Multimedia Auditory Augmentation via Frequency-Segmented Tactile Emitters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hearing aids and cochlear implants have limitations in amplifying a wide range of auditory frequencies, leading to incomplete perception of sounds, particularly in music and complex auditory environments, resulting in distorted or muffled experiences for individuals with hearing impairments.

Innovation Solution

A system that combines auditory and tactile stimulation by using a device with a signal amplifier and frequency spectrum division to provide tactile signals corresponding to specific frequency ranges, allowing individuals to perceive music and multimedia through both earphones and tactile emitters on the skin, enhancing auditory experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hearing aids or cochlear implants are used to amplify sound, then hearing ability is improved for conversational sounds, but the ability to perceive a wide range of auditory frequencies is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing abilityVSAvoidfrequency range perception

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The audio signal is divided into multiple frequency bands using frequency spectrum division. Each frequency band is processed separately and mapped to different tactile emitter locations on the user's body, allowing selective transmission of various frequency ranges that would otherwise be lost or muffled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Tactile emitters serve as an intermediary medium to convey auditory information. Instead of relying solely on acoustic transmission through the ear, the system uses tactile emitters to transmit vibration signals corresponding to different frequency bands, providing an alternative pathway for sound perception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If hearing aids amplify sound within a narrow band of frequencies, then conversational hearing is enhanced, but music and complex auditory environments remain distorted or muffled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversational hearingVSAvoidmusical and auditory detail

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The audio spectrum is segmented into multiple frequency bands, with each band processed and transmitted through dedicated tactile emitters. This segmentation allows preservation of detailed frequency information across the entire spectrum, preventing the distortion and muffling that occur when using narrow-band amplification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from one-dimensional acoustic transmission to multi-dimensional tactile transmission. By mapping different frequency bands to different spatial locations on the body through tactile emitters, the system creates a dimensional expansion of auditory perception that preserves musical and environmental details.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If tactile emitters are added to provide tactile stimulation, then frequency range perception is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency range perceptionVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tactile emitter system is designed to work with existing audio processing capabilities. The frequency spectrum division and signal processing functions can be integrated into conventional hearing aid processors or standalone devices, allowing the same hardware to serve both traditional auditory amplification and enhanced tactile frequency transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 improves the perception of music and multimedia for hearing-impaired individuals by providing complementary tactile stimuli, allowing them to enjoy a broader range of sounds and enhancing their overall auditory experience.

Implementation Method 1

a device with a signal amplifier and frequency spectrum division to provide tactile signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Implementation Method 2

frequency spectrum division to provide tactile signals corresponding to specific frequency ranges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency spectrum division: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

tactile emitters on the skin, enhancing auditory experience

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9088839B2Multimedia auditory augmentation

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 KOHN JONAH

AI summary

Briefly, as an example, embodiments of methods, apparatuses, systems or the like are disclosed to be used for multimedia auditory augmentation.