Haptic Feedback Control Apparatus for Vehicle Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration seats in vehicles struggle to provide selective haptic feedback suitable for game situations, leading to limited user immersion due to filtered audio signals and the removal of information from higher frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A haptic feedback control apparatus that includes data acquisition and processing capabilities to generate haptic signals based on game data, allowing for precise control of actuators in the seat to provide force and vibration feedback tailored to game events such as engine sounds, collisions, and road surface conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the existing vibration seat filters low frequency components from the audio signal to convert it into a vibration signal, then the actuator can output the vibration signal within its frequency band capability, but information is removed from the sound signal due to filtering and the higher frequency band, limiting the immersion of the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio signal processing into multiple independent pathways: a first pathway processes the original audio signal through filtering to extract low frequency components for vibration conversion, while a second pathway processes game data separately to generate haptic control signals. This segmentation allows each pathway to optimize for its specific purpose without compromising the other, preserving audio information while enabling accurate haptic feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces game data as an intermediary element that mediates between the audio signal and the haptic feedback output. Instead of directly converting filtered audio signals to vibration, the system uses game data to generate haptic control signals that complement the vibration feedback. This intermediary approach preserves audio information while enabling selective, situation-specific haptic feedback that enhances immersion without information loss.
2Ease of operation
If the existing vibration seat converts the audio signal of the filtered low frequency component into a vibration signal, then the vibration feedback can be provided within the actuator's frequency band capability, but a plurality of pieces of information are removed when the sound signal is filtered
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the feedback control into two independent control signals: a vibration control signal generated from filtered audio signal low frequency components, and a haptic control signal generated from game data. This segmentation allows simplified control of each actuator type while preserving complete information from both audio and game data sources, as each pathway processes only the information it needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the system perform different functions with different information processing characteristics. The vibration actuator pathway processes audio signal low frequency components for general vibration feedback, while the haptic actuator pathway processes game data for selective, situation-specific feedback. This localized processing maintains ease of operation for each pathway while preserving overall information integrity.
3Reliability
If the sound signal has a higher frequency band and a wider frequency band range than the frequency band capable of being output by the actuator, then the actuator can operate within its capabilities, but information is removed when the sound signal is filtered to match the actuator's frequency band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency processing into two pathways: one pathway filters the audio signal to extract low frequency components that match the vibration actuator's frequency capabilities, while a separate pathway processes game data to generate haptic control signals that can represent higher frequency and wider band information. This segmentation allows the vibration actuator to operate reliably within its frequency band while preserving high frequency information in the haptic control pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a complementary copy of the audio information from game data that preserves high frequency and wide frequency band characteristics. Instead of relying solely on filtered audio signals, the haptic control signal serves as an information copy that retains details removed by filtering, allowing accurate representation of sound information across the full frequency spectrum through the haptic actuator.
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
Enhances user immersion in games by providing realistic and situation-specific haptic feedback, improving the overall gaming experience by accurately replicating vehicle dynamics and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The first actuator may have a vibration displacement determined by a resonant frequency of a cantilever beam to which the first actuator is attached.
Implementation Method 2
The second actuator may be mounted in a cushion seat of the seat to output vibration feedback in a vertical direction.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment haptic feedback control apparatus includes a data acquisition device, one or more processors, and a non-transitory storage device storing a program to be executed by the one or more processors, the program including instructions to obtain game data using the data acquisition device, generate a haptic signal based on the game data, and control a first actuator, a second actuator, or both the first actuator and the second actuator mounted in a seat based on the haptic signal to provide haptic feedback.