Virtual Reality Interface Haptic Feedback Based on Touch Distance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing messaging systems lack the tactile or haptic capabilities that mimic face-to-face communication, failing to engage users deeply with their contacts.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating haptic feedback responses into messaging systems by using client devices with touch-sensitive interfaces to simulate touch interactions during video calls, enabling synchronized haptic feedback between users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional messaging systems are used, then device complexity is low, but user engagement and communication immersion are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication immersionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines video communication functionality with haptic feedback capabilities into an integrated messaging system. The haptic interface merges tactile feedback mechanisms with visual communication to create a multi-sensory experience, allowing users to both see and feel interactions during video calls, thereby enhancing communication immersion without requiring entirely separate systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The messaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional text/messaging, video communication, and haptic feedback delivery. By making the system universal and multi-functional, it can adapt to different communication needs while maintaining a unified interface, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If haptic feedback mechanisms are added to simulate touch sensations, then user engagement improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile interaction capabilityVSAvoidhaptic system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a haptic interface as an intermediary component that translates digital communication into tactile sensations. This mediator layer converts visual and auditory information into touch-based feedback, allowing users to perceive emotions and interactions through multiple senses without requiring complete redesign of the core communication architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a tactile dimension to traditionally two-dimensional visual communication. By incorporating haptic feedback, the messaging system transitions from flat screen-based interaction to multi-dimensional engagement that includes touch sensation, enhancing immersion without fundamentally altering the core communication protocol

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enhances the communication experience by providing a more immersive and engaging interaction, simulating touch sensations to replicate face-to-face contact, thereby deepening user engagement.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating haptic feedback responses into messaging systems by using client devices with touch-sensitive interfaces to simulate touch interactions during video calls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHaptic feedback:

Data Source

PatentEP4315001B1Virtual reality interface with haptic feedback response
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 SNAP INC
  • EP4315001B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4315001B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4315001B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.