Selective Audio Notification Routing via Sensor-Based Owner Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems lack the ability to selectively route notifications to specific users when multiple short-range wireless communication audio output devices are connected, leading to confidential information being inadvertently shared with others.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine which short-range wireless communication audio output device to send notifications to by using sensors, such as accelerometers and microphones, to differentiate between devices worn by the owner and those shared with others, and utilize voice recognition, camera-based facial recognition, and fingerprint authentication to identify the intended recipient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hands-free notifications are enabled to automatically read aloud incoming communications, then user convenience and accessibility are improved, but confidential information is inadvertently shared with other users present in the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different notification routing rules to different spatial locations. By using sensor data (accelerometers, microphones, cameras, fingerprint sensors) to detect which audio output device is positioned near the owner's location, the system delivers notifications locally to the intended recipient rather than broadcasting to all connected devices. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining hands-free convenience while preventing privacy leakage through location-based selective routing.
2Reliability
If notifications are routed to all connected audio output devices, then no notification is lost, but confidential information is shared with all users regardless of intent
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the notification delivery process by dividing connected audio output devices into distinct groups: owner's device and other users' devices. Using sensor data to identify which device belongs to the owner, the system routes notifications selectively to the appropriate segment. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliable delivery to the intended recipient while preventing unauthorized access to confidential information by other users.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses multiple sensors and authentication methods to identify the owner, then notification routing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple sensors (accelerometers, microphones, cameras, fingerprint sensors) that serve dual purposes: they perform their primary functions for device operation and simultaneously enable owner identification for notification routing. For example, the microphone captures audio for voice commands and also detects proximity to identify the owner. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by improving identification accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same hardware components serve multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An incoming communication can be received. A decision can be made that a short-range wireless communication transceiver is coupled to a plurality of short-range wireless communication audio output devices. The short-range wireless communication audio output devices can include a first short-range wireless communication audio output device and a second short-range wireless communication audio output device. A determination can be made as to which of the first short-range wireless communication audio output device, the second short-range wireless communication audio output device, or both short-range wireless communication audio output devices a notification of the incoming communication should be sent to based on the short-range wireless communication transceiver being coupled to the plurality of short-range wireless communication audio output devices. The notification can be sent to the determined short-range wireless communication audio output device or devices.