Force Feedback Control for Virtual Object Weight Perception

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing VR and AR technologies are limited in their ability to effectively present a sense of force, restricting the reproducibility of virtual object reality.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that acquires user operation information and uses a sense-of-force device to output a sense of force, such as weight recognition, through controlled delay and force application on a user's body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sense-of-force device is used to present force feedback in VR/AR, then user interaction with virtual objects is enabled, but the range and form of presentable sense of force are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange and form of sense of forceVSAvoidreproducibility of virtual object reality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sense of force presentation into multiple independent components: a first sense of force corresponding to gravity weight and a second sense of force corresponding to contact force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, expanding the overall range and form of presentable forces while maintaining accurate reproduction of virtual object properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the presentation of sense of force based on user operation state. The control unit modifies the first and second sense of forces in real-time according to the user's interaction with virtual objects, enabling adaptive force feedback that maintains reliability across different operational contexts while expanding the effective range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If force feedback is applied to help users recognize weight of virtual objects, then reproducibility of virtual object reality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereproducibility of virtual object realityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-functional sense-of-force device that can present both the first sense of force (gravity weight) and the second sense of force (contact force) through a single integrated system. This universality reduces device complexity compared to using separate systems for different force types, while maintaining high reproducibility of virtual object reality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit receives user operation information and dynamically adjusts the sense of force presentation accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to user needs and maintain accurate force reproduction without requiring overly complex hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12524979B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing system

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided an information processing apparatus including an information acquisition unit that acquires operation information concerning user operation performed a virtual object superimposed and displayed on a real space or a virtual space and a sense of force control unit that outputs, based on the operation information, via a sense-of-force device attached to a part of a body of a user, a sense of force for causing the user to recognize weight.