Opportunity
The existing challenge in VR, AR, and XR industries is that traditional haptic feedback devices often rely on bulky electromagnetic actuators or require external high-voltage power sources and signal generators. These systems are typically rigid, heavy, and tethered to external equipment via cables, which restricts user mobility and diminishes immersive experiences. Electrotactile stimulation offers a thinner and lighter alternative but still faces limitations due to the need for high-voltage pulsed signals, which traditionally require external power supplies. This dependency on wired connections hinders the development of truly portable and untethered haptic feedback systems for virtual touch experiences.
Technology
The patent introduces a miniaturized, self-powered or wirelessly powered electrotactile apparatus that integrates an electrode-array unit and a driver unit. The driver unit includes a rechargeable battery, a power management module, a high-voltage booster module, a high-voltage multiplexer (MUX), a microcontroller (MCU), and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). It generates pulsed voltage signals to drive electrodes placed on the skin, inducing excitation currents that create haptic sensations. A key innovation is the incorporation of a common counter electrode on the outer surface of the flexible driver unit, which collects return currents and ensures stable skin contact without external cables. The system also supports wireless communication (e.g., BLE) and wireless charging (e.g., Qi standard), enabling fully untethered operation.
Advantages
- Untethered Operation: Self-powered or wirelessly powered, eliminating the need for external cables.
- Miniaturization and Flexibility: The driver unit is substantially flexible and compact, enhancing wearability.
- Stable Skin Interface: The common counter electrode ensures seamless skin contact for reliable current return.
- Safety Features: Includes current monitoring and limiting to prevent electric shock.
- Wireless Connectivity: Supports BLE communication and Qi-standard wireless charging.
- High Voltage Capability: Generates up to 135V pulsed signals sufficient for electrotactile stimulation.
Applications
- Virtual/Augmented Reality: Providing tactile feedback in VR/AR/XR environments for immersive experiences.
- Prosthetic Control: Enabling sensorimotor feedback in prosthetic devices.
- Wearable Health Monitoring: Integrating with epidermal sensors for physiological data acquisition and feedback.
- Human-Machine Interfaces: Enhancing interaction in teleoperation, gaming, and remote control applications.
- Rehabilitation Training: Assisting in motor sensory recovery through electrotactile stimulation.
