Earbud Bone Conduction Sensor for Discreet Non-Verbal Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hands-free electronic devices face challenges in controlling systems effectively when users are engaged in conversations, as verbal commands can disrupt the flow and may be overheard by others, making them unsuitable for situations requiring discreet interaction.
Innovation Solution
The system employs bone conduction sensors in earbuds to detect non-verbal audio-based inputs such as clicks, coughs, and vibrations, allowing users to initiate commands without speaking, and combines this with eye-tracking data from a headset to determine the target for these commands, enabling discreet operation within conversations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice commands are used for hands-free control, then the device can be operated without manual input, but the user's conversation is disrupted and commands may be overheard by others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic voice command detection with a tactile interface system. Users interact with the device by touching or pressing physical buttons on the earbud, converting the control mechanism from acoustic field detection to mechanical contact detection. This substitution eliminates the need for verbal commands during conversations while maintaining hands-free operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tactile interface layer between the user and the device control system. Instead of directly capturing voice commands from the environment, the system uses physical button presses or touch inputs as an intermediate mechanism. This intermediary approach allows discrete, intentional commands that do not propagate acoustically, thus preventing conversation disruption and maintaining privacy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bone conduction sensors are used to detect non-verbal inputs, then discreet control is enabled during conversations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the earbud device multi-functional by integrating both audio playback capability and tactile input detection into a single device. The same earbud structure serves dual purposes: delivering audio content and capturing mechanical user inputs through integrated buttons or touch-sensitive surfaces. This universality reduces the need for separate control devices while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control interface and audio delivery functions into a unified earbud design. The tactile input mechanism (buttons or touch surfaces) is merged with the earbud housing, sharing the same physical space and structural components. This merging approach consolidates multiple functions into a single device, reducing overall system complexity compared to using separate headphones and control devices.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated for non-verbal command detection, then detection accuracy improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive tactile sensor elements such as simple mechanical buttons or basic touch-sensitive surfaces that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These low-cost sensing components provide sufficient detection accuracy for basic tactile inputs without requiring expensive specialized sensors, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while maintaining functional precision.
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
This solution allows users to interact with electronic devices discreetly by using non-verbal commands, preventing disruption of conversations and ensuring that commands are executed without being audible to others, enhancing usability in social contexts.
Implementation Method 1
one or more bone conduction sensors configured to detect and capture vibrations propagated through the facial bones of the user
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic system is described that is responsive to non-verbal commands. The system may include a display component for presenting visual content to a user and an audio system, such as an in-ear or over-the-ear speaker system. The speaker system may be equipped with a bone conduction sensor or in-ear microphone that generates data associated with vibrations of a facial region of the user. The system may use the data to detect non-verbal command in the form of grunts, hums, coughs, tongue clicks, and the like. The system may perform various predetermined operations based on the detected vibrations.