Vibrator Motor Speed Control via Embedded Audio Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibrators lack the ability to arbitrarily coordinate vibrator motor speed with the content of audio playback, such as the narrative or music, leading to motor speed control that is solely responsive to audio signal strength or frequency, rather than the subjective meaning or character of the audio.
Innovation Solution
A vibrator apparatus with a microcontroller that integrates audio playback and motor speed control, using a digital file combining motor speed information with audio data to coordinate motor speed with the content of the soundtrack, allowing arbitrary control independent of audio signal characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If motor speed control is made responsive to audio signal strength or frequency, then the device can automatically adjust vibration intensity, but the motor speed cannot be arbitrarily coordinated with the subjective content of the audio playback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor speed control function from the audio signal processing path. Instead of using complex circuitry to analyze audio waveforms and derive motor control signals, the system uses a simple digital file that directly contains pre-programmed motor speed information synchronized with audio playback. This separates the audio playback function from the motor control function, eliminating the need for complex real-time audio analysis circuitry while enabling arbitrary coordination with audio content.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor speed information is pre-programmed into the digital audio file before playback. The microcontroller simply reads the pre-existing motor speed commands from the digital file during playback, rather than calculating motor speed in real-time based on audio signal analysis. This preliminary preparation of control information eliminates the need for complex real-time processing circuitry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate music player with microprocessor is used, then audio playback capability is achieved, but the device requires costly and powerful microprocessor and complex circuitry to analyze audio signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the audio playback function and motor control function into a single integrated system. The same microcontroller that plays the audio file also controls the motor speed, eliminating the need for a separate music player with its own microprocessor. The digital file contains both audio data and embedded motor speed information, allowing one microcontroller to handle both functions without requiring complex audio analysis circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The single microcontroller in the vibrator device performs multiple functions: it manages audio playback, controls motor speed, and processes user input. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for audio processing and motor control, reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining full functionality.
3Ease of operation
If motor speed increases when audio becomes loud, then the device responds to audio intensity, but the motor speed control cannot be coordinated with the subjective meanings in the audio playback
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the pre-programmed digital file that contains embedded motor speed information. The microcontroller continuously reads the motor speed commands from the digital audio file and adjusts the motor speed accordingly, creating a feedback loop that synchronizes vibration with the subjective content of the audio playback rather than just the loudness. This allows automatic response while maintaining coordination with audio content meaning.
Data Source
AI summary
A means and method for arbitrarily coordinating a tactile vibratory stimulus with an audio stimulus. There is provided an adult-type sex toy, and associated method, with a vibrator and audio player in which the audio player is augmented with additional circuitry and firmware, such that the audio player is in signal communication with the vibrator to to control the speed of the vibrator motor. The motor speed, however, is not correlated with raw audio signal strength or frequency. Rather, the vibrator motor speed is regulated by motor speed information embedded with the audio file being played back. Accordingly, the apparatus audio player can play back an erotic story, for example, while automatically coordinating the vibrator motor speed in concert with the perceived content of the audible story as heard by the user-listener.