NU 2017-079
Primary Investigator
John Rogers*
Short Description
An array of unrestrictive, light-weight, powerful wireless devices for a more immersive virtual reality experience
Background
With the continued growth of electronic platforms for social interactions and gaming through augmented and virtual reality, the development of technological products that offer a reliable and realistic physical interface corresponding to the video interaction continue to lag behind. Although much effort has been devoted to producing devices that create a more immersive experience through physical stimulation, these products suffer significant disadvantages. They tend to be obtrusive and lack reliability in power and communication. A light-weight, wireless device with which users can move in an unrestricted manner would heighten such electronic platforms.
Abstract
Researchers at Northwestern have developed a range of wireless devices that can be integrated into the world of AR/VR and social media. These devices are comprised of powerful microactuators that can reliably generate a physical stimulus in response to a signal that can then be felt by a user. Each device can be wirelessly configured to interact with the surface of the skin and translate signals into mechanical, thermal, electrical, or a combination of sensations. An additional capability is the inclusion of chemical or biological actuators that interact with biological components on or underneath the skin. The actuators in this system are capable of wireless 'power harvesting' via NFC, eliminating the need for bulky batteries and time-consuming charging of the device. Incorporating this unique power-saving platform enables the device to remain wireless even for a large number of actuators acting over a large area. In addition, a wireless controller is used to remotely control the actuators and other controllable components of the system without a physical connection. In this manner, an individual at a distance may control, as desired, activation of the device that is being used by a second individual, without any direct physical contact between the individuals.
Applications
Advantages
IP Status
A US patent and PCT applications have been filed.