Voice-Activated Eyeglass Case with Hygiene and Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eyeglass holders fail to provide targeted illumination and secure access in dark environments without unnecessary activation by ambient noise, and they lack hygienic features for multiple users, leading to potential contamination and security issues.
Innovation Solution
A container with a controller coupled to a transducer, enabling motion or voice-activated illumination and access, along with a motorized lid and voice recognition for secure locking, and an integrated tissue dispenser for hygiene, allowing users to locate and access their personal items without disturbing others and minimizing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sound-activated illumination is used to locate eyeglasses in the dark, then the user can find their glasses without reaching toward the container, but the device may be erroneously activated by ambient noises and disturb the sleeper
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a feedback mechanism where the control circuit analyzes the characteristics of detected sounds and only activates illumination when the sound pattern matches specific criteria (e.g., human speech characteristics), thereby distinguishing between genuine user requests and ambient noises
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the activation parameter from simple sound amplitude detection to voice recognition-based detection, where the control circuit identifies specific voice patterns or commands to trigger illumination, reducing false activation while maintaining ease of use
2Ease of operation
If the eyeglasses holder is publicly accessible for multiple users, then convenience is improved, but contamination and security issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the interior surface of the holder and makes it replaceable with disposable liners or wipes, allowing easy replacement to maintain hygiene without redesigning the entire holder structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs disposable liners or hygiene wipes that are inexpensive and single-use, placed inside the holder to prevent contamination between users and then discarded after use
3Use of energy by moving object
If motion-activated illumination is used, then the user can locate the container by reaching toward it, but the user must already know the approximate location of the container
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed to respond to multiple types of input signals (motion detection, voice recognition, or other sensors), allowing the system to provide location information through different activation methods depending on the user's needs and situation
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
The solution provides precise and user-controlled illumination and secure access, reducing noise disturbance and contamination risks, while ensuring hygiene and security in shared use scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer may be a proximity detector, whereby the operation of the container is triggered by the user's reaching in the container's general direction
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively or in addition, the transducer may be a voice recognition module, whereby the operation of the container is triggered by the user's uttering a specified phrase
Implementation Method 3
In some embodiments, the controller is coupled to a light source, whereby when the controller receives the signal from the transducer, the controller directs the light source to illuminate the compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A container having a compartment for retaining personal objects such as eyeglasses comprises a transducer which activates the container in response to a specified user action in proximity to the container. In some embodiments, the transducer is a motion detector and is activated in response to user motion. In other embodiments, the transducer comprises a speech recognition module and is activated in response to the user's voicing a specified utterance. Some embodiments become illuminated upon activation. Some embodiments produce a sound upon activation, enabling the user to locate the container. Some embodiments have a normally closed lid which opens upon activation. Some lidded embodiments are normally locked and become unlocked upon activation. Some embodiments of the container further normally provide low level lighting, thereby enabling the container to serve as a night light. Some embodiments further provide for an individual clean tissue prior to each time an object is placed in the case, to assure cleanliness of the container for each use when it is used by multiple users in a location accessible to the public, such as places of business serving the public where removing eyeglasses is common.