What is Force Feedback: Explained
To put it simply, force feedback is the simulation of real-world physical touch, while in a simulated environment such as virtual reality (VR), by way of motorized motion or resistance. Most people are familiar with force feedback through video game controllers, such as steering wheels or pedals, and other devices such as flight simulator joysticks. But the usefulness of the technology extends far beyond gaming.
Haptic feedback is similar to force feedback in that it provides feedback to users through the sense of touch. Haptic feedback can be as simple as the vibration of a mobile phone to the now emerging, fully-immersive bodysuits of sophisticated VR systems. The major difference between Haptic feedback and Force feedback is that haptic feedback generally uses very small forces or ques (such as vibration), that are mostly only felt through nerves in the skins surface. Force feedback can accomplish this as well as generate sufficient force so you can also feel the effect through your muscles.
Force feedback originated out of technology developed in the 1950s for the CF-105 which was the first non-experimental aircraft equipped with a fly-by-wire system. This technology was developed to simulate the control pressure normally felt by the pilot in an aircraft where the controls are not mechanically linked to the control surfaces. This technology ultimately became known in the aerospace and defense industries as control loading with the later term of force feedback becoming commonplace for other industries.
These technologies are used to increase the safety of almost all modern airliners, and a number of industrial, mining, robotic, and surgical applications by communicating critical information back to an operator, thus increasing situational awareness and ultimately safety. In a training environment they improve the level of immersion and give greater realism and training value, or in the entertainment world, produce a more engaging entertainment experience.
How Does it Work?
The vast majority of force feedback systems make use of active force feedback. This refers to devices that restrict the movement of the user by means of some mechanical input, such as an electric motor. Traditional commercial solutions make use of high voltage servo motors usually coupled with high resolution load cells and a low backlash gear train to create fully closed loop systems. These systems are mechanically and electronically complex and usually require externally rack mounted controllers .
Another, more advanced example of an active system is electromagnetic force feedback which actively interacts with the users’ motion by means of electromagnetic fields. These solutions remove the complexity found in legacy solutions and increase both resolution and reliability.
Where is Force Feedback Used?
Force feedback devices are used in many different industries and applications. Some of the key industries are listed here:
Aerospace
Modern airliners, transport, and military aircraft use control loading in their flight controls to provide the pilot with a sense of how much force they are applying to the control surfaces. This is most commonly used in fly by wire aircraft because the controls are not mechanically linked to the control surfaces.
The physical systems that create and transmit this force feedback are known in the industry as control loading. Essentially the system takes inputs from the pilot and the aircraft (or simulator) and provides outputs back to the pilot and aircraft . Environmental forces experienced on the control surfaces are fed back to the pilot creating increased situational awareness. This form of kinesthetic communication was in the past, been provided by mechanical linkages between the control surfaces and the controls.
Training
Force feedback systems are extremely valuable in training, as they provide a trainee with a highly accurate representation of real-life conditions. Some of the key industries that use this technology in their training programmes include:
- Medical — Can Simulate surgery in conjunction with VR. This is done by simulating the feel of cutting into tissue and drilling into bone.
- Aerospace — Simulator training is critical in aviation. These systems allow pilots to learn in a safe controlled environment.
- Defense — The defense industry has many applications for force feedback including aircraft control, weapons systems training and ship control.
Gaming
The gaming industry is constantly trying to improve the immersion of games. One of the methods of improving this immersion is through force feedback as listed below:
- Gaming controllers — Typical console controllers deliver feedback in the form of vibration.
- Steering Wheels — Top end steering wheels can simulate bumps in the road as well as the forces experienced when going around turns.
- Joysticks — Force feedback joysticks are used in both training as well as gaming, and simulate the forces experienced by an aircraft during aggressive maneuvering for example.
Robotics and Industry
Force feedback for robotics is a highly useful application of the technology. This is used primarily in robotic arms that are controlled by a human operator. It helps the operator judge if they are applying too much or too little force to the object via the gripper. For example, imagine trying to pick up an egg with a powerful robotic arm. Without force feedback, you will almost certainly break the egg every time. These robot arms are used in medical, industrial and deep sea salvage applications.
