Remote Haptic Vortex Ring Actuator for VR Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality and gaming systems lack adequate haptic and tactile feedback, limiting the realism of experiences and requiring participants to be in direct contact with actuators, which is not feasible in many applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of vortex rings generated by actuators to provide remote haptic and tactile stimuli to participants within an activity area, allowing for precise temporal and spatial feedback without direct contact, using sensors to track participant position and orientation for targeted stimulus delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If body-worn spatial array of vibrotactile actuators is used to provide tactile feedback, then tactile feedback can be delivered to specific body locations, but the system requires direct contact between actuators and participant body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air jets as an intermediary medium to transmit haptic feedback from remote actuators to the participant's body. The actuators generate controlled air streams that impinge on the skin to produce tactile sensations without requiring direct physical contact between the actuator and the participant, thereby enabling participant mobility while maintaining feedback delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical contact-based vibrotactile actuator system with a pneumatic system using air jets. This substitution eliminates the need for direct mechanical contact between actuators and skin, allowing participants to move freely within the activity area while still receiving targeted haptic feedback through controlled air stream impingement on specific body locations
2Adaptability or versatility
If air jets are used to provide remote haptic stimulus, then direct contact with actuators is avoided, but the range and effectiveness of haptic feedback is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple actuators distributed around the activity area, each capable of independent control of air jet parameters including flow rate, pressure, and direction. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on participant position and desired feedback intensity, the system maintains effective haptic stimulus strength across extended ranges while preserving participant freedom of movement
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic feedback system is divided into multiple independent air jet actuators positioned at different locations around the activity area. Each actuator can be independently controlled to target specific body regions, allowing the system to maintain effective force delivery across a larger overall range by distributing multiple localized feedback sources rather than relying on a single actuator
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 immersive and realistic haptic and tactile experiences for participants, enhancing the realism of virtual training, gaming, and entertainment by providing salient feedback without the need for wearable devices or direct contact with actuators.
Implementation Method 1
One or more vortex rings are generated using one or more actuators and propagate towards and impinge against the body surface of one or more participants
Implementation Method 2
Some of the energy in the vortex will be converted to thrust against the surface of the object. Sufficient thrust forces against a participant body surface will create shear and deflection in the cutaneous layers
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to provide a remote haptic and vibratory feedback stimulus to the body of a participant that may be remote from an actuator for the generation of vortex rings.