Interactive Seat Nodule Sensing for Personalized Audio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing entertainment systems for seated users are primarily passive, lacking interactive elements that allow users to control audio, lighting, and vibratory effects in a personalized manner without cumbersome external sensing arrays.
Innovation Solution
An entertainment apparatus with co-located ultrasonic or infra-red sensors integrated into a seat nodule, allowing users to interact with audio and lighting effects by moving their body, and enabling another user to influence the seated user's experience, with a processor for audio signal processing and control of lighting and vibratory effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a sensor array is mounted externally of the seat to enable user interaction, then sensing capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter and receiver are co-located within the same housing at the front of the seat, merging the sensing components into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate external mounting of multiple sensors and simplifies installation while maintaining full sensing capability for detecting user gestures and movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for both the transmitter and receiver, defines the sensing zone at the front of the seat, and acts as a mounting point for the sensor array without requiring additional external fixtures. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a sensor array is mounted externally of the seat to enable user interaction, then sensing capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter and receiver are co-located within the same housing at the front of the seat, merging the sensing components into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate external mounting of multiple sensors and simplifies installation while maintaining full sensing capability for detecting user gestures and movements.
3Device complexity
If passive audio playback is used in seated entertainment systems, then simplicity is maintained, but user engagement and interactivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the sensing zone for user gestures and movements, providing real-time feedback by modifying audio output in response to detected user actions. This allows users to interact with the music through hand waves, arm movements, or body gestures, transforming passive audio playback into an engaging interactive experience while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
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
Provides an interactive and immersive experience for seated users by allowing personalized control of audio, lighting, and vibratory effects without external sensing arrays, enhancing user engagement and interaction.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can be an ultrasonic or infra-red sensor which includes a co-located source of energy (e.g. ultrasonic or infra-red energy) and a detector/receiver
Implementation Method 2
The sensor can be an ultrasonic or infra-red sensor which includes a co-located source of energy (e.g. ultrasonic or infra-red energy) and a detector/receiver
Implementation Method 3
The transducer is advantageously arranged to transmit vibratory energy to a seated user in a tactile manner
Data Source
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AI summary
A seat (5) includes a sensor (21) mounted on the seat which is arranged to sense the presence of an object, or movement or position of an object in a non-contact manner, within a sensing region around the seat. A processor is arranged to receive an audio signal and to process the audio signal based on presence, movement or position detected by the first sensor. A processed signal is delivered to a vibro-acoustic transducer mounted within the seat. The processor can also control a lighting effect based on presence, movement or position detected by the first sensor. A user can interact with audio in a personal way, to suit the mood of the user. A seated user can move their body (especially arms or hands) to modify audio, such as music. The seat has a nodule (12) which, in use, fits between the legs of a seated user. The nodule can house the sensor (21) and user controls.