Light Output System Synchronizes Visual Feedback with Audio Signals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices lack the ability to output light in synchronization with audio or device states, failing to effectively communicate additional information visually.

Innovation Solution

A light output system comprising a speaker, a light output unit, and a processor that synchronizes light output with secondary audio, allowing the light to blink or change intensity based on the audio's tempo and pitch, and optionally displays corresponding video on a display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a device outputs only audio information, then the audio output is clear and simple, but the user cannot visually perceive additional information such as notifications or program schedules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual informationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines audio output and light output into a single integrated system. The light output unit is integrated with the speaker assembly, allowing synchronized visual and auditory information delivery without requiring separate devices. This merging enables the system to convey both audio content and visual cues (notifications, program schedules) through a unified interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light output unit serves multiple functions: it visualizes audio waveform patterns, displays notification indicators, shows program schedule information, and provides decorative lighting effects. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address various information delivery needs, reducing the requirement for separate visual display devices.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the light output unit synchronizes with audio tempo and pitch, then the visual feedback becomes more engaging and informative, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight-audio synchronizationVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light output characteristics are made dynamic by synchronizing them with audio signals. The system adjusts light intensity, blinking frequency, and color based on audio tempo and pitch variations in real-time. This dynamic adaptation creates engaging visual feedback that responds to musical rhythms and speech patterns without requiring complex manual programming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring audio output and using that information to control light output patterns. The processor analyzes audio signals and adjusts light parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system where audio characteristics directly influence visual display characteristics. This feedback mechanism enables automatic synchronization without complex user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If multiple types of audio are output simultaneously, then the information delivery becomes more comprehensive, but the user may experience confusion about which audio is active

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation deliveryVSAvoiduser understanding
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different light output characteristics to different audio types. For example, notifications may trigger specific color patterns or blinking frequencies, while program schedules use different visual patterns. This local differentiation in light quality allows users to easily distinguish between various audio sources and their meanings, preventing confusion even when multiple audio types are output simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses color variations to encode different audio types and information categories. Different colors or color combinations represent different audio sources (e.g., notifications versus program information). This color-coding system provides intuitive visual cues that help users quickly understand which audio is active and what type of information is being conveyed, enhancing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 system effectively communicates audio output and device states through synchronized light output, enhancing user awareness of secondary information such as notifications or program schedules.

Implementation Method 1

a light output unit, and a processor to cause first audio and second audio to be output from the speaker and cause the light output unit to output light corresponding to the output of the second audio

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10708535B2Light output system
Publication Date: 2020.07.07 SHARP KK
  • US10708535B2 patent drawing
  • US10708535B2 patent drawing
  • US10708535B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a light output system (100) including a speaker (170), a light output unit (135, 130), and a processor 110 to cause first audio and second audio to be output from the speaker (170) and cause the light output unit (135, 130) to output light corresponding to the second audio output.