Wearable Haptic Apparatus for Covert Tactile Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication methods, such as textual messages, require hand and eye coordination, making them impractical in situations where hands and eyes are occupied or covert communication is necessary, and alternative output devices for disabilities often have a steep learning curve.
Innovation Solution
The development of smart haptic output devices with wearable apparatuses equipped with haptic elements that receive and transmit messages wirelessly, allowing for tactile communication through sequential actuation of haptic elements to convey symbols and coordinates, enabling covert and hands-free communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If textual communication methods are used, then message transmission is achieved, but hand and eye coordination is required making it impractical in certain situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual-textual communication (requiring hand and eye coordination) with haptic tactile communication through vibration patterns. The mechanical vibration system substitutes for the visual display and keyboard input system, enabling communication through touch sensations on the wrist without requiring visual attention or manual dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces haptic vibration patterns as an intermediary medium between the communicator and the recipient. Instead of direct visual-textual exchange requiring coordinated hand-eye action, the vibration patterns serve as a mediator that conveys information through tactile sensation, bypassing the need for visual engagement and manual operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If alternative output devices for disabilities are used, then communication accessibility is improved, but a steep learning curve is required to understand coded pulse messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of message encoding from complex coded pulse sequences requiring cognitive translation to intuitive vibration patterns that directly represent communication intent. By varying vibration characteristics (frequency, duration, pattern) to correspond with message types, the system makes the communication medium itself convey meaning without requiring learned code interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to learn how to interpret coded pulses (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by having the system automatically interpret incoming messages and translate them into intuitive vibration patterns. The complexity is shifted from the user's cognitive processing to the device's automatic translation function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If haptic elements are sequentially actuated to convey symbols, then covert communication is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function into distinct vibration patterns for different message types (e.g., different sequences for different recipients or message categories). Each segment of the vibration sequence represents a discrete communication element, allowing complex communication protocols to be implemented through simple, repeatable vibration modules without requiring overly complex hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate generally to providing information through tactility. A computer system may receive an input from a user. The computer system may identify one or more locations associated with haptic elements disposed on a wearable haptic apparatus. The computer system may generate a message that includes an indication of the one or more locations. The computer system may transmit this message to the wearable haptic apparatus. The wearable haptic apparatus may actuate one or more haptic elements disposed thereon based on the indication of the one or more locations included in the message. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.