Smart Eyewear Audio Mode Switching for Hands-Free Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eyewear devices, such as prescription glasses, are not readily reconfigurable to meet individual user needs and are often expensive, limiting their adaptability in situations where hands are occupied and information is inaccessible.
Innovation Solution
A smart eyewear device system with unidirectional audio input devices, user input devices, and audio output devices, connected to a computing device and remote server, capable of receiving and modifying communications, and providing features like speech amplification and real-time language translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional prescription glasses are used, then vision correction is provided, but the device cannot be reconfigured to meet individual user needs and lacks accessibility features
Solution Approach 1:
The eyewear device integrates multiple functions including audio communication, speech-to-text translation, hearing assistance, and language translation capabilities within a single pair of glasses. The system can switch between different modes (communication mode, translation mode, hearing assistance mode) to serve various user needs, making the device universally applicable for diverse accessibility requirements without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic mode switching capabilities that allow it to adapt its functionality in real-time based on user needs. The processor can dynamically activate different software modules and adjust operational parameters depending on whether the user requires communication, translation, or hearing assistance, enabling the device to reconfigure itself for different tasks
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional prescription glasses are used, then basic vision correction is provided, but the device is expensive and not readily reconfigured
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple accessibility functions into a single eyewear platform, the invention reduces the need for users to purchase multiple specialized devices. The universal design allows one pair of glasses to replace several separate tools (hearing aids, translation devices, communication gadgets), thereby reducing overall manufacturing and acquisition costs for users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines audio input devices, audio output devices, processors, and communication modules into an integrated eyewear system. This merging of previously separate components into a single unified device simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces the cumulative cost of multiple individual devices
3Productivity
If hands are occupied, then productivity is maintained, but information becomes inaccessible to the person
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces mechanical interaction (typing, clicking, manual device operation) with voice-based and audio-output interactions. Users can input commands through speech and receive information through audio output and visual display on the eyewear, eliminating the need for manual dexterity while maintaining full access to information and communication capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The eyewear device provides self-service capabilities through automatic speech-to-text conversion, real-time language translation, and hands-free communication functions. The system automatically processes spoken input, translates languages in real-time, and delivers information through audio and visual channels without requiring user intervention or manual operation
4Reliability
If audio communication features are added to eyewear, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into distinct functional modules including audio input devices, audio output devices, speech-to-text processors, translation engines, and mode-switching controllers. Each module operates independently but coordinates through the central processor, allowing the complex communication functionality to be managed through modular design that simplifies overall system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
An eyewear device having an eyewear frame including a first unidirectional audio input device configured to receive a communication datum from an individual in communication with a user, a second unidirectional audio input device configured to receive user speech from the user. a user input device configured to control whether the eyewear frame is in a first mode or a second mode and at least one audio output device located on at least one temple of the eyewear frame, and a computing device configured to, receive a user input from the user input device. in the first mode, receive the communication datum and modify the communication datum to generate a modified communication datum and in the second mode, receive the user speech and transmit the user speech to a remote device.