Self-adjusting Head-mounted Audio Device with Automatic Fit Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted audio devices require frequent manual adjustments to fit different users and accommodate various head shapes and sizes, which is cumbersome, especially in shared or multi-user scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted audio device system equipped with sensors and actuators that automatically adjust to fit the user's head by transitioning between predefined states based on detected physical parameters, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are provided to fit different users, then the device can accommodate various head shapes and sizes, but the user experience deteriorates due to frequent manual adjustments being required
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines multiple adjustment states corresponding to different user head sizes and shapes. When a user places the device on their head, the system automatically transitions to the appropriate pre-configured state based on detected physical parameters, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during each use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates sensors to detect user-specific physical parameters and automatically adjusts its configuration without user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously determining the optimal fit state and executing the transition, making the adjustment process invisible to the user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment mechanisms are included to accommodate multiple users, then the device becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into discrete, predefined states rather than continuous manual adjustment. Each state represents a specific configuration optimized for particular head dimensions, allowing the system to achieve multi-user compatibility through a finite set of adjustable positions rather than complex continuous control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A single adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions by accommodating various head sizes and shapes through predefined states. The same actuator and sensor system handles all adjustment scenarios, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for different user types.
3Ease of operation
If automatic adjustment is implemented using sensors and actuators, then manual adjustment frequency is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to added electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors detect user physical parameters and trigger actuators to automatically adjust the device configuration, substituting the mechanical hand-adjustment process with an automated sensing-actuation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters (such as head circumference, ear position) detected by sensors to determine the appropriate adjustment state. Based on these parameter changes, the system automatically transitions between predefined configurations, using parameter detection to drive automatic adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for adjusting a head-mounted audio device. The technique includes determining that the head-mounted audio device has been placed on a head of a user. The technique further includes, in response to determining that the head-mounted audio device has been placed on the head of the user, causing the head-mounted audio device to transition from a first state to a second state. The first state corresponds to a first set of physical parameters associated with the head-mounted audio device, and the second state corresponds to a second set of physical parameters associated with the head-mounted audio device.