Vortex Generator Array for Immersive 3D Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile feedback technologies, such as air jets and ultrasound, are limited in conveying accurate tactile sensations over long distances and fail to focus on small areas, reducing their effectiveness in providing immersive experiences in augmented reality applications.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a vortex generator that directs vortices of air at specific locations in 3D space, controlled by a sensing device and computing system to provide tactile sensations corresponding to virtual objects or events in a visual presentation, with adjustable nozzle orientation and frequency/intensity to simulate various textures and sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If jets of air or ultrasound are used to provide tactile feedback, then tactile sensations can be transmitted over open spaces, but the effectiveness is reduced at long distances and the resolution is insufficient for small areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air jet into multiple discrete nozzles arranged in an array, allowing independent control of each nozzle. This segmentation enables precise targeting of small areas while maintaining effective transmission distance, as each nozzle can be directed at specific locations without the dispersion problems of a single large jet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different nozzles to be activated selectively based on the specific location and requirements of the tactile feedback needed. Each nozzle can be independently controlled to provide focused feedback at precise locations, achieving high resolution for small areas while maintaining effective range through the collective capability of the distributed nozzle array.
2Length of stationary object
If a jet of air is used to provide tactile feedback, then feedback can be transmitted over distance, but the jet disperses quickly and cannot focus on small areas
Solution Approach 1:
The air jet is segmented into multiple discrete nozzles that can be independently controlled. This allows the system to maintain focused streams over distance by using individual nozzles rather than a single dispersed jet, enabling precise area targeting while preserving transmission effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional jet to a two-dimensional array of nozzles. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve both long-distance transmission and small area focus by selecting and activating appropriate nozzles within the array, effectively decoupling the trade-off between distance and area.
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 accurate and immersive tactile feedback over open spaces by precisely directing vortices to simulate diverse sensations, enhancing user engagement in virtual environments like video games and movies by accurately conveying sensations across distances and focusing on specific areas.
Implementation Method 1
discharging at least one vortex from the vortex generator. The vortex is discharged with physical attributes to provide the tactile sensation corresponding to the visual presentation upon striking the physical object
Data Source
AI summary
To convey tactile sensations over an open space, a system may use a vortex generator to direct one or more vortices at an object in 3-D space. Once a vortex strikes an object—e.g., a user's hand—it applies a force. The vortex generator can control the frequency and intensity of the vortices in order to provide different tactile sensations that correspond to virtual objects or events in a visual presentation. The system may identify and track objects in the real-world environment, and based on information provided by a device displaying the visual presentation, transmit instructions to the vortex generator to discharge vortices that convey a tactile sensation corresponding to the virtual object or event in the visual presentation. By doing so, the vortices augment the real-world environment to immerse the user in the visual presentation.