Playback Audio Proximity Snooze Control Without Button Presses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio playback systems lack a convenient method to modify audio output, such as pausing or muting alarms, without requiring direct user interaction, especially in scenarios where the user is groggy or needs to snooze an alarm.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating proximity sensors in playback devices that detect hand movement to trigger snooze features, allowing users to modify audio output by waving their hand over the device without touching it, and configuring options through a controller for different audio sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If proximity sensors are added to detect hand movement for triggering snooze features, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button pressing with proximity-based detection. The proximity sensor detects hand movement and triggers audio modification (snooze, pause, mute) without requiring physical contact or button presses, thereby improving ease of operation while adding only minimal sensor-based functionality to the device.
2Ease of operation
If proximity sensors and automatic detection features are integrated, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical interaction (button presses) with optical/electromagnetic field-based proximity detection. This allows the system to gain advanced ease of operation features while avoiding complex mechanical assemblies, thereby controlling manufacturing costs despite adding sensor functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio modification options are configured for different audio sources, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal proximity-based control mechanism that works across multiple audio sources and modification types (snooze, pause, mute, volume reduction). A single proximity sensor system handles diverse audio modification scenarios, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity through multiple specialized components.
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 seamless audio modification, including pausing, muting, or reducing volume, for alarms and other audio sources, enhancing user convenience and reducing the need for direct button presses, especially during early morning wake-up scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating proximity sensors in playback devices that detect hand movement to trigger snooze features
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide for detecting movement in proximity to a playback device and responsively modifying the audio that is output from one or more playback devices. According to an embodiment, a user is able to wave his or her hand over a playback device to modify the audio that is output from the playback device, one or more different playback devices, or all of the playback devices. The embodiments are particularly useful as a snooze feature, in which an alarm from a playback device (or group of playback devices) is snoozed for a time when triggered by the user's movement.