In Conclusion
As our everyday lives become more and more intertwined with the virtual world, there will become a greater need to add another sense to how we interact. We already have sight and sound, so the next logical step is touch. Despite there being various systems on the market that attempt to achieve the necessary high-fidelity feedback, the old servo motor control technology has reached its limits. New advanced technology is already replacing it and offers a much more natural and smooth interaction with the virtual space.
What is Force Feedback in a racing wheel?
You may have heard of the term, but you may not know how it works, what it aims to replicate, and whether or not it is necessary to improve your racing game experience.
Thankfully, we’re here to talk you through everything Force Feedback-related in this guide.
What is Force Feedback?
Force Feedback is a simulation technique used in racing wheels to deliver a true-to-life representation of what it is like to race for real.
In other words, it tries to replicate what the driver would feel if he were to race under the exact same conditions in the same location in real life and, ultimately, provide you with a ton of extra information on how your car is performing so you can make minor adjustments to improve it.
These days, top racing wheels, like this Logitech G923 featured in our list of the best racing wheels for Xbox, include Force Feedback.
In Logitech’s case, this comes in the form of TrueForce which, Logitech boasts, utilises both in-game audio and game physics to deliver vibrations and more accurate feedback responses to the steering wheel.
How does Force Feedback work in a racing wheel?
The Force Feedback technique is achieved through a combination of in-game code from whichever title you’re playing, the right configuration, and several electric motors inside the sim racing wheel.
The electric motors create resistance in conjunction with what’s occurring on your screen, and it alters as the driving conditions change.
For example, if you run wide on a game like F1 2021 and end up driving in the gravel, you’ll begin to feel a sudden change of resistance and vibration as your wheels begin to spin on the uneven surface. This will therefore cause you to fight with the car to get it back on track, much like how it would feel in real life.
Do you need Force Feedback in a racing wheel?
The short answer is no, Force Feedback isn’t necessary for racing games, however, if you want to take your sim experience to the next level, you may find picking up a racing wheel with Force Feedback to be beneficial.
Ultimately, Force Feedback adds more signals and interaction for you to respond to, giving you extra opportunities to react to those signals more precisely and accurately so you can improve as a racer.
Additionally, with the increase in signals and interactions, you should feel more immersed in the racing action as the whole experience becomes a greater and more accurate representation of what it is like to race in real life.
How much do Force Feedback racing wheels cost?
Generally speaking, the addition of Force Feedback to a racing wheel adds to its price tag.
For example, this mid to high-end Thrustmaster T300 RS GT as featured in our list of the best racing wheels for PS5 will cost significantly more than a wheel without the added simulation technique.
However, most top racing wheels these days include Force Feedback, and devices like the Hori RWA Apex are a great example of a relatively inexpensive bit of kit that still includes Force Feedback for added in-game immersion.
Force feedback
Force feedback (форс фидбэк) — система, которая реализует тактильную обратную связь (feedback) игрового руля, джойстика или любого другого игрового контроллера, в компьютерных играх.
- Активный — при определённых игровых ситуациях руль самопроизвольно поворачивается в ту или иную сторону (для джойстика — отклонение рычага).
- Пассивный — когда в руле стоит пружина, и при его отклонении она возвращает руль в исходное положение. — при определённых игровых моментах руль начинает вибрировать.
В игровых системах force feedback впервые был применён в игровом автомате Out Run (1986) [источник не указан 52 дня] , где игрок занимал сидячее положение — обратная связь обеспечивалась через рулевое колесо. На игровых приставках такой вид обратной связи впервые использовался в контроллерах DualShock приставки PlayStation и в дополнительном устройстве Rumble Pak для Nintendo 64.
Примечания
Ссылки
-
— статья на сайте IXBT
- Найти и оформить в виде сносок ссылки на авторитетные источники, подтверждающие написанное.
