Vibration Control System Waveform Correction for Consistent Haptic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration control systems for devices with different characteristics, such as game controllers, often result in varying vibration perceptions for users, requiring developers to consider specific controller types, which increases development labor and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A vibration control system that generates vibration data indicating frequency and amplitude, allowing for waveform correction based on device characteristics, ensuring similar vibration perception across devices without requiring developers to account for individual controller traits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the same vibration waveform is used across different controller types, then the vibration generation is simple, but the vibration perception by the player varies depending on the controller type

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration waveform generation simplicityVSAvoidvibration perception consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting vibration waveform parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) based on the specific controller type detected. The system stores multiple vibration waveforms with different parameters and selects/applicates the appropriate waveform parameters according to the connected controller's characteristics, thereby achieving consistent vibration perception across different device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the vibration waveform based on the detected controller type. Rather than using a static waveform for all devices, the system changes the vibration parameters in real-time according to the specific device characteristics, making the vibration output dynamic and adaptive to different hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If developers consider vibration expression for each specific controller type, then vibration perception consistency is improved, but development labor and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration perception consistencyVSAvoiddevelopment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically detecting the connected controller type and autonomously selecting the appropriate vibration waveform parameters without requiring developer intervention. The detection unit identifies the controller type, and the control unit automatically applies the corresponding vibration parameters, eliminating the need for developers to manually configure vibration settings for each device type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal vibration control system that can handle multiple controller types through a single unified mechanism. The system stores multiple vibration waveforms and uses a detection unit to identify the connected device, then automatically applies the appropriate waveform, making the system universally compatible across different controller types without requiring separate development efforts for each device.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If vibration control is adjusted for each device characteristic, then vibration perception uniformity is improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration perception uniformityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing multiple vibration waveforms with different parameters in the storage unit, each optimized for specific controller types. When a controller is connected, the detection unit identifies the type and the control unit immediately retrieves and applies the corresponding pre-prepared waveform parameters, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations or adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection unit that mediates between the controller connection and the vibration output. This detection unit identifies the controller type and serves as an intermediary that guides the control unit to select the appropriate vibration waveform from stored options, simplifying the overall control logic by breaking it into manageable discrete steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3343327B1Vibration control system, vibration control apparatus, vibration control program and vibration control method
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP3343327B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3343327B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3343327B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A game apparatus includes a main body apparatus that functions as a vibration control apparatus and a first controller and a second controller attachable to or detachable from the main body apparatus. For example, the game apparatus can be used in one of a first mode that two controllers are attached to the main body apparatus, a second mode that the two controllers are individually used in a separated state from the main body apparatus, a third mode that the two controllers are used in a state where the two controllers are detached from the main body apparatus and connected integrally to each other, and a fourth mode that a third controller that is different from the two controllers is used. For example, the same type of vibration motor is used for each controller, and a CPU incorporated in the main body apparatus controls a vibration waveform according to the usage mode of the game apparatus.