Helmet Bluetooth Headset Jog Dial Input Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Drivers of two-wheeled vehicles face inconvenience while using mobile phones with helmets due to the difficulty in accessing small input buttons on conventional Bluetooth headsets, especially with thick gloves, leading to increased time and error in finding desired buttons.

Innovation Solution

A Bluetooth headset for helmets featuring a jog dial that allows for rotation and push operations, enabling efficient and precise input of instructions, such as volume control, call management, and music playback, through a single interface, improving usability compared to conventional headsets with individual small buttons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple small individual buttons are provided on the Bluetooth headset for different functions, then various instructions can be input, but the driver has difficulty finding the desired button quickly and accurately, especially when wearing thick gloves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstruction input capabilityVSAvoidbutton finding difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual buttons into a single jog dial interface. The jog dial integrates multiple functions (rotation for volume control, push for call management, long press for menu access) that would otherwise require separate buttons. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components the driver must locate and manipulate, directly addressing the button finding difficulty while maintaining full instructional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The jog dial serves multiple functions within a single interface element. By rotating the dial, users can control volume; by pushing it, users can answer/end calls; by holding it, users can access menus. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated buttons for each function, making the interface both versatile and easier to operate with thick gloves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple small individual buttons are provided on the Bluetooth headset, then various instructions can be input, but the time required to find the desired button increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstruction input capabilityVSAvoidbutton finding time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual buttons into a single jog dial interface. The jog dial integrates multiple functions (rotation for volume control, push for call management, long press for menu access) that would otherwise require separate buttons. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components the driver must locate and manipulate, directly addressing the button finding difficulty while maintaining full instructional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple small individual buttons are provided on the Bluetooth headset, then various instructions can be input, but the possibility of pushing an unwanted button increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstruction input capabilityVSAvoidbutton pushing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual buttons into a single jog dial interface. The jog dial integrates multiple functions (rotation for volume control, push for call management, long press for menu access) that would otherwise require separate buttons. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components the driver must locate and manipulate, directly addressing the button finding difficulty while maintaining full instructional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The jog dial uses different interaction modes (rotation direction, push duration, press intensity) to differentiate between functions. This dynamic interaction reduces the likelihood of accidental inputs because each function requires a specific deliberate action pattern, making it harder to trigger the wrong function by mistake compared to static button presses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8688040B2Bluetooth headset for helmet having inter-communication function

Publication Date: 2014.04.01 SENA TECH

AI summary

A Bluetooth headset for a helmet having an inter-communication is provided. The Bluetooth headset includes a headset body configured to be mounted on a helmet, a microphone and a speaker that are configured to be installed on the headset body, a jog dial configured to be installed to perform a rotation operation and be subject to a push operation, a Bluetooth module configured to be accommodated in the headset body and to perform wireless communication while paired with an external Bluetooth device, and a control unit configured to be accommodated in the headset body to process a signal input from the microphone, a signal input according to the rotation operation and the push operation of the jog dial and a signal received from the Bluetooth module and output the processed signal to the speaker and the Bluetooth module.