Multi-Unit Vibration Timing for Clear Obstacle Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration control systems using multiple vibration units struggle to effectively inform users about the direction and urgency of approaching obstacles, as the user's perception of multiple vibrations can be confused or difficult to distinguish.
Innovation Solution
A vibration control device that alternates between standard vibration periods and low-vibration periods for different vibration units, ensuring easy recognition by interposing a low-vibration period between first and second standard vibration periods, and adjusting vibration patterns based on obstacle location and alarm level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple vibration units are vibrated simultaneously to indicate obstacle direction and urgency, then the information conveyed to the user is more comprehensive, but the user's ability to recognize and distinguish the vibrations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration information by dividing it into sequential time slots. Different vibration units are activated in different time periods rather than simultaneously, allowing the user to distinguish each vibration source. The control unit alternates between activating different vibration units (first, second, third units) in separate time periods, transforming simultaneous spatial information into sequential temporal information that is easier for human perception to differentiate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic vibration patterns with distinct time periods for different vibration units. Each vibration unit operates in its designated time period, creating a periodic cycle that repeats. This periodic structure allows the user to anticipate and recognize the pattern, improving differentiation between multiple vibration sources while maintaining comprehensive information conveyance across the complete cycle.
2Reliability
If the vibration amplitude is increased to enhance alarm urgency, then the alarm effectiveness is improved, but the user's ability to distinguish between different vibration sources is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different vibration characteristics (amplitude, frequency, duration) to different vibration units based on their specific functional roles. Each vibration unit has its own optimized vibration parameters suited to its location and purpose, allowing high amplitude for urgency indication while maintaining distinguishability through spatial and temporal separation. The control unit adjusts vibration intensity locally for each unit rather than uniformly across all units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic vibration patterns with varying amplitudes across different time periods. High amplitude vibrations are applied in specific time slots for urgency indication, while lower amplitude vibrations occur in other slots for directional information. This temporal modulation of amplitude allows the user to distinguish between different vibration sources and purposes even when some vibrations are intense.
3Loss of time
If multiple vibration units are activated at the same time to provide comprehensive obstacle information, then the response time is reduced, but the complexity of the vibration pattern increases making it harder to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent structures multiple vibration activations into a periodic cycle with predetermined time periods for each vibration unit. This organized temporal structure reduces the perceived complexity for the user, as the pattern becomes predictable and repeatable. The control unit manages the switching between different vibration units systematically, ensuring that comprehensive information is conveyed through a structured rather than chaotic sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-establishes the vibration pattern structure and time periods before operation. The control unit is programmed with predetermined sequences for activating different vibration units based on obstacle detection scenarios. This preliminary structuring allows rapid response to detected obstacles without requiring complex real-time decision-making, as the appropriate vibration pattern is already defined and ready to be executed.
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
Enhances user recognition of obstacle direction and urgency by clearly distinguishing vibrations, even when multiple units are activated, reducing confusion and improving the effectiveness of obstacle detection alerts.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of vibration units capable of generating a vibration which stimulates a user's body
Data Source
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AI summary
A vibration control device which can make a user recognize a vibration by using a plurality of vibration units appropriately is provided. In a first vibration pattern, by interposing a low-vibration period (Ti) between a first standard vibration period (T1) and a second standard vibration period (T2), a user recognizes more easily a vibration by a vibration unit which vibrates in the second standard vibration period (T2). Therefore, even when the user's weight acts on the vibration unit which vibrates in the second standard vibration period (T2) lightly, the vibration of this vibration unit is easily recognized.