Vibration Signal Waveform Conversion for Tactile Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration devices struggle to generate high-frequency vibrations without causing sensory perception problems, auditory noise, or device issues, particularly when attempting to combine vibrations with audio content, as human perception peaks at 200 to 300 Hz and weakens above this range, making high-frequency vibrations audible as sound.

Innovation Solution

A vibration control apparatus that converts high-frequency vibrations into a low-frequency band by maintaining energy and using time-division and energy control techniques to modulate the frequency band, allowing perception by humans while reducing auditory noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high frequency vibration (300 Hz or more) is generated, then vibration feedback capability is enhanced, but auditory noise problems occur and human perception effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration feedback capabilityVSAvoidauditory noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts high-frequency vibration energy that would otherwise create audible noise into perceptible tactile feedback by using amplitude modulation. The high-frequency carrier wave (300 Hz or more) is modulated with a low-frequency envelope signal, transforming the harmful audible high-frequency noise into beneficial tactile sensation that leverages human skin's sensitivity to vibration envelope rather than carrier frequency.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameters of the vibration signal by using amplitude modulation to shift the perceptible information from the carrier frequency domain to the envelope frequency domain. This allows the vibration system to operate at high frequencies for actuation while the perceived information content resides in the lower frequency envelope, avoiding auditory noise while maintaining tactile effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If amplitude is increased to enhance perception, then human perception improves at peak frequency (200-300 Hz), but device resonance capability is compromised across frequency bands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehuman perceptionVSAvoidfrequency band coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vibration signal into a high-frequency carrier component and a low-frequency envelope component. The carrier frequency (300 Hz or more) handles the actuation and energy delivery, while the envelope frequency (below audible threshold) carries the perceptible information. This segmentation allows the device to operate effectively across multiple frequency bands simultaneously, maintaining both peak frequency perception and broad frequency adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If high frequency vibration is generated, then vibration feedback is enhanced, but the vibration becomes audible as sound that disturbs music or movie content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration feedbackVSAvoidnoise disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful audible high-frequency vibration into beneficial tactile feedback by using amplitude modulation with a low-frequency envelope. The high-frequency carrier provides the vibration energy and tactile sensation, while the modulation envelope ensures the perceived information remains below the audible threshold, thus eliminating noise disturbance to music or movie content while maintaining enhanced vibration feedback.

Inventive Principle:

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

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 generation of high-frequency vibrations that are perceptible to humans without auditory interference, effectively enhancing tactile feedback in devices like smartphones and VR apparatuses.

Implementation Method 1

an energy controller configured to convert a waveform of the signal while maintaining energy of the signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveform conversion with energy conservation:

Implementation Method 2

a vibration apparatus configured to generate vibration due to a signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12482335B2Vibration control apparatus, vibration control program, and vibration control method

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 TOHOKU UNIV

AI summary

A vibration control apparatus configured to control a vibration generated by a vibration apparatus, using a signal, includes processer circuitry, and an energy controller configured to convert a waveform of the signal while maintaining energy of the signal.