Haptic Scene Representation Format for VR Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current haptic rendering technologies in virtual reality systems lack an efficient method to precisely render haptic effects in virtual environments, limiting the overall user experience.

Innovation Solution

A haptic rendering device and method that utilize a metadata file format to describe haptic feedback, including geometric models and specific application locations, along with a separate haptic file carrying audio signals for rendering haptic effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If haptic feedback is associated with elements of the virtual environment, then user interaction is improved, but the complexity of the haptic rendering system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interactionVSAvoidhaptic rendering system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the haptic rendering system into distinct components: a haptic scene graph representing the virtual environment, haptic signals representing tactile feedback, and a renderer that processes these signals. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and managed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining improved user interaction through precise haptic feedback association with virtual elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If precise haptic effects are rendered at specific locations, then user immersion is enhanced, but the data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic effect precisionVSAvoiddata processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by associating haptic signals with specific elements in the haptic scene graph, allowing precise haptic effects to be rendered only where needed. The haptic renderer processes signals selectively based on the scene graph structure, reducing unnecessary data processing while maintaining high precision for targeted haptic feedback delivery to specific user contact points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple haptic channels are supported with geometric models, then adaptability to different virtual environments is improved, but the file format complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevirtual environment compatibilityVSAvoidfile format
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality through a standardized file format that can represent multiple haptic channels and geometric models in a unified structure. The format uses hierarchical data organization with metadata sections that describe haptic channels, spatial transformation matrices, and geometric model information, allowing a single file structure to support various virtual environment configurations without requiring separate formats for each type of haptic content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250044875A1Haptic scene representation format
Publication Date: 2025.02.06 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS
  • US20250044875A1 patent drawing
  • US20250044875A1 patent drawing
  • US20250044875A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A haptic rendering device and corresponding method allows to render a haptic effect described by metadata comprising, for at least one haptic channel, information representative of a geometric model, and information representative of an element of the geometric model where to apply the haptic feedback, and wherein an associated haptic file comprises the haptic signal to be applied. A file format for carrying the required information is provided.