Multiaxis manipulation control device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current two-handed manipulation control devices are inefficient for controlling movements in virtual or physical environments, as they require significant effort and do not fully utilize the thumb and wrist's range of motion, often relying on button inputs for complex actions, and lack the ability to control objects with multiple degrees of freedom.
Innovation Solution
A multiaxis manipulation control device with a housing featuring thumb mechanisms that include securing units, linkages allowing movement around multiple axes, and sensor units for detecting thumb movements, generating control signals for up to nine degrees of freedom, enabling intuitive and minimal-effort control using the thumbs and wrist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional two-handed controllers with push buttons are used, then additional input controls are available, but the control and mastering of games becomes difficult and the thumbs are not used to their full range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a third degree of freedom by enabling thumbs to move along the longitudinal axis of the controller in addition to the traditional two-axis articulation. This dimensional expansion allows thumbs to perform complex gestures without requiring additional buttons, thereby maintaining versatility while improving ease of operation through more natural thumb movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical push button system with a sensor-based detection system that captures thumb movements along three axes. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple buttons while maintaining or enhancing input control capability, and significantly improves ease of operation by allowing continuous, nuanced gestures rather than discrete button presses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual reality controllers worn on hands are used, then complete six degrees of freedom are achieved, but the user's full arm range of motion is demanded and large operating area is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the control functionality locally in the hands and wrists rather than requiring full arm movement. By enabling three degrees of freedom per hand through thumb and wrist articulation plus longitudinal movement, the system achieves nine total degrees of freedom while keeping the operating area compact and the effort localized to the hands and wrists.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic resetting capability where the controller automatically returns to a neutral position after thumb manipulation. This dynamic feature allows continuous manipulation without manual resetting, reducing operating effort while maintaining high degrees of freedom for versatile control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual reality controllers are used, then six degrees of freedom are achieved, but a lot of energy input by the user is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic resetting mechanisms that return the controller to neutral position without requiring user effort. This dynamic resetting reduces the energy input needed by the user while maintaining nine degrees of freedom for versatile manipulation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs self-resetting to its neutral position after manipulation, eliminating the need for the user to manually return controls to their starting position. This self-service feature significantly reduces user energy input while maintaining full control versatility.
4Ease of operation
If U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,946 two-handed device is used, then dual axis articulated movement is provided, but no resetting mechanism is available and additional control buttons are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the dual-axis articulation to three degrees of freedom per hand by adding longitudinal movement capability. This dimensional enhancement provides more intuitive control without adding mechanical complexity, as the third degree of freedom is detected through sensors rather than additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical resetting mechanisms and additional control buttons with sensor-based detection and electronic control. The resetting function is achieved through electronic signals that return the controller to neutral position, eliminating complex mechanical resetting mechanisms while maintaining ease of articulated movement.
Data Source
AI summary
The multiaxis manipulation control device (10) at least one thumb mechanism(s) arranged on a housing with an electronic circuitry to process the sensor signals which generates and transmits manipulation control signals to a processor device. Each thumb mechanism has a thumb securing unit (50) to hold a user's thumb and a thumb linkage to connect the thumb securing unit (50) to the housing (11) and a sensor unit for detecting movements of the thumb securing unit (50) independently in three directions and providing a sensor signal.