Audible Device Status Feedback for Portable Media Players

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of portable media players, often using earphones or headphones, cannot easily view visual device status indicators, such as battery level, as they cannot conveniently access the display screen, and some devices lack a screen altogether.

Innovation Solution

Providing status information in an audible manner through an audio output device, such as a speaker, by monitoring device conditions like battery charge level and outputting corresponding audio snippets or tones, allowing users to receive device status without needing to view a screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If visual display is used to show device status, then status information is provided to user, but user cannot access it when wearing earphones or when device lacks display

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice status informationVSAvoidaccessibility to status information

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual display mechanism with an auditory feedback mechanism. Instead of relying on visual indicators that require user attention to a screen, the system uses audio output through earphones or speakers to convey device status information, making it accessible without visual engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces audio snippets as an intermediary medium to transmit device status information. These audio snippets act as a mediator between the device status monitor and the user, converting status data into audible formats that can be perceived without visual contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If audio output is used to provide status information, then accessibility is improved, but audio playback may be interrupted or confused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to status informationVSAvoidaudio output clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic audio snippets that are triggered at specific intervals or events rather than continuously. This periodic delivery allows status information to be conveyed in discrete, non-intrusive bursts that are less likely to interfere with ongoing audio playback while still providing timely status updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts audio output based on device state and user context. Audio snippets are selectively generated based on monitored status conditions, and their characteristics (volume, timing, type) can be adjusted to match current playback scenarios, ensuring reliability across different usage contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8321601B2Audio status information for a portable electronic device

Publication Date: 2012.11.27 APPLE INC

AI summary

Improved techniques for providing status information associated with an electronic device to its user in an audible manner are disclosed. The status information can pertain to one or more conditions of the electronic device. The conditions can vary depending on the nature of the electronic device. As an example, where the electronic device is battery powered, one condition of the electronic device that can be monitored is a battery charge level.