Strain-Sensed Trigger Motor Control for Realistic Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controllers for gaming and VR contexts rely solely on vibrations from haptic actuators, which fail to provide realistic tactile feedback, especially for interactions with virtual objects having varying elastic properties, and are limited by non-linear and unprogrammable mechanical springs or elastic materials.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a strain sensor to measure force applied to input mechanisms like triggers or buttons, coupled with a motor that adjusts positions based on the strain measurement and a tactile profile of virtual objects, allowing for dynamic and realistic tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical springs or elastic materials are used to provide tactile feedback, then the input mechanism can return to resting position, but the response is non-linear and unprogrammable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical springs and elastic materials with a motor-driven system that uses strain sensors and control logic to generate tactile feedback. The motor (204) drives the input mechanism (202) to specific positions based on strain measurements, eliminating the need for physical spring mechanisms and enabling programmable, adaptive feedback responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously measures strain on the input mechanism using strain sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust motor positioning. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to adapt to different virtual object properties and provide realistic tactile responses that would be impossible with fixed mechanical springs.
2Ease of operation
If haptic actuators are used to provide vibrations, then some feedback is delivered to users, but realistic tactile feedback for varying elastic properties is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static mechanical spring responses to dynamic motor-driven positioning that can adapt in real-time. The motor can adjust the input mechanism position dynamically based on measured strain and virtual object properties, enabling realistic simulation of different elastic characteristics that vibrations alone cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of tactile feedback from vibration frequency/amplitude to positional force feedback. By controlling the motor to position the input mechanism at specific locations based on strain measurements, the system can simulate different elastic properties through controlled resistance and position, providing more realistic tactile sensations.
3Device complexity
If fixed mechanical springs are used, then the structure is simple, but the response cannot be adjusted for different virtual objects
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven system with strain sensing serves multiple functions: it provides the returning force, measures strain, and positions the input mechanism dynamically. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple dedicated mechanical components (springs for different objects) with a single adaptable system that can handle various virtual object types through software 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
Enables more realistic interaction simulations by dynamically adjusting motor positions to mimic the tactile properties of virtual objects, enhancing user experience through programmable and responsive feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a strain sensor measures the force applied by or to an input mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A strain sensor is configured to measure a force applied by an input mechanism such as a trigger, button, or joystick. A motor is configured to be drive the input mechanism to particular positions in response to the strain measurement.