Tactile Signal Modulation Frequency Control for Perceptual Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for tactile presentation fail to account for perceptual quality deterioration and differences in tactile perception characteristics due to modulation, leading to unintended auditory noise and impaired user experience.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that determines a modulation frequency based on tactile perception characteristics, non-modulated signal information, and user state to perform modulation, thereby encoding a content signal with site-specific modulation intensity and generating an encoded signal to minimize perceptual degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If amplitude modulation is applied to improve driving efficiency and reduce auditory noise, then driving efficiency is improved and auditory noise is reduced, but perceptual degradation occurs due to changes in tactile sense

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving efficiencyVSAvoidperceptual degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the modulation frequency based on the content signal characteristics and tactile perception characteristics. Instead of using a fixed modulation frequency, the system varies the modulation frequency parameter to match the signal being presented, thereby maintaining driving efficiency while avoiding perceptual degradation. This is achieved through the frequency determination unit that selects optimal modulation frequencies based on signal analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If modulation frequency is determined based only on resonance characteristic or sensitivity peak, then driving efficiency is improved, but tactile perception quality deteriorates due to ignoring perceptual characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving efficiencyVSAvoidtactile perception quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by incorporating tactile perception characteristics into the modulation frequency determination process. The system analyzes the content signal and compares it against known tactile perception characteristics to determine the optimal modulation frequency. This feedback mechanism ensures that the modulation frequency is selected to maintain both driving efficiency and tactile perception quality, rather than relying solely on resonance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If amplitude modulation is used to absorb characteristic differences of tactile presentation apparatus, then adaptability is improved, but unintended auditory noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different apparatusVSAvoidauditory noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the modulation frequency based on the specific tactile presentation apparatus being used and the content signal characteristics. This allows the system to adapt to different apparatus while minimizing auditory noise generation. The frequency determination unit selects modulation frequencies that are optimal for the specific apparatus and signal type, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing harmful auditory effects.

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

The solution effectively suppresses perceptual degradation by optimizing modulation frequency and intensity, reducing noise, and enhancing driving efficiency while maintaining intended tactile sensations.

Implementation Method 1

amplitude modulation that modulates a high frequency band to a resonance frequency of the tactile presentation apparatus or a sensitivity peak of a human

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmplitude modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

an apparatus worn by a user vibrates to give a tactile stimulus to the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4722863A1Information processing device and method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP4722863A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4722863A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4722863A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, a method, and a program capable of suppressing perceptual degradation due to modulation. The information processing apparatus determines a modulation frequency of a content signal on the basis of at least any one of a tactile perception characteristic for each presentation site, information regarding a non-modulated signal that is not modulated, and a user state, and performs modulation on the content signal using the modulation frequency. The present technology can be applied to a tactile presentation system of a tactile signal.