Appliance Suite Synced Sound System for Distributed Alert Audibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face difficulties in hearing auditory alerts from appliances due to insufficient speaker capabilities, and existing systems lack the ability to provide immersive sonic experiences, limiting media engagement in kitchen environments.
Innovation Solution
A synced sound system comprising multiple appliances with speakers and controllers that generate synchronized audible communications based on user proximity, using detection signals to output sound commands and create immersive sonic experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single speaker is used in each appliance, then the device complexity is reduced, but the audibility of alerts throughout the home is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The audio alert function is segmented across multiple appliances, each equipped with its own speaker. When an alert is generated by one appliance, it can be propagated to and played by other appliances in the suite, ensuring the alert reaches the user regardless of their location in the home.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication network acts as an intermediary between appliances, enabling the transmission of alert signals from the generating appliance to other appliances that will play the alert through their speakers. This mediator system coordinates the distributed speaker network without requiring complex direct connections between all appliances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of speakers are integrated into appliances, then the immersive sonic experience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple speaker types with different capabilities (full-range speakers, tweeters, subwoofers) are integrated into the appliance suite to create a versatile audio system. Each speaker type serves multiple functions: full-range speakers handle general audio, tweeters provide high-frequency clarity for media content, and subwoofers deliver deep bass. This universal configuration enables the system to deliver immersive sonic experiences across various media types including music, cooking instructions, and alerts.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for generated synchronized audible communications are provided. In one aspect, a system includes a suite of appliances, including at least a first and second appliance. Each appliance has a speaker operable to generate one or more audible communications. The system includes one or more controllers that output one or more sound commands that cause the speakers of the appliances to generate their respective audible communications. One or more of the appliances include a proximity device operable to detect whether a user is within a proximity range thereof. In some instances, the speakers can generate audible communications to amplify their audible communications. In other instances, the speakers can generate audible communications to create localization cues for directing a user's attention to a particular appliance.