Piezoelectric Vibrator Frequency Segmentation for Auditory Tactile Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices primarily present tactile sensations through vibration, failing to effectively combine auditory and tactile senses to replicate real-life events.

Innovation Solution

An auditory tactile sense presentation device utilizing a piezoelectric element vibrator, which outputs signal components above a predetermined frequency (e.g., 200 Hz) as audio and those at or below this frequency as vibration, thereby combining auditory and tactile sensations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a piezoelectric element is used to output vibration, then tactile sense is presented, but sound output at frequencies equal to or below a predetermined frequency is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile sense presentationVSAvoidsound output limitation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum into two distinct regions: frequencies above a predetermined threshold (e.g., 200 Hz) are output as sound, while frequencies at or below the threshold are output as vibration. This segmentation allows the piezoelectric element to simultaneously serve both auditory and tactile functions by exploiting the frequency-dependent characteristics of sound radiation from the vibrating element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If only vibration is output to present tactile sense, then tactile feedback is achieved, but auditory sense is not incorporated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensory presentation capabilityVSAvoidrealistic sensory reproduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a vibration generator for tactile feedback and a sound radiator for auditory feedback. By controlling the frequency content of the drive signal, the same element can produce different output modes (vibration-dominated or sound-dominated) to present diverse sensory experiences, thereby achieving multi-functionality in a single component.

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

The device successfully presents a realistic auditory tactile sense by effectively combining sound and vibration, enhancing the user's sensory experience.

Implementation Method 1

an output unit configured by a vibrator including a piezoelectric element, in which the output unit outputs, in the drive signal, a signal component having a frequency higher than a predetermined frequency as audio and outputs a signal component having a frequency equal to or lower than the predetermined frequency as vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250022354A1Auditory tactile sense presentation device and auditory tactile sense presentation method

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 TDK CORP

AI summary

An auditory tactile sense presentation device includes: a reception unit configured to receive an input of a drive signal; and an output unit configured to perform an output based on the drive signal, in which the output unit is configured by a vibrator including a piezoelectric element, and the vibrator outputs, in the drive signal, a signal component having a frequency higher than a predetermined frequency as audio and outputs a signal component having a frequency equal to or lower than the predetermined frequency as vibration.