Hand-held Apparatus Speaker Vibration Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand-held information processing devices lack the ability to provide a high sense of immersion through localized sound and vibration, which limits the user's engagement and feedback during applications like games.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held information processing apparatus with two speakers and a vibrator, where the vibrator is arranged between or overlapping the speakers, and operates according to an arbitrary input waveform, allowing for synchronized sound and vibration feedback that localizes the experience, enhancing immersion by presenting application progress through sound and tactile cues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a vibrator is added to provide vibration feedback, then the sense of immersion is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesense of immersionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibrator is integrated into the housing structure and positioned between the two speakers, merging multiple components (vibrator, speakers) into a unified assembly. This combination allows vibration feedback and sound output to work together synergistically, enhancing immersion while managing device complexity through integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a tactile dimension to the user experience by introducing vibration feedback alongside auditory output. This multi-sensory approach (adding tactile dimension to auditory experience) enhances immersion by engaging multiple senses simultaneously, transforming the interaction from purely visual/audio to include tactile feedback

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the vibrator is positioned between the speakers, then vibration localization is improved, but the available space for component arrangement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration localizationVSAvoidavailable space
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The vibrator is positioned specifically between the two speakers, creating localized vibration feedback at the center of the device. This strategic placement ensures that vibration is delivered precisely where it can be most effectively perceived by the user's hands, optimizing localization without requiring additional space beyond the speaker arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The vibrator is nested within the housing structure in the space between the speakers, utilizing the existing component layout to accommodate the vibration mechanism. This nested arrangement allows the vibrator to be integrated into the available space rather than requiring additional external space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Force

If speakers are arranged at the left and right end portions, then sound vibration transfer to user is improved, but the localization of vibration by vibrator becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound vibration transferVSAvoidvibration localization
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the speakers (for sound output and vibration transfer) with the vibrator (for localized tactile feedback). By positioning the vibrator between the speakers and coordinating their operation, the system merges auditory and tactile feedback mechanisms to achieve both vibration transfer and localization simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The apparatus effectively enhances user immersion by providing synchronized sound and vibration feedback, improving operability and engagement by simulating virtual object movements and environments, thus providing a more immersive experience.

Implementation Method 1

the vibrator includes a linear motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motor: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentUS9906856B2Hand-held information processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.02.27 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • US9906856B2 patent drawing
  • US9906856B2 patent drawing
  • US9906856B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A non-limiting example information processing apparatus comprises a housing, and a left speaker and a right speaker are provided in a left end portion and a right portion of the housing and in an inside of this housing. Each speaker is arranged such that a vibration direction of a diaphragm becomes in a direction perpendicular to a plane surface of a display panel that is provided in the front of the housing. Sound emission portions for emitting sounds from the speakers are formed in both end portions of the housing and on a side surface at near side or this side that the speakers are arranged. Therefore, sounds are emitted toward a side of a player who holds the information processing apparatus. A vibrator that is provided between the two speakers is driven simultaneously with the speakers or in a predetermined order.