Application Notification Synthesis for Low-Power Audio Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic devices lack efficient methods for communicating notifications and textual data associated with applications, requiring physical interaction and consuming significant battery power, and do not leverage peripheral devices for notification management.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an electronic device with an audio generation module to synthesize speech-based notifications and textual data, which can be transmitted to peripheral audio output devices, allowing users to control playback and initiate applications without physical interaction, while conserving battery life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If notifications are displayed on the home screen or indicated via icons, then users can view notification content, but battery life is quickly depleted and physical interaction is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification deliveryVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual display mechanism with an audio-based notification system. The audio generation module converts notification data into speech output, allowing users to receive notifications through sound rather than visual display, thereby eliminating the need for display screen activation and reducing battery consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The audio generation module acts as an intermediary between the notification system and the user. It receives notification data from applications and converts it into audio output through the audio output device, providing a new communication channel that bypasses the traditional display interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If notifications are displayed on the home screen, then users can access notification content, but the display screen consumes significant battery power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification visibilityVSAvoidbattery power

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the display screen mechanism with an audio output system. By generating speech-based notifications through the audio generation module and audio output device, the system provides notification visibility through auditory channels, completely avoiding the high energy consumption associated with display screen activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If users must physically interact with the device to access notifications, then notification content can be viewed, but user interaction complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification accessVSAvoiduser interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical interaction with the display interface with audio-based interaction. Users can access and interact with notifications through audio output and voice commands or other input methods, eliminating the need to physically navigate through display screens and icons, thereby simplifying the interaction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of information

If traditional notification methods are used, then notifications can be displayed, but peripheral devices cannot be leveraged for notification management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification communicationVSAvoiddevice integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The audio generation module provides a universal interface for notification communication that can work with various audio output devices. The system can leverage peripheral devices such as smart watches, wireless external speakers, and other audio-capable peripherals for notification management, expanding the system's adaptability and versatility across different device configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12443391B2Systems and methods for communicating notifications and textual data associated with applications

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Embodiments are provided for communicating notifications and other textual data associated with applications installed on an electronic device. According to certain aspects, a user can interface with an input device to send a wake up trigger to the electronic device. The electronic device retrieves application notifications and converts (288) the application notifications to audio data. The electronic device also sends the audio data to an audio output device for annunciation. The user may also use the input device to send a request to the electronic device to activate the display screen. The electronic device identifies an application corresponding to an annunciated notification, and activates the display screen and initiates the application.