VR Tactile Sphere with Rotating Inner Shell for Dynamic Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality systems fail to effectively simulate full-body tactile sensations, as existing gloves and bodysuits provide limited tactile feedback due to restricted movement of their components, preventing a true simulation of movement or motion.
Innovation Solution
A tactile device comprising an outer hollow sphere, a pliable inner hollow sphere, and a framework with powered rollers and actuators that dynamically reshape the inner sphere as it rotates, providing a changing physical surface for the user to interact with, enhancing the simulation of surfaces like rock-climbing walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gloves and bodysuits with tactile emulators are used, then tactile sensations can be provided, but the range of movement is limited and true simulation of movement/motion cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spherical structure where the inner sphere can rotate independently within the outer sphere, allowing the tactile emulator to move freely in multiple directions. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to various movement patterns and provide authentic tactile feedback during physical activities, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable tactile sensation and enabling full range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile device is divided into separate components: an outer sphere housing, an inner rotating sphere containing the tactile emulator, and independent mounting structures. This segmentation allows each component to function independently - the outer sphere provides structural support while the inner sphere delivers tactile feedback without restricting user movement, thus achieving both reliable sensation simulation and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If a static physical surface is provided in VR, then users can interact with the environment, but the sensation of feeling changing shapes and textures is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable physical surface through the rotating inner sphere mechanism. As the inner sphere rotates, it presents different tactile textures and surface characteristics to the user, enabling the system to adapt to various virtual environments and activities. This dynamic surface transformation maintains ease of physical interaction while providing authentic sensations of changing shapes and textures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the tactile surface by rotating the inner sphere at different speeds and orientations. This parameter adjustment allows the same physical device to simulate diverse surface conditions - from smooth to rough, from static to dynamic - thereby achieving versatile surface adaptation while maintaining straightforward user interaction.
3Illumination intensity
If visual VR displays are used, then immersive visual experience is provided, but full-body tactile sensations are not effectively supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges visual VR technology with physical tactile feedback by integrating the rotating sphere emulator into the VR headset structure. This combination allows users to simultaneously experience immersive visual displays and authentic full-body tactile sensations, creating a unified multi-sensory VR environment that addresses both visual immersion and tactile reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating inner sphere acts as an intermediary between the visual virtual environment and the user's physical body. It translates visual stimuli into corresponding tactile sensations, bridging the gap between what the user sees and what their body feels, thereby enhancing overall immersion while providing reliable full-body tactile feedback.
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 solution provides a more immersive experience by allowing users to physically feel changing shapes and textures within the VR environment, surpassing the limitations of prior VR systems by offering a true physical layer of interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of actuators that physically couple the outer hollow sphere to the pliable inner hollow sphere and are configured to dynamically reshape the pliable inner hollow sphere as the outer hollow sphere and the pliable inner hollow sphere rotate
Implementation Method 2
a framework that comprises a plurality of powered rollers that support the outer hollow sphere and control a rotational speed and direction of the outer hollow sphere and the pliable inner hollow sphere
Data Source
AI summary
A tactile device for virtual reality simulations includes an outer hollow sphere, a pliable inner hollow sphere, a plurality of actuators, and a framework. The plurality of actuators physically couple the outer hollow sphere to the pliable inner hollow sphere, and are configured to dynamically and physically reshape the pliable inner hollow sphere as the outer hollow sphere and the pliable inner hollow sphere rotate. The framework includes a plurality of powered rollers that support the outer hollow sphere and control a rotational speed and direction of the outer hollow sphere and the pliable inner hollow sphere.