Linked Tactile and Auditory Stimuli for Pseudo Sensory Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tactile stimulus presentation devices have limited freedom in presenting sensory experiences due to restricted stimulus positions and lack of integration with auditory sensations for enhanced sensory presentation.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that combines tactile and auditory stimuli by controlling output from multiple tactile stimulators and a sound output unit in a linked manner, using apparent motion and phantom sensation phenomena to create pseudo sensory experiences at predetermined perceptual positions, allowing for greater freedom in sensory presentation beyond the physical limitations of the devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If tactile stimuli are presented using a tactile stimulator, then tactile sensation is provided to the user, but the stimulus presentation position is restricted to the location of the tactile stimulator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulus presentation position freedomVSAvoidtactile stimulator arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines tactile stimulators with sound output units into an integrated device. The tactile stimulators and sound output units work together to present both tactile and auditory stimuli simultaneously, allowing the stimulus presentation position to be perceived beyond the physical location of individual components through spatial audio techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates the output of multiple tactile stimulators and sound output units. It processes position information and controls the timing and intensity of stimuli from different components to create the perception of stimuli at positions beyond the physical device boundaries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If vibration is used to increase sound pressure, then acoustic output is improved, but sensory presentation enhancement is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound pressureVSAvoidsensory presentation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges tactile stimulation functionality with sound output functionality into a single integrated system. The tactile stimulators and sound output units are controlled in coordination to provide combined tactile-auditory sensory presentation, enhancing overall sensory experience rather than just increasing sound pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device serves multiple sensory functions simultaneously - it can present tactile stimuli through vibrators, auditory stimuli through sound output units, and combines both for enhanced sensory presentation. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to various sensory presentation scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 pseudo sensory presentation with a higher degree of freedom by integrating tactile and auditory senses, allowing for stimulation at positions other than between tactile stimulators, enhancing the spatial resolution of sensory experiences.

Implementation Method 1

using apparent motion and phantom sensation phenomena to create pseudo sensory experiences at predetermined perceptual positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectApparent motion:

Implementation Method 2

using apparent motion and phantom sensation phenomena to create pseudo sensory experiences at predetermined perceptual positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhantom sensation:

Data Source

PatentUS11169609B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided an information processing apparatus to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of realizing pseudo sensory presentation with a higher degree of freedom by a combination of a tactile sense and an auditory sense. The information processing apparatus includes a control unit configured to perform a stimulus output control of controlling output of stimuli from a plurality of tactile stimulators, and a sound output control of controlling output of sound from a sound output unit, wherein the control unit performs the stimulus output control and the sound output control in a linked manner so that perception is made at a perceptual position indicated by predetermined position information.