Stereo Headset Ambient Sound Switching for Danger Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users wearing stereo headsets are often unaware of external situations due to noise shielding, making them more susceptible to dangers and unable to detect impacts or emergencies effectively compared to those using earbuds.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device that determines whether to provide ambient sound based on the user's gaze direction, head rotation speed, and ambient sound volume, using sensors to assess potential danger and alert the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stereo headset provides strong acoustical isolation to enhance music listening experience, then the user enjoys focused immersion, but the user cannot recognize external situations or detect impacts due to noise shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the acoustic isolation characteristic changeable rather than fixed. The earcup can dynamically switch between isolated mode (for music immersion) and vented mode (for ambient awareness). This is achieved through movable structures such as adjustable earcups or switchable acoustic pathways that allow the system to adapt its acoustic properties based on user needs and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the acoustic pathway into separate channels: a first acoustic pathway for music delivery and a second acoustic pathway for ambient sound intake. By dividing the acoustic system into independent pathways, the headset can simultaneously provide both isolation for music and ventilation for ambient awareness, resolving the contradiction between these two functions.
2Reliability
If a stereo headset shields external noise to provide focused music experience, then the user experiences higher immersion, but the user is more frequently exposed to unexpected situations and danger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively providing ambient sound information before a user might be exposed to danger. The system continuously monitors the environment and preemptively alerts the user to external situations (such as approaching vehicles or pedestrians) before they become hazardous, allowing the user to take preventive actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring external environmental conditions and providing real-time information back to the user through the headset. Sensors detect ambient sounds and feed this information to the user, creating a closed-loop system that maintains situational awareness while the user remains protected by the noise shielding.
3Manufacturing precision
If the earcup is designed to completely seal the ear for maximum isolation, then the user enjoys optimal audio quality, but the user cannot detect external sounds even in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different acoustic characteristics to different parts of the earcup structure. Certain portions of the earcup maintain sealing for music isolation, while other portions incorporate vents or openings that allow ambient sound penetration. This spatial differentiation of acoustic properties allows simultaneous achievement of both isolation and ambient awareness.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device is disclosed which may collect inertia information and ambient sound, determine whether a user is in danger by monitoring impact sound and a mismatch between a head orientation and a moving direction of a user, and provide the ambient sound collected when it is determined that the user is in danger.