- Добавить иллюстрации.
- Проставив сноски, внести более точные указания на источники.
- Игровые контроллеры
- Виртуальная реальность
Wikimedia Foundation . 2010 .
Полезное
Смотреть что такое «Force feedback» в других словарях:
Force Feedback — Geöffnetes Gamepad mit Rumble Motoren Der Begriff Force Feedback (engl.; im englischen Sprachraum haptic technology oder haptics, also haptische Technik) bzw. Kraftrückkopplung bezeichnet eine in Eingabegeräten für Computer eingesetzte… … Deutsch Wikipedia
Force-Feedback — Geöffnetes Gamepad mit Rumble Motoren Der Begriff Force Feedback (engl. wörtlich Kraft Rückmeldung) bezeichnet eine in Eingabegeräten für Computerspiele eingesetzte Rückmeldung von Kraft an den Spieler. Je nach Spielsituation erhält der Spieler… … Deutsch Wikipedia
Force Feedback Joystick — [dt. »Kraft Rückkopplungs Joystick«] (Rüttel Joystick), aufwendig ausgestattetes Eingabegerät für Computerspiele. Der Joystick reagiert auf bestimmte Bedingungen der Spielsituation. So lässt ihn etwa ein unebener Untergrund rütteln oder er wird … Universal-Lexikon
force feedback — … Useful english dictionary
List of games supporting force feedback — This is a list of PC games that support force feedback.PC GamesAction/Adventure* Abomination * * Allegiance * * * B.F.R.I.S. * Black White * BreakNeck * Bugriders * Carmageddon II * Carmageddon TDR2000 * * * Cold Fear * Colin McRae Rally 2 * Colt … Wikipedia
SideWinder Force Feedback Pro — SideWinder Force Feedback Pro, der erste Joystick mit Kraftrückkopplung (»Rüttel Joystick«) … Universal-Lexikon
Feedback (Dark Horse Comics) — Feedback Matthew Atherton as Feedback at the 2007 New York Comic Con. Publication information Publisher Dark Horse Comics … Wikipedia
Sidewinder Force Feedback Wheel — three dimensional computer game in which players simulate driving cars (produced by Microsoft) … English contemporary dictionary
GT Force — or Driving Force (see the trademark symbols difference) is the name of a line of Gran Turismo official steering wheels designed by Logitech (a.k.a. Logicool in Japan) in collaboration with Polyphony Digital. These racing games controllers are… … Wikipedia
Logitech Driving Force GT — Manufacturer Logitech Type Racing wheel Generation Seventh generation era Retail … Wikipedia
What Is Force Feedback in a Racing Wheel?
KommandoTech earns commission via affiliate programs, meaning we may earn a fee when you click on our link and decide to purchase a product. However, every review we commit to is unbiased, objective, and produced before we ever join a company’s affiliate program.
Table of Contents
- What Is Force Feedback?
- How Does Force Feedback Work?
- Different Types of Force Feedback Racing Wheels
- Gear Drive
- Belt Drive
- Direct Drive
- Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to racing games, there are a few things that can make or break the experience. One of those factors is having a good racing wheel. Not only does it make the gaming experience more realistic and immersive, but it can also give you a competitive edge against your opponents.
But what is force feedback in a racing wheel, and what benefits could it provide?
In today’s article, we’ll look at what force feedback is, how it works, and the different types of wheels with force feedback. So whether you’re a seasoned racing gamer or just starting out, strap in.
What Is Force Feedback?
While the best PC controllers offer simplicity and portability, racing wheels provide an immersive experience that gives players a better sense of control over their car. This is made possible by force feedback, which is similar to haptic technology that uses vibrations and other tactile feedback to create the illusion of sensory input.
Force feedback steering wheels are designed to give players a realistic driving experience by replicating the forces that would be felt if they were behind the wheel of an actual car.
In reality, this means that the game will try to simulate car handling, complete with the sensations of resistance and vibration on the steering wheel. How much resistance and vibration you experience will depend on whether you’re driving on mud, gravel, snow, or other surfaces.
