VR Trigger Finger Analog Rendering via Multi-Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual reality controllers can only render a trigger finger in a binary manner, with only two positions (pointed or fully curled), lacking the ability to depict a partially curled position, which limits the accuracy and immersion of virtual interactions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an additional proximity sensor near the trigger of the controller to detect the proximity of the trigger finger's base, allowing for an analog rendering that includes three or more positions, such as pointed, partially curled, and fully curled, by combining sensory input from both the trigger sensor and the new sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single proximity sensor is used to detect trigger finger position, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient to detect partial curling positions
Solution Approach 1:
The finger is segmented into multiple detection zones along its length. The first proximity sensor detects proximity at one location (e.g., fingertip near trigger), while the second proximity sensor detects proximity at a different location (e.g., finger base near controller body). This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between partial curling (one zone activated) and full curling (both zones activated), thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex single-sensor solutions.
2Loss of information
If binary rendering is used for trigger finger position, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of information occurs regarding partial curling positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple proximity sensors to dynamically determine the appropriate finger position rendering. The processor analyzes proximity data from both sensors and provides feedback to select from multiple rendered images representing different finger positions (pointed, partially curled, fully curled). This feedback mechanism ensures that the virtual representation accurately reflects the actual finger position, minimizing information loss while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured decision logic.
3Measurement precision
If multiple proximity sensors are added to detect partial curling positions, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensors serve multiple functions: they detect both trigger activation and finger curling position simultaneously. The same sensors that monitor trigger press depth also monitor finger base position, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function. This multi-functionality approach improves measurement precision for finger position detection while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing sensor infrastructure.
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 enhances the accuracy and immersion of virtual interactions by providing a more nuanced representation of the trigger finger's position, enabling better feedback and timing prediction in virtual environments.
Implementation Method 1
the controller may have a number of proximity sensors, such as capacitive sensors, capable of locating fingers of a user
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed computer-implemented method may include receiving, by a computing device, input from two or more proximity sensors configured to sense proximity, of two or more portions of a trigger finger of a user, to a trigger of a controller and to at least one part of the controller proximate to the trigger. The disclosed computer-implemented method may also include generating, by the computing device, an analog rendering of the trigger finger in response to the input from the two or more proximity sensors. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.