Wrist-Mounted Haptic Device for Virtual Object Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic technologies for virtual reality and augmented reality are cumbersome, wired, and limited in mobility, making it difficult to effectively convey information about virtual objects through tactile stimulation, especially for tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a haptic device with actuators placed on the wrist or other body regions to provide haptic stimulation through sensory displacement, allowing for wireless, compact, and highly sensitive interaction with virtual objects, enabling the user to maintain full mobility and dexterity while interacting with virtual environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional haptic gloves are used to mimic object feel, then tactile feedback is provided, but the device becomes bulky and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback function is segmented from the hand and placed on the wrist, allowing the hand to remain free and unencumbered while still receiving tactile feedback through the wrist-mounted device
Solution Approach 2:
The wrist acts as an intermediary location between the hand (where tactile feedback is needed) and the haptic actuator (which can be compactly mounted on the wrist), enabling feedback transmission without direct hand contact
2Reliability
If wired haptic systems are used, then haptic feedback is delivered, but mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The wire connection is extracted and removed from the system, replacing it with a wireless communication link that allows the haptic device to operate independently without restricting user movement
3Reliability
If haptic devices are placed on the hand, then direct tactile feedback is achieved, but dexterity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic device is segmented from the hand and relocated to the wrist, separating the feedback function from the manipulation function to preserve hand dexterity
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback transmission path is extended from direct hand contact to wrist transmission, using the arm as an additional dimension to deliver tactile feedback without interfering with hand movement
Data Source
AI summary
A system for haptic stimulation includes a haptic device and preferably interfaces with and/or includes a virtual platform. A method for haptic stimulation includes: receiving a set of inputs; determining one or more parameters associated with a virtual object based on the set of inputs; and prescribing a stimulation pattern to one or more haptic actuators of a haptic device. Additionally or alternatively, the method 200 can include any or all of: presenting information to a user; selecting one or more haptic actuators of a haptic device based on the parameter(s); and/or any other suitable processes performed in any order.