Wearable Audio Mute Status Feedback via Acoustic Cues

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of wearable audio output devices face challenges in determining their mute status during teleconferences without visual indicators, leading to inconvenience and potential mismanagement of their microphone settings.

Innovation Solution

The wearable audio output device provides audio feedback based on the user's state, using effects like reverberation, spatialization, and volume adjustments to intuitively indicate whether the microphone is muted, whispering, or talk mode, without relying on visual cues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If visual indicators are used to show mute status, then user awareness of call state is improved, but user convenience and mobility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser awareness of mute statusVSAvoiduser convenience and mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual indicators (mechanical/optical display system) with acoustic indicators (audio feedback system). The wearable audio device uses audio cues such as muted/unmuted announcements, volume changes, and audio effects to convey mute status, eliminating the need for visual displays and allowing users to maintain mobility while staying informed of their call state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If user checks visual UI to determine mute status, then accurate status information is obtained, but time is lost and workflow is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of status informationVSAvoidtime to check status

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous audio feedback that automatically informs users of their mute status without requiring them to check visual interfaces. The system provides real-time acoustic notifications such as announcing 'you are muted' or 'you are unmuted,' along with using different audio effects and volume levels to indicate status changes, ensuring users always know their current state without time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The audio feedback system enables users to self-monitor their mute status through auditory cues embedded in the audio stream they are already receiving. The system uses the existing audio pathway to deliver status information, eliminating the need for separate visual checking actions and allowing users to maintain awareness of their call state passively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If user stays close to computer screen to monitor status, then status awareness is maintained, but mobility and comfort are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatus awarenessVSAvoiduser mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of visual screen monitoring with an acoustic feedback system that works independently of the user's physical position relative to the computer screen. Audio indicators such as muted/unmuted announcements and status-dependent audio effects provide continuous status awareness, allowing users to move freely while maintaining awareness of their call state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution allows users to easily and intuitively manage their mute status in real-time, enhancing usability and reducing errors related to microphone settings during teleconferences, by providing non-visual audio indications that clearly convey their state.

Implementation Method 1

providing the audio feedback comprises adding reverberation to the audio stream when the user is in the listen mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverberation: Reverberation

Implementation Method 2

providing the audio feedback comprises spatializing the audio stream when the user is in the listen mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpatialization:

Data Source

PatentUS11825283B2Audio feedback for user call status awareness

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 BOSE CORP

AI summary

Aspects provide a wearable audio output device that provides an audio indication regarding a user's status with respect to a teleconference. The user is connected to at least one remote participant of a teleconference via the wearable audio output device. The wearable audio output device alters an audio stream to provide an indication of the user's status. Absent a visual indication, the user is intuitively aware of whether the microphone on the wearable audio output device is muted.