Audio Signal Routing via ToF and Magnetic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio output systems struggle to efficiently detect and redirect audio signals to wearable devices such as headphones, often resulting in unwanted audio being played through both built-in speakers and headphones simultaneously, leading to user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a time-of-flight sensor and a magnetic field sensor, in conjunction with machine learning models, to detect the presence of wearable audio output devices and redirect audio signals accordingly, ensuring seamless audio output to the appropriate device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio signals are output to multiple audio output devices simultaneously, then audio coverage is improved, but unwanted audio duplication and user inconvenience occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors (magnetic field sensor, time-of-flight sensor, camera) to detect whether headphones are worn by the user, and based on this feedback information, dynamically controls the audio output routing. The processor receives sensor data, determines headphone wear status, and automatically redirects audio signals to prevent unwanted duplication while ensuring proper audio delivery to the intended device.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are used to detect wearable audio devices, then audio signal redirection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple existing sensors (magnetic field sensor, time-of-flight sensor, camera) that are already present in modern smartphones for other purposes (compass, depth sensing, face recognition). By merging the functionality of these existing sensors to also detect headphone wear, the system achieves accurate detection without adding dedicated hardware, thus improving measurement precision while minimizing additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes existing multi-functional sensors serve additional purposes. The magnetic field sensor originally designed for compass functionality is also used to detect the magnetic signature of headphones. The time-of-flight sensor and camera, originally for depth sensing and face recognition, are also utilized for headphone detection. This multi-functionality approach improves detection accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If automatic audio redirection is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic audio redirection that operates without user intervention. The processor continuously monitors sensor data, automatically determines when headphones are worn, and autonomously redirects audio signals from the speaker to the headphones. This self-service approach improves user convenience by eliminating manual switching while the control logic is integrated into the existing processor, minimizing additional system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively detects wearable audio output devices and redirects audio signals, enhancing user experience by minimizing unnecessary audio output and improving device compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a time-of-flight sensor and a magnetic field sensor, in conjunction with machine learning models, to detect the presence of wearable audio output devices
Implementation Method 2
a time-of-flight sensor and a magnetic field sensor, in conjunction with machine learning models, to detect the presence of wearable audio output devices
Data Source
AI summary
Examples are described herein for detecting, and outputting audio signals to, wearable audio output devices. In various examples, a device may include a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor and a processor. The processor may analyze ToF sensor data generated by the ToF sensor. Based on the analysis, the processor may detect a wearable audio output device worn by an individual. In response to detecting the wearable audio output device, the processor may output an audio signal to the wearable audio output device.