Wireless Earpiece 3D Audio Feedback via Distributed Body Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable devices, particularly earpieces, lack advanced functionality when used in conjunction with other wearable devices, and there is a need for methods to provide audiometric feedback in a three-dimensional manner using body sensor signals.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a network of distributed body sensors that communicate with wireless earpieces to determine the location of individual sensors and provide audiometric feedback, which includes processing signals to triangulate sensor positions and encoding sensor information within sound signals for three-dimensional audio feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a network of distributed body sensors is used to provide audiometric feedback, then the functionality and information quality are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensing function across multiple distributed body sensors rather than using a single complex sensor unit. Each sensor independently monitors specific physiological parameters, and the earpiece aggregates these segmented data streams to provide comprehensive audiometric feedback, thereby improving functionality without requiring each individual device to be overly complex
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless earpiece serves multiple functions: it acts as a communication device, a processing unit for sensor data, a positioning system for sensors, and an audiometric feedback device. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional platform, the system enhances overall functionality while avoiding the need for multiple separate complex devices
2Measurement precision
If signal processing is performed to determine sensor locations in three-dimensional space, then the measurement precision is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with acoustic signal processing. By analyzing the time of arrival and spatial characteristics of sound signals from body sensors, the earpiece determines sensor locations in three-dimensional space through computational acoustics rather than mechanical measurement, reducing energy consumption while maintaining high positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system processes only the essential signal characteristics needed for positioning (time of arrival, signal strength, frequency content) rather than performing exhaustive analysis of all sensor data. This partial processing approach achieves sufficient measurement precision for audiometric feedback while minimizing the energy required for computation
3Loss of information
If audiometric feedback is provided in a three-dimensional manner synchronized to movement, then the information quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional audio feedback to three-dimensional spatial audio by incorporating vertical and depth dimensions alongside horizontal positioning. This dimensional expansion provides more comprehensive spatial information about body sensor locations and movement patterns, significantly improving information quality for audiometric feedback without requiring fundamentally new processing architectures
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where sensor position data and movement information continuously inform the audiometric feedback output. By synchronizing audio feedback with detected body movements and updating sensor locations in real-time, the system maintains high information quality through continuous adaptation rather than requiring overly complex pre-programmed systems
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
Enables enhanced functionality for wearable devices by providing synchronized, three-dimensional audiometric feedback based on sensor locations and movements, improving user interaction and feedback perception.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless transceiver of the left earpiece and the wireless transceiver of the right earpiece may be configured to triangulate a position of one or more body sensors from the signal
Implementation Method 2
receiving signals from the network of distributed body sensors at the one or more wireless earpieces
Implementation Method 3
producing audiometric feedback at the one or more wireless earpieces at least partially based on the locations of the individual body sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing audiometric feedback from a network of distributed body sensors using one or more earpieces includes receiving signals from the network of distributed body sensors at the one or more wireless earpieces, processing the signals received at the one or more wireless earpieces to determine a location of individual body sensors within the network of distributed body sensors relative the one or more earpieces, and producing audiometric feedback at the one or more wireless earpieces at least partially based on the locations of the individual body sensors relative to the one or more earpieces.