Earbud Relative Mapping System for Lost Device Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in locating lost earbuds and companion information handling systems, as they are often small and easily misplaced, leading to wasted time and potential financial loss.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an earbud set with a relative mapping system that uses magnetometers, fixed earbud orientations, and high-accuracy distance measurement (HADM) or ultrasound to determine the compass data and distance of the earbuds relative to a companion information handling system, allowing for audio instructions to guide the user in finding the lost device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional location methods are used, then the system is simple, but the location accuracy is insufficient and search time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the location determination into multiple independent measurement components: HADM measurements from both earbuds, magnetometer readings, and ultrasound time-of-flight calculations. Each component independently measures a specific aspect of position, and the results are combined to achieve high-accuracy location tracking without excessive search time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives raw measurements from multiple sources (HADM data, magnetometer readings, ultrasound signals) and computes intermediate position estimates. This intermediary processing enables the system to fuse multiple measurement types and provide accurate location information even when individual measurements are insufficient.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement systems are integrated, then location accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement systems (HADM in both earbuds, magnetometers, and ultrasound) into a unified location determination framework. The system combines these measurements through coordinated processing to achieve superior distance and position accuracy while managing complexity through integrated architecture rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multi-functionality where the same measurement infrastructure serves multiple purposes: HADM measurements provide both distance estimation and position orientation, magnetometer readings contribute to compass direction determination, and ultrasound signals enable additional distance verification. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity by making each component serve multiple functions.
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 effectively helps users locate lost earbuds and companion information handling systems by providing accurate directional and distance information, reducing the time and effort spent searching and minimizing potential losses.
Implementation Method 1
uses magnetometers, fixed earbud orientations, and high-accuracy distance measurement (HADM) or ultrasound to determine the compass data and distance of the earbuds relative to a companion information handling system
Implementation Method 2
high-accuracy distance measurement (HADM) or ultrasound to determine the compass data and distance
Implementation Method 3
high-accuracy distance measurement (HADM) or ultrasound to determine the compass data and distance
Data Source
AI summary
An earbud set includes a first earbud and second earbud that each include a speaker and a wireless radio wirelessly coupled to a companion information handling system. At least one of the first or second earbud includes a processor, a memory device, and a magnetometer. The earbud set may include a relative mapping system to determine an earbud fixed compass orientation a front-facing assigned alignment direction for the first earbud and the second earbud and determine an angular alignment difference between the earbud fixed compass orientation and a magnetic earth field compass direction of the companion information handling system. The relative mapping system to use wireless or ultrasonic signals to determine distance from the first and second earbud to the companion information handling system. The processor uses distance measurements and a difference between the distances to determine a distance and a direction to the companion information handling system.