Headset Sensor Configuration for Automatic Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headsets lack efficient methods to determine when they are being worn by a user, leading to unnecessary power consumption and poor user experience, as they often require manual activation and deactivation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating sensors such as accelerometers, temperature sensors, and heart rate sensors into the headset to detect motion, orientation, and environmental conditions, allowing the device to automatically determine when it is being worn and adjust its configuration accordingly, including powering down when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If manual activation and deactivation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headset automatically detects when it is being worn through sensor input and autonomously activates or deactivates without requiring manual user action. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational state through sensors and making activation decisions based on detected conditions, thereby improving power efficiency while maintaining simple user interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to continuously monitor conditions (such as motion, orientation, or presence on the user's head) and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically determines whether the headset is being worn and adjusts the operational state accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If automatic activation through sensors is implemented, then user experience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headset autonomously manages its activation state by detecting whether it is being worn through sensor input. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual activation, providing a seamless user experience where the device automatically becomes operational when needed and conserves power when not in use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects whether the headset is being worn, determines the operational state, and triggers appropriate activation or deactivation. This multi-functional approach consolidates several operations into a single sensor system, improving user experience while managing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution enables the headset to accurately determine when it is being worn, optimizing power usage, enhancing user experience by automating activation and deactivation, and providing features like automatic pairing, call management, and activity tracking.

Implementation Method 1

an accelerometer may be used to detect position. In one embodiment, an accelerometer may be used to detect minor motions characteristic of being positioned on a user's ear or head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

a temperature, heart rate, or other sensor may be integrated into the headset

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 3

a temperature, heart rate, or other sensor may be integrated into the headset

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeart rate detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2277301B1An improved headset
Publication Date: 2015.09.09 DP TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP2277301B1 patent drawingFigure 1A-1~1A-2
  • EP2277301B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2277301B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A method or apparatus to provide an improved headset. The headset includes at least one sensor. The headset further includes a configuration logic to configure the headset based on the position of the headset on the user's head.