Vibration Signal Generation via High-Frequency Sound Pressure Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vibration generation systems, such as game apparatuses, only impart constant vibrations to users, failing to provide a rich and varied vibration experience.

Innovation Solution

A vibration signal generation system that converts sound pressure information from high-frequency ranges, where vibrations are imperceptible, into lower frequency ranges, using frequency shift and low-pass filtering techniques, to generate perceivable vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vibration generation systems use constant vibration signals, then the system structure is simple, but the vibration variety and user perception are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration varietyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses sound pressure information as an intermediary to generate diverse vibration signals. Instead of directly creating complex vibration patterns, the system converts sound pressure data (from audio inputs, environmental sounds, or generated sounds) into vibration signals through frequency shifting and envelope extraction, allowing variety without direct complex vibration control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes vibration parameters dynamically by extracting envelope information from sound pressure data and applying frequency shifting. This allows the vibration characteristics (amplitude, frequency envelope) to vary based on the sound input, creating diverse vibration experiences without requiring multiple physical vibration generators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If high-frequency sound signals are used directly for vibration, then the sound quality is good, but the vibration is imperceptible to users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound qualityVSAvoidvibration perceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the limitation of high-frequency sounds (imperceptible as vibration) into a benefit by using frequency shifting. The high-frequency sound pressure information is processed to create lower-frequency vibration signals that are perceptible, while the original high-frequency sound can still be output for audio quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the sound signal processing into separate channels: one for audio output (maintaining original high-frequency quality) and one for vibration generation (using extracted envelope and frequency-shifted versions). This allows both sound quality and vibration perceptibility to be optimized independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If frequency shifting is applied to convert high-frequency sound to low-frequency vibration, then vibration perceptibility improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration perceptibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial frequency shifting only to the extent necessary for vibration generation. Instead of processing the entire sound spectrum, it extracts envelope information and applies frequency shifting only to the components needed for vibration, reducing overall computational and energy costs while maintaining vibration perceptibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 the creation of vibration signals that can be perceived by users, enhancing the variety and effectiveness of vibrations experienced, while maintaining energy efficiency and integrating with sound output systems.

Implementation Method 1

frequency shift means for converting sound pressure information indicated by a sound signal and belonging to a frequency range above an upper limit that enables at least a user to perceive a vibration, into sound pressure information belonging to a frequency range less than or equal to the upper limit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency translation:

Implementation Method 2

a low-pass filter, in the sound pressure information after the conversion by the frequency shift means, diminishes a component at a frequency higher than a cutoff frequency set to be less than or equal to a frequency corresponding to the upper limit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLow-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP2965793B1Vibration generation system, vibration generation apparatus, vibration signal generation program, and vibration generation method

Publication Date: 2019.11.13 NINTENDO CO LTD

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AI summary

Sound pressure information indicated by a sound signal and belonging to a frequency range above an upper limit that enables at least a user to perceive a vibration is converted into sound pressure information belonging to a frequency range less than or equal to the upper limit or belonging to a low-frequency range, and a vibration signal is generated using the sound pressure information after the conversion. This makes it possible to generate a vibration signal.