Audio-Synchronized Vibration Control Under Screen-Off and Charging States

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with vibration units struggle to control vibration based on the device's state, such as screen display status, when generating vibrations from audio signals.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that includes a vibration unit and a control unit capable of detecting the device's state and controlling the vibration unit's behavior, restricting vibration when predetermined conditions are met, such as screen display being off or the device being placed on a charger.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the vibration unit generates vibration based on audio signal during content reproduction, then user immersion and experience are improved, but vibration may cause disturbance when device is placed on charger or screen is off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoidvibration disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the vibration unit's operation state changeable based on detected device conditions. The control unit dynamically adjusts whether the vibration unit operates or is restricted by detecting conditions such as screen display state and charger connection state, allowing the system to adapt between providing immersive experience and avoiding disturbance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the control unit to detect device state (screen on/off, charger connected/disconnected) and use this information to control the vibration unit's operation. This closed-loop control ensures vibration is provided when appropriate and restricted when it would cause harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If vibration is restricted when device is on charger, then charging stability is improved, but user feedback during content reproduction is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging stabilityVSAvoidvibration feedback

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines the vibration unit's operation state based on detected conditions. When the device is detected to be on a charger, the control unit restricts vibration to ensure charging stability. When not on a charger, the vibration unit operates normally to provide user feedback during content reproduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the vibration unit (from active to restricted state) based on the detected charging condition. This parameter change allows the system to prioritize charging stability when needed while maintaining vibration feedback functionality when charging is not occurring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If vibration unit operates continuously during content reproduction, then audio-visual synchronization is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio-visual synchronizationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by controlling the vibration unit to operate only during specific periods when content is being reproduced and device conditions are appropriate, rather than continuously. The control unit periodically assesses device state and activates or restricts vibration accordingly, reducing energy consumption while maintaining synchronization during active content playback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the vibration unit's operation based on content reproduction state and device conditions, enabling the system to maintain audio-visual synchronization when needed while reducing energy consumption by restricting vibration during inappropriate conditions such as charging or screen-off states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables dynamic control of vibration in response to content reproduction and device state, improving user experience by synchronizing vibrations with content playback and optimizing charging efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration unit; and a control unit configured to detect a state of the own apparatus and control a state of the vibration unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11774991B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program product for controlling vibration

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus capable of controlling vibration in accordance with a situation in a case where the vibration is generated on the basis of an audio signal. The information processing apparatus can include: a vibrator; and a controller configured to detect a state of the information processing apparatus and control a state of the vibrator based on a detection result, in which the controller controls vibration the vibrator in accordance with reproduction of content while the content is being reproduced in the information processing apparatus, and, in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied, restricts vibration of the vibrator even while the content is being reproduced in the information processing apparatus.