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 user effort and do not fully utilize the range of motion of thumbs and wrists, often relying on button inputs for complex actions, which can be cumbersome and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A two-handed manipulation control device with a housing formed of two movable handle members connected by a linkage allowing articulation in three axes, utilizing dual and single axis Hall sensors for precise position sensing and providing up to nine degrees of freedom through thumb mechanisms, enabling intuitive and minimal effort control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional two-handed gamepad controllers with multiple push buttons are used, then additional input controls are provided for manipulating in-game avatars, but the control and mastering of games becomes difficult and the thumbs are not used to their full range of motion input potential
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented into two independent handle members, each with its own thumb mechanism and articulation system. This allows each hand to independently control different aspects of the virtual object, providing versatile input control while keeping each individual control mechanism simple and intuitive to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional 2D button presses to 3D spatial manipulation by allowing handle members to articulate relative to each other in multiple dimensions. The thumb mechanisms enable movement along three orthogonal axes, and the handle members can rotate relative to each other, fully utilizing the natural range of motion of thumbs and wrists to create intuitive control without complex button configurations
2Measurement precision
If virtual reality controllers worn on hands are used, then complete six degrees of freedom movement tracking is achieved, but the user's full arm range of motion is demanded and a large operating area is required, consuming a lot of energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The controller focuses measurement precision locally at the thumb and wrist joints rather than requiring full arm movement. The thumb mechanisms with Hall sensors precisely track small-range movements of the thumbs along three axes, while the handle member articulation tracks wrist rotation. This localized precision approach maintains accurate movement tracking while minimizing the energy required from the user
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical full-arm VR controller system with an electromagnetic sensing system using Hall sensors. These sensors detect the position and orientation of magnets attached to moving parts, providing precise movement tracking through electromagnetic fields rather than mechanical linkages. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical operating areas and reduces the energy input required from the user
3Ease of operation
If dual axis articulated movement control device is used, then convenient use for video game players is achieved, but the device only allows mechanical manipulation control along two axes and lacks a resetting mechanism to set the input back to neutral zero signal position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extends from dual-axis to triple-axis control by adding movement along the third orthogonal axis through the thumb mechanisms. Each handle member's thumb can move independently along three axes, and the handle members themselves can articulate relative to each other, providing comprehensive three-dimensional control capability that exceeds the limitations of dual-axis devices
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms in the thumb mechanisms automatically reset the control inputs to their neutral zero signal positions after each manipulation. When the thumb is released, the spring returns the positioning element to its initial position, generating a neutral signal without requiring user intervention. This self-resetting feature maintains convenience of use while enabling complex multi-axis control
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
The device allows for intuitive and realistic control of objects in virtual or physical environments with minimal effort, utilizing the full range of thumb and wrist motion, reducing energy input and eliminating accumulative positioning errors, thereby enhancing user experience and control precision.
Implementation Method 1
dual and single axis Hall sensors for precise position sensing
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3A~4C
AI summary
The multiaxis manipulation control device (10) comprises a housing (11), at least one thumb mechanisms arranged on the housing (11), and an electronic circuitry for processing said sensor signals and based on said sensor signals, generating and transmitting manipulation control signals to a processor device. Each thumb mechanism comprises a thumb securing unit (50) for holding a user's thumb and a thumb linkage connecting said thumb securing unit (50) to the housing (11), and further comprising a sensor unit for detecting movements of the thumb securing unit (50) independently in three directions and providing a sensor signal. The thumb linkage includes a first coupling mechanism allowing the securing unit (50) to pivot around a first axis (X) and a second axis (Y) perpendicular to said first axis, and for at least one tumb mechanism, a second coupling mechanism allowing the thumb securing unit (50) to move along a third axis (Z), which is perpendicular to said first and second axes and aligns with a longitudinal axis of the thumb mechanism. The sensor unit of each of the at least one thumb mechanisms comprises a dual axis position sensing unit arranged in said first coupling mechanism for detecting the rotation of the thumb securing unit (50) around the first and second axes (X, Y). The sensor unit of at least one thumb mechanisms further comprises a single axis position sensing unit arranged in said second coupling mechanism for detecting the displacement of the thumb securing unit (50) along the third axis (Z).