Wearable Tactile Messaging System for Wireless Touch Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems that convey sensory outputs to users require manual electronic input, limiting their effectiveness as they need to operate in close proximity to the signal generating and sensory output devices.

Innovation Solution

A tactile messaging system that enables users to send and receive tactile messages through wearable devices, using tactile input sensors, actuators, and wireless clients connected via a server to translate and transmit tactile input parameters into corresponding sensory output parameters, allowing communication by touch without manual electronic input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual electronic input is used in existing communication systems, then signal generation is possible, but the system requires operation in close proximity and limits communication effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual input requirementVSAvoidoperating distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual electronic input (mechanical/physical interaction with devices) with tactile sensing technology that automatically detects and processes touch inputs. The tactile sensors capture touch patterns, pressure, and gestures, converting them into electronic signals without requiring manual device operation, thus eliminating the need for close proximity operation while maintaining intuitive interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If tactile sensors and wireless communication are integrated in wearable devices, then remote tactile communication is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile communication capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functional wearable devices that combine tactile sensing, wireless communication, and signal processing capabilities into a single integrated platform. The same device can function as a tactile input sensor, a communication transmitter, and a processing unit, reducing the need for separate specialized components and simplifying overall system architecture while enabling remote tactile communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If tactile input parameters are translated to sensory output parameters through a server, then remote tactile messaging is achieved, but communication delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote communication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-processes tactile input parameters at the source device before transmission, converting raw touch data into standardized communication protocols in advance. This preliminary processing reduces the computational burden on remote devices and minimizes transmission time, thereby reducing overall communication delay while maintaining remote tactile messaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 tactile communication between users over distance, enhancing user interaction by converting tactile inputs into sensory outputs such as vibrations, lights, or sounds, without the need for manual input, thus expanding the range and method of sensory feedback.

Implementation Method 1

The tactile input sensors may be configured to generate output signals conveying information related to contact made with the sensors by the user. For example, the output signals may convey information related to a contact pressure, a contact location, a contact timing, and/or other contact parameters.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The second wearable tactile user device may be configured to communicate sensory output to the second user that corresponds to tactile input by the first user to the first wearable tactile user device. The one or more sensory output devices may comprise actuators, light(s), speaker(s), and/or other sensory output components.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8643479B1Wearable charms for use with a wireless client device and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2014.02.04 DONHAM JOHN

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a tactile messaging system configured to send tactile messages between users. The system may be configured so a first user may input tactile information into a first wearable tactile user device and a second user may receive sensory output from a second tactile user device that corresponds to the tactile information entered by the first user into the first tactile user device. This may allow users to communicate by touch, without having to manually enter electronic input information into the system.