Sound-Synced Vibration Control for Device-Specific Tactile Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for presenting tactile stimulation, such as vibrations, based on voice signals do not adequately account for the varying characteristics of vibration devices, leading to suboptimal user experiences due to differences in sound and vibration output characteristics.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device that adjusts vibration output based on the specific characteristics of both sound and vibration devices, generating vibration data that synchronizes with sound data to enhance user experience by ensuring the vibration is perceived as part of the sound, rather than a separate stimulus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If vibration is output based on simple beat extraction from voice signal, then the implementation is simple, but the user experience is suboptimal due to not accounting for vibration device characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoiduser experience quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting vibration output parameters based on the frequency characteristics of both the sound output device and vibration device. The control unit modifies vibration frequency and intensity parameters to match the resonant frequencies and output characteristics of the specific vibration device being used, thereby optimizing user experience for different device configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using the sound output characteristics as a reference to adjust vibration output. The control unit continuously adapts the vibration parameters based on the relationship between sound frequency spectrum and vibration device frequency characteristics, creating a closed-loop optimization that improves user experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If vibration output is adjusted based on both sound and vibration device characteristics, then user experience is improved, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experience qualityVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing frequency characteristics data for multiple types of sound output devices and vibration devices. This pre-characterization allows the control unit to quickly retrieve and apply appropriate parameters without performing complex real-time analysis, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining optimized user experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that mediates between the sound output device characteristics and vibration device characteristics. It processes the relationship between these two devices and generates appropriate vibration output parameters, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing the complex processing logic in a dedicated control component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If vibration frequency does not match vibration device characteristics, then the system is universally applicable, but the vibration output quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem universalityVSAvoidvibration output quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a control system that can adapt to multiple types of sound output devices and vibration devices. The control unit stores frequency characteristics for various device types and can select appropriate parameters based on the specific combination of devices being used, making the system universally applicable across different hardware configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains vibration output quality across different devices by dynamically changing vibration parameters. The control unit adjusts frequency and intensity parameters based on the matched vibration device characteristics, ensuring optimal performance for each specific device combination while maintaining system universality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach improves user experience by preventing the separation of sound and vibration perceptions, effectively reinforcing low-pitched sounds through bodily sensation, thus enhancing the realism and enjoyment of content.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration device 200

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11653146B2Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An information processing device (100) including a control unit that causes, on a basis of vibration output characteristics of a vibration device (200), the vibration device (200) to output a vibration corresponding to sound data.