Wearable Input Device with Matrix Electrodes for Tactile Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable input/output devices, such as those using conductive yarn in garments, can only detect simple gestures and require additional output interfaces like voice or displays for feedback, making it difficult to input complex information and increasing the risk of users becoming visually insensitive.

Innovation Solution

A device with a locus detection unit, pattern determination unit, transmission unit, reception unit, and tactile output unit that uses flexible conductive electrode units integrated into clothing to detect and transmit input patterns and provide tactile feedback, allowing for more complex information input and output without visual distraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If simple gesture detection using conductive yarn is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the information input capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidinformation input capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The cuff is divided into multiple electrode units arranged in a matrix pattern, allowing detection of multiple touch points simultaneously. This segmentation enables complex information input through combinations of touched electrodes while maintaining simple individual electrode structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode units are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on the cuff surface, adding spatial dimensions to the input interface. This allows detection of gesture patterns across the cuff surface, enabling complex information input without increasing individual component complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If additional output interfaces like voice or display are used, then the feedback capability is improved, but the user safety is compromised due to visual distraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback capabilityVSAvoiduser safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Visual and auditory output interfaces are replaced with tactile output through electrical stimulation of the skin. This substitution provides feedback through the sense of touch, allowing users to receive information without visual or auditory distraction, thereby maintaining safety during activities like walking or cycling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The skin itself serves as the output interface through tactile sensation. The electrical stimulus unit directly stimulates the user's skin to provide feedback, eliminating the need for separate display or speaker components and providing safe, integrated feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If only simple gestures like tapping and swiping are detected, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the information input detail is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidinformation input detail

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system detects not only simple taps and swipes but also complex gesture patterns across multiple electrodes. The dynamic combination of touched electrode units enables detailed information input while maintaining natural, easy-to-perform gestures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 confirmation of output and input of complex information while preventing visually insensitive states, allowing users to operate devices safely and discreetly by simulating tactile sensations on the skin.

Implementation Method 1

the locus detection unit is formed of a plurality of electrode units... the plurality of electrode units are made of a conductive material having flexibility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the tactile output unit provides, to the body, a simulated tactile sense of a skin being traced by electrical stimulus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulus: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS11249601B2Input/output device

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

A locus detection unit detects a locus traced by an input unit that is attached to a body. A pattern determination unit determines an input pattern based on the locus detected by the locus detection unit. A transmission unit transmits the input pattern determined by the pattern determination unit as input information to an external device. A reception unit receives output information transmitted from the external device. A tactile output unit provides, to the body, the output information received by the reception unit as a simulated tactile sense of the skin being traced.