Vibration device, driving method for vibration device, program, and recording medium

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional acoustic systems that provide vibration in response to sound fail to deliver a high-quality, realistic experience by simply offering sensory vibrations linked to music, and when mounted on moving bodies like vehicles, they lack the ability to effectively convey various kinds of information through vibrations while maintaining high-quality sound.

Innovation Solution

A vibration device comprising a first and second vibration unit that vibrate in response to acoustic signals, with the second unit vibrating with a delay from the first, to create a synchronized auditory and tactile experience, enhancing the perception of sound and vibration as part of the music playback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If vibration is provided to the body in time with music, then the music experience quality is improved, but the vibration may not be perceived as an integrated part of the music

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound qualityVSAvoidperception integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the vibration delivery system into multiple independent vibration units positioned at different locations on the user's body. Each unit can be controlled independently to deliver vibrations that correspond to different aspects of the music, creating a more integrated perceptual experience while maintaining high sound quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to vibration delivery by positioning vibration units at multiple locations across the body (e.g., seat, backrest, headrest). This multi-dimensional approach allows vibrations to be perceived as coming from different directions, integrating them more naturally with the spatial audio experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the acoustic system is mounted on a moving body, then it can provide vibration to occupants, but it becomes difficult to convey various kinds of information through vibration while maintaining high-quality sound

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transmission capabilityVSAvoidsound quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vibration information into different categories (e.g., music-related vibrations, warning vibrations, navigation vibrations) and assigns them to different vibration units or timing patterns. This allows multiple types of information to be conveyed simultaneously without degrading the music quality, as each vibration type can be delivered through appropriate channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic vibration patterns with different frequencies and rhythms to encode different types of information. Music vibrations follow the rhythmic structure of the music itself, while information vibrations use distinct periodic patterns that can be perceived separately, allowing both entertainment and information delivery without compromising either.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution provides a high-quality and realistic sound experience by synchronizing vibrations with sound output, effectively conveying information through synchronized tactile and auditory stimuli, improving the overall acoustic experience, especially in moving environments.

Implementation Method 1

a first vibration unit that vibrates to vibrate a first contact portion of an object... and a second vibration unit that vibrates to vibrate the second contact portion... the first vibration unit and the second vibration unit vibrate such that each of the first contact portion and the second contact portion vibrates in response to an acoustic signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11295712B2Vibration device, driving method for vibration device, program, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2022.04.05 PIONEER IP
  • US11295712B2 patent drawing
  • US11295712B2 patent drawing
  • US11295712B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vibration device comprising: a first vibration unit that vibrates to vibrate a first contact portion of an object, the object including a first contact portion and a second contact portion, the first contact portion being in contact with a first part of a body of an object person, the second contact portion being in contact with a second part different from the first part of the body of the object person; and a second vibration unit that vibrates to vibrate the second contact portion, wherein the first vibration unit and the second vibration unit vibrate such that each of the first contact portion and the second contact portion vibrates in response to an acoustic signal, and the second contact portion vibrates with a delay from the first contact portion.