Adaptive Head-Mounted Audio Control for Noise and Ambient Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of head-mounted audio devices face the challenge of needing to perform complex operations to activate or deactivate noise reduction and ambient functions as their state or situation changes, often requiring manual intervention and removal of the device.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device and method that automatically control audio output modes by recognizing user states through sensors and adjusting noise reduction and ambient functions dynamically, allowing seamless transitions without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If noise reduction and ambient functions are selectively activated/deactivated according to user state changes, then audio listening suitability is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio listening suitabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects user state changes through sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone) and autonomously switches between noise reduction and ambient functions without requiring manual user intervention. The device serves itself by monitoring its own operational context and adjusting audio processing accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The audio processing mode dynamically adapts to changing user states. The system transitions between static modes (noise reduction or ambient) based on detected motion patterns, device removal events, and audio analysis, making the audio experience flexible and context-aware rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If manual activation/deactivation of audio functions is required for each state change, then function control precision is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction control precisionVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of user state changes through continuous sensor monitoring (accelerometer, gyroscope) and audio analysis. By detecting motion patterns, device removal, or ambient sound changes in advance, the system proactively switches audio functions before the user needs to manually intervene, reducing response time while maintaining appropriate function selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors sensor data (acceleration, rotation, audio input) and provides feedback loops that automatically trigger function switching. The feedback mechanism analyzes detected states and adjusts audio processing in real-time, eliminating the need for manual user decisions while maintaining precise function control aligned with actual usage context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If head mounted-type audio device is temporarily removed for state changes, then adaptability to user needs is improved, but convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to user needsVSAvoidconvenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically detects when it has been removed from the user's head using sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensors) and autonomously switches to appropriate audio modes or notifies the user, eliminating the need for manual device removal and reattachment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The audio processing system dynamically adapts to device wear state changes. When the device detects it has been removed or is about to be removed through sensor analysis, it automatically transitions between audio modes, maintaining adaptability to user needs while keeping the device in place and avoiding the inconvenience of repeated physical manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3522566B1Information processing device and information processing method
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3522566B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3522566B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3522566B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Object] To enable listening to audio in a more suitable mode without any complicated operation even in a situation in which the user's state or situation successively changes. [Solution] An information processing device including: a recognition processing unit that recognizes a user's state in accordance with a detection result of a predetermined state or situation; and an output control unit that controls audio output from a predetermined output unit on the basis of a function map, which is selected in accordance with a predetermined condition, in which a setting related to control of the audio output is associated with each of a plurality of candidates for the user's state, and the recognized user's state.