Audio-Triggered Haptic Output for Dynamic Signal Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating haptic effects on mobile devices and other electronic devices struggle to synchronize haptic outputs with unpredictable or user-controlled audio events, such as in gaming applications, where predefined haptic sequences are not suitable due to the dynamic nature of audio playback.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines whether an audio signal contains a haptic trigger by analyzing the rate of change of its amplitude using weighted sum representations and adjusts criteria based on parameters like media content, historical haptic events, and battery status to dynamically generate and output haptic signals, ensuring synchronization with audio events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If predefined haptic sequences are stored and replayed with known audio, then haptic effects can be synchronized with audio events, but this approach is not suitable for unpredictable or user-controlled audio playback such as in gaming applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts haptic output based on real-time analysis of audio signal characteristics. Instead of using fixed predefined sequences, the haptic controller continuously monitors audio features such as amplitude, frequency, and energy levels to generate adaptive haptic responses that synchronize with unpredictable audio events in gaming applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters including audio signal thresholds, weighting coefficients, and haptic output levels to adapt to different audio content and gaming scenarios. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves both reliable synchronization and adaptability to various audio playback conditions
2Reliability
If haptic output is continuously adjusted to match audio signal characteristics, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by only generating haptic output when audio signal characteristics exceed certain thresholds or show significant changes. Instead of continuous haptic activation, the controller selectively engages haptic feedback for meaningful audio events, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining synchronization accuracy for important game events
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic analysis of audio signals with adjustable sampling rates and time windows. By periodically evaluating audio characteristics rather than continuously processing, the system maintains synchronization accuracy while reducing computational load and energy consumption of the haptic control system
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for outputting a haptic signal to a haptic transducer. A method for triggering a haptic signal being output to a haptic transducer comprises receiving an audio signal for output through an audio output transducer; determining whether the audio signal comprises a haptic trigger based on an indication of a rate of change of an amplitude of the audio signal, and responsive to determining that the audio signal comprises a haptic trigger, triggering the haptic signal to be output to the haptic transducer.