Game Controller Trigger Feedback for Virtual Texture Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for home game machines cannot effectively convey the texture and feel of objects being gripped by users during gameplay.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a movable part, such as a rocking button, that can move between two positions, utilizing a motor and regulating mechanism to simulate the resistance and torque corresponding to the hardness of virtual objects, allowing users to experience the texture and feel of gripped objects through a combination of force sensors and motor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an actuator is used to provide sense of touch and force feedback, then the user can feel resistance and force, but the device cannot convey the texture and hardness of the gripped object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the movable part's range of motion adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the regulation amount based on detected gripping force, allowing the device to adapt its mechanical response characteristics. This enables the same actuator mechanism to convey different texture information (hard/soft, rigid/flexible) by varying the movement regulation, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable force feedback and versatile texture representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of movement regulation by adjusting the range of motion of the movable part. When the user grips with different forces, the control unit modifies the regulation amount, thereby changing the effective stiffness and movement characteristics of the device. This parameter adjustment allows the device to simulate different object textures using the same hardware, overcoming the limitation of fixed tactile feedback characteristics.
2Ease of manufacture
If the movable part has a fixed range of motion, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot simulate different object textures and hardness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical structures with a control-based system. Instead of providing multiple physical mechanisms for different textures, it uses a single movable part whose behavior is controlled electronically. The control unit adjusts the regulation amount based on force sensor input, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic control logic. This maintains structural simplicity while achieving versatile texture simulation through dynamic parameter adjustment.
3Reliability
If the device provides detailed tactile feedback, then the gaming experience is enhanced, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the force sensor detects user gripping force, and this information is fed back to the control unit which adjusts the regulation amount accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables the device to automatically adapt its tactile characteristics based on user interaction, providing high-quality texture feedback without requiring complex pre-programmed control sequences. The feedback mechanism simplifies the control logic while maintaining high feedback quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to perceive the texture and feel of virtual objects, enhancing the gaming experience by providing tactile feedback that mimics the hardness and deformation of real objects.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a motor and regulating mechanism to simulate the resistance and torque corresponding to the hardness of virtual objects
Implementation Method 2
allowing users to experience the texture and feel of gripped objects through a combination of force sensors and motor control
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus provide for controlling an operating device, where the operating device includes: (i) a grip part to be gripped by a user; and (ii) an operation part for activation by a finger of the user gripping the grip part, and where the operation part includes: (i) a movable part capable of moving from a resting position toward another position in response to a force applied by the finger of the user, (ii) a biasing element operating to urge the movable part toward the resting position, and (iii) a motorized assembly operating to receive a drive signal and apply a force to the movable part in an opposite direction of the force applied by the finger of the user.