Segmented Capacitive Touch Trigger for VR Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VR controllers lack the ability to accurately track hand motions and natural gestures, limiting the realism and tactile experience in virtual environments.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held controller with a segmented capacitive touch trigger that detects finger sliding and position, using a capacitive touch surface and magnetic sensors to translate hand movements into intuitive actions in a virtual space, allowing for precise manipulation of objects and natural gestures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional non-segmented trigger is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of hand motions and gestures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger is divided into multiple segmented capacitive touch-sensitive zones arranged in a pattern. Each zone can independently detect touch or proximity events, allowing the system to determine the position and movement of fingers across different zones. This segmentation enables precise tracking of hand gestures while maintaining a relatively simple overall trigger structure.
2Ease of operation
If a capacitive touch surface is added to detect finger sliding, then the ease of operation for natural gestures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches or buttons with a capacitive touch surface that detects finger sliding through electrical field changes. This allows for contactless and more natural gesture detection, improving ease of operation while reducing mechanical wear and complexity associated with moving parts.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors are integrated to track trigger movement, then the measurement precision of hand position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the trigger mechanism and the sensing system. Magnetic sensors detect changes in the magnetic field caused by trigger movement, providing precise position tracking without requiring direct mechanical or electrical connections between moving and stationary components.
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 more realistic and tactile VR experiences by accurately tracking hand motions and gestures, allowing users to perform social gestures and manipulate objects with precision and natural movement.
Implementation Method 1
The touch surface on the trigger comes into contact with the finger of the user's hand to detect sliding of the finger of the user's hand on the touch surface
Implementation Method 2
using a capacitive touch surface and magnetic sensors to translate hand movements into intuitive actions
Data Source
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AI summary
A hand-held controller includes a handle extending in a longitudinal direction. The handle is shaped and dimensioned to be grasped by a user's hand. A trigger protrudes from an outer surface of the handle and moves relative to the handle responsive to pressing of the trigger by a finger of the user's hand. The trigger includes a touch surface that comes into contact with the finger of the user's hand to detect sliding of the finger of the user's hand on the touch surface.