Segmented Light Sequences for Audio Output Device Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio output devices lack the ability to effectively convey information through lighting schemes that correspond to various inputs and operations, limiting user interaction and feedback.
Innovation Solution
An audio output device with a housing, speaker, actuators, and a light emitting unit, controlled by a processor to emit specific light sequences and tones in response to actuator inputs, enhancing user interaction and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a light emitting unit with multiple light emitting segments is added to the audio output device, then the ability to convey information through lighting schemes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting unit is divided into multiple independently controllable light emitting segments arranged in a line. Each segment can be illuminated individually or in combination with others to create different lighting schemes that convey specific information about device states and operations, thereby enhancing information communication without requiring a completely new lighting system
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting unit serves multiple functions: indicating device state (paired/unpaired), operation status (playing/paused), and providing visual feedback for user interactions. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address various information conveyance needs, reducing the overall system complexity while improving information delivery
2Ease of operation
If different light sequences are implemented to indicate various operations and states, then user feedback is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic lighting patterns where light emitting segments are illuminated in sequential or alternating fashion to indicate different operations. For example, alternating illumination of segments can indicate playback status, while sequential illumination can indicate operation progress, providing intuitive temporal feedback to users
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting segments can change color or intensity to convey different information states. By varying the illumination characteristics of different segments, the system provides rich visual feedback without requiring complex additional components, as the same physical segments can represent multiple states through different illumination patterns
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 device provides enhanced user interaction through customizable lighting and audio cues, improving usability and communication of device states and operations.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit provided on the housing, the light emitting unit including a plurality of light emitting segments arranged in a line
Data Source
AI summary
An audio output device may include a housing, a speaker provided in the housing, a plurality of actuators provided on the housing, and a light emitting unit provided on the housing. The light emitting unit includes a plurality of light emitting segments arranged in a line. The audio output device may also include a controller located within the housing and including an electronic processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The controller is coupled to the speaker, the plurality of actuators, and the light emitting unit. The controller is configured to determine that a first actuator of the plurality of actuators is actuated for a first predetermined amount of time, and operate the light emitting unit according to a first light sequence in response to the first actuator being actuated.