Acoustic Locating for Wearable Electronic Devices Outside Network Areas

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The inclusion of multiple components in portable electronic devices, such as wearable devices, can limit their performance due to size constraints, necessitating a tailored arrangement that enhances functionality without increasing undesirable properties.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating speakers and microphones in wearable devices to generate and detect acoustic alerts, enabling location and tracking services even outside network areas, using sensors to monitor conditions and generate alerts based on thresholds, and utilizing microphones to determine direction and distance from detected alerts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are included in portable electronic devices to enhance functionality, then device capabilities are improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker and microphone are configured to serve multiple functions: the speaker generates audible alerts for location tracking and can emit encoded acoustic signals for data transmission, while the microphone detects both audible alerts and encoded signals. This multi-functionality allows a single component to perform various tasks, enhancing device capabilities without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional wireless communication systems (requiring antennas and network infrastructure) with an acoustic communication system using speakers and microphones. This substitution enables location tracking and data transmission through sound waves, particularly effective in environments without network access, reducing dependency on complex network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If components are optimized for high performance in specific situations, then performance in those situations is improved, but overall device performance across different situations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent performanceVSAvoidoverall device performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The processor dynamically adjusts the operational mode of the speaker and microphone based on environmental conditions and device state. The system can switch between generating audible alerts for human hearing, emitting encoded acoustic signals for machine detection, or operating in passive detection mode. This dynamic adaptability ensures optimal performance across different situations while maintaining reliable component operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters of the acoustic components based on situation. The processor can modify alert frequencies, volume levels, and encoding schemes according to environmental noise levels, distance requirements, and power availability. This parameter adjustment allows the same hardware to perform reliably across diverse operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effective location and tracking services in environments without network access, enhancing device functionality and durability while maintaining compact design.

Implementation Method 1

a speaker configured to generate an auditory alert that can be heard by humans, other animals, and/or detected by microphones from a distance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic alert generation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

a microphone configured to detect an acoustic alert generated by another electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound detection: Sound

Implementation Method 3

a sensor configured to generate a signal... monitoring the signal, determining whether the signal meets a threshold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250280230A1Electronic device with acoustic locating capabilities

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 APPLE INC

AI summary

Electronic devices including speakers and microphones for performing locating and tracking are disclosed. In at least one example, an electronic device includes a sensor configured to generate a signal, a speaker configured to generate an auditory alert, a processor in electronic communication with the sensor and the speaker, and a memory in electronic communication with the processor. The memory device can include electronic instructions encoded thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a method including monitoring the signal, determining whether the signal meets a threshold, and generating the auditory alert in response to the signal meeting the threshold and the electronic device being outside a network area.