Pivotable Control Device with Biasing Actuator for Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interactive computing systems, such as gaming consoles and simulators, often provide user inputs that are unfamiliar to users and lack physical feedback, making it difficult for users to intuitively control virtual devices that resemble physical devices.
Innovation Solution
A control device with pivotably coupled elongated members and a biasing actuator that provides tactile feedback by simulating the physical behavior of the virtual device, including resistance, vibration, and center of gravity changes, to enhance user interaction and immersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional control devices use depressible buttons for controlling virtual devices, then the control device structure is simple, but the physical feedback is unfamiliar to users and does not resemble the physical behavior of the virtual device
Solution Approach 1:
The control device physically replicates the form and operational characteristics of the virtual device it controls. For example, if the virtual device is a steering wheel, the control device is also shaped like a steering wheel with a pivotable connection that simulates real steering motion. This copying approach allows users to interact with the virtual device through familiar physical gestures without requiring complex mapping or adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device incorporates dynamic elements such as pivotable connections that allow movement along specific degrees of freedom. The pivotable connection enables the control member to rotate or pivot relative to the housing, simulating the natural motion of the physical device being controlled. This dynamic structure provides realistic tactile feedback while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Productivity
If conventional control devices provide no physical feedback or only unfamiliar physical feedback, then the device complexity is low, but user immersion and interaction fidelity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates sensors that detect user inputs and actuators that provide tactile feedback to the user. The processor analyzes sensor data and commands actuators to generate appropriate tactile responses, such as resistance forces or vibrations, that simulate the physical behavior of the virtual device. This feedback loop enhances user immersion by creating a realistic sense of interaction with the virtual environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical feedback mechanisms with electronically controlled actuators and sensors. Instead of using complex mechanical springs or levers to provide tactile feedback, the system uses electronic actuators (such as voice coil actuators or piezoelectric elements) that can dynamically adjust the tactile response based on virtual device physics. This substitution allows for more versatile and programmable tactile feedback while reducing mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the control device is fixed in position, then the device structure is stable, but the user cannot naturally move the control device in space during interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be held and manipulated freely in space, mounted on surfaces or held by a base, or integrated into head-mounted displays. The pivotable connection and wireless communication capabilities allow the device to adapt to different usage scenarios without requiring structural changes. This multi-functionality enables natural movement while maintaining structural stability through software-based positioning and tracking.
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 control device allows users to intuitively control virtual devices by simulating the physical behavior of the virtual device, providing a more immersive experience by mimicking the interaction with real-world tools, enhancing user engagement and interaction fidelity.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing actuator is coupled to the first elongated member and the second elongated member to provide an output torque between the first elongated member and the second elongated member about the pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
a brake actuator that resists input torque between the first elongated member and the second elongated member about the pivot axis
Implementation Method 3
an inertial actuator coupled to one of the first elongated member or the second elongated member
Implementation Method 4
a mass actuator that moves a center of gravity of the control device
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for an interactive computing system includes a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and a biasing actuator. The first elongated member and the second elongated member are pivotably coupled at a pivot axis. The biasing actuator is coupled to the first elongated member and the second elongated member to provide an output torque between the first elongated member and the second elongated member about the pivot axis. The control device is configured to receive user input for controlling a virtual device displayed by the interactive computing system to visually resemble a physical device. The biasing actuator is controllable to provide tactile feedback to simulate physical behavior of the physical device. The control device is movable freely in space.