Vibration Feedback for 360-Degree Target Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current game systems lack an effective method to indicate the position of objects in a virtual space to players, particularly in a 360-degree direction, making it difficult for players to specify the position of target objects through conventional means.
Innovation Solution
A game system and method that uses a vibration signal generated when a determination area rotates around an operation object, with the intensity and direction of vibration indicating the position of a target object relative to the operation object, allowing players to specify the target's position through tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional visual indicators are used to show object positions, then players can see the position, but players cannot easily specify the position in 360-degree direction without additional controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems (buttons, sticks for directional input) with a tactile feedback system using vibration motors. The vibration pattern (intensity, frequency, duration) encodes spatial information about target object positions in 360-degree direction, allowing players to specify positions through tactile sensation rather than complex mechanical controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration signal acts as an intermediary between the game system and the player. Instead of directly controlling complex 360-degree positioning through multiple inputs, the system uses vibration as a mediator to convey positional information and enable intuitive target specification through tactile feedback patterns.
2Loss of information
If no tactile feedback is provided, then the operation device is simpler, but players cannot intuitively identify the position of target objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional visual or auditory information transmission systems with a tactile feedback system using vibration motors. The vibration patterns encode positional information about target objects, transmitting spatial data through tactile sensation rather than relying on complex visual displays or audio cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies mechanical vibration through motors in the operation device to convey information. Different vibration patterns (intensity, frequency, timing) represent different positional information about target objects, enabling intuitive position identification through tactile feedback without requiring complex additional systems.
3Measurement precision
If vibration intensity is constant, then the vibration device is simpler to control, but players cannot determine distance to target objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of vibration intensity to encode distance information. As the operation object approaches a target object, the vibration intensity increases, providing players with intuitive tactile feedback about relative distance. This parameter variation enables precise distance measurement capability while maintaining relatively simple device control through a single vibration motor with variable intensity output.
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 players to easily identify the position of target objects in a 360-degree direction by varying vibration intensity and speed based on the distance and direction from the operation object, enhancing gameplay by providing intuitive tactile feedback.
Implementation Method 1
generating a vibration signal for causing a vibration device provided in the operation device to vibrate when the target object touches the determination area
Data Source
AI summary
A non-limiting example game system comprises a main body apparatus, and a left controller and a right controller are attachably and detachably attached to the main body apparatus. Each of the left controller and the right controller is provided with a plurality of operation buttons, an analog stick and a vibrator. A player character is provided with a radar object, and a rod-like determination object having one end that is located at a center of the character object is rotated within a plane parallel to a horizontal plane in a virtual space. When the determination object touches an enemy character, the vibrator of the left controller or/and the right controller is caused to vibrate.