Visual Audibility Indicator for Voice Signal Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of devices that generate audible signals, such as in extended reality environments, often lack awareness of how far their voice is carrying in physical environments, leading to potential disturbances or failure to activate voice-activated devices.
Innovation Solution
A device with a display, audio sensor, and processor that receives audible signals, converts them into electronic signal data, and obtains environmental data to determine audio response characteristics. It then displays an indicator showing the distance at which the audible signal is audible, based on signal amplitude and environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users generate audible signals in extended reality environments, then communication and interaction capabilities are improved, but users lack awareness of signal propagation distance causing disturbances or failure to activate voice-activated devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying an indicator that shows the distance at which the audible signal is audible. This feedback loop allows users to see the actual propagation range of their voice signals, enabling them to adjust their behavior to achieve desired outcomes such as activating voice-activated devices or avoiding disturbances to others.
Solution Approach 2:
The display indicator uses visual representation (potentially with color variations) to indicate different distance ranges of signal audibility. This visual encoding makes the invisible acoustic propagation characteristics visible and intuitive for users to understand and respond to.
2Reliability
If users increase signal amplitude to ensure voice activation, then activation reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and disturbances to others occur
Solution Approach 1:
By providing real-time visual feedback on signal propagation distance, users can determine the minimum amplitude needed for reliable activation without excessive volume. The indicator shows whether voice-activated devices are within the audible range, allowing users to use the lowest effective amplitude, thus conserving energy while maintaining activation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of signal amplitude based on the displayed propagation distance information. Users can modify their voice volume or the device can automatically adjust output parameters to match the actual environmental conditions and distance requirements, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy consumption.
3Reliability
If users increase signal amplitude to prevent disturbances, then communication clarity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator provides users with information about the actual reach of their audible signals in the environment. Users can use this feedback to determine the appropriate amplitude level that achieves clear communication without excessive volume, thereby maintaining communication quality while minimizing energy consumption.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If users decrease signal amplitude to avoid disturbances, then social acceptability is improved, but voice activation may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The display indicator shows users the distance at which their audible signals remain audible. By comparing this information with the known location of voice-activated devices, users can determine whether decreasing the amplitude will cause activation failure, allowing them to make informed decisions about appropriate signal levels that avoid disturbances while ensuring successful activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides propagation distance information in advance before users attempt voice activation. This preliminary feedback allows users to adjust their signal amplitude beforehand to ensure it will be sufficient for activation while remaining at the lowest level necessary, thus avoiding unnecessary disturbances to others.
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 user awareness of audible signal propagation, allowing for more precise control of signal amplitude and reducing unnecessary user inputs, which can prolong battery life and improve device operability.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, via the audio sensor, an audible signal and converting the audible signal to electronic signal data
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for displaying a visual indication of audibility of an audible signal. In various implementations, a device includes a display, an audio sensor, a processor and a non-transitory memory. In various implementations, a method includes receiving, via the audio sensor, an audible signal and converting the audible signal to electronic signal data. In various implementations, the method includes obtaining environmental data that indicates audio response characteristics of a physical environment in which the device is located. In various implementations, the method includes displaying, on the display, an indicator that indicates a distance from a source of the audible signal at which the audible signal is audible. In some implementations, the distance is based on an amplitude associated with the electronic signal data and the audio response characteristics of the physical environment.