Noise-Cancelling Headset with Group-Aware Audio Routing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional noise-cancelling headsets in multi-group classrooms hinder natural interaction between teachers and pupils due to immersion in educational content, and require complex technical configuration for group assignment, making it difficult for teachers to address specific age groups without disturbing others.

Innovation Solution

A noise-cancelling headset with a processing unit that controls sound output based on group affiliation, allowing teachers to dynamically adjust noise cancellation and audio educational content levels, and includes features like voice recognition and proximity detection for intuitive group management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional noise-cancelling headsets are used to provide audio educational content, then pupils are immersed in the educational content, but natural interaction between teachers and pupils is inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmersion in educational contentVSAvoidnatural interaction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The headset system dynamically adjusts noise cancellation levels and audio content delivery based on real-time detection of teacher-pupil interactions. The processing unit modifies operational parameters (noise cancellation intensity, audio volume) according to detected proximity and voice signals, enabling the system to switch between immersion mode and interaction mode automatically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The processing unit acts as an intermediary between the noise-cancelling mechanism and the audio content delivery, mediating their interaction based on detected classroom conditions. It receives input from microphones and proximity sensors, processes this information, and adjusts the balance between noise cancellation and audio playback accordingly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated technical preparation is required for assigning headsets to user groups, then group-specific sound control is achieved, but teachers lack time and knowledge to configure headsets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroup-specific sound controlVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headset system performs automatic group assignment and configuration without requiring teacher intervention. The processing unit detects pupil proximity to the teacher or other headsets and automatically assigns group affiliations, eliminating the need for manual technical configuration while maintaining group-specific sound control capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically changes operational parameters (group affiliation, noise cancellation levels, audio routing) based on detected spatial relationships and interaction patterns. The processing unit modifies these parameters dynamically without requiring teacher knowledge of configuration settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If noise-cancelling headsets are used in merged classrooms with different age groups, then quiet work environment is provided, but teachers cannot address specific age groups without disturbing others

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidselective address capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The audio output is segmented and routed to different headsets based on their group affiliation. The processing unit divides the audio content into separate channels, allowing the teacher to address specific age groups independently while other groups continue their work undisturbed. Each headset receives only the audio stream intended for its assigned group

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 natural interaction between teachers and pupils by allowing selective addressing of specific age groups and simplifies headset configuration, improving classroom dynamics and teaching efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a processing unit for computing the noise cancelling sound based on the received surrounding sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNoise cancellation: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP4120691A1Noise-cancelling headset for use in a knowledge transfer ecosystem
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 RUSSU VLADIMIR
  • EP4120691A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4120691A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4120691A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a noise-cancelling headset for participants of a multi-group classroom that is integrated for use in a knowledge transfer ecosystem, comprising a connection unit, such as a jack, a Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi or a 5G connection unit, for receiving learning content from a database of the knowledge transfer ecosystem, a microphone for receiving sound from a surrounding area of the classroom, a pair of speakers for outputting sound, such as noise-cancelling sound or audio learning content sound, received from the knowledge transfer ecosystem, and a processing unit being connected to the connection unit, the microphone and the pair of speakers, and being configured to reduce a noise of the surrounding area anticipated by a participant listening to the sound outputted by the pair of speakers, wherein the processing unit is further configured to control the sound outputted by the pair of speakers based on a group affiliation of the headset regarding the participants of the classroom.