Tactile display could convey signals on soldiers' backs

Although glitzy, stat-filled jerseys are certainly sufficient ways to get information off your chest (ahem), a new vibrating vest could give "body language" an entirely new meaning. Joining the air-conditioned and insulating renditions, this snazzy vest features a "tactile display" on the back, which is created by 16 small vibrating motors that are connected to an internal wireless control unit. The jacket "writes symbols and messages on its wearer's back," and while the actual writing resembles Braille more than text, it can supposedly be used to "send important commands to soldiers or firefighters, warning them of imminent danger when ordinary radios cannot be used." Commands are beamed to the vests via a wirelessly-enabled computer, and can stealthily inform platoons to stop, look in a specific direction, run, or slow down. The US Army is partially funding the research, as it hopes to investigate different ways to communicate when hand signals and / or radio transmissions aren't effective. During initial testing, results have shown nearly flawless interpretation by participants, and while we're not exactly sure when we can expect rumble-equipped gear to grace our armed forces, the problem of "excess noise from the motors" has to be quelled before hitting the battlefield.

[Via BoingBoing]

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Jan 5th 2007 1:42AM]

"the problem of "excess noise from the motors" has to be quelled before hitting the battlefield."

The solution is a simple one. It's an effect known as the Pieazzo electric effect. When an electric charge is applied to a chrystal, it will flex. And the opposite happens when a crystal is bent, it produces an electric charge. Simply put, put (silent) pieazo electic crystals in place of the motors. The electric charge applied to the crystals will cause it to buldge.

I wish that I could make a buck off my idea/solution. But I want our soldiers to be more effective so I won't worry about it. This one is on my boys! Solid state technology for the win!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piezoelectric_effect

[Nick @ Jan 5th 2007 2:06AM]

sorry, but your idea will not work.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Jan 5th 2007 1:43AM]

Also If memory serves me correct, there are also some polymers that will flex when electricity is applied to them.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Jan 5th 2007 1:52AM]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroactive_polymers

[lifewithryan @ Nov 5th 2007 10:57AM]

"Those who say it cannot be done should not get in the way of those who say it can be done."

I could have sworn the saying was actually: "Those who say it cannot be done should not get in the way of those who are doing it."

If not, I think thats better anyway ;)

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Jan 5th 2007 2:11AM]

"sorry, but your idea will not work."

How is that so? An old chinnese proverb said "Those who say it cannot be done should not get in the way of those who say it can be done."

[BaalMoloch @ Jan 5th 2007 8:12AM]

Hmm... wonder if it can spell out "Kick Me."

[Wayne D. @ Jan 5th 2007 10:40AM]

Uh-oh, my Spidey-sense is tingling...

[Spartacus @ Jan 5th 2007 1:14PM]

In terms of practicality this is just another frivolous bit of military funding for something that may have usage somewhere, someday, maybe. It won't be in the military though, or at least not even close to widely used, unless they can get this thing to give a decent back massage as well.

A simple written out text message will be much more efficient once everyone is wearing heads up goggles (not to mention sending robot warriors to do their work for them.)

[Cybernetic Zombie @ Jan 7th 2007 12:01PM]

@Spartacus - (a) In a combat or other tactical situations, the last thing you want to have to do is take your eyes out of 'scan' mode and refocus them to read text! (b) There is something called cognitive overload - essentially your brain is bombarded with more information than it can process. One of the interesting things about the brain, is that it can process multiple senses, and in doing so, it reduces cognitive overload; this is why such technology was being experimented on military pilots, their visual and audio cognative loads are maxed out with today's technologies (including heads-up displays), by using something that 'touched' their back, the pilots are able to receive and process more information (and no, it's not a 'lot' more information, it's an incremental amount, but more is more in a tactical situation). So in both cases, technology like this is very viable, if the bugs can be worked out.

[mastershake @ Jan 5th 2007 4:23PM]

Actually guys, I believe this is being misinterpetted. What it does is use physical sensations to communicate with troops. i.e. right side vibrates go left! The idea is for mounted command elements to be able to communicate with dismounted troops without words. If I am in a helicopter and I say go left, but I am facing you, did I say it right? But if you are headed to a location I marked on a video screen with gps, then the computer buzzs you toward your objective.
Additionaly if you are moving close to a target, and I am monitering on thermal or nvg, I may not want to put noise in your ear while you are being sneaky. The main thing to remember here is sound. Do me a favor, go out side with a gun (somehwere were you can! don't be stupid) and without ear plugs shoot at stuff while someone tries to talk to you on your cell phone and tell you where to go. I once had to dismount and engage from a tacoma quickly. I jumped out, with only my right ear plug in, took a knee beside the truck for cover and squeezed off three shots from an M-4. I actually felt physical pain in my head as the sound waves bounced off the truck and into my left ear! I could barely talk to people in the truck for the rest of the night! My ear rang for 2 days!! Now, imagine your troops in a an all out fire fight, and you can see they are about to get flanked, you scream into the radio, and SOME of your guys look around, but not all.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Jan 7th 2007 3:48AM]

http://www.medgadget.com/archives/2007/01/tactile_messagi.html

[Cybernetic Zombie @ Jan 7th 2007 12:00PM]

I think the proverb is actually "Those who say it cannot be done should get out of the way of the people doing it."

While they are working on making it quiet for field use, it would probably help production costs if the companies capable of producing the vests, worked with the gaming market. The noise wouldn't be a life-or-death issue, but it could really enhance some games.

Also, I'm surprised police weren't included in the list of occupations that could benefit from this tech. I actually first heard about this almost five years ago when it was being tested on military pilots - any word on whether it is still being tested with that group or in use, or what not?