Directional Force Feedback via Rotatable Mass Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for providing sensory feedback in virtual reality environments, such as games, lack the ability to effectively generate directional force feedback in free space, limiting the immersive experience by not allowing users to feel forces in three-dimensional space.
Innovation Solution
A directional force feedback system using a mass that is rotatable about a movable axis, generating a force vector with direction and magnitude in three-dimensional space in response to events in processing device applications, simulating forces through torque generation, allowing users to feel forces as if they are coming from specific directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mass is made rotatable about a movable axis to generate directional force feedback, then the ability to provide three-dimensional directional force feedback is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mechanical structure where a mass can rotate about an axis that itself is movable and can be positioned at different orientations. This allows the system to generate force vectors in three-dimensional space by dynamically adjusting the rotation axis position and orientation, enabling directional force feedback while managing structural complexity through controlled mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional vibration feedback to three-dimensional directional force feedback by introducing a movable rotation axis that can be positioned in different spatial locations and orientations. This adds a dimensional aspect to the force generation capability, allowing forces to be applied in multiple directions simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the mass and movable axis are made responsive to control signals to generate force vectors in three-dimensional space, then the realism of virtual reality feedback is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that receives control signals and translates them into precise rotational movements of the mass about the movable axis. The system monitors and adjusts the axis position and rotation to generate the intended force vector, providing accurate feedback that corresponds to virtual events in the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-actuator mechanical systems with a simplified approach using a single rotatable mass about a movable axis. This mechanical substitution reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to generate three-dimensional force vectors through coordinated motion of the axis and mass rotation.
3Measurement precision
If the movable axis is coupled to an axial structure and transverse arm to position the movable axis within a range of movement, then the directional control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning mechanism into separate functional components: an axial structure for supporting the movable axis, and transverse arms for positioning the axis within a range of movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall control of force direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the axial structure and the movable axis, enabling precise positioning of the rotation axis without requiring direct complex actuation of the axis itself. This intermediate structure simplifies the control architecture while maintaining directional precision.
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 a more immersive user experience by providing realistic directional force feedback, enhancing the simulation of interactions in virtual environments, such as games, by translating virtual events into physical sensations felt by the user.
Implementation Method 1
The mass and movable axis are responsive to a control signal to generate a force vector having a direction and a magnitude in three dimensional space to provide feedback to the user. The force vector is created in response to an event in application executing in a processing device.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology is presented for generating directional force feedback in free space to a user using a mass rotatable about a movable axis. The mass and movable axis are responsive to a control signal to generate a force vector having a direction and a magnitude in three-dimensional space to provide feedback to the user. The force vector is created in response to an event in application executing in a processing device. The force vector represents feedback regarding an event in the application.