Infrared Proximity Audio Control for Noise-Aware Merchandising
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current visitor chimes and portable speakers in merchandising settings fail to effectively promote sales as they play the same loud content, causing noise and adverse sentiments for customers near by, leading to ineffective business promotion.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using a pyroelectric infrared sensor, infrared signal amplifier, and auto-attenuation volume control circuit to detect human body distance and adjust audio output accordingly, playing different content at varying volumes based on proximity, with pre-recorded sounds and video playback for effective merchandising.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high-decibel speech sounds are played to reach customers far away, then the broadcast range is improved, but customers near by experience noise and adverse sentiments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic volume adjustment based on detected human proximity. The volume control circuit automatically adjusts output levels in real-time according to distance measurements, transitioning from static high-volume broadcast to adaptive volume control that matches listener proximity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses infrared sensors to detect human presence and distance, feeding this information back to the volume control circuit which then adjusts playback levels accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to environmental conditions and user proximity
2Device complexity
If the same content is played repeatedly to all customers, then the device complexity is minimized, but the adaptability to different customer needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic content selection based on detected human proximity. Different audio content is played automatically depending on whether customers are detected at far or near distances, transitioning from static single-content playback to dynamic multi-content delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (volume level and content type) based on detected proximity conditions. The volume control circuit and content selection logic adjust playback characteristics according to measured distance, enabling adaptive behavior without complex manual configuration
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
The apparatus effectively promotes sales by adjusting volume and content based on customer proximity, reducing noise annoyance and enhancing business promotion by providing a humane and engaging experience.
Implementation Method 1
a pyroelectric infrared sensor, an infrared signal amplifier for detecting the infrared signals of a human body
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting the approach distance of a human body and performing different actions according to the detecting results comprises: an infrared sensing circuit for sensing the human body's movement; a short-distance infrared signal level detector, used for detecting the amplitude level of signals and comparing them with a preset reference level; a long-distance infrared signal level detector, used for detecting the amplitude level of signals and comparing them with another preset reference level; and a long-distance indication-signal time delayer, used for delaying the output of the signals from the long-distance-signal level detector. During the delayed period, a soft pre-recorded speech is sent off to greet customers and introduce merchandize when the short-distance-signal level detector detects a “short-distance” signal with larger amplitude, whereas a louder pre-recorded speech is sent off to draw the attention of customers when no “short-distance” signal is detected by the short-distance-signal level detector.