Virtual Reality Communication Interfaces for Distance-Based Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing messaging systems lack the tactile or haptic capabilities that mimic face-to-face communication, failing to provide an engaging and immersive user experience.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating haptic feedback responses into messaging systems, particularly through head-wearable devices, to enhance user interaction and engagement by simulating touch inputs during video communication sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional messaging systems are used for communication, then the communication functionality is provided, but the user experience lacks immersion and tactile engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces haptic feedback devices as an intermediary between the user and the communication interface. These devices translate visual or auditory communication signals into tactile sensations, mediating the transmission of emotional and communicative information through the sense of touch. The haptic feedback system acts as a bridge that converts digital communication data into physical sensations that mimic face-to-face interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional visual and auditory communication channels with an additional mechanical sensing channel. By substituting purely optical/electromagnetic communication with a system that incorporates mechanical haptic feedback, the patent restores the tactile dimension of communication that is naturally present in face-to-face interactions but absent in digital messaging systems.
2Loss of information
If haptic feedback responses are incorporated into messaging systems, then the sense of touch is added to enhance immersion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs haptic feedback devices that can respond to multiple types of communication stimuli (visual, auditory, textual) through a single unified system. The same haptic actuator can generate different tactile patterns in response to various communication events, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices for each communication modality and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls haptic feedback by modifying parameters such as vibration frequency, amplitude, and duration based on the communication context. By adjusting these physical parameters dynamically, the system can convey different emotional states and communicative intentions using the same hardware infrastructure, avoiding the need for complex mechanical configurations.
3Ease of operation
If haptic feedback is used during video communication sessions, then the communication experience becomes more immersive, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements haptic feedback as periodic or event-driven rather than continuous. The haptic actuators are activated only at specific communication moments (e.g., when a message is received, during emotional expressions, or at synchronized touch events), allowing the system to conserve energy while maintaining immersive communication experience during critical interaction moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies haptic feedback selectively to enhance specific aspects of communication rather than providing constant tactile stimulation. By applying partial haptic action only when it most enhances communication quality (such as during key emotional exchanges or synchronized interactions), the system achieves high immersion with minimal energy expenditure compared to continuous haptic operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Method starts with processor causing virtual reality (VR) interface for communication session to be displayed on first user interface of a first head-wearable apparatus and on second user interface of second head-wearable apparatus. Processor detects first touch input from first VR input device and second touch input from second VR input device. Processor monitors location of the first touch input within the first user interface and location of the second touch input within second user interface. Processor determines distance between location of the first touch input within first user interface and location on first user interface corresponding to location of second touch input within second user interface. Processor causes first and second VR input devices to generate haptic feedback response based on the distance. Haptic feedback response increases in intensity or speed as distance decreases and decreases in intensity or speed as distance increases. Other embodiments are described herein.