Haptic Feedback Device for Virtual Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-mounted displays lack haptic feedback for virtual objects, limiting user interaction and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A haptic feedback device with a display unit, a haptic feedback unit, and a haptic information storage system that provides tactile feedback to users based on the type of virtual object selected, using a movable portion with movement resistance controlled by haptic information associated with the virtual object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If head-mounted display shows virtual objects without haptic feedback, then device complexity is reduced, but user interaction quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a haptic feedback unit as an intermediary device that provides tactile feedback to the user based on virtual object properties. This mediator bridges the gap between the visual display and the user's tactile sense, enabling realistic interaction with virtual objects without complicating the core display system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a display unit for visual output, a haptic feedback unit for tactile feedback, and a control unit for coordinating them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system manageability and reduced complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If haptic feedback is added to virtual objects, then user engagement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback unit serves multiple functions: it provides tactile feedback for different virtual object types, communicates object properties through varied resistance patterns, and enhances various interaction scenarios. This multi-functionality increases user engagement while avoiding the need for separate specialized components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls haptic feedback by dynamically adjusting parameters such as movement resistance based on the type of virtual object being interacted with. By changing physical parameters rather than adding structural complexity, the system achieves versatile user engagement across different object types.
3Measurement precision
If movement resistance is applied to movable portion, then haptic feedback accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movement resistance applied to the movable portion is dynamically adjusted based on the virtual object type and interaction context. The resistance varies in real-time to provide accurate haptic feedback while remaining adaptable to user needs, preventing the operation from becoming overly difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the control unit monitors user interaction with the movable portion and adjusts movement resistance accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that haptic feedback accuracy is maintained while the system adapts to preserve ease of operation, preventing excessive resistance from hindering user interaction.
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 user interaction by providing tactile feedback corresponding to virtual objects, improving the usability and engagement of head-mounted displays.
Implementation Method 1
a movement resistance generator that applies movement resistance to the movable portion
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic feedback device for virtual objects includes a head-mounted display unit, an HMD control unit, a haptic feedback unit, and a haptic information DB for storing haptic information in association with each type of virtual object. The HMD control unit includes a display controller that causes a virtual object and a user focus to appear on a display, and a haptic information transmitter that reads, when the user focus is placed over a selectable virtual object, haptic information associated with the type of the selected virtual object from the haptic information DB, and transmits the haptic information to the haptic feedback unit. The haptic feedback unit includes a movable portion movable with a user operation, a movement resistance generator that applies movement resistance to the movable portion, and a power feed controller (movement resistance controller).