How Does Force Feedback Work?
All force feedback wheels have motors that create the vibration and resistance you feel while playing. The strength of the vibrations and resistance will depend on the game and your chosen settings.
Some wheels will also have a second motor responsible for simulating road surface textures. This can add another layer of realism to the experience, as you’ll feel the difference between driving on a smooth asphalt road and a bumpy dirt path.
The way that force feedback works can best be described with an example. Let’s say you’re driving on the road with many potholes. As you drive over each pothole, your wheel vibrates and offers resistance. The same goes for when you’re making a tight turn; the wheel will offer more resistance.
All of this is possible thanks to the Microsoft DirectInput API. Game developers use it for input devices such as your steering wheel, pedals, handbrake, and other gaming controllers. It includes the library needed to produce force-feedback effects for devices with suitable drivers.
Different Types of Force Feedback Racing Wheels
Now that we know how force feedback works let’s take a look at the different types of steering wheels that offer this feature.
Gear Drive
Because it is the cheapest of the three, gear drive is usually the first type of steering wheel with force feedback most people get in contact with. As its name implies, it utilizes a series of gears attached to an electromotor to simulate the force feedback effect.
One thing to keep in mind with gear drive wheels is that they can be noisy. This is because the gears are responsible for creating the resistance, so they will make clunky sounds as they spin.
Nonetheless, it’s still a good entry point for any enthusiast as it’s affordable and easy to find.
Belt Drive
The second type of force feedback wheel is the belt drive. As you can probably guess, this type of steering wheel uses a belt to create resistance. The system generates a stronger force feedback effect than any gear-drive steering wheel.
It is more expensive than a gear drive, yet it is the perfect balance of price and quality. The only downside is the belt itself. Over time it will show signs of wear and tear, including stretching, which will require replacement if possible.
Direct Drive
The last and most expensive type of steering wheel is direct drive. This steering wheel is the pinnacle of performance as it doesn’t rely on gears or belts to create resistance. Instead, it uses a direct connection to an electromotor.
This results in a much smoother and more realistic force feedback effect. However, the price tag can be quite hefty, with some models costing over $1,000. But if you’re serious about sim racing, you’ll want to get this type of force feedback racing wheel.
What Is Force Feedback Clipping?
Clipping happens when your steering wheel maxes out the force feedback effect it can create and, in a way, stops producing new effects. Let’s explain this via an example.
Let’s say you are driving around, and a simple gravel patch maxes out your steering wheel force feedback effect. As long as you are in a gravel patch, you won’t be able to register any new force feedback effects because your controller can’t physically produce them.
Force feedback clipping is a common issue that various factors can cause. When it does happen, it’s usually due to your steering wheel settings being too high. You’ll need to adjust them until you find the sweet spot that gives you the best experience. Just keep in mind that different tracks have varying loads.
Do You Need a Force Feedback Racing Wheel?
Now that you know all about direct drive, belt drive, and direct drive force feedback steering wheels, you might wonder if you need it. The answer to this question depends on how serious you are about sim racing.
We suggest getting a steering wheel without force feedback or connecting your Xbox controller to your PC if you’re just getting started. This is because getting a racing sim setup can be quite expensive. Even the budget version of the force feedback steering can set you back between $200 and $300 without extras such as pedals and a handbrake. This isn’t an expense for a Sunday driver.
However, if you’re already familiar with sim racing, it’s your favorite pastime, and you want to take your hobby to the next level, we recommend getting a good force feedback steering wheel. Then, slowly work your way up to a perfect steering wheel setup rig with all the accessories.
You should know that it won’t be cheap, but the extra realism of force feedback makes it worthwhile. Once you try it, you’ll never be able to play racing sims on your controller ever again.
Whether you update your PS5 controller to the latest version or use Sony DualSense with haptic feedback, it will never be able to reproduce the force feedback effect of a direct drive racing wheel.