Audio Output Mode Selection for Wearables With Saved Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional audio output devices, particularly wearable ones, lack efficient methods for selecting audio output modes, fail to provide sufficient feedback, and do not save selected settings, leading to increased user interaction, mistakes, and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implement improved user interfaces and methods that allow for quick selection between audio output modes, provide visual and audio feedback, and save settings, reducing user input and power usage by enhancing the human-machine interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional methods are used for selecting audio output modes, then the device structure remains simple, but the user interaction time increases and mistakes occur more frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio output mode selectionVSAvoiduser interaction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time visual feedback through icons and text labels showing the current audio output mode, and audible feedback through sample audio clips played in different modes. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the effect of their selections immediately, reducing mistakes and interaction time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-loads and prepares multiple audio output mode options with their corresponding visual icons and sample audio clips before the user needs to make a selection. This preliminary preparation allows for quick presentation of options without delay during the actual selection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If conventional methods are used for selecting audio output modes, then the interface remains simple, but user mistakes increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio output mode selectionVSAvoidselection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses distinct visual icons and potentially color-coded indicators to represent different audio output modes (stereo, mono, spatial audio). These visual distinctions make it easier for users to identify and select the desired mode, reducing selection errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Productivity

If conventional methods are used for selecting audio output modes, then power consumption remains at baseline levels, but battery life decreases due to increased user interaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings configuration efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to quickly preview audio modes and make selections rapidly through intuitive interface elements, minimizing the time spent in the settings menu and thereby reducing overall power consumption during the configuration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods are used for selecting audio output modes, then the system remains simple, but settings are not saved for future use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio output modeVSAvoidsettings management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically saves the user's selected audio output mode settings and retrieves them automatically in future sessions. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for users to manually reconfigure settings, providing convenience without requiring complex user management of settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12360733B2Systems, methods, and graphical user interfaces for selecting audio output modes of wearable audio output devices

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device, while displaying a first interface, receives a request to display an audio settings interface. In response, the electronic device displays the audio settings interface, including a first interface element that enables a first audio mode of an audio output device. Displaying the audio settings interface includes: if the first audio mode is enabled and the electronic device is causing audio that is configured for output using the first audio mode to be output using the first audio mode, displaying the first interface element with a first indication that the first audio mode is being used; and if the first audio mode is enabled and the electronic device is not causing audio to be output using the first audio mode, displaying the first interface element without displaying the first indication that the first audio mode is being used.