Game Controller Vibration Actuators for Directional Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration devices lack the ability to define directionality of vibratory forces, making it difficult to provide directional haptic sensations, and are often complex, costly, or have limited controllability, especially in applications requiring precise control over vibration waveforms and torque.
Innovation Solution
The use of synchronized arrays of vibration actuators, such as linear resonant actuators (LRAs) and eccentric rotating mass (ERM) actuators, to generate a wide range of vibration waveforms, including directional and non-directional ones, by controlling the phase, frequency, and amplitude of multiple actuators to create a combined force vector that can be directed and controlled in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single vibration actuator is used, then the device structure is simple and cost is low, but the ability to define directionality of vibratory forces is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single vibration actuator into multiple independent actuators (typically three or more), each capable of being controlled independently. This segmentation allows the system to define directionality by controlling the phase and amplitude of each individual actuator, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and directional control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-degree-of-freedom vibration system to a multi-degree-of-freedom system by adding spatial dimensionality. By arranging multiple actuators in specific geometric configurations (such as triangular or tetrahedral arrangements), the system gains the ability to define vibration direction in three-dimensional space, thus achieving directionality control without excessive complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple vibration actuators are used to define directionality, then directional haptic sensations can be achieved, but the device becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple vibration actuators into a unified control system where all actuators share common mounting structures, control electronics, and housing. This combining approach allows directional control to be achieved while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity and cost through shared components and integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the multi-actuator system to perform multiple functions: it can generate directional vibrations, non-directional vibrations, varying amplitudes, and different frequencies. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by providing a single system that replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate devices or mechanisms.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional vibration actuators are used, then power consumption is low, but the ability to generate large vibration forces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vibration actuators to work together in a synchronized manner. By controlling the phase relationships between actuators, the system can generate large vibration forces through constructive interference of the individual actuator outputs, while each individual actuator continues to operate at low power consumption levels.
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
This approach allows for the generation of precise directional haptic sensations with improved controllability and power efficiency, enabling the creation of complex vibration patterns and torque control, enhancing user experience in applications like gaming and navigation for vision-impaired individuals.
Implementation Method 1
Common low cost vibration actuators include Eccentric Rotating Mass actuators (ERMs) and Linear Resonant Actuators (LRAs)
Implementation Method 2
Eccentric Rotating Mass actuators (ERMs)...an ERM does this as the velocity of its rotating mass increases
Implementation Method 3
Linear Resonant Actuators (LRAs)...an LRA does this as the amplitude of vibration of its moving mass increases
Data Source
AI summary
A game controller including a housing with a first handgrip and a second handgrip is provided. The game controller includes a first vibration actuator integrated within the housing proximate to the first handgrip. Further included is a second vibration actuator integrated within the housing proximate to the second handgrip. A controller device is included and is configured to communicate one or more vibrational signals to one or both of the first vibration actuator and the second vibration actuator. The vibrational signals are configured to cause the housing of the game controller to vibrate in a vibrational pattern during use of the controller. The vibrational pattern is one of a plurality of vibrational patterns, and one or more of the plurality of vibration patterns are activated in correlation to one or more game actions occurring during gameplay of a video game using the game controller.