Single LED Voice Feedback via PWM Lighting Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Audio devices with voice operation reception functions struggle to notify users of detailed voice recognition processing states without affecting the audio reproduction environment, while also being cost-effective and design-friendly, as existing solutions like LED displays are limited in detail and increase costs when using multiple LEDs or LCDs.

Innovation Solution

Implementing pulse width modulation (PWM) control on a single LED with varying brightness patterns synchronized with voice message intonation and accent to express the state of voice recognition processing, allowing for detailed notification without disrupting audio reproduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple LEDs or LCD are used to notify detailed voice recognition processing states, then the notification detail is improved, but cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification detailVSAvoidnumber of display components

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single LED is segmented in the time domain by dividing the notification into multiple discrete states (waiting state, recognition state, result state). Each state is represented by a specific lighting pattern, allowing detailed information transmission through temporal segmentation rather than spatial multiplication of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The LED employs periodic lighting patterns with different characteristics (constant illumination, blinking, off states) to represent different voice recognition processing states. This periodic variation in lighting behavior enables detailed state notification using a single component, avoiding the need for multiple LEDs or LCD displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of information

If voice reply is output during audio reproduction, then the voice recognition result is communicated, but the audio reproduction environment is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoice recognition feedbackVSAvoidaudio reproduction quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic feedback mechanism (voice reply through speaker) is replaced with an optical signaling mechanism (LED lighting patterns). This substitution transfers the information communication function from the audio channel to the visual channel, eliminating interference with audio reproduction quality while maintaining effective user feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED serves as an intermediary signaling device that conveys voice recognition results without directly interfering with the audio reproduction path. By using the LED as a mediator for feedback communication, the system avoids the harmful effect of mixing voice replies into the reproduced sound.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If a large display unit is used to show voice recognition processing states, then the notification capability is improved, but the design freedom and front surface area are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing state notificationVSAvoidfront surface occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The notification system transitions from spatial expansion (multiple LEDs or LCD occupying front surface area) to temporal dimension utilization (single LED with varied lighting patterns over time). By encoding state information in the time dimension through different lighting sequences, the system achieves detailed notification capability without increasing front surface occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 detailed state notification of voice recognition processing using a single LED, maintaining cost-effectiveness and design flexibility while avoiding interference with audio reproduction environments.

Implementation Method 1

LED control means for performing pulse width modulation (PWM) control on the LED

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse width modulation (PWM):

Implementation Method 2

a light emitting diode (LED)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11315561B2Audio device and computer readable program

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 D & M HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

[Problem] To provide an audio device having a voice operation receiving function with which the state of a voice recognition process can be notified in detail without affecting an audio playback environment, and which is inexpensive and has an excellent degree of freedom in design. [Solution] A wireless speaker 1 has a voice operation receiving function that receives an operation by a voice input into a microphone 11. The wireless speaker comprises: an LED 12; an LED control unit 18 that subjects the LED 12 to PWM control; and a lighting pattern storage unit 17 that stores a lighting pattern in which the brightness is changed on a time axis for each state of a voice recognition process. The LED control unit 18 subjects the LED 12 to PWM control in accordance with the lighting pattern stored in the lighting pattern storage unit 17 corresponding to the state of the voice recognition process performed on the voice input into the microphone 11.