Vibrotactile Movement Simulation for Virtual Object Weight Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a suitable method or universal kinesthetic display that can provide augmented, altered, and induced movement experiences to users, which are embodied and not symbolic, to enhance user interactions in virtual reality, rehabilitation, and sports training.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a sensor device with a contact element, vibration generator, and computing device to simulate movement by measuring user micro-movements, calculating vibrotactile signals based on defined virtual object weights, and applying these signals to the contact element, allowing users to sense movement through tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual displays and acoustic speakers are used to provide information to users, then information delivery is effective, but kinesthetic feedback and embodied movement perception are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sensory feedback channels by adding a dedicated tactile/kinesthetic feedback channel through the vibration generator, separate from visual displays and acoustic speakers. This allows independent optimization of each sensory channel for different types of information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element serves multiple functions: it acts as a sensor to detect user micro-movements and intentions, and simultaneously as an actuator to deliver vibrotactile feedback. This multi-functionality integrates sensing and feedback delivery in a single component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tactile displays and force feedback devices are used, then some tactile feedback is provided, but universal kinesthetic display with embodied movement perception is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the sensor device and vibration generator into an integrated unit that can detect micro-movements and provide corresponding vibrotactile feedback. This combination simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving universal kinesthetic display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration generator acts as an intermediary that translates detected micro-movements and movement intentions into perceptible vibrotactile signals, bridging the gap between subtle user inputs and meaningful kinesthetic feedback.
3Reliability
If the contact element remains stationary, then user safety is maintained by avoiding unintended real-world movements, but realistic movement simulation in virtual reality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of movement experiences through vibrotactile signals that simulate the sensation of moving a virtual object, while the physical contact element remains stationary. This copying approach maintains safety while preserving movement simulation fidelity through realistic tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces actual mechanical movement of the contact element with vibrotactile signals that simulate movement sensations. This substitution maintains user safety by preventing unintended real-world movements while preserving the perception of movement through tactile feedback.
4Measurement precision
If sensor devices detect micro-movements with high precision, then movement intention detection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device focuses on detecting micro-movements at the specific location of the contact element with high precision, rather than attempting to track full-range movements. This localized measurement approach achieves high detection accuracy while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
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
The method and system effectively simulate movement experiences that align with user actions in virtual reality, enhancing immersion and safety by avoiding unintended real-world movements, and providing detailed feedback for rehabilitation and sports training.
Implementation Method 1
providing a vibrotactile signal to a contact element, which can be brought into contacted with a user
Implementation Method 2
which comprises a sensor element to measure a micro-movement and/or a movement intention of the user; The signal measured by the sensor element is a force applied to at least one contact element
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for simulating movement of a virtual object. The method comprises the steps: a) providing a sensor device comprising at least one contact element, which can be brought into contact with a user and which comprises a sensor element to measure a micro-movement and/or a movement intention of the user; b) providing a vibration generator; c) providing a computing device; and d) establishing a data connection between the sensor device, the computing device and the vibration generator. The method is characterized by the steps of e) defining a virtual weight to which the weight of the virtual object in a virtual reality correlates; f) calculating at least one parameter selected from a group comprising acceleration, velocity and displacement based on the signal measured by the sensor element and the virtual weight defined in e); g) calculating a vibrotactile signal which correlates to a change of the parameter calculated in f); and h) applying the vibrotactile signal to the contact element. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for simulating movement of an virtual object.