Earbud Charge Variation Sensing for In-Ear and Jaw Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-ear detection mechanisms for wireless accessories face challenges in differentiating between a live human and inanimate objects and suffer from inaccurate voice detection due to noise from ambient sound, especially with small form factors that make robust bone vibration detection difficult.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a charge collection antenna in a wearable device to determine the on-body status by collecting charge variation from jawbone and muscle motion, employing algorithms like variance threshold and peak signal detection to differentiate between being worn and not worn, and switching to low power modes accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high bandwidth accelerometer is used for bone vibration detection, then voice detection capability is improved, but device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the charging pad serve dual functions: wireless power reception and charge variation sensing for voice detection. By detecting charge variations induced by jawbone vibrations during wireless charging, the system eliminates the need for separate accelerometer hardware, thereby reducing device size while maintaining voice detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the charging infrastructure itself to provide sensing functionality. The charging pad's electromagnetic field serves both to transfer power and to induce detectable charge variations in the earbud housing during jawbone motion, allowing the device to utilize existing components for multiple purposes without adding bulk
2Reliability
If conventional in-ear detection mechanisms are used, then detection function is provided, but inability to differentiate between live human and inanimate objects reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent monitors changes in charge variation characteristics over time to distinguish between live human wear (with natural jaw movements, breathing, and muscle activity) and inanimate objects. By analyzing temporal patterns, frequency content, and amplitude variations of the charge signal, the system achieves reliable detection without complex additional sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors charge variation signals during wireless charging and uses feedback from signal analysis to determine wear status. By comparing real-time charge variation patterns against expected characteristics of human physiology, the system reliably differentiates between live users and objects while maintaining simple hardware architecture
3Ease of operation
If bone vibration detection is used for voice detection, then contactless voice input is enabled, but ambient sound noise reduces detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the charging pad's electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transmit both power and sensing information. The electromagnetic field induces charge variations in the earbud housing that correspond to jawbone vibrations, creating a direct coupling between the user's voice-related movements and the sensing system while isolating the detection from ambient acoustic noise
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical accelerometers with an electromagnetic-based sensing approach. By detecting charge variations induced by electromagnetic coupling during wireless charging, the system captures jawbone vibration signals without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating susceptibility to ambient sound noise while enabling contactless voice input
4Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring is performed for accurate detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs charge variation sensing only during wireless charging periods when the charging pad is actively transmitting electromagnetic energy. During non-charging periods, the sensing function is suspended, allowing the device to conserve power while maintaining detection accuracy during the periods when the system is naturally active
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs detection during the charging process itself, utilizing the electromagnetic field that is already present for power transfer. By combining power reception and sensing operations into a single simultaneous process, the system achieves continuous monitoring during use without requiring additional power for separate sensing operations
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
Accurately determines the wear status of wireless earbuds, conserves power by switching modes based on wear detection, and improves voice detection accuracy by filtering noise, enhancing user experience and battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a charge collection antenna in a wearable device to collect charge variation based on a user's jawbone and muscle motion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system and method using a charge collection antenna in a wearable device to collect charge variation based on a user's jawbone and muscle motion. The collected charge variation may be used to determine an on-body status of the wearable device. For example, in wireless earbuds, information acquired from a charge collection antenna may be used to determine whether the earbud is worn in-ear by the user. The collected charge variation may also be used to detect jaw motion by the user.