Haptic Grip Control With Variable Button Travel for Texture Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for home game machines cannot effectively convey the texture and feel of objects being gripped by users during gameplay.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a movable part, such as a rocking button, that can move between two positions, utilizing a motor and force sensor to simulate the hardness of virtual objects by adjusting its range of movement based on user input, allowing users to experience the texture and feel of the object they are gripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an actuator is used to provide sense of touch and force feedback, then the user can feel force and touch, but the texture and feel of the object cannot be effectively conveyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of movable range regulation. By dynamically adjusting the range in which the movable part can move based on the virtual object's properties, the system conveys texture and feel information that static force feedback cannot provide. The control part determines the amount of regulation and instructs the regulating part to adjust the movable range accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic regulation of the movable part's range. Instead of fixed mechanical stops, the regulating part dynamically adjusts the movable range based on real-time detection of user input and virtual object properties. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adaptively convey different texture and feel characteristics.
2Device complexity
If the movable part has a fixed range of movement, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different virtual objects with different textures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static movable range into a dynamic one through the regulating part. The control part processes detection results and determines the appropriate amount of regulation, then instructs the regulating part to adjust the movable range. This dynamic mechanism allows a single device structure to adapt to various virtual objects with different textures and feels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the control part continuously monitors user input through the detection part, determines the appropriate regulation amount based on virtual object properties, and adjusts the movable range accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time adaptation to different virtual objects without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus provide for controlling an operating device, wherein the operating device includes: (i) a grip part to be gripped by a user; and (ii) an operation part for activation by a finger of the user gripping the grip part, where the operation part includes: (i) a movable part capable of moving from a resting position toward another position in response to a force applied by the finger of the user, (ii) a biasing element operating to urge the movable part toward the resting position, (iii) a sensor operating to measure the force applied by the finger of the user to the movable part and produce a sensing signal therefrom, and (iv) a motorized assembly operating to receive a drive signal, and in response, apply an amount of force to the movable part in opposition to the force applied by the finger of the user, and where the drive signal is a variable dependent on variations in the sensing signal, such that the amount of force applied to the movable part in opposition to the force applied by the finger of the user provides the user with haptic feedback.