Haptic Feedback for Augmented Reality Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for interacting with virtual objects in augmented reality lack physical feedback, providing only visual and audio cues without a tangible sense of interaction.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a content output appliance and a processor that includes modules for determining position parameters, identifying peripherals, and generating haptic feedback, which adjusts interactive content based on peripheral position and identity to provide tactile and kinesthetic feedback to users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual and audio feedback are used to interact with virtual objects, then user interaction capability is provided, but physical tactile feedback is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction capabilityVSAvoidtactile feedback

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces haptic feedback as a tactile response mechanism to complement visual and audio feedback. When users interact with virtual objects, the haptic device generates physical sensations (vibrations, resistance, or impact forces) that provide tangible confirmation of interaction, thereby recovering the lost tactile information channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

A haptic device serves as an intermediary between the user and the virtual environment. It translates virtual object properties and interaction events into physical sensations that the user can feel, bridging the gap between the digital virtual world and the user's physical sensory experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If haptic feedback is added to provide tactile sensation, then physical interaction sense is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The haptic device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate different types of haptic effects (continuous force, discrete pulses, variable resistance) and can be integrated with existing visual and audio systems. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide comprehensive tactile feedback without requiring multiple separate components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs non-mechanical or simplified mechanical approaches to generate haptic effects. For example, electromagnetic actuators or piezoelectric elements may be used instead of complex mechanical mechanisms, reducing the mechanical complexity while still achieving the desired tactile feedback effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10664143B2Haptically enhanced interactivity with interactive content

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 IMMERSION CORP

AI summary

Interactive content may be presented to a user that is manipulating a peripheral. One or more state parameters that are related to the position of the peripheral may be determined. The peripheral may be identified from a plurality of possible peripherals. The interactive content may be adjusted based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or the identification of the peripheral. Haptic feedback to be provided to the user may be determined based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or the identification of the peripheral.