Headset Transducer Control for Unwanted Tactile Audio
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted displays in artificial reality systems often cause unintended tactile stimulation due to bone or cartilage conduction of audio content, which can be perceived as tactile sensations, and there is a need to control and adjust this tactile content effectively.
Innovation Solution
An audio system with a transducer array and a controller that adjusts tactile content by actuating transducers based on detected sounds and user-specific perception models, allowing for the modulation of tactile feedback to enhance audio experiences or mitigate tactile sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bone conduction or cartilage conduction is used to provide audio content, then audio delivery is improved, but unintended tactile stimulation is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the actuation parameter of transducers based on real-time detection of tactile sensations. The controller monitors user responses and modifies the audio signal characteristics (frequency, amplitude) to eliminate unwanted tactile stimulation while preserving audio quality, making the system adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where tactile sensations are detected (via user input or sensors), processed by the controller, and used to adjust the transducer actuation parameters. This closed-loop control allows the system to respond to and correct unintended tactile stimulation in real-time
2Adaptability or versatility
If tactile content is increased to enhance audio experience, then user engagement is improved, but unwanted tactile perceptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different processing to different frequency components of the audio signal. Certain frequency ranges are enhanced to provide desirable tactile feedback for audio experience, while other frequency ranges are suppressed or adjusted to avoid unwanted tactile sensations. This selective frequency-based approach allows localized optimization of tactile qualities
Solution Approach 2:
The controller modifies actuation parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) of the transducers to distinguish between desirable and undesirable tactile effects. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system can enhance audio experience through controlled tactile feedback while filtering out unwanted perceptions
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 system effectively controls tactile content to improve audio experiences by providing navigation instructions, increasing speech intelligibility, and generating near-field effects, while minimizing unwanted tactile perceptions, thereby enhancing user interaction with artificial reality environments.
Implementation Method 1
conventional head-mounted display may use bone conduction and/or cartilage conduction to provide audio content to the user
Implementation Method 2
conventional head-mounted display may use bone conduction and/or cartilage conduction to provide audio content to the user
Implementation Method 3
the audio content may be perceived by the user (e.g., via mechanoreceptors embedded in tissues) as tactile stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
An audio system presented herein includes a transducer array, a sensor array, and a controller. The transducer array presents audio content to a user. The controller controls the transducer array to adjust a level of tactile content imparted to the user via actuation of at least one transducer in the transducer array while presenting the audio content to the user. The audio system can be part of a headset.