Audio-Driven Haptic Feedback System for Dynamic Tactile Content

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current haptic feedback devices are limited in creating immersive experiences as they cannot process audio streams to generate dynamic haptic feedback patterns, resulting in homogeneous and static sensations.

Innovation Solution

A haptic feedback system that utilizes a haptic algorithm to process audio streams, activating actuators such as voice coils and vibrating motors based on frequency band energy levels or predefined patterns to create customized tactile experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current haptic feedback devices vibrate all actuators in a pre-defined configuration similarly, then the device structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but the haptic feedback experience becomes homogeneous and static, reducing user immersion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback pattern diversityVSAvoidactuator control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic haptic feedback by processing audio streams in real-time to generate varying vibration patterns for different actuators. The system transitions from static pre-defined configurations to dynamic, audio-driven actuator activation, allowing the haptic feedback to adapt continuously to the audio content and create immersive experiences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different vibration patterns to different actuators based on their spatial location and the corresponding audio spectrum. Each actuator receives customized vibration characteristics (frequency, amplitude, duration) tailored to match the local audio content, creating localized and differentiated haptic feedback experiences rather than uniform vibration across all actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If haptic feedback devices capture and process audio streams to create dynamic haptic patterns, then user immersion and believability are enhanced, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser immersion qualityVSAvoidaudio processing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical vibration generation systems with an audio-processing-based approach. Instead of using complex mechanical modulators or multiple independent vibration sources, the system captures audio streams and directly translates audio characteristics into haptic feedback patterns, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high immersion quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the audio processing system serve multiple functions: the same audio stream processing that enhances visual and auditory experience also drives the haptic feedback generation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated haptic generation systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable user immersion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If haptic feedback devices use a fixed pre-defined actuator configuration, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the ability to create realistic and engaging tactile experiences is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator arrangement simplicityVSAvoidtactile content variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the haptic feedback system into multiple independent actuators distributed across different spatial locations. Each actuator can be independently controlled and assigned different vibration patterns based on the audio content and spatial mapping, enabling diverse and realistic tactile experiences while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure that is easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances user immersion by generating dynamic and realistic haptic feedback patterns, allowing for a more engaging and believable interaction with multimedia content.

Implementation Method 1

activating actuators such as voice coils and vibrating motors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

activating actuators such as voice coils and vibrating motors based on frequency band energy levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS9147328B2Creating tactile content with sound

Publication Date: 2015.09.29 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

There is provided a system and method for creating tactile content by using an audio stream. The method includes capturing an audio stream using a microphone, processing the audio stream to generate an audio data stream, executing a haptic algorithm using the audio data stream to generate an activation pattern for a plurality of actuators, and activating the plurality of actuators according to the activation pattern. The activation pattern is generated from the audio data stream based on both a frequency of the audio stream and triggering sounds in the audio stream. The plurality of actuators include both voice coils and vibrating motors.