Torque-Feedback Rocking Button for Virtual Texture Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operating devices for home game machines fail to express the texture and feel of the object gripped by the user during gameplay.

Innovation Solution

The operating device incorporates a rocking button with a motor-driven mechanism that provides torque corresponding to the user's pressing force, simulating the hardness of the virtual object through a movable button cover and arm system, allowing the user to feel the texture and feel of the object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a motor-driven mechanism with torque feedback is added to provide tactile feedback, then the user can feel the texture and hardness of the virtual object, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile feedback accuracyVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a button cover as an intermediary element between the user's finger and the internal mechanism. The button cover transmits the user's pressing force to the pressing force detection unit while also serving as the visible interface for tactile feedback. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall design by separating the detection function from the feedback generation function, allowing each to be optimized independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical tactile feedback mechanisms with a motor-driven system that generates torque based on detected pressing force. Instead of using mechanical springs or levers to provide resistance and feedback, the system uses a motor to generate controlled torque that simulates the hardness and texture of virtual objects. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving feedback accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If torque is generated corresponding to the pressing force to simulate object hardness, then the texture feel is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexture feedback realismVSAvoidmotor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system operates in discrete cycles: detecting pressing force, generating corresponding torque, and releasing. The motor generates torque only when the user presses the button, and releases torque when the button is released. This periodic operation pattern reduces energy consumption compared to continuous operation, while still providing realistic tactile feedback during the active pressing phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the torque parameter based on the detected pressing force. When the user presses the button with varying force, the motor generates corresponding torque to simulate different object hardness levels. This parameter adjustment allows realistic texture feedback while optimizing energy usage by matching torque output exactly to the user's input force, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the button cover is allowed to move to detect pressing force, then the tactile detection is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing force detection accuracyVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The button cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the user interface for pressing, the detection element for measuring pressing force, and the feedback element for transmitting torque back to the user's finger. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the button cover's mechanical movement function with the pressing force detection function into a single integrated system. The button cover's displacement during pressing directly corresponds to the force applied, and this displacement is detected by the pressing force detection unit. By combining these functions in one component, the design avoids the complexity of separate detection mechanisms while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device enables users to experience the texture and feel of the virtual object they are gripping, enhancing the gaming experience by providing tactile feedback.

Implementation Method 1

a motor-driven mechanism that provides torque corresponding to the user's pressing force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3851175B1Operating device and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP3851175B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3851175B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3851175B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An operating device includes a movable part capable of moving between a first position and a second position, with the movable part being capable of operation by the finger of the user gripping the operating device. The operating device includes a regulating part that regulates a range in which the movable part can move, and a control part that determines the amount of regulation in which the movable part can move and provides the regulating part with an instruction to regulate the range in which the movable part can move according to the amount of regulation which has been determined.