Virtual Tactile Stimulation via Impedance-Based Nerve Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tactile stimulation technologies in virtual spaces are limited in providing realistic tactile sensations due to inadequate methods for deriving virtual force and stimulating nerve signals, resulting in low sensitivity and discomfort for users.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for tactile stimulation that assigns impedance values to virtual objects in a virtual space, induces virtual force based on relative displacement, and generates feedback through electrical stimulation using a sensory nerve model, allowing for precise simulation of tactile sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied outside stratum corneum with high voltage (several tens of volts), then nerve stimulation can be achieved, but user comfort deteriorates and implementation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by applying low voltage (millivolt range) stimulation through stratum corneum rather than high voltage outside it. This parameter change allows effective nerve stimulation while eliminating user discomfort, resolving the contradiction between stimulation effectiveness and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses stratum corneum as an intermediary medium to transmit electrical stimulation to nerves. By utilizing this natural barrier layer as the transmission path rather than bypassing it, the system achieves effective stimulation without the harmful effects of high voltage application.
2Productivity
If tactile sensation encoding is attempted without a proper coding model, then technology development can proceed, but actual sensitivity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a tactile sensation coding model before implementing the stimulation system. This model, based on Pacinian corpuscle characteristics, provides the theoretical foundation needed to achieve high tactile sensitivity while maintaining technology development progress.
3Device complexity
If virtual force is not derived using impedance and displacement, then system complexity can be reduced, but tactile realism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force derivation systems with an electrical stimulation system that uses impedance and displacement calculations. This substitution maintains tactile realism through accurate virtual force derivation while simplifying the overall 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
This approach enables the direct stimulation of nerves with accurately modeled spike patterns, significantly improving the realism and comfort of tactile feedback in virtual environments, enhancing user experience and interaction.
Implementation Method 1
stimulating a location where the sensory nerve is located through a nerve stimulation unit temporarily or over time
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a tactile emotion recognition method and device, and is directed to assigning an impedance value to each object in a virtual space; inducing virtual force using displacement between the object and a user's body in the virtual space; inducing a signal, which causes a signal of a sensory nerve to be fired, with a value corresponding to the virtual force; stimulating a location where the sensory nerve is located temporarily or over time; and generating feedback in the virtual space based on a stimulation result.