Headphone External Sound Awareness via Bone Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users wearing headphones often miss important external sound signals due to the isolation provided by the headphones, which can lead to missed information and a compromised user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method that records external sound signals via a headphone's microphone during playback, identifies feature audio, and prompts the user to determine if the signal is critical, allowing for processing based on user input to balance headphone use with external sound awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If headphones provide sound insulation and noise reduction, then listening quality is improved, but external sound awareness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments audio information by using multiple microphones to capture different sound sources (music from headphones, external environmental sounds, human voices). The processor separates and independently processes these sound segments, allowing the user to enjoy high-quality isolated music while simultaneously being aware of external sounds through bone conduction or alternative output channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bone conduction technology as an intermediary mechanism. The bone conduction device transmits external sound signals through the skull bone directly to the inner ear, bypassing the ear canal blocked by headphones. This intermediary pathway enables dual functionality: maintaining headphone isolation for music quality while providing a separate channel for external sound awareness.
2Ease of operation
If headphones isolate external sounds, then listening experience is improved, but user safety and awareness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring and analyzing external sound environments before potential hazards occur. The processor detects sound patterns, identifies potential safety risks (such as approaching vehicles, alarms, or urgent calls), and prepares alert mechanisms in advance, allowing users to remain safe while enjoying isolated listening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors external sounds and provides real-time feedback to the user through bone conduction or visual alerts. This feedback loop maintains user safety by informing them of external conditions without compromising the primary listening experience through the headphones.
3Reliability
If headphones block external sounds, then noise reduction is improved, but information loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional audio channel (headphones only) to a multi-dimensional sound transmission system. It combines traditional air conduction through headphones with bone conduction through the skull, creating parallel transmission dimensions. This allows simultaneous delivery of music through headphones and external sound awareness through bone conduction, eliminating information loss while maintaining noise reduction.
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 users to remain aware of important external information while wearing headphones, enhancing convenience and user experience by integrating external sound acquisition and notification within the headphone's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A sound signal of external environment is recorded via a microphone of a headphone
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for processing signals, a terminal device, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are provided. The method includes the following. A sound signal of external environment is recorded via a microphone of a headphone when the headphone is in a playing state. Feature audio in the sound signal is identified and reminding information corresponding to the feature audio is acquired. Inquire of a user whether recorded sound signal is critical according to the reminding information in response to the headphone being paused. An input operation of the user is detected and the sound signal is processed according to the input operation of the user. In this way, headphone playing and external sound acquisition can be both taken into account, and the user can be reminded according to the recorded content so that the user will not miss important information when he or she wears the headphone, thus improving convenience of using the headphone and further enhancing user experience.