Wearable Textile-Based Haptic Communication Device with Interactive Display

Using traditional, textile screen-printing techniques, DotBliss applies multiple layers of functionalized, electronically active inks to create three-dimensional electronic composites, producing interactive touch displays, controls, and haptic feedback systems on a flexible fabric base.Ā The functionality we create is similar to the interactive displays of smartphones. Our fabric-based systems are currently about one-quarter the resolution of the original iPhone screens circa 2006. Our controllable displays exhibit flexibility, crush-ability, cuttability, and sew-ability, akin to conventional fabrics.Ā The goal of this Direct-to-Phase II SBIR is to improve communication between squad members and squad leaders in the operational environment. The technical approach to solving this problem is to build a visual and haptic device for a warfighter to wear on their forearm. The body-worn device will be a lightweight, fabric-based device that receives and provides haptic (touch) feedback and displays instructions to a warfighter. Currently, our warfighters in the field are using TAK, a tactical assault communications kit that typically uses an Android phone. The phone is attached to the vest and the soldier must look downward at this phone and use his arms at a convoluted angle in order to type and interact with the phone. As described by the PEO Soldier Survivability Office, this system causes 4 distinct difficulties in the field. Looking down, the warfighter loses situational awareness. While interacting with the phone, the warfighter is not prepared with his/her Āweapon.Ā The weight of the phone and its location limit the movement of the warfighter. The bright backlight from the phone illuminates the warfighter making them visible in the dark. These 4 problems lead to survivability, lethality and maneuverability issues. Our proposed enhancement of TAK provides an alternative communication interface that maintains situational awareness, limits light emission and provides for covert communication.ĀAs an addition to the TAK system, we will print a display on a fabric sleeve that can be worn on the forearm. This "quarterback sleeve" would allow the warfighters to wear a display on their arm which is supporting their weapon, so their arm is extended and their heads are always up and prepared to take action. The haptic communication is completely covert ¢ no light and no sound. The objectives of this SBIR: The first is to understand how effective haptic communication via a forearm sleeve is in providing direction and navigation in the operational environment. The second is to learn the usefulness of a visual display on the forearm in addition to or instead of a phone-based TAK display for an individual warfighter.