VR Controller Haptic Feedback via Force Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual reality controllers fail to mimic natural motions, provide compelling haptic feedback, and offer fine dexterity manipulation, as they are often bulky, lack realistic grasping sensations, and are costly due to complex designs with multiple motors and parts.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose haptic controller with a rigid design that allows stable power grip and fine control using natural motions, featuring a trackpad for thumb or finger interaction, force sensors, and vibrators to provide realistic cutaneous-level sensations without requiring multiple motors, enabling precise manipulation and a wide range of haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional virtual reality controllers use multiple motors and complex parts to provide haptic feedback, then haptic feedback capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the haptic feedback function from complex motor systems and implements it through simple vibrators that can be integrated into the controller body without requiring separate motor assemblies. This reduces device complexity while maintaining haptic feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller design integrates multiple functions including tracking, haptic feedback, and user input detection into a single unified device. The vibrators serve multiple purposes by providing both haptic feedback and structural integration, reducing the need for separate components.
2Ease of operation
If conventional virtual reality controllers use multiple motors to simulate natural motions, then motion simulation capability is improved, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical motor systems with electronic tracking sensors and software-based motion simulation. The controllers use sensors to detect user movements and digitally simulate natural motions through software, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical components while maintaining motion realism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional virtual reality controllers use complex designs with multiple parts, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple controller functions into integrated components. The tracking sensors, haptic feedback mechanisms, and user input interfaces are combined into unified assemblies that reduce part count and simplify manufacturing processes while maintaining versatile functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves enhanced functionality through software parameter adjustments and digital signal processing rather than adding physical components. By changing control parameters and processing algorithms, the controller provides adaptive functionality without increasing hardware complexity or manufacturing cost.
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 natural dexterous finger-based interaction and exploration of virtual objects with realistic haptic sensations, improving the virtual reality experience through efficient and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
vibrators to provide realistic cutaneous-level sensations
Implementation Method 2
force sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present concepts relate to a virtual reality controller that enables fine control of virtual objects using natural motions involving the dexterity of the user's fingers and provides realistic haptic sensations to the user's fingers. The controller may have a rigid structure design without moving parts. Force sensors under finger rests can detect forces exerted by user's fingers. Actuators can render haptic feedback from the virtual reality world to the user's fingers. The controller may include one or more trackpads on which the user may slide her fingers. The controller may be used for exploring and manipulating virtual objects, for example, by grasping, releasing, rotating, and feeling the surface of virtual objects.