Physiological Signal Audio Control for Dynamic Sound Field Adaptation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio systems in portable electronic devices lack the ability to dynamically adjust sound field effects in real-time, leading to a monotonous listening experience for users.

Innovation Solution

An electronic system comprising a physiological signal sensor, a processing circuit, an audio processing circuit, and an audio output device that measures user physiological signals, determines audio settings based on these signals, and adjusts audio signals accordingly to generate dynamic sound field effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the same sound field setting is applied for playing back all audio signals, then the audio output device can maintain simple operation and stable performance, but the user experience becomes tedious and boring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidsound field adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic sound field adjustment by continuously monitoring physiological signals (heart rate, skin conductance, temperature) and automatically adapting audio parameters in real-time. The audio processing circuit dynamically modifies sound field effects based on detected user states, transforming the static audio output into a dynamic system that responds to user conditions without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where physiological signal sensors continuously monitor user responses, the processing circuit analyzes these signals to determine user state, and the audio processing circuit adjusts sound field settings accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation of audio output based on real-time physiological data, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic sound field adjustment based on physiological signals is implemented, then the listening experience becomes personalized and engaging, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound field adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified system where the physiological signal sensor serves both health monitoring and audio adjustment purposes, the processing circuit performs both physiological analysis and audio parameter determination, and the audio processing circuit handles both standard audio processing and dynamic sound field adjustment. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate dedicated components for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the physiological monitoring function with the audio processing function into an integrated architecture. The physiological signal sensor, processing circuit, and audio processing circuit work as a unified system where sensor data directly informs audio parameter adjustment, combining what could be separate independent systems into a cohesive unit that shares processing resources and control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If real-time physiological signal monitoring is performed, then the audio setting can be dynamically adjusted according to user state, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio processing efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic sampling of physiological signals rather than continuous monitoring, where the physiological signal sensor takes measurements at regular intervals. The processing circuit analyzes these periodic samples to detect changes in user state, and the audio processing circuit adjusts sound field settings based on these periodic updates. This periodic action approach maintains real-time adaptability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10402158B1Electronic system and audio processing method
Publication Date: 2019.09.03 ACER INC
  • US10402158B1 patent drawing
  • US10402158B1 patent drawing
  • US10402158B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic system and an audio processing method are provided. The electronic system includes a physiological signal sensor, a processing circuit, an audio processing circuit and an audio output device. The physiological signal sensor is utilized for measuring a physiological signal of a user. The processing circuit is utilized for determining an audio setting according to the physiological signal. The audio processing circuit is utilized for receiving an audio signal and adjusting the audio signal according to the audio setting so as to generate an audio output signal. The audio output circuit is utilized for playing the audio output signal.