System and methods for improved acousto-haptic speakers
AssigneeImmerz, Inc.
InventorShahriar S. Afshar
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Abstract
The systems and methods described herein relate to, among other things, a transducer capable of producing acoustic and tactile stimulation. The transducer includes a rigid mass element disposed on the diaphragm of a speaker. The mass element may optionally be removable and may have a mass selected such that the resonant frequency of the transducer falls within the range of frequencies present in an input electrical audio signal. The systems and methods advantageously benefits from both the fidelity and audio performance of a full-range speaker while simultaneously producing high-fidelity, adjustable and palpable haptic vibrations.
Claims20
A transducer capable of generating acoustic signals and haptic signals, wherein the haptic signals are transmitted to a user through inertial vibrations, the transducer comprising:
- a speaker, including a diaphragm, configured to transform an electrical signal into an acoustic signal;
- a holder attached to a portion of the diaphragm, the holder including an opening positioned above a center region of the diaphragm;
- and
- a mass element, wherein the mass of the mass element is selected such that a portion of a resonant frequency range of a combination of at least the speaker and the mass element falls within a first range of frequencies, and wherein the opening of the holder is positioned such that at least a portion of the acoustic signal passes from the speaker and the opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.