US 11,698,682 B2Granted

Haptic hand controller system for mixed reality

AssigneeDistal Reality LLC

InventorMark A. Salada

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Abstract

The technology disclosed herein includes a controller or device that provides multi-dimensional hand interaction with the digital world by delivering physical sensations to the palm and the fingertips. The device translates motion from the hand and fingers to control of a computer device, while simultaneously receiving signals to display haptic sensations. The device is “controller-held” around a user's hand, holding onto hand anatomy at key locations. In some embodiments, the device has one-handed engagement and disengagement. In some embodiments, the device may be used as a game controller, incorporating WebVR electronics and software, wireless communication, power-harvesting electronics, inertial measurements unit electronics including additional inputs for camera-based IMU supplementation, battery recharging electronic and internal communication protocol support electronics. In some embodiments, the device may be used in non-gaming environments, and include additional electronics that support universal remote controller components, IoT compatibility, and compatibility for wireless charging.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An electronic controller comprising:

a fastening assembly configured to engage and disengage with a user's hand, the fastening assembly comprising:
a first transverse section, wherein the first transverse section is substantially rigid and configured to extend across at least a portion of the user's hand proximate to a wrist of the user's hand;
a second transverse section coupled to the first transverse section, wherein the second transverse section is substantially rigid and configured to extend across at least a portion of the user's hand proximate to a palm of the user's hand and substantially aligned with a transverse crease of the user's hand, wherein the second transverse section is further configured to avoid contact with or impeding a thenar portion of the user's hand, a thenar eminence portion of the user's hand, and a hypothenar eminence portion of the user's hand;
a first elongate member coupled to the first transverse section, wherein the first elongate member is substantially rigid;
a second elongate member coupled to the second transverse section, wherein the second elongate member is substantially rigid;
a thumb tip portion coupled to the first elongate member, the thumb tip portion configured to display haptic sensations;
a first fingertip portion coupled to the second elongate member, the first fingertip portion configured to display haptic sensations;
a clasping mechanism coupled to at least one of the first transverse section or the second transverse section;
and
an electronic module operatively coupled to the fastening assembly, the electronic module comprising:
a processor;
and
memory coupled with the processor, with instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being executable by the processor to cause the electronic controller to:
provide signals to the thumb tip portion and first fingertip portion for presenting the haptic sensations.

11 more elements

An electronic controller comprising:

a fastening assembly configured to engage and disengage with a user's hand, the fastening assembly comprising:
a first transverse section;
a second transverse section coupled to the first transverse section;
a first elongate member coupled to the first transverse section;
a second elongate member coupled to the second transverse section;
a thumb tip portion coupled to the first elongate member, the thumb tip portion comprising a thumb tip mechanism configured to present haptic sensations that include both tactile and kinesthetic sensations;
a first fingertip portion coupled to the second elongate member, the first fingertip portion comprising a first fingertip mechanism configured to present haptic sensations that include both tactile and kinesthetic sensations;
a clasping mechanism coupled to at least one of the first transverse section or the second transverse section;
and
an electronic module operatively coupled to the fastening assembly, the electronic module comprising:
a processor;
and
memory coupled with the processor, with instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being executable by the processor to cause the electronic controller to:
provide signals to the thumb tip portion and first fingertip portion for presenting the haptic sensations.

11 more elements

An electronic controller comprising:

a fastening assembly configured to engage and disengage with a user's hand, the fastening assembly comprising:
a first transverse section;
a second transverse section coupled to the first transverse section;
a first elongate member coupled to the first transverse section;
a second elongate member coupled to the second transverse section;
a thumb tip portion coupled to the first elongate member, the thumb tip portion comprising a thumb tip mechanism configured to present haptic sensations;
a first fingertip portion coupled to the second elongate member, the first fingertip portion comprising a first fingertip mechanism configured to present haptic sensations;
a clasping mechanism coupled to at least one of the first transverse section or the second transverse section, wherein the clasping mechanism is configurable to mechanically engage with the user's hand in a first fixably movable orientation to hold the electronic controller to the user's hand, and wherein the clasping mechanism is further configurable to mechanically disengage with the user's hand in a second fixably movable orientation to enable the electronic controller to be removed from the user's hand;
and
an electronic module operatively coupled to the fastening assembly, the electronic module comprising:
a processor;
and
memory coupled with the processor, with instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being executable by the processor to cause the electronic controller to:
provide signals to the thumb tip portion and first fingertip portion for presenting the haptic sensations.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 17/736,086Filed 3 May 2022 · us provisional application
Priority: 3 May 2021
Published: US 2022/0350410 A13 Nov 2022
Granted: 11 Jul 2023
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification14 codes

G06F 3/016
Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer: input arrangements with force or tactile…
A63F 13/24
Input arrangements for video game devices: constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
A63F 13/285
Responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating…
A63F 13/98
Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring,…