Engineers at the University of Utah have developed a concept next-generation game controller that not only vibrates but also pulls at the thumb controllers to simulate the recoil of a gun or the pull on a fishing line, for example.
The concept controller is fitted with tractors which are located underneath each thumb and are used for controlling a character’s movements, just like traditional controllers.
Innovative Haptic Feedback Mechanism
But if the character was to run into a wall, for instance, the tractor moves back to mimic impact. This feature adds a new layer of realism to gaming, making players feel more connected to the virtual world. Watch the video after the jump to see the innovative controller in action. The controllers can also provide feedback if a character is crawling by moving back and forth under both thumbs. This kind of feedback can significantly enhance the gaming experience, making it more immersive and engaging.
The haptic feedback mechanism is not limited to just simulating impacts or crawling. It can also replicate various other sensations, such as the tension of a bowstring being pulled back or the resistance felt when steering a vehicle through rough terrain. These additional feedback modes can make games more intuitive and enjoyable, providing players with a richer sensory experience.
Future Development and Applications
Plans are now to develop the controller as a smartphone peripheral into which a smartphone would slide, providing the phone with more accurate controls. This development could revolutionize mobile gaming by offering a more tactile and responsive control scheme compared to traditional touchscreen inputs. William Provancher, an associate professor of mechanical engineering who is in Vancouver, British Columbia, explains:
“I’m hoping we can get this into production when the next game consoles come out in a couple of years. We have developed feedback modes that enhance immersiveness and realism for gaming scenarios such as collision, recoil from a gun, the feeling of being pushed by ocean waves, or crawling prone in a first-person shooter game,”
The potential applications of this technology extend beyond gaming. For instance, it could be used in virtual reality (VR) environments to provide more realistic interactions. Imagine feeling the texture of objects or the force of virtual tools in a VR workspace. This could make VR training programs more effective and engaging.
Moreover, the technology could find applications in remote-controlled robotics, where operators need precise and tactile feedback to control machines accurately. This could be particularly useful in fields like surgery, where robotic instruments are used for delicate procedures.
The integration of this haptic feedback technology into mainstream gaming and other applications could mark a significant advancement in how we interact with digital environments. As the technology continues to develop, it holds the promise of making virtual experiences more tangible and lifelike, bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds.
Source: Digital Trends
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