External Haptic Device for Standard Controller Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic devices require incorporation of a vibration body into controllers to provide tactile and force feedback, making it necessary for users to replace their game machines or controllers with vibration-enabled models, limiting the ability to provide feedback using tactile force with existing devices.
Innovation Solution
A haptic device configuration that includes a housing with a vibration body, a control device to manage vibration patterns, and a band with a first portion fixed to the housing's outer surface, allowing the device to be attached to the user's body, enabling transmission of tactile and force sensations through the housing's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vibration body is incorporated into a controller to provide tactile and force feedback, then the feedback capability is improved, but the device complexity and requirement for specialized hardware increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate haptic device that acts as an intermediary between the user and the controller. This external device generates tactile and force feedback through vibration bodies and transmits them to the user's body, eliminating the need to incorporate vibration bodies directly into the controller. The haptic device serves as a mediator that provides feedback capability while keeping the original controller structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the feedback generation function from the control operation function. The haptic device is divided into independent components including a housing, vibration body, and band, allowing the feedback mechanism to be detached from the controller. This segmentation enables users to enhance existing controllers with tactile feedback capability without modifying the controller's internal structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users replace game machines with vibration-enabled models to receive tactile feedback, then the feedback experience is improved, but the loss of time and inconvenience of replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic device is designed as a universal accessory that can be attached to various types of controllers and used with different game machines. The band structure allows it to be worn on the user's body (fingers, palm, or wrist), making it compatible with existing controllers without requiring users to replace their game machines or controllers. This multi-functional design preserves users' existing equipment while adding tactile feedback capability.
3Ease of operation
If a haptic device is designed to be attached to the user's body with a band, then the ease of operation and accessibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible band made of thin film material to attach the haptic device to the user's body. The band can be wrapped around fingers, palm, or wrist, providing a simple and convenient attachment method. This thin film structure adds minimal structural complexity while enabling easy attachment and detachment, improving the ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 the provision of tactile and force feedback to users without the need for vibration-enabled controllers, allowing users to experience these sensations while gripping standard controllers or devices, enhancing gaming and interaction experiences.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration body accommodated in the housing... controlling a vibration pattern of the vibration body... vibration of the vibration body can be transmitted to the body through the outer surface of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The haptic device includes a housing and a vibration body accommodated in the housing. The haptic device includes a control device capable of presenting at least one of a tactile sensation and a force sensation to a user by controlling a vibration pattern of the vibration body. In addition, the haptic device includes a band including a first portion that is fixed to an outer surface of the housing. In the haptic device, a body of the user is able to be attached between an abutting portion of the band that is a portion different from the first portion, and a contact surface that is a part of the outer surface of the housing.