Swing Switch Haptic Feedback Using Push-In Threshold Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current controller apparatuses for information processing systems lack advanced feedback mechanisms to enhance user experience, particularly in terms of tactile feedback and dynamic difficulty adjustment during operations like swinging and pushing switches.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a swing switch with a rotary encoder and a tactile sense presentation device, controlled by a microcomputer, which provides adjustable tactile feedback and vibration based on the push-in amount and angle, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the difficulty level and realistic simulation of grasping and cutting actions in games.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a swing switch with rotary encoder and tactile feedback device is incorporated, then tactile feedback precision and user experience are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile feedback precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated controller apparatus: the swing switch mechanism, rotary encoder for angle detection, push-in amount detection means, and tactile sense presentation device are merged into one unified structure. This integration allows precise tactile feedback and measurement while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems, as all components work together within a single coordinated apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The swing switch serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects push-in amount through the push-in amount detection means, detects swinging angle through the rotary encoder, and provides tactile feedback through the vibration device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable tactile feedback and vibration mechanisms are added, then user experience and engagement are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experience qualityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller apparatus automatically adjusts tactile feedback characteristics based on the detected swinging angle and push-in amount without requiring manual configuration. The system self-regulates the vibration intensity and frequency according to the user's operational inputs, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust settings while still providing adaptable and engaging feedback experiences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tactile sense presentation device provides real-time feedback to the user based on the detected operational parameters (swinging angle and push-in amount). This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adapt to user actions and provide appropriate haptic responses, improving user experience while maintaining ease of operation as the adjustments are transparent to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic difficulty adjustment based on operation parameters is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic difficulty adjustmentVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller apparatus dynamically adjusts operational characteristics based on real-time detection of swinging angle and push-in amount. The system transitions from static to dynamic operation, where the tactile feedback and resistance characteristics change continuously according to the user's inputs, enabling dynamic difficulty adjustment without requiring complex pre-programmed scenarios or multiple fixed configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution significantly enhances user experience by providing precise tactile feedback and adjustable difficulty levels, improving the realism and engagement of game operations through controlled vibrations and reaction forces.

Implementation Method 1

a swing switch 25 to be operated by a user, a rotary encoder for detecting a swinging angle of the swing switch 25

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotary encoder:

Implementation Method 2

a vibrating mechanism for vibrating the rocking button, and a control device for controlling vibrations produced by the vibrating mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration mechanism:

Data Source

PatentEP3822745B1Information processing system and method of operation therefor
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP3822745B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3822745B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3822745B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The information processing apparatus is connected to a controller apparatus provided with a push button which moves from a first position to a second position by being pushed by a user's finger. The information processing apparatus acquires the push-in amount of the push button of the controller apparatus, determines whether or not the push-in amount is in a range that excludes the first position and the second position and is configured by two threshold values set between the first position and the second position, and performs predetermined processing on the basis of the result of the determination.