Remote Control Module for Ear-Wearable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ear-wearable devices are challenging to control due to their small size, requiring complex operations that are difficult to manage, especially in environments where discreet control is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A remote-control module with a pressure switch, inertial measurement unit (IMU), and haptic feedback device that allows users to control ear-wearable devices through subtle motions and vibrations, providing tactile confirmation of command inputs without diverting visual attention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the ear-wearable device is designed to be small in size, then it is more discreet and comfortable to wear, but it becomes difficult to control due to limited space for control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A remote control module is introduced as an intermediary device that communicates with the ear-wearable device wirelessly. This mediator handles the complex control functions externally, allowing the ear-wearable device to remain small while maintaining ease of operation through the remote interface
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into separate components: the ear-wearable device focuses on audio functions while the remote control module handles control operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the ear-wearable remains compact while the remote provides full control capability
2Measurement precision
If control operations require complex inputs, then precise control is achieved, but user convenience is reduced especially in discreet environments
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical buttons and switches are replaced with motion-sensing technology. The inertial measurement unit detects subtle hand movements and gestures, converting them into control signals. This substitution maintains precise control through gesture recognition while greatly improving user convenience by eliminating the need for physical contact with control elements
3Ease of operation
If motion sensing is added to enable discreet control, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control module is designed as a multi-functional unit that integrates the pressure switch for activation, the inertial measurement unit for motion sensing, the wireless communication device for data transmission, and the haptic feedback device for user confirmation. By consolidating these functions into a single universal remote module, the overall system complexity is managed more effectively than if each function were separate
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 discreet and efficient control of ear-wearable devices using slight motions and vibrations, enhancing user experience by simplifying operation and providing tactile feedback for confirmation.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure switch configured to have an active state and an inactive state and to enter the active state when at least a threshold pressure is applied to a switch portion of a remote-control housing exterior
Implementation Method 2
a remote-control inertial measurement unit (IMU) configured to detect one or more motions of the remote-control module and transmit one or more signals related to the detected motion to the ear-wearable device
Implementation Method 3
a haptic feedback device configured to produce vibration motion
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to ear-wearable devices. In an embodiment, a system is included having an ear-wearable device having a speaker, a microphone, a first processor, a first non-transitory computer memory, and a first wireless communication device. The system can include a remote-control module having remote-control processor, a remote-control wireless communication device, a pressure switch, a inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a remote-control memory. The remote-control memory stores computer instructions for registering a start position of the IMU at an activation time, detecting a first movement of the IMU, and transmitting a first wireless signal related to the first movement to the first wireless communication device. The first memory stores computer instructions for receiving the first wireless signal at the first wireless communication device, and based on the first wireless signal, changing a first setting of the ear-wearable device. Other embodiments are also included herein.