Electroactive Transducer Personalized Tactile Audio Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current audio experiences lack personalized tactile feedback, failing to provide users with immersive and user-specific vibrations that align with their preferences and environments during music listening.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves accessing audio data, parsing it to identify components, and generating tactile audio responses based on user preferences and environmental considerations, using electroactive transducers to deliver personalized vibrations synchronized with the audio playback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If audio data is reproduced through traditional audio equipment, then the audio playback function is achieved, but personalized tactile feedback is missing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalization capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines audio reproduction and tactile feedback delivery into a single integrated system. The audio device includes both audio output components and electroactive transducers that work together to provide synchronized auditory and tactile experiences, eliminating the need for separate tactile feedback devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The audio device performs multiple functions: it reproduces audio data through traditional speakers and simultaneously generates personalized tactile feedback through electroactive transducers. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to provide both auditory and tactile stimulation without requiring additional specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If generic tactile feedback is provided to all users, then the system complexity is reduced, but user-specific preferences are not accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser preference adaptationVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by obtaining user preference data and generating personalized tactile profiles before actual audio playback. The processor pre-configures the tactile feedback parameters based on user preferences, so that when audio is played back, the personalized tactile response is already prepared and can be applied immediately without real-time complex calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes tactile feedback parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and duration based on user preferences and the specific audio content. The electroactive transducers adjust their operational parameters dynamically to match the user's preferred tactile experience while remaining synchronized with the audio playback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If tactile audio response is synchronized with audio playback in real-time, then the immersive experience is enhanced, but the processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidprocessing delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary processing of the audio data to generate tactile audio response data before the actual playback occurs. By pre-processing the audio signal to extract features and generate corresponding tactile patterns, the system minimizes real-time processing requirements and ensures accurate synchronization without significant delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances the audio experience by providing users with tailored tactile feedback that matches their preferences, creating a more immersive and engaging listening experience by aligning tactile sensations with the audio content and environment.

Implementation Method 1

The tactile audio data may be reproduced via an electroactive transducer configured to transfer the tactile audio response to a body of the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroactive transduction: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS10921892B2Personalized tactile output
Publication Date: 2021.02.16 HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC
  • US10921892B2 patent drawing
  • US10921892B2 patent drawing
  • US10921892B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method may include accessing audio data, obtaining tactile audio data associated with the audio data, and, while reproducing the audio data, reproducing a tactile audio response according to the tactile audio data in a manner personalized to a user. The tactile audio data may be reproduced via an electroactive transducer to transfer the tactile audio response to a body of a user. Another method may include obtaining audio data, parsing the audio data to identify an audio component that includes an audio layer or an audio source, and identifying an audio attribute of the audio component. The method may also include selecting the audio component to accompany a tactile audio response, generating tactile audio data that describes the tactile audio response for the selected audio component, and coordinating the tactile audio data of the selected audio component with the audio data of the selected audio component.