Speaker Device Dynamic Process Assignment via Charging Case State

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing speaker devices, such as earphones and headphones, often have limited types of user input operations assigned to processes, leading to some processes not being assigned to any input operation.

Innovation Solution

A speaker device with an operation section that receives user input and a controller to dynamically assign processes based on whether the device is stored in a charging case, allowing for more effective process assignment by executing different processes depending on the device's storage state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the number of user input operation types is restricted, then the device complexity is reduced, but the process assignment completeness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of user input operation typesVSAvoidprocess assignment completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the process assignment dynamic based on the device's storage state. The controller changes the assignment of processes to user input operations depending on whether the speaker device is stored in a charging case or not. This allows the system to adapt the same limited input operations to different processes in different contexts, resolving the contradiction between limited operation types and complete process assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If processes are assigned to user input operations regardless of storage state, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess assignment consistencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the process assignment parameters based on the storage state parameter. When the device is stored in a charging case, the controller assigns different processes compared to when it is not stored. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize energy consumption by only executing relevant processes in appropriate states, while maintaining ease of operation through consistent user interaction patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3780648B1Speaker device and assignment method
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3780648B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3780648B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3780648B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

[Overview] [Problem to be Solved] It is desirable to provide technology that enables a process to be more effectively assigned to a key. [Solution] There is provided a speaker device including a controller that controls assignment of a process to a key on the basis of whether or not the speaker device is stored in a case. The key is configured to be inputted to an operation section of the speaker device. The process is executed in a case where the key is inputted to the operation section.