Haptic Feedback Synchronization via Client-Server Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia systems lack the ability to seamlessly integrate haptic feedback with online multimedia events, limiting the flexibility and scalability of haptic hardware synchronization with various media content, as they often require embedded control signals within multimedia files.
Innovation Solution
A client-server architecture that separates multimedia content from haptic hardware instructions, allowing for rapid deployment of instructions for new media content and devices, using a Web Infrastructure to synchronize online multimedia with locally-connected haptic hardware devices through a Local Software and Local Hardware Device, which communicate via various communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If haptic control signals are embedded within multimedia files, then synchronization between haptic feedback and media content is achieved, but the flexibility and scalability for supporting new media content and devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the haptic synchronization functionality into separate components: media content files remain independent while haptic control signals are generated separately by a processing unit based on the media content. This segmentation allows the haptic instructions to be independent of specific media file formats, enabling support for new content without modifying existing files.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the haptic control signal generation from the multimedia file structure itself. Instead of embedding control signals within media files, the system separates the media content from the haptic instructions, with the processing unit generating haptic signals externally based on the media content being played back.
2Reliability
If haptic control signals are embedded within multimedia files, then synchronization is achieved, but the complexity of deploying and updating haptic instructions for new content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the haptic control signal generation from the multimedia file structure itself. Instead of embedding control signals within media files, the system separates the media content from the haptic instructions, with the processing unit generating haptic signals externally based on the media content being played back.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit automatically generates haptic control signals by analyzing the media content properties (such as audio signals, video frames, or metadata) without requiring manual embedding or modification of the media files. This self-service approach simplifies deployment as the system autonomously creates appropriate haptic instructions for any supported media content.
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 flexible and scalable synchronization of haptic feedback with both existing and new devices without modifying media content, enhancing user experience by providing physical stimulation in sync with multimedia playback.
Implementation Method 1
haptic feedback devices providing physical stimulation to a user accessing the content
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure described methods and systems for multimedia tactile augmentation. At least one method includes identifying media content loaded on a first computer, locating instructions stored on a second computer (said instructions corresponding to the content), initiating playback of the content, and synchronizing the instructions with the content. Said method further includes parsing and converting the instructions into one or more electrical signals, driving one or more haptic feedback devices with the electrical signals in synchronization with the playback of the content, and presenting the content to the user. The haptic feedback devices provide physical stimulation to a user accessing the content.