Illusionary Tactile Force Sense Interface for VR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tactile force sense interface devices are limited by the use of wires or arms, restricting user movement and spatial expanse, failing to provide continuous tactile force sensations beyond torque, and struggling with heat and energy consumption, while also not adequately responding to user motions or expressing the shape and texture of virtual objects.
Innovation Solution
A virtual reality environment generating apparatus utilizing an illusionary tactile force sense interface device that controls resistance based on user motion, incorporating an oscillation circuit for acceleration and deceleration mechanisms, and includes sensors to monitor user reactions and actions, allowing for individual-difference correction to enhance manipulability and realism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a wire or arm is used to connect the tactile force sense device main body and the force sense presenting section, then the device can present force sense of tension or reaction force, but user movement is restricted and spatial expanse is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wire or arm connection between the force sense device main body and the presenting section, extracting the constraint element to enable free user movement while maintaining force sense presentation capability through wireless magnetic coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire/arm connection system with a magnetic field-based force transmission system, eliminating physical constraints while preserving the ability to present tactile force senses
2Adaptability or versatility
If three flywheels are used to present torque in arbitrary direction, then non-grounding force interface is achieved, but continuous tactile force sense presentation and force senses other than torque cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the rotation speeds and phases of multiple flywheels to continuously vary the direction and magnitude of presented force senses, enabling transition between torque, translational force, and other force types beyond static flywheel configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal force interface system where the same flywheel-based mechanism can present multiple types of force senses (torque, translational force, tension, compression) by varying operational parameters, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices
3Productivity
If eccentric rotors are used to provide hybrid force sense, then continuous presentation of translational and rotational forces is achieved, but heat and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic acceleration and deceleration of flywheels at optimized frequencies to generate continuous force senses through resonant effects and momentum conservation, reducing energy consumption compared to constant high-speed rotation of eccentric rotors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as flywheel rotation speed, acceleration profiles, and phase relationships to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining continuous force sense presentation capability
4Reliability
If conventional tactile force sense interface is used, then basic force feedback is provided, but response to user motions and expression of shape and texture of virtual objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors to detect user motion and device orientation, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust flywheel control parameters, enabling accurate response to user motions and realistic representation of virtual object properties through adaptive force feedback
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
Enables users to experience continuous tactile forces and textures of virtual objects, reduces heat and energy consumption, and improves responsiveness and manipulability, allowing for a more immersive and customizable virtual reality experience.
Implementation Method 1
This tactile force sense interface device utilizes the user's sensory characteristics to appropriately control a physical quantity to allow the user to feel a force that cannot exist physically
Implementation Method 2
a method have been proposed which allow the user to continuously perceive tactile force senses of torque, force, and the like in the same direction
Implementation Method 3
incorporating an oscillation circuit for acceleration and deceleration mechanisms
Implementation Method 4
includes sensors to monitor user reactions and actions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a virtual reality environment generating apparatus including a non-base type interface configured to allow a user to haptically touch virtual objects and game characters. The virtual reality environment generating apparatus includes a content creating device 102 configured to create a content based on information from various sensors 108 to 111 and content data, an illusionary tactile force sense evoking device 103 configured to use illusionary tactile force sense data to generate an illusionary tactile force sense evoking function 1713 adapted for the content, an illusionary tactile force sense interface device 101 including a illusionary tactile force sense device 107, and an illusionary tactile force sense device driving control device 112 configured to drivingly control the illusionary tactile force sense device. The virtual reality environment generating apparatus utilizes an illusionary tactile force sense to control reaction based on the illusionary tactile force sense, in accordance with motion of the user's finger and body. The virtual reality environment generating apparatus thus expresses not only three-dimensional videos and sound images but also senses of friction and roughness corresponding to the presence, shape, and texture of a virtual object.