http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/ Engadget Comments for Tactile display could convey signals on soldiers' backs http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/
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]]>Jan 5th 2007 1:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/Jan 5th 2007 2:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/Jan 5th 2007 1:43AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroactive_polymers]]>Jan 5th 2007 1:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/
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 ;)]]>Nov 5th 2007 10:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/
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."]]>Jan 5th 2007 2:11AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/
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?]]>Jan 7th 2007 12:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/Jan 5th 2007 8:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/Jan 5th 2007 10:40AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/
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.) ]]>Jan 5th 2007 1:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/Jan 7th 2007 12:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/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.]]>Jan 5th 2007 4:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/05/tactile-display-could-convey-signals-on-soldiers-backs/http://www.medgadget.com/archives/2007/01/tactile_messagi.html]]>Jan 7th 2007 3:48AM