Wearable Electrode Dual-Function Sensing and Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic sensation technologies in wearable devices are bulky, limit user movement, and detract from immersive artificial-reality experiences due to generalized and non-targeted haptic feedback, failing to provide finely focused sensations on specific muscle groups.
Innovation Solution
Dual-purposing sensing components on wearable devices, such as electrodes, to both sense biometric signals and deliver targeted haptic precursors to specific biophysical areas, allowing for precise haptic feedback that enhances immersion in artificial-reality environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional haptic devices are used to provide haptic sensations, then haptic feedback can be delivered, but the devices become bulky and cumbersome, limiting user freedom of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing component (electrode) is designed to perform dual functions: sensing biometric signals during exercise and delivering haptic precursors for feedback. This eliminates the need for separate haptic actuators, reducing device bulk while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sensing and haptic delivery functions into a single integrated component (the electrode). By merging these functions, the device structure is simplified and size is reduced, allowing greater user mobility
2Adaptability or versatility
If generalized haptic feedback is provided to large areas of the user's body, then haptic sensation can be achieved, but the feedback is not targeted to specific muscle groups, reducing immersion in artificial-reality environments
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic precursor delivery is localized to specific muscle groups or biophysical areas rather than applying generalized feedback across large body areas. This targeted approach enhances immersion by providing precise haptic feedback corresponding to specific interactions in the artificial-reality environment
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the body into specific targetable muscle groups or biophysical areas, allowing independent control and feedback delivery to each segment. This segmentation enables precise targeting of haptic feedback to match specific interactions in the virtual environment
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensing components are used exclusively for sensing biometric signals, then accurate biometric data can be collected, but the components cannot deliver haptic feedback, requiring additional hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is designed as a multi-functional component that can operate in two modes: sensing mode for collecting biometric signals during exercise, and delivery mode for transmitting haptic precursors. This dual functionality eliminates the need for separate haptic actuators, reducing overall device complexity
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 user-friendly, finely focused, and realistic haptic sensations, improving user interaction and immersion in artificial-reality environments by targeting specific muscle groups with precise haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
using a sensing component of a wearable electronic device to sense a biometric signal (e.g., a neuromuscular signal, such as an electromyography signal) of a user
Implementation Method 2
instructing the sensing component to send a predetermined haptic precursor to a targeted biophysical area of the user, such that the user is caused to perceive a haptic sensation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for sensing biometric signals and sending haptic precursors to effectuate a haptic sensation is disclosed. Utilizing a component, for example a sensing component or electrode, on a wearable device, a biometric signal of a user can be sensed. One or more haptic precursors can also be sent by the component to one or more targeted biophysical areas of the user. The one or more haptic precursors can cause the user to sense one or more haptic sensations at the targeted biophysical areas.