Grid-Linked Manipulating Device for Force-Like Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manipulating devices lack the capability to express force-like tactile senses, limiting the user's experience of presence and freedom in manipulation, especially in gaming applications.
Innovation Solution
A manipulating device with a grid-shaped configuration of link shafts and node mechanisms, equipped with three-dimensional magnetic sensors, inertial measurement units, and vibrators, that outputs signals based on user-induced posture changes and vibrates accordingly to simulate tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manipulating device uses traditional buttons or sticks, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the degree of freedom for manipulation is limited and tactile feedback is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulating device is divided into multiple independent node mechanisms (e.g., 16 nodes arranged in a 4x4 grid), each capable of independent posture changes. This segmentation allows high manipulation freedom while keeping each individual node relatively simple in structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node mechanism is designed with movable link shafts that can change posture dynamically in response to user manipulation. The link shafts rotate around node mechanisms, enabling continuous variation in device shape and configuration, thus achieving high adaptability without requiring an overly complex fixed structure.
2Ease of operation
If a manipulating device adds vibration feedback to enhance tactile sensation, then user experience and presence feeling are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration feedback system is segmented into multiple independent vibrators, with each node mechanism equipped with its own vibrator. This allows selective activation of individual nodes based on manipulation state, providing localized tactile feedback without requiring a single complex centralized vibration system, thus managing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements closed-loop feedback where three-dimensional magnetic sensors and inertial measurement units detect node posture changes, and this information is used to control the vibration of corresponding nodes. This feedback mechanism enhances tactile feedback capability by linking vibration directly to manipulation state, improving ease of operation without unnecessarily increasing complexity through uncontrolled additions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a manipulating device uses a grid-shaped structure with multiple node mechanisms, then manipulation freedom is enhanced, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The grid-shaped device is segmented into identical or similar node mechanism units that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each node mechanism contains standardized components (link shafts, three-dimensional magnetic sensors, inertial measurement units, vibrators) that can be produced using the same manufacturing processes, significantly easing manufacturing despite the complex overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node mechanism is designed as a universal module that performs multiple functions: structural support, posture sensing (via three-dimensional magnetic sensors and inertial measurement units), vibration generation, and mechanical connection to link shafts. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of different component types needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high manipulation freedom through the grid configuration.
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
Enhances user experience by providing high manipulation freedom and force-like tactile sensations, allowing for a more immersive interaction with display objects.
Implementation Method 1
each holder (13) includes a three-dimensional magnetic sensor (50) facing the magnet (M)
Implementation Method 2
each node mechanism (ND) includes an inertial measurement unit (60)
Implementation Method 3
a vibrating structure for vibrating the manipulating device, depending on a state of at least either one of the plurality of node mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a manipulating device (10) that is capable of expressing force-like tactile senses. The manipulating device (10) includes a plurality of link shafts (SF), a plurality of node mechanisms (ND) that cooperate with the plurality of link shafts (SF) in providing a grid shape, the plurality of node mechanisms (ND) holding ends of at least two or more of the link shafts (SF) of the plurality of link shafts (SF) such that the at least two or more of the link shafts (SF) are variable in posture, and a vibrating structure for vibrating the manipulating device (10), depending on a state of at least either one of the plurality of node mechanisms (ND).