote Vibrotactile Garment Array for Touch Pattern Reproduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vibratory stimulation devices, such as sex toys and massagers, lack optimal control methods that are distracting and not remotely controllable, and there is a need for a more natural and ergonomic way to deliver sensory feedback in various applications, including sexual, athletic, and sensory stimulation contexts.

Innovation Solution

A communication system and method for remote vibrotactile interaction that allows a first user to transmit touch patterns or gestures to a second user through a tactile array attached to a garment, using a network to modulate the timing and intensity of micro-vibratory devices, enabling the reproduction of touch patterns or gestures on the second user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fader-style controls are used in vibratory devices, then intensity control is achieved, but the controls become distracting and not remotely controllable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol methodVSAvoidcontrol interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface is extracted from the vibratory device itself and placed on a remote computing device. The vibratory device only contains the motor and housing, while the computing device handles all control functions including intensity adjustment, pattern selection, and timing control through its processor and user interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A computing device serves as an intermediary between the user and the vibratory device. The computing device receives user input through its interface, processes the control signals, and transmits them wirelessly to the vibratory device, eliminating the need for physical controls on the device itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If tactile arrays are integrated into garments, then remote sensory feedback is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensory feedback applicationVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computing device serves multiple functions: it controls the vibratory device, processes tactile array data, manages wireless communication, and provides the user interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the user's existing computing device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) to control the vibratory device and process tactile feedback, eliminating the need for a dedicated control unit and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If micro-vibratory devices are used in tactile arrays, then precise touch pattern reproduction is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch pattern reproductionVSAvoidarray assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tactile array is divided into multiple independent micro-vibratory devices arranged in a grid pattern. Each micro-device can be controlled independently to reproduce specific touch patterns, allowing precise spatial and temporal control of tactile feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical touch reproduction mechanisms with electronically controlled micro-vibratory devices. The computing device generates electronic control signals that drive the micro-devices to reproduce touch patterns, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages and moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables remote and natural control of vibratory devices, providing a more intuitive and ergonomic method for sensory feedback, applicable in various contexts including sexual stimulation, athletic training, and sensory enhancement, with the ability to simulate touch, poke, push, or stroke patterns.

Implementation Method 1

a tactile array of micro-vibratory devices attachable as a first vibration textile to a portion of the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10744060B2Garment with remote controlled vibration array

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 CHOUDHURY SAMBHU

AI summary

A communication system and method are provided for remotely reproducing a touch pattern or gesture as a vibrotactile output. At a touch screen, a first user device receives a touch pattern by a first user, characterizes the touch pattern as a touch pattern data based upon time and intensity of touch at a plurality of array points of the touch screen, and communicates the touch pattern data to a network. A tactile array patch of micro-vibratory devices is attachable to a garment and worn by a second user. The touch pattern data is wirelessly received from the first user device via the network. Vibration of selected micro-vibratory devices of the tactile array is modulated in timing and intensity in response to the touch pattern data to reproduce the touch pattern.