Movable-Part Position Control for Versatile Force Presentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing force sense presentation apparatuses, particularly tool type devices, struggle to present a variety of senses of force corresponding to different types of tools, limiting their versatility and effectiveness in virtual reality environments.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that includes a first member with a movable part, a second member, a signal acquisition unit, and a position control unit, which acquires and controls the position of the movable part based on control signals to simulate various tools and interactions, enhancing the presentation of force sensations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a force sense presentation apparatus uses a fixed mechanical structure to present force sensations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to present different types of senses of force is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to present diverse senses of forceVSAvoidstructural complexity of force presentation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable part that can dynamically change its position within the housing based on control signals. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same mechanical structure to present different types of force sensations (such as weight, resistance, or impact) by varying the location of the movable part, thereby achieving high adaptability without requiring multiple fixed mechanical structures for each type of force sensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The force sense presentation apparatus is designed with a universal movable part that can perform multiple functions by changing its position. The same movable part can simulate different tool characteristics and force sensations depending on where it is positioned within the housing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each force sensation type and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the position of the movable part is frequently adjusted to present different force sensations, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of the mechanical structure may deteriorate due to increased wear and movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariety of force sensations presentedVSAvoidmechanical structure durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with a more reliable actuation system that can precisely control the movable part's position with fewer moving components. By using controlled movement rather than manual reconfiguration, the system achieves diverse force sensation presentation while minimizing mechanical wear and maintaining structural reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250312695A1Information processing apparatus for controlling position of movable part

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Provided is an information processing apparatus including: a first member provided with a first movable part; a second member connected to the first member; a signal acquisition unit that acquires a first control signal for controlling a position of the first movable part; and a position control unit that controls the position of the first movable part in accordance with the first control signal.