Underwater Notification Mode Switching for Electronic Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices used underwater, such as dive computers, rely solely on notification sounds which can be disruptive and ineffective in aquatic environments.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a notifier capable of multiple notification modes, including soundless vibration and light emission, and a processor that switches to soundless modes when submerged, utilizing sensors to detect underwater use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If notification sound is output underwater, then user can hear notifications, but it causes acoustic disturbance and is ineffective in aquatic environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification effectivenessVSAvoidacoustic disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the acoustic notification system with a vibration-based mechanical notification system when underwater conditions are detected. The processor switches from outputting notification sound to outputting vibration, thereby eliminating acoustic disturbance while maintaining notification effectiveness through tactile feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the notification parameter from acoustic (sound) to mechanical (vibration) based on the detected environment. When underwater use is detected, the notification mode parameter is switched from sound output to vibration output, adapting the notification mechanism to suit the aquatic environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple notification modes are provided, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification mode adaptabilityVSAvoidnotifier structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The notifier is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both sound output and vibration output. This universal design allows the same hardware component to serve multiple notification purposes depending on the environment, achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The notification mode is made dynamic and switchable based on environmental conditions. The processor dynamically selects between sound and vibration modes according to whether the device is used underwater or on land, providing adaptability through software control rather than fixed hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12517573B2Electronic device, notification method and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes a notifier and a processor. The notifier is capable of performing notification in a plurality of notification modes including a first notification mode in which the notifier outputs sound and a second notification mode in which the notifier outputs not sound but other. The processor determines whether the electronic device is being used underwater, and in response to determining that the electronic device is being used underwater, switches a notification mode of the notifier from the first notification mode to the second notification mode in a case where the first notification mode is set as the notification mode of the notifier.