Implementation of the Haptic Tele-Weight Device Using a 10 MHz Smart Torch VLC Link

Abstract

Considering the prerequisite need for a protected e-commerce platform, absence of haptic interaction in head-mounted displays (HMD), and exploitation of faster communication technology, this research work aims to present an amended version of the tele-weight device that utilizes the 6G visible light communication (VLC) technology, is faster in performance, and deals with a heavier article. The enhanced version of the device is to be called the ‘VLC tele-weight device’ and the aim for the VLC tele-weight device is to get it affixed over the headset which will allow the user to have the weight-based sensation of the product ordered on the virtual store. The proposed device sending end and receiving end part performs communication over the VLC link. Furthermore, Arduino Nano is used as the microcontroller (MCU) in the project. Sending end circuitry measures the weight using the load cell and HX711 amplifier combination and transmits it via the connected LED. The pre-equalizer circuit is connected between the LED and sending end part to improve the bandwidth. On the receiver side, the post-equalizer circuit improves the shape of the received pulse. The received weight value is then displayed using the motor-gear combination. The sending end device is to be sited at the virtual store, while the receiving end is planned to be positioned over the VR headset. The performance of the device was measured by performing repeated trials and the percentage error was found to be between 0.5–3%. Merging the field of embedded systems, internet of things (IoT), VLC, signal processing, virtual reality (VR), e-commerce, and haptic sensing, the idea proposed in this research work can help introduce the haptic interaction, and sensational realization-based innovation in immersive visualization (IV) and graphical user interface (GUI) domain.