Video Game Haptic Controller Encoding for Dual Sensory Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video game systems lack accessibility features for users who are both visually and hearing impaired, as text-to-speech and on-screen subtitles are not suitable for this group.
Innovation Solution
A video game system with an input device featuring haptic actuators that convert text or speech characters into haptic signals, allowing users to perceive characters through tactile stimulation, using a predetermined code or pattern, such as braille, to convey information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If text-to-speech or on-screen subtitles are used for accessibility, then users who are visually impaired or hearing impaired can access information, but users who are both visually and hearing impaired cannot access the information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual and auditory information delivery systems with a haptic feedback system. The processor encodes text or speech characters into haptic signals that are transmitted to haptic actuators in the input device, which then produce tactile sensations (vibrations, pulses, or resistance changes) that users can feel through their sense of touch. This mechanical substitution enables users who are both visually and hearing impaired to access game information through tactile feedback patterns that represent different characters or symbols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If haptic actuators are added to the input device, then tactile feedback capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates haptic actuators into existing input devices (such as game controllers) that users already possess and are familiar with. Rather than requiring completely new specialized equipment, the system adds haptic feedback functionality to multi-functional devices that can serve both traditional input purposes and accessibility purposes. This approach reduces the perceived complexity increase since the base device structure remains familiar.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary component that encodes text or speech characters into haptic signals. This intermediary layer translates information from traditional visual/auditory formats into tactile formats without requiring direct modification of the core input device architecture. The processor acts as a mediator that converts data into haptic patterns that can be delivered through existing or minimally modified actuators.
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 visually and hearing impaired users to interact with video game systems by conveying text or speech information through haptic feedback, enhancing accessibility and compatibility with existing controllers.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more haptic actuators are configured to receive the haptic signal and actuate based on the haptic signal to convey the characters to the user
Data Source
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AI summary
A video game system (1) is disclosed, comprising: an input device (4) configured to be held by or in contact with a user in use to operate the video game system, the input device comprising one or more haptic actuators (51-54); and a processor (20) configured to receive text or speech characters to be conveyed to a user and encode the characters in a haptic signal; wherein the one or more haptic actuators are configured to receive the haptic signal and actuate based on the haptic signal to convey the characters to the user.