Force Sensing Restraints for Intent-Based VR Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality systems are restrictive, limited in input range, and lack precision and accuracy, as they rely on explicit movements and do not account for the force applied by users, failing to provide immersive experiences that simulate real-world interactions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing pressure and direction sensitive restraints that sense and interpret the magnitude and direction of force applied by users, allowing for intent-based inputs and providing visual, aural, and force feedback, enabling users to interact with virtual environments without explicit movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If buttons and joysticks are used for input, then device complexity is reduced, but input range and precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (buttons, joysticks) with a force sensing system that uses pressure sensors and direction-sensitive restraints to detect user intent. This substitution enables full-body interaction capabilities while maintaining simplicity through electronic sensing rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensing system serves multiple functions: detecting pressure magnitude, determining force direction, identifying body part movement, and interpreting user intent. This multi-functionality allows a single system to replace multiple specialized input devices, expanding input range without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motion control devices are used, then input range is expanded, but measurement precision and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical tracking systems with direct force sensing at the body. By measuring pressure and force vectors through pressure-sensitive restraints worn on the body, the system achieves higher precision and responsiveness compared to external camera-based tracking, while still enabling full-body movement detection.
3Reliability
If explicit movements are required for input, then ease of operation is maintained, but immersion and realism are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary interpretation of force signals to determine user intent before executing actions in the virtual environment. By analyzing pressure magnitude and direction vectors in advance, the system can predict intended movements and actions, enabling immersive experiences where subtle physical cues translate naturally to virtual actions without requiring explicit movement commands.
4Reliability
If force feedback is added to simulate real-world interactions, then immersion quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges force sensing and force feedback functions into a unified system. The same pressure-sensitive restraints that detect user input also deliver haptic feedback, eliminating the need for separate sensing and actuation systems. This integration reduces overall system complexity while providing bidirectional force interaction for enhanced immersion.
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 fully immerse in virtual environments by allowing precise and accurate input from all body parts, simulating real-world interactions with force feedback, and allowing physically impossible actions like back flips or high jumps, enhancing the overall virtual reality experience.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure and direction sensitive restraint, wherein said at least one pressure and direction sensitive restraint is configured to sense any or a combination of magnitude of pressure and direction of force exerted thereon
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosures relate to virtual reality systems that can be used to fully immerse a user in a virtual environment. In particular, it relates to a system that can sense the intent of movement of some or all parts of a user's body by measuring the force and direction of the force applied by that part of the user's body, can provide force feedback to the user and can provide inputs to the VR system that can be used to replicate the intended action of the user in the Virtual Reality environment and provide visual and/or aural feedback to the user; without the user's body parts actually moving.