Augmenting mobile computing device audio output via vibration elements

摘要

Embodiments of the invention utilize one or more vibration elements to enhance the audio output of a computing device. These vibration element(s) may comprise any conventional vibrating element including a mass element (i.e., counterweight) electrically driven via an actuator to produce the vibrations. The size of the mass element/counterweight may be selected based on the desired strength and frequency for the vibration components (i.e., lower frequencies may utilized larger/heavier mechanisms). Computing devices may process audio data and separately output some of the data for speakers (higher frequency data), and some of the data for vibration elements (lower frequency data). The surface where the device is placed creates a sounding board structure and the vibration elements generate the sensation of physical motion at low, sub-bass and sub-audio frequencies. This physical motion may be perceived by the user as low-frequency audio data, thereby enhancing the audio output of the speakers.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
an audio digital signal processor (DSP); an audio subsystem to output audio data processed by the audio DSP, the audio subsystem comprising:
one or more speakers to output a first portion of the audio data processed by the audio DSP; anda plurality of vibration elements for generating vibration movements onto a surface contacting the system based, at least in part, on a second portion of the audio data processed by the audio DSP; a controller to selectively activate or deactivate each vibration element of the plurality of vibration elements based, at least in part, on a context of an application executed via the system; one or more motion sensors to generate sensor data for the generated vibration movement; and a display; wherein the controller is further to modify operation of one or more vibration elements of the plurality of vibration elements based, at least in part, on the sensor data indicating an adverse effect of the generated vibration movement on performance of the system, wherein the adverse effect on performance of the system includes an adverse effect on visual performance of the display of the system.