Vehicle Vibration Feedback Control for Audiovisual Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration technologies for enhancing user experience are limited to specific locations, such as movie theaters, and do not provide a convenient and flexible means to simulate realistic vibrations in various environments, including vehicle settings.

Innovation Solution

A vibration control apparatus that selects and adjusts vibration signals based on audiovisual content, using feedback from vehicle body vibrations to synchronize vehicle vibrations with target signals, and includes safety management to prevent damage, applicable to both installed and self-propelled vibration apparatuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vibration is added to seats in a movie theater, then the sense of presence is improved, but the location is limited to only the movie theater

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesense of presenceVSAvoidlocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration apparatus is designed to be universally applicable across multiple locations and scenarios. It can be installed in various vehicles ( taxis, buses, trains, private cars) and different settings (movie theaters, charging stations, parking areas), transforming a location-specific solution into a multi-environment vibration system that maintains consistent user experience regardless of location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a vibration apparatus contacts the vehicle to vibrate it from outside, then various places and conditions can be utilized, but control precision and synchronization with audiovisual content become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental applicabilityVSAvoidvibration synchronization precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives feedback signals from vibration sensors that detect the actual vibration state of the vehicle body. This feedback is processed to generate corrected drive signals, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously adjusts the vibration output to match the target vibration waveform, thereby achieving precise synchronization with audiovisual content despite external environmental variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes mechanical vibration principles where the vibration apparatus applies controlled vibrational forces to the vehicle body through contact points. The control unit processes target vibration waveforms and generates drive signals that actuate the vibration apparatus, leveraging mechanical resonance and vibration transmission characteristics to achieve precise and synchronized vibration effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Device complexity

If the vibration apparatus operates without safety monitoring, then the system is simpler, but damage to the vehicle or safety hazards may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidvehicle damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit incorporates preliminary safety monitoring mechanisms that detect potential harmful conditions (such as abnormal vibration levels, vehicle movement, or contact with unauthorized objects) before damage can occur. When potential hazards are detected, the system proactively stops or adjusts the vibration apparatus operation, preventing vehicle damage and safety incidents before they happen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enables realistic and safe vibration simulation in vehicles, enhancing user experience without causing damage, and allowing vibration control in diverse settings like charging stations or parked vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration apparatus that comes into contact with a vehicle and vibrates the vehicle from outside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4684853A1Vibration control device, vibration control method, control system, and vibration device

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

A vibration control apparatus includes: a vibration signal selection unit that selects a target vibration signal that is a target vibration waveform; and a drive signal generation unit that generates a drive signal to be output to a vibration apparatus in order for the vibration apparatus that comes into contact with a vehicle and vibrates the vehicle from outside to vibrate the vehicle with the target vibration signal, obtains a vehicle body vibration signal that is a vibration signal of the vehicle vibrated by the vibration apparatus, generates an adjustment vibration signal for making the vehicle body vibration signal coincide with the target vibration signal, and updates the drive signal on the basis of the adjustment vibration signal so that the vibration apparatus vibrates the vehicle with the target vibration signal.