Platform Vibration Control via Magnetic Field Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration platforms in industries such as gaming and cinema fail to provide sufficiently realistic feedback and consistent vibration intensity aligned with audio and video signals, often resulting in repetitive and disconnected vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A control system for platforms that includes a vibration generator with a stator body, vibrating bodies, and an electric circuit capable of regulating vibration intensity based on audio and video signals, utilizing a magnetic field to transmit vibrations through a platform with intermediate reinforcement bodies, ensuring synchronized and realistic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If known platforms are used to provide vibration feedback, then basic vibration capability is achieved, but the vibration intensity is insufficient to create the necessary illusion for the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration intensityVSAvoidrealism of feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic vibration control by adjusting vibration parameters in real-time based on audio and video signal characteristics. The system dynamically modifies vibration intensity, frequency, and pattern to match the content being displayed, transforming static vibration capability into adaptive, context-responsive feedback that maintains realism across varying conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple vibration parameters simultaneously including intensity, frequency, duration, and waveform characteristics based on the analyzed audio-video content. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the system achieves varying vibration effects that accurately represent different scenes, sounds, and actions without compromising feedback realism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If vibration is increased to provide more realistic feedback, then physical sensation is improved, but synchronization with audio and video signals deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverealism of feedbackVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring audio and video signals and adjusting vibration output accordingly. The control system analyzes the incoming media content in real-time and uses this information to modulate vibration parameters, ensuring that vibration intensity and patterns remain precisely synchronized with the corresponding visual and auditory events

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of audio and video signals to predict upcoming events that require vibration feedback. By pre-processing the media content and identifying key moments before they occur, the system can prepare appropriate vibration responses in advance, ensuring precise synchronization when the actual events unfold

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If vibration patterns are simplified for ease of control, then device complexity is reduced, but the feedback becomes repetitive and disconnected from the action on screen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidfeedback relevance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vibration control into multiple independent parameters including intensity, frequency, duration, waveform type, and activation timing. Each parameter can be controlled separately based on different aspects of the audio-video content, allowing complex and varied vibration patterns while maintaining manageable system architecture through modular parameter control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If multiple vibration generators are added to improve vibration coverage, then feedback realism is enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback coverageVSAvoidplatform manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple vibration generators into a coordinated system where multiple actuators work together under unified control. By combining the outputs of multiple generators and synchronizing their operation through a single control system, the platform achieves comprehensive vibration coverage and enhanced realism while avoiding the manufacturing complexity of independently controlling multiple separate systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides enhanced realism in vibration feedback, ensuring that the intensity and synchronization of vibrations match the audio and video signals, improving the overall user experience by delivering precise and immersive physical sensations.

Implementation Method 1

an electric circuit for generating a magnetic field to vibrate the at least one vibrating body in function of the audio and/or video signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3549682B1A system for controlling the vibration of a platform
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 POWERSOFT
  • EP3549682B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3549682B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3549682B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Control system (1) for controlling the vibration of a platform (2), the platform being formed by a fixed lower support (2a), an upper support (2b) and a plurality of intermediate bodies (2c). The control system (1) comprises at least one vibration generator (3) located inside the platform (2) between the intermediate bodies (2c) and comprising a stator body (4) and at least one vibrating body (5), made of material that is magnetic and concentric with respect to the stator body (4) and arranged in a position that is radially external around the stator body (4), configured to vibrate the upper support (2b) with respect to the lower support (2a). The control system (1) further comprises an electric circuit comprising a coil wound around the stator body (4) and designed to receive an audio and/or video signal to generate a magnetic field by the coil and designed to vibrate the at least one vibrating body (5) of the at least one vibration generator (3) as a function of the audio and/or video signal.