Wearable Electrode Array for Haptic Aim Correction Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality and augmented reality systems lack the ability to provide immersive and realistic somatosensory feedback, limiting user engagement and presence in virtual environments, particularly in applications like gaming and training where haptic sensations are crucial for enhanced spatial awareness and target alignment.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with an array of electrodes embedded in a garment, connected to an electrical stimulation transmitter and a data processing module, which applies spatiotemporal electrical stimulation patterns to simulate various somatosensations, such as recoil from weapon fire or rain, and provides haptic feedback for aim correction during ranged weapon use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional VR/AR systems are used, then visual immersion is provided, but realistic somatosensory feedback is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical haptic actuators with an electrical stimulation system that uses arrays of electrodes to deliver pulsed electrical currents directly to nerves in the skin. This substitution enables more realistic somatosensory feedback by directly stimulating neural pathways rather than relying on mechanical vibration or pressure mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the skin surface into multiple discrete electrode contact points arranged in arrays across different body regions. Each electrode can be independently controlled to deliver targeted stimulation to specific nerve pathways, enabling spatially differentiated somatosensory feedback that corresponds to virtual tactile events at different locations.
2Measurement precision
If arrays of electrodes are used to provide high-definition electrical stimulation, then spatial awareness and target alignment are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array system serves multiple functions: it provides directional aim correction feedback, delivers weapon discharge somatosensory effects, and can be adapted for various training scenarios. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by consolidating multiple feedback mechanisms into a single versatile platform.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode array are configured with specific electrode densities and patterns optimized for local anatomical features and neural pathways. For example, higher electrode density is applied to areas with richer nerve innervation to provide more precise spatial discrimination, while sparser arrays are used in regions where coarse feedback suffices.
3Reliability
If spatiotemporal electrical stimulation patterns are applied to simulate various sensations, then user immersion is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers electrical stimulation in periodic pulse trains rather than continuous currents. Each pulse train corresponds to a specific somatosensory event (e.g., weapon discharge, environmental tactile feedback), with inter-pulse intervals and duty cycles optimized to maintain immersion while allowing energy dissipation and preventing nerve adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation parameters (amplitude, frequency, pulse width, electrode activation patterns) are dynamically adjusted based on the virtual event being simulated and the user's physiological state. This dynamic optimization ensures sufficient stimulation intensity for immersion while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding excessive or redundant stimulation.
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
The solution enhances user immersion and spatial awareness by providing realistic haptic feedback, improving aim accuracy and overall engagement in virtual environments, and can be adapted for therapeutic and training applications.
Implementation Method 1
an array of electrodes configured to be disposed on a body part; an electrical stimulation transmitter operatively coupled with the array of electrodes... applying a spatiotemporal electrical stimulation pattern stored in the non-transitory storage medium using the electrical stimulation transmitter and the array of electrodes to generate the somatosensation
Data Source
AI summary
Aiming assistance is provided for assisting a user in aiming a ranged weapon at a target. The aiming assistance includes receiving telemetry information from one or more sensors, and determining an aim error based on the telemetry information. The aim error indicates of an error between a trajectory of the ranged weapon and an on target trajectory from the ranged weapon to the target. A somatosensation is provided to the user which is indicative of the aim error. This is done by operating haptic devices of a garment worn on an arm or wrist of the user to apply haptic sensation to skin of the arm or wrist. The haptic devices may be electrodes and the applied haptic sensation comprises transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation (TENS), or the haptic devices may be vibrators.