Wristband Electrical Stimulation for Remote Hand Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented-reality systems lack effective integration of remote haptics, leading to cumbersome and mobility-interfering finger-based haptic systems that hinder seamless user interaction with AR objects.
Innovation Solution
Implementing remote haptic feedback systems at the user's wrist, paired with visual confirmation, to provide localized haptic sensations at intended regions of the hand, using a wrist-wearable device and head-wearable device to enhance user interaction with AR elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If finger-based haptic systems are implemented, then haptic feedback can be provided at the interaction point, but the system becomes bulky and interferes with user mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback mechanism is extracted from the finger-based location and relocated to the wrist. The wrist-wearable device generates haptic signals that are perceived remotely at the finger, separating the haptic generation location from the perception location. This allows the haptic system to provide accurate feedback at the interaction point without physically occupying space at the finger, thereby maintaining user mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where electrical signals are transmitted through the user's body from the wrist to the finger. The wrist-wearable device applies electrical stimulation that travels through nerves and muscles to create haptic sensations at the target finger location. This intermediary approach allows remote haptic feedback without direct mechanical contact at the finger.
2Measurement precision
If finger-based haptic systems are implemented, then localized haptic feedback is achieved, but the system becomes difficult and time-consuming to put on and take off
Solution Approach 1:
The wrist-wearable device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a general wristwatch and a haptic feedback device. By locating the haptic mechanism at the wrist rather than requiring separate finger-mounted components, the system uses a single wearable device that is easier to put on and take off while still providing localized haptic feedback at the specific finger through electrical signal transmission.
3Ease of operation
If remote haptic signals are sent to the finger, then user mobility is maintained, but the haptic sensation may not be localized to the intended region
Solution Approach 1:
The wrist-wearable device employs multiple electrodes that can be selectively activated to target specific fingers. By controlling which electrodes receive stimulation signals, the system can localize haptic sensations to the intended finger region. The visual feedback component also reinforces localization by highlighting the specific finger receiving haptic feedback, creating a coordinated multi-sensory experience that enhances spatial accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates visual feedback through the head-wearable device that displays which finger is receiving haptic feedback. This visual confirmation helps the user mentally associate the haptic sensation with the correct body part, enhancing the perceived localization accuracy. The feedback loop between visual and haptic modalities reinforces the spatial mapping.
4Force
If strong haptic signals are sent to the finger, then haptic feedback intensity is increased, but user discomfort occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies a priming signal to the wrist area before delivering the main haptic signal to the finger. This preliminary action conditions the tissue and nerve pathways, allowing the subsequent haptic signal to be more effective at lower intensities. The priming signal prepares the physiological system to respond to the incoming stimulation, reducing the threshold for perception and enabling stronger perceived feedback without requiring higher signal amplitudes that would cause discomfort.
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
Enhances user interaction by providing intuitive and error-reducing haptic feedback, allowing users to confirm interactions more effectively through localized haptic and visual cues, thereby streamlining the AR experience.
Implementation Method 1
causing, via a set of electrodes of a wearable device, a haptic signal to be sent to a first portion of a user. The haptic signal may be configured to cause haptic feedback to be perceived at a second portion of the user that is distinct from the first portion of the user
Implementation Method 2
causing a visual indication of the haptic feedback at the second portion to be displayed to the user via a display of a head-wearable device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing remote haptic feedback is described. The method includes applying, via a set of electrodes of a wearable device, a haptic signal to a first portion of a user. The haptic signal is configured to cause haptic feedback to be perceived at a second portion of the user that is distinct from the first portion of the user. The method further includes causing a visual indication of the haptic feedback at the second portion to be displayed to the user via a display of a head-wearable device.