Methods and systems applied to transposing audio signals to haptic stimuli in the body for multichannel immersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic technologies fail to provide both large bandwidth and powerful haptic transmission to the human body without generating unwanted artefact sounds, which are necessary for high-quality haptic experiences.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a multichannel digital signal processor, analog to digital converters, and a multichannel amplifier to drive linear tactile transducers, along with a double delta path support for directional tactile stimuli, ensuring quiet operation and ergonomic optimization, allowing for the translation of sound signals into tactile sensations without noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electromagnetic motors or linear tactile transducers are used for haptic transmission, then powerful haptic transmission is achieved, but artefact sounds are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful artefact sounds generated by traditional haptic transducers from the system. By using ultrasonic transducers operating at frequencies above human hearing range (20 kHz), the harmful low-frequency artefact sounds are eliminated while maintaining effective haptic transmission through bone conduction and direct tissue coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic motors and linear tactile transducers with ultrasonic transducers that use high-frequency mechanical vibrations. This substitution eliminates the artefact sounds associated with low-frequency electromagnetic operation while maintaining haptic transmission effectiveness through direct mechanical coupling with the body.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If ultrasonic transducers are used for contact-free haptic transmission, then no artefact sounds are generated, but haptic transmission power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from contact-free ultrasonic haptic transmission to direct contact-based transmission. By placing ultrasonic transducers in direct contact with the body (seats, bedding, wearable elements), the system gains mechanical coupling efficiency that dramatically increases haptic transmission power while maintaining the advantage of ultrasonic frequencies that produce no audible artefact sounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces physical contact interfaces (seats, bedding, clothing elements) as intermediaries between the ultrasonic transducers and the human body. These intermediaries provide optimal mechanical coupling that enhances haptic transmission power while the ultrasonic frequency operation ensures no artefact sounds are generated.
3Power
If traditional haptic transducers are mounted on seat structures, then powerful haptic transmission is achieved, but unwanted noise is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from audible low frequencies (20-2000 Hz) to ultrasonic frequencies (>20 kHz). This parameter change eliminates unwanted noise within the audible range while maintaining effective haptic transmission through direct mechanical coupling with body tissues via bone conduction and soft tissue vibration.
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 achieves a realistic, immersive haptic experience by providing large bandwidth tactile signals, directional tactile stimuli, and quiet operation, enhancing the sense of immersion in audio and gaming environments while maintaining consistency across different body masses.
Implementation Method 1
linear electromagnetic tactile transducer (LTT)
Implementation Method 2
contact free haptic transducers using ultrasonic transducers
Implementation Method 3
small scale piezoelectric vibrators
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing a haptic signal is described therein, the method comprising the steps of providing a first source signal, filtering a mid-range band of the first source signal for restricting a bandwidth of the first source signal to the mid-range band, integrating the filtered mid-range band of the first source signal to identify an amplitude of the filtered first source signal, providing a voltage control amplifier with a proportional calibrated voltage on a basis of the integration of the filtered first source signal for adjusting an amplitude of the filtered source signal, isolating a trans-conductance voltage control amplifier high impedance output from a second source signal with a buffer, filtering the filtered source signal with a low pass filter to identify original sub-frequencies of an audio program and combining the identified original sub frequencies of the audio program with transposed midrange frequencies in a haptic signal.