Smart Glasses Earbud Switching for Direct In-Ear Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart glasses often deliver suboptimal audio quality through built-in speakers, and there is a need for improved sound delivery methods that enhance user experience.
Innovation Solution
The integration of removable earbuds with smart glasses that wirelessly connect to the glasses, allowing sound to be delivered directly into the ear canal via near-field communication, and automatically switching between built-in and earbud speakers based on the earbud's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If built-in speakers are used in smart glasses, then the device structure is simple and portable, but the audio quality is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces earbuds as an intermediary device that connects to smart glasses via wireless communication. The earbuds contain dedicated speakers that deliver audio directly to the user's ear canal, serving as a mediator between the smart glasses and the user's hearing system, thereby improving audio quality without compromising the portability of the glasses themselves.
2Reliability
If earbuds are integrated into smart glasses, then the audio quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio delivery system into two independent components: the smart glasses (which remain simple and portable) and the earbuds (which contain the audio playback functionality). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining the simplicity of the glasses while achieving high audio quality through the specialized earbud design.
Solution Approach 2:
The earbuds are designed as a universal accessory that can wirelessly connect to various smart glasses models, providing multi-functionality across different devices. The earbuds serve multiple purposes: they act as wireless audio receivers, provide noise isolation, and can function as a standalone listening device when detached from the glasses.
3Ease of operation
If automatic switching between speakers is implemented, then the user experience is seamless, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic switching mechanism that uses feedback from sensors to detect whether earbuds are properly inserted into the user's ears. When insertion is detected, the system automatically activates the earbud speakers and deactivates the built-in glass speakers, and vice versa when earbuds are removed. This feedback-driven automation provides seamless user experience without requiring manual intervention, while the control logic remains relatively simple.
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
Enhances audio quality by delivering sound directly into the ear canal, providing a superior listening experience compared to traditional air or bone conduction, and ensuring seamless transitions between internal and external speakers.
Implementation Method 1
A second speaker is disposed in the earbud and is configured to deliver sound into an car canal of the person in which the earbud is placed
Implementation Method 2
The first speaker is configured to deliver sound externally through air or through bone conduction to an ear of a person wearing the eyewear
Implementation Method 3
The first speaker is configured to deliver sound externally through air or through bone conduction to an ear of a person wearing the eyewear
Implementation Method 4
allowing sound to be delivered directly into the ear canal via near-field communication
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes removably attaching an earbud to a pair of glasses worn by a person. The pair of glasses includes a first speaker configured to deliver sound externally through air or through bone conduction to an ear of the person. The earbud includes a second speaker configured to deliver sound into an ear canal of the person when the earbud is placed in the ear canal. The method further includes establishing a wireless connection between the pair of glasses and the earbud, and detecting a position of the earbud relative to the pair of glasses. The method further includes, when the earbud is detached from the pair of glasses, deactivating the first speaker in the pair of glasses, and activating the second speaker after the earbud is detached from the pair of glasses.