Audio Control Apparatus for Selective Alert Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor enthusiasts face challenges while engaging in recreational activities due to the inability to seamlessly record and manage audio from multiple devices, leading to missed important alerts and cumbersome device control, especially in harsh conditions.
Innovation Solution
An audio control apparatus integrated into a headset with processors and communication interfaces that manage audio signals from various devices, allowing for seamless recording, prioritization of audio sources, and convenient control of devices like walkie talkies and smartphones, while also enabling the recording of live audio and voiceovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate electronic devices are carried for audio control, then device functionality is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate electronic devices (smartphone, walkie talkie, music player, video recorder) into a single integrated headset system. The headset includes a processor that receives audio signals from multiple sources simultaneously and manages them through a unified interface, eliminating the need to carry and operate multiple separate devices while maintaining all required functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The headset is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: receiving audio from smartphones via Bluetooth, capturing walkie talkie audio, playing music, recording video audio, and providing hands-free communication. A single device replaces several specialized devices, allowing users to access all functions through one unified interface rather than multiple separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate electronic devices are carried for audio control, then device functionality is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The headset provides a unified control interface that manages all audio sources (smartphone calls, walkie talkie communications, music playback, video recording) through a single device. Users interact with one set of controls rather than navigating multiple separate device interfaces, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining access to all required functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the control functions of multiple devices into a single headset system, the patent eliminates the need to physically access and manipulate multiple separate devices. The integrated processor handles all audio routing and control operations centrally, making the system easier to operate, especially in challenging outdoor conditions where accessing multiple devices would be cumbersome.
3Loss of information
If audio from all sources is recorded simultaneously, then audio completeness is improved, but post-production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headset performs preliminary audio management by automatically routing and prioritizing audio sources in real-time during the outdoor activity. The processor identifies and separates different audio sources (walkie talkie calls, music, video audio) as they occur, preparing them for direct use without requiring extensive post-production mixing or editing, thus reducing post-production time while maintaining audio completeness.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If audio interruptions are blocked during activities, then audio clarity is improved, but reliability of important alerts worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The headset dynamically adjusts audio routing based on the detected activity state. During high-intensity activities like skiing or biking, the system automatically prioritizes and ensures delivery of critical alerts (walkie talkie calls, emergency notifications) while managing other audio sources. The processor adapts audio handling in real-time, maintaining audio clarity for important communications while ensuring reliability of alert delivery throughout the activity.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio control apparatus particularly suited for an active outdoor type of person integrates multiple electronic devices. Audio source devices can include a mobile phone, a music player, and a walkie talkie. Audio sink devices can include a video recorder. The audio signals from the audio source devices may be mixed and sent to the video recorder to capture live audio signals. The user controls the audio control apparatus using either integrated or external UI buttons, which are context specific, configurable and allow control of the external devices from a UI. External UI buttons may be mounted to a helmet or other accessible location. A USB port on the external UI allows charging the audio control apparatus without needing to access or otherwise disturb the apparatus while it is nicely positioned within the helmet. Incoming phone and walkie talkie calls may be selectively allowed or blocked depending on sensor feedback.