Haptic Engine Vibration Segmentation for Presence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices provide monotonic vibration feedback, failing to create a sense of presence for users, which limits the haptic feedback experience.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device and method that includes a system configuration with a game machine, controller, and display device, utilizing a haptic engine to generate vibration data based on virtual object attributes, such as mass, rigidity, and shape, to provide realistic haptic feedback to users through a vibrating device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If monotonic vibration feedback is provided to the user, then the device structure is simple, but the user cannot receive haptic feedback with a sense of presence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration feedback systemVSAvoidhaptic feedback realism
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration feedback system is segmented into multiple independent vibration sources (first vibrating device and second vibrating device) positioned at different locations. Each vibration source can be controlled independently to generate different vibration patterns, allowing complex haptic feedback to be constructed from simpler individual vibration elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different vibration patterns are applied to different locations on the device. The first vibrating device generates vibration in a first direction while the second vibrating device generates vibration in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, creating location-specific vibration characteristics that enhance the sense of presence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If vibration feedback based on virtual object attributes is implemented, then the sense of presence is enhanced, but the computational requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedback realismVSAvoidhaptic engine and processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Vibration data is generated in advance based on the attributes of virtual objects (such as mass, material properties) before the actual interaction occurs. This pre-computed vibration data is then retrieved and applied during user interaction, reducing real-time computational requirements while maintaining realistic haptic feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual model (copy) of the vibration characteristics based on the attributes of virtual objects. Instead of performing complex physical simulations in real-time, the system uses pre-established vibration data that replicates the expected vibration patterns, reducing computational complexity while preserving realism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 the sense of presence by providing haptic feedback that accurately reflects the attributes of virtual objects, improving the realism of interactions in virtual environments.

Implementation Method 1

a vibrating device configured to vibrate based on vibration data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3349096B1Information processing apparatus, method, and computer program
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

[Object] A user can receive haptic feedback with a more sense of presence. [Solution] An information processing device, including: a virtual space data generating unit configured to generate data related to a virtual space including a virtual object having an attribute; a listener placing unit configured to place a listener for detecting a contact with the virtual object; a virtual object in which the listener is placed; and a haptic data generating unit configured to generate haptic data for causing a haptic device to be operated on a basis of at least one of attribute information of the virtual object and attribute information of another virtual object when the virtual object comes into contact with the other virtual object.