Skin Audible Watch Sound Source Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing skin audible devices cannot distinguish the location of a sound source, limiting their effectiveness for hearing-impaired individuals.

Innovation Solution

A skin audible watch with a dial and strap featuring sound collection modules connected to a digital filter, analog-to-digital converter, single-chip microcomputer, row and column drive module, vibration motors, and a gyroscope, which collects sound signals, filters them, converts them into digital signals, and uses vibration motors to indicate the sound source position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If skin audible devices are used to transmit sound signals to the cerebral cortex, then hearing-impaired individuals can perceive sound, but the devices cannot distinguish the location of the sound source

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound source location detectionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the sound collection function into multiple independent sound collection modules arranged at different positions on the dial. Each module independently collects sound signals from its specific direction, enabling spatial audio detection without requiring a complex centralized structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated watch device: sound collection, signal processing, orientation detection via gyroscope, and skin vibration feedback are merged into one compact system. This integration achieves sound source localization capability while maintaining a simple wearable form factor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sound collection modules and processing components are added to enable orientation identification, then sound source position can be distinguished, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound source position detectionVSAvoidwatch size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places multiple functional components (sound collection modules, digital filter, ADC, single-chip microcomputer, row and column drive module, vibration motors, and gyroscope) inside the dial of the watch. This nesting arrangement accommodates all necessary components for sound source localization within the existing watch housing without increasing overall device volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The watch dial serves multiple functions: it acts as the display interface, houses all electronic components for audio processing, and serves as the mounting structure for sound collection modules and vibration motors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate components, maintaining compact dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 accurate localization of sound sources for hearing-impaired individuals, suitable for long-term use without side effects, and is compact and convenient to carry.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of sound collection modules (3) are arranged along a circumference of the dial (1)... collect sound signals from different directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound signal collection and conversion:

Implementation Method 2

the sound signals are passed through a digital filter (4) to filter out high-frequency sound waves and to convert electric currents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDigital filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

an analog-to-digital converter (5) converts the electric currents to digital signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Implementation Method 4

the row and column drive module (7) correspondingly drives a current contact pin (12) to generate a current to stimulate skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration motor actuation: Vibration

Implementation Method 5

a gyroscope (9)... determines an attitude of the watch, points to an initial position of the sound signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope detection: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS11744737B2Skin audible watch for orientation identification and an orientation identification method

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 SHAANXI UNIV OF SCI & TECH

AI summary

A skin audible watch for orientation identification includes a dial (1) and a strap (2). A plurality of sound collection modules (3) are arranged along a circumference of the dial (1), and the sound collection modules (3) are sequentially connected with a digital filter (4), an analog-to-digital converter (5), a single-chip microcomputer (6), and a row and column drive module (7); the single-chip microcomputer (6) is also connected with vibration motors (8) and a gyroscope (9); a number of the vibration motors corresponds to a number of orientations; the digital filter (4), analog-to-digital converter, single-chip microcomputer, row and column drive module, the vibration motors and the gyroscope are located inside the dial; the row and column drive module is connected with a current contact pin (12), and a free end of the current contact pin extends out of a surface of the vibration motors.