Headset Wearing State Detection for Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Increased functionality in headsets leads to higher battery power consumption, limiting standby time due to the small form factor of batteries, and complicates user interface operations, necessitating improved power management and operation methods.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a wearing state-based operation system that disables or reduces power-consuming features when the headset is not in use, such as turning off the text-to-speech engine when not worn, and using a donned or doffed detector to manage power modes, allowing the headset to conserve energy by entering a low power state or disconnecting the wireless link when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If headset functionality is increased to provide more features, then device capability is improved, but battery power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheadset functionalityVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic functionality adjustment by detecting headset wearing state through accelerometer data. When the headset is detected as not being worn, the system dynamically disables text-to-speech conversion and other power-consuming features. This dynamic adaptation allows the headset to provide full functionality when needed while conserving battery power when not in use, resolving the contradiction between enhanced capabilities and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If headset functionality is increased with more features, then device capability is improved, but standby time is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheadset functionalityVSAvoidstandby time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic detection of wearing state through the accelerometer sensor, which continuously monitors device orientation and movement patterns. Based on this periodic assessment, the system alternates between full-function mode and power-saving mode, enabling features like text-to-speech only during periods when the headset is actively worn. This periodic activation strategy extends standby time while maintaining functionality during actual use periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If text-to-speech engine is always enabled for message notification, then user notification capability is improved, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when headset is not worn

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification capabilityVSAvoidunnecessary power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes feedback from the accelerometer sensor to continuously monitor whether the headset is being worn. This feedback mechanism triggers conditional logic that enables or disables the text-to-speech engine based on the detected wearing state. When the accelerometer indicates the headset is not on the user's head, the system automatically disables the text-to-speech functionality, preventing unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring notification capability remains available when the headset is properly worn.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9117443B2Wearing state based device operation

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses for wearing state device operation are disclosed. In one example, a headset includes a sensor for detecting a headset donned state or a headset doffed state. The headset operation is modified based on whether the headset is donned or doffed.