Headphone Talk-Through Control for Hearing External Voices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headphone systems with noise cancellation technology make it cumbersome for users to hear external voices, such as trainers' commands, while exercising or performing tasks, as they require physically removing the earpiece to do so, which is inconvenient and uncomfortable.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode headphone system that includes sensors to detect user interactions, microphones to capture ambient noise, and a controller to fade or pause the primary audio content, allowing voice sounds to be played through the speakers, enabling users to hear external voices without removing the earpieces, with customizable trigger events and voice recognition for seamless transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If noise canceling technology is used in headphones, then audio quality and noise reduction are improved, but the ability to hear external voices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between noise canceling mode and ambient sound mode based on user needs. The controller adjusts the state of noise canceling components and ambient sound components in real-time, allowing the headphones to transition from blocking external noise to transmitting external voices seamlessly.
Solution Approach 2:
The headphones are designed with dual functionality: noise canceling mode for focused audio experience and ambient sound mode for hearing external voices. By integrating both modes into a single device with a unified control system, the headphones become versatile enough to handle both scenarios without requiring separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If users physically remove earpieces to hear external voices, then ability to hear external voices is improved, but convenience and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting when the user needs to hear external voices through sensors that detect earpiece removal or specific gestures. The controller then automatically switches to ambient sound mode and activates the microphone and speaker system, eliminating the need for manual intervention or physical adjustment of the earpieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of physically removing earpieces with an electronic control system. Sensors detect user intent (through gesture recognition or earpiece removal detection), and the controller electronically switches between modes, activating microphones and speakers to transmit external sounds without any mechanical adjustment by the user.
3Ease of operation
If ambient sound mode is activated, then ability to hear external voices is improved, but audio content playback quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts audio routing based on the active mode. When ambient sound mode is activated, the controller reduces or mutes the audio content from the original source while simultaneously amplifying and processing the ambient sound captured by microphones. This dynamic adjustment ensures that external voices are clearly audible without being overwhelmed by music playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage where the controller acts as a mediator between the audio content source and the output speakers. In ambient sound mode, the controller processes both the audio content and the ambient sound signals, blending or switching between them to ensure that external voices are prioritized while maintaining acceptable audio quality. The intermediary processing allows for seamless transitions and balanced output.
Data Source
AI summary
A headphone listening device may include at least one speaker included in an earpiece and configured to playback first audio content from a first audio source. The headphone device may include at least one sensor configured to detect a trigger event and a controller. The controller may be configured to, in response to receiving the trigger event from the sensor, enable at least one microphone to acquire second audio content, fade a volume of the first audio content, and playback the second audio content.