Sound Accessory Device External Sound Detection and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users wearing sound accessory devices, such as headphones, may not be aware of important external sounds like car horns, doorbells, or mobile phone rings due to noise cancellation, leading to potential safety hazards and missed notifications.
Innovation Solution
A sound accessory device that receives and prioritizes secondary sounds, controlling the output of primary sounds based on these secondary inputs, including stopping or adjusting volume, and providing directional information, while establishing connections with external devices to alert users to critical notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If noise cancellation function is activated to provide high quality sound, then sound quality is improved, but user awareness of external sounds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio processing into two independent paths: one for noise cancellation of primary audio content, and another for detection and prioritization of secondary sounds. The controller separately processes ambient sounds through microphone input, enabling selective noise cancellation without completely blocking external sound awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (microphone and controller) that monitors ambient sounds and mediates between the noise cancellation function and external sound awareness. This intermediary system detects secondary sounds and triggers appropriate responses to maintain user awareness of important external sounds.
2Power
If primary audio output is maintained at high volume, then audio enjoyment is improved, but detection of important external sounds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of ambient sounds through the microphone while maintaining continuous primary audio output. The system periodically checks for secondary sounds and responds by adjusting volume or pausing, creating a rhythmic pattern of monitoring and responding that maintains both audio enjoyment and external sound detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the audio output dynamic by allowing automatic volume adjustment or pausing based on detected secondary sounds. The system transitions between different output states (normal volume, reduced volume, paused) depending on the presence of important external sounds, creating a dynamic response that adapts to environmental conditions.
3Ease of operation
If noise cancellation is used to block external noise, then concentration on audio content is improved, but safety awareness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the microphone continuously monitors ambient sounds and provides information to the controller. When important external sounds are detected, the system provides feedback by alerting the user through volume adjustment or pausing, creating a closed-loop system that maintains safety awareness while preserving noise cancellation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and responding to important external sounds without requiring user intervention. The microphone and controller work autonomously to monitor the environment and adjust audio output accordingly, enabling the device to serve its own safety function while maintaining primary audio playback.
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
Ensures users are aware of essential external sounds without interrupting primary audio, enhancing safety and notification awareness by prioritizing important sounds and providing directional cues.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving unit receiving a first sound from a first external device and receiving a second sound for triggering an output control of the first sound from outside
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
A sound accessory device is provided. A receiving unit of the sound accessory device receives a first sound from a first external device. A sound output unit outputs a first sound. A sensing unit senses a second sound for triggering an output control of the first sound from outside. A control unit controls the output of the first sound, if the second sound is received. The sound for triggering the output control of the first sound includes at least any one selected from a specific word, a voiceprint representing a speech of a specific person, a horn of a vehicle, an alarm sound, a notification sound of an external device, a sound of an animal, and a doorbell sound.