Adaptive Audio Output for Hearing Device Locator Tones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience when trying to locate misplaced electronic devices due to interference from ongoing audio output from their other devices, making it difficult to perceive tones or signals intended to aid in device location.
Innovation Solution
Electronic devices autonomously adjust their audio output to minimize interference, allowing users to perceive location signals more effectively by reducing volume, muting, or filtering frequencies to enhance signal perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of audio output is required to hear the tone from the misplaced device, then the user can perceive the tone, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the user must manually intervene
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when a tone-emitting device is present and autonomously adjusts the audio output of other devices to allow the user to hear the tone, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The first device monitors for beacon messages and automatically mutes or reduces audio output when a second device is emitting a locating tone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from beacon messages and audio level detection to automatically control audio output. When the first device detects a beacon message indicating a second device is emitting a tone, it adjusts its own audio output accordingly, and when the tone stops, it restores normal audio output.
2Ease of operation
If the first device autonomously adjusts audio output, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first device leverages its existing multi-functionality by using its audio output capabilities for both normal media playback and automatic mute operations. The same audio processing circuitry and control mechanisms are utilized for both functions, minimizing the need for additional dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses beacon messages as an intermediary signal to trigger audio output adjustments. Rather than requiring complex direct detection of the tone-emitting device, the system relies on simple beacon message exchange to coordinate between devices, reducing the complexity of direct audio monitoring.
3Loss of information
If the first device continuously monitors for tones, then the user can always perceive the tone, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic beacon messages to detect when a tone-emitting device is present. The first device checks for beacon messages at intervals and only adjusts audio output when a beacon is detected, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while maintaining effective tone detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The tone detection and audio adjustment process is initiated automatically by the system itself through beacon message exchange, eliminating the need for continuous user activation or manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously detecting tones and managing audio output based on detected conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (UE110) configured to generate audio output, receive an indication that a second device (UE115) is to emit a signal, adjust the audio output from a first state to a second state based at least on the indication that the second device is to emit the signal, identify a predetermined condition and adjust the audio output from the second state to the first state based on at least the predetermined condition.