Haptic Feedback Isolation in Gaming Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic feedback systems in devices like gaming controllers and medical devices provide non-targeted haptic sensations across the entire device, requiring large actuators and lacking precision, which is inefficient and unsuitable for specific user input actions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a vibration isolation barrier, such as foam materials or springs, between the actuator and the housing of user input elements to isolate the haptic effect, allowing smaller actuators to produce targeted haptic feedback at specific user input locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional haptic feedback systems use actuators attached to the housing of the controller, then haptic feedback is provided across the entire device, but the device requires large actuators and creates haptic sensation along the entire body rather than providing targeted feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the haptic feedback system by isolating the actuator to specific user input elements (buttons, joysticks, triggers) rather than having it attached to the entire controller housing. This segmentation allows each input element to receive targeted haptic feedback from its own isolated actuator, improving precision while reducing the overall actuator size and weight required in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing haptic feedback only at the specific locations where user input elements are pressed or manipulated, rather than distributing haptic sensation across the entire controller. This localized approach allows smaller actuators to be used at each input element, as each actuator only needs to generate sufficient force for its specific location rather than distributing force across the whole device.
2Measurement precision
If large actuators are used to create satisfactory haptic sensation across the entire controller, then haptic feedback coverage is improved, but the device weight increases (gaming tablet may weigh over a kilogram)
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented into multiple independent haptic zones, each with its own actuator isolated to specific user input elements. This segmentation allows the system to use multiple small actuators instead of one large actuator, reducing the overall weight while maintaining comprehensive haptic feedback coverage across all input locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration isolation barriers (such as foam materials or springs) as intermediaries between the actuators and the controller housing. These barriers confine the haptic sensations to specific input elements and prevent them from propagating throughout the entire controller, allowing smaller actuators to provide adequate feedback coverage without requiring the housing to transmit forces across the whole device.
3Weight of moving object
If actuators are isolated to specific user input elements using vibration isolation barriers, then haptic feedback is targeted and actuator size is reduced, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vibration isolation barriers (foam materials, springs, or other compliant elements) as intermediaries between the actuators and the controller housing. These barriers are simple components that can be easily integrated into each input element assembly, providing effective vibration isolation without requiring complex mechanical structures or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the vibration isolation function from the overall controller structure and implements it as separate, standalone barriers at each user input element. This extraction allows each input element to be independently isolated with its own simple barrier, reducing the need for complex global vibration management systems while maintaining effective haptic isolation throughout the device.
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
This solution enables precise and targeted haptic feedback at user input locations, reducing the size and weight of actuators needed while maintaining the integrity and feel of the device, enhancing user immersion and interaction in gaming and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
A vibration isolation barrier is disposed between the actuator and the docking portion... such that the vibration isolation barrier substantially mechanically isolates the user input element from the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
A user input device includes a housing, a user input element adapted to be operated by a user and configured to send a signal to a processor when operated by the user, and an actuator coupled to the user input element. The actuator is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and output a haptic effect to the user input element in response to the control signal from the processor. A vibration isolation barrier is disposed between the user input element and the housing, wherein the vibration isolation barrier substantially mechanically isolates the user input element from the housing. The user input element may be a joystick, button, or trigger.