Sensor-Activated Earpiece for Mobile Phone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small terminals for mobile communication networks require complex user operations to perform functions, which can lead to errors and inconvenience, especially when used in environments where precise movement is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A small terminal that performs processes based on instructions from a connected device via a sensor-activated communication system, allowing users to operate mobile phone functions with simple movements such as pressing, holding, or wearing/removing the device, utilizing a near-field communication interface and a low-capacity battery for power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex user operations are required to perform functions on mobile phones, then more functions can be controlled, but the ease of operation deteriorates and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical button pressing operations with simple ear detection mechanisms. The sensor automatically detects when the earpiece is inserted into the user's ear and triggers corresponding functions (answering calls, playing music, etc.) without requiring the user to press multiple buttons or perform complex sequences. This substitution of mechanical operation with automatic sensing resolves the contradiction by maintaining full function control while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs functions automatically based on the detection of earpiece insertion. When the sensor detects that the earpiece is in the user's ear, the system self-activates appropriate functions such as answering incoming calls or playing music without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism allows comprehensive function control while eliminating the need for complex user operations.
2Measurement precision
If precise movements are required for operation, then operation accuracy improves, but the reliability deteriorates in environments where precise movement is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces precision-dependent mechanical button pressing with automatic sensor detection of earpiece insertion. The sensor detects the presence of the earpiece in the ear through simple positional detection rather than requiring precise user movements. This substitution maintains high operation accuracy while significantly improving reliability in environments where precise movement is difficult, such as when the user's hands are occupied or the user has motor control issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the earpiece and the mobile phone system. Instead of requiring direct user input through precise movements, the sensor mediates by automatically detecting earpiece insertion and translating it into system commands. This intermediary mechanism ensures both high accuracy in function execution and high reliability in diverse operating environments.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a large battery is used in the small terminal, then the duration of action improves, but the volume of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery function from the earpiece itself and relocates it to the mobile phone. The earpiece contains only a small battery or no battery at all, serving as a passive audio output device. The mobile phone provides the main power source, eliminating the need for a large battery in the earpiece. This extraction resolves the contradiction by maintaining extended usage duration through the phone's battery while keeping the earpiece volume small.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile phone serves multiple functions including providing power to the earpiece, processing audio signals, and controlling various media functions. By making the phone a universal power source for the earpiece and other accessories, the system eliminates the need for large batteries in peripheral devices while maintaining extended duration of action through the phone's larger battery capacity.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an information processing device including: a sensor configured to detect that the information processing device is worn on a part of a human body; a processing unit configured to process information; and a communication unit configured to communicate with another device. The processing unit transmits a signal to the another device on the basis of a detection signal detected by the sensor. The processing unit performs a process according to an instruction transmitted from the another device in accordance with the signal.