Dynamic haptic effects generator

Number: 10386928
Published: 2019-08-20
Filed: 2017-04-12
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Israr; Ali, Hanamitsu; Nobuhisa, Schwemler; Zachary T., Batts; Zachary T.
CPC: G06F3/011; G06F3/016
Verdict: High Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Dynamic haptic effects generator (Israr).

Abstract

A haptic effects generator includes a circuit configured to generate a drive signal, and a haptic actuator coupled to the circuit. The haptic actuator includes a casing having first and second axial ends, a coil configured to receive the drive signal from the circuit and situated within the casing, and a mass designed to move between the first and second axial ends in response to a magnetic field generated by the coil. The haptic actuator also includes a first spring configured to damp the movement by the mass, situated between the mass and the first axial end of the casing, and a second spring configured to damp the movement by the mass, situated between the mass and the second axial end of the casing. The haptic effects generator can cause the mass to oscillate in a range of frequencies.

Background

BACKGROUND(1) Virtual reality (VR) experiences, such as single and multi-player VR games, merge computer generated imagery with real physical actions in a way that provides a deeply immersive and stimulating sensory experience to a user. Many VR systems utilize a head-mounted display (HMD) in combination with a hand-tracking controller that tracks user actions, gestures, and motion in the VR environment. Moreover, such hand tracking controllers may also be used to provide tactile sensations, in the form of haptic feedback, coupled with the audiovisual content presented via the HMD.(2) However, one limitation associated with present VR systems is the relatively primitive nature of the conventional haptic actuators available for use in providing haptic feedback. For example, due to the low-fidelity nature of conventional haptic actuators, the haptic feedback they provide is typically limited to homogenous buzzing type vibrations. Consequently there is a need in the art for a haptic actuator capable of producing a broader range of haptic effects in order to enhance users' VR experiences.SUMMARY(3) There are provided dynamic haptic effects generators and methods for their use, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, and as set forth more completely in the claims.

Claims

1. A haptic effects generator comprising: a circuit configured to generate a drive signal; a haptic actuator coupled to the circuit, the haptic actuator including: a casing having a first axial end and a second axial end; a coil configured to receive the drive signal from the circuit and situated within the casing adjacent the first axial end; a mass designed to have a movement between the first axial end and the second axial end in response to a magnetic field generated by the coil; a first spring configured to damp the movement of the mass, the first spring being situated between the mass and the coil; and a second spring configured to damp the movement of the mass, the second spring being situated between the mass and the second axial end of the casing; wherein the haptic effects generator is configured to cause the mass to oscillate in a range of frequencies. 11. A method for use by a haptic effects generator including a haptic actuator coupled to a circuit, the method comprising: applying, by the circuit, a drive signal to a coil contained within a casing of the haptic actuator adjacent the first axial end; causing a movement of a mass of the haptic actuator between a first axial end and a second axial end of the casing in response to a magnetic field generated by the coil; and damping the movement of the mass by a first spring of the haptic actuator situated between the mass and the coil, and by a second spring of the haptic actuator situated between the mass and the second axial end of the casing; wherein the mass oscillates in a range of frequencies.