Vibration Localization via Directional Delay Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional technologies struggle to provide users with a natural sense of vibration localization, lacking factors that give users a sensation of vibration propagation.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device that applies vibration according to content by controlling a vibration device with multiple vibrators, identifying the directional component of the vibration source and adjusting the amplitude and delay of output vibrations based on this component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If vibration intensity is controlled for each position on the seat surface to provide localization sense, then the user can recognize the vibration source position, but the sensation of vibration propagation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration localization precisionVSAvoidlack of vibration propagation sensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by introducing time-varying delay components to the vibration signals. Different vibrators produce vibrations with different time delays that dynamically change based on the vibration source position, creating a propagating vibration sensation rather than static simultaneous vibrations. This resolves the contradiction by making the vibration system dynamic and time-dependent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds the time dimension to the spatial vibration distribution. By controlling not only the amplitude but also the timing (delay) of vibrations from different vibrators, the system creates a three-dimensional sensation combining spatial location with temporal propagation, thereby providing both localization precision and propagation sensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple vibrators are used to create vibration localization, then the localization sense is improved, but the realistic sensation of vibration propagation is still insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration source position recognitionVSAvoidrealistic sensation of vibration propagation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action through controlled vibration cycles with specific delay patterns. The vibrators operate in coordinated periodic cycles with time-shifted phases, creating a realistic propagation effect that maintains precise localization while enhancing the perceived realism of vibration transmission through the seat surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses time delay as an intermediary parameter between the vibrators and the user's perception. By introducing controlled delays in the vibration signals from different vibrators, the system mediates the transmission of vibration information to create both accurate localization and realistic propagation sensation, resolving the reliability issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If vibration amplitude is adjusted for each vibrator to indicate direction, then localization is achieved, but the vividness and realism of vibration sensation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration direction identificationVSAvoidreduced vividness of vibration sensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously - not only amplitude but also time delay - to create a more comprehensive vibration control strategy. By adjusting both the magnitude and timing parameters of vibrations from different vibrators, the system maintains directional accuracy while significantly enhancing the vividness and realism of the overall vibration sensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite vibration signal by combining outputs from multiple vibrators with different amplitude and delay characteristics. This composite approach integrates spatial distribution information with temporal propagation information, producing a rich, vivid vibration sensation that maintains precise directional identification while overcoming the limitations of simple amplitude control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

Generates vibrations that include a component giving a sensation of vibration propagation, providing users with a more realistic and vivid sensation of vibration localization.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration device 5 having a plurality of vibrators 51 that come into contact with a user when the user is seated on the seat 1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

controls an amplitude and a delay of output vibration of each of the vibrators, based on the directional component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmplitude modulation:

Implementation Method 3

controls an amplitude and a delay of output vibration of each of the vibrators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime delay:

Data Source

PatentUS20250155979A1Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing method
Publication Date: 2025.05.15 DENSO TEN LTD
  • US20250155979A1 patent drawing
  • US20250155979A1 patent drawing
  • US20250155979A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing device according to embodiments controls a vibration device including a plurality of vibrators and configured to apply vibration to a user in response to an input signal. The information processing device identifies a directional component of the object constituting a vibration source relative to the vibration device in input content and controls an amplitude and a delay of each of the vibrators, based on the directional component.