Handheld Interface Haptic Feedback via Impact Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic feedback devices are limited in range, mobility, and usability due to their reliance on being coupled to an external structure, restricting their ability to simulate realistic interactions with external objects.
Innovation Solution
A handheld computer interface equipped with an impact actuator and smart materials that generate high-intensity, high-frequency haptic effects, allowing users to simulate collisions and recoil through a handle and end piece that can be shaped to resemble various objects, providing a more immersive experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tethered interfaces are used to generate haptic feedback, then haptic feedback can be generated through physical interface, but range and mobility are limited due to reliance on external structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the haptic feedback generation capability from the tethered interface configuration and integrates it into a self-contained handheld device. The impact actuator and movable mass are incorporated directly into the handheld interface, eliminating the need for external grounding structures while maintaining haptic feedback functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld interface is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a computing device and a haptic feedback interface. The impact actuator can generate various haptic effects for different applications including gaming, simulation, and tactile feedback, making the device versatile across multiple use cases without requiring separate tethered equipment.
2Reliability
If impact actuator with movable mass is used to generate high intensity haptic effects, then collision simulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the impact actuator mechanism with the handheld device housing and control system. The movable mass, impact surface, and actuation mechanism are integrated into a unified structure where the housing itself serves as part of the haptic feedback delivery system, reducing overall complexity compared to separate dedicated haptic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts parameters such as impact force, duration, and frequency of the haptic feedback based on virtual event detection. By changing these parameters in response to different gaming or simulation events, the system achieves high-fidelity collision simulation without requiring mechanically complex variable impedance mechanisms.
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 realistic simulation of interactions with external objects, enhancing user engagement in applications like video games and device simulators by providing a high-intensity, short-duration haptic feedback that mimics real-world collisions and movements.
Implementation Method 1
The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect
Implementation Method 2
a smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating an impact and/or surface haptic effect for a handheld computer interface such as a video game controller. For example, the handheld computer interface may include a handle coupled to an impact actuator. The impact actuator includes a movable mass and an end stop. The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect. A smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material rather than the handle. The handle may be coupled to an end piece having a shape that simulates an object such as a tennis racket, golf club, or other object.