Audio-to-Haptic Signal Conversion Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices face challenges in providing haptic effects without preprogramming specific events, as it requires extensive time and effort, limiting the number and type of haptic effects that can be implemented across various applications.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that automatically and dynamically convert audio signals to haptic signals in real-time, using equalization circuitry to adjust frequencies and amplifier circuitry to drive haptic actuators, allowing for real-time haptic feedback without preprogrammed event-driven commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If preprogramming haptic effects for specific events is used, then haptic feedback can be provided for known events, but the programming time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates haptic signals by converting audio signals itself, without requiring external programming or configuration. The audio signal processing circuitry autonomously performs frequency filtering and amplification to create haptic effects, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for manual programming of haptic events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/programming-based approach of manually configuring haptic effects with an automated signal processing approach. Instead of programming specific events, the system uses audio signal processing circuitry to dynamically generate haptic signals in real-time, substituting manual configuration with automated electronic processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If preprogramming haptic effects for all desired events is used, then comprehensive haptic coverage is achieved, but the complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal processing circuitry serves multiple functions: it processes audio signals, filters frequencies, amplifies signals, and generates haptic feedback for various applications including games, videos, and music. This universal circuitry can handle different types of audio inputs and generate appropriate haptic effects without requiring separate programming for each application or event type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts haptic signal parameters in real-time based on the input audio signal characteristics. The frequency filtering and amplification are performed adaptively during audio processing, allowing the same hardware to provide diverse haptic effects for different events and applications without static preprogramming.
3Speed
If continuous power supply to haptic actuator is used, then haptic response is immediate, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic actuator receives power periodically rather than continuously, synchronized with the audio signal processing cycles. The power supply is activated during periods when audio signal processing occurs and deactivated during idle periods, maintaining responsive haptic feedback while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
This approach enables efficient and dynamic provision of haptic feedback, reducing the need for extensive programming and conserving battery usage by adjusting voltage to the haptic actuator based on the converted haptic signal, thus enhancing user experience across multiple applications.
Implementation Method 1
equalization circuitry to apply a frequency-based gain adjustment to an audio signal to generate an equalized signal. The frequency-based gain adjustment may include filtering (e.g., blocking or attenuation) of selected frequencies
Implementation Method 2
amplifier circuitry to amplify the equalized signal to produce a haptic signal with sufficient amplitude to effectively drive a respective haptic actuator
Implementation Method 3
haptic actuator to generate haptic feedback (e.g., vibrations) to a user
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a receiver to receive an input audio signal and output a received audio signal, and signal conversion circuitry to apply a frequency-dependent adjustment to the received audio signal to convert the received audio signal to a haptic signal for use by a haptic actuator.