Wearable Audio Device Stereo Image Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable electronic devices struggle to provide a robust stereo image due to bulky form factors and inadequate placement of audio output devices, which can result in an uncomfortable user experience and a stereo image that collapses when the head is tilted.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electronic device design featuring an anterior pendant with a combined left and right channel audio output and a posterior pendant with separate left and right channel audio outputs, using neck straps to position the audio signals in a way that the stereo image is pulled forward to the user's ears, with a predefined delay ensuring synchronized sound arrival.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If stereo speakers are placed in front of the user, then the device has a pleasant form factor, but the stereo image is not robust due to insufficient speaker separation
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system is segmented into multiple independent audio outputs positioned at different locations: front-facing speakers in the display and rear-facing speakers near the earbuds. This spatial segmentation allows each speaker to contribute to different aspects of the stereo image, achieving both compact form factor and robust stereo separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the audio spatial arrangement from a single plane to three-dimensional space by utilizing both front and rear positions relative to the user's head. This dimensional expansion creates a more immersive stereo field without requiring lateral separation of speakers at the front, thus maintaining a pleasant form factor while improving stereo robustness.
2Reliability
If stereo speakers are placed beneath the ears, then robust stereo image can be achieved, but the device becomes uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple audio output locations (front display and rear earbud area) into a unified stereo system. This combination allows the device to achieve robust stereo imaging without concentrating all audio components in one uncomfortable location, distributing the hardware across aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically acceptable positions.
3Reliability
If the stereo image is positioned at the ears, then immersive audio experience is achieved, but the image collapses when the head is tilted
Solution Approach 1:
Different audio outputs are assigned to different spatial locations with distinct characteristics: front-facing speakers provide a stable reference frame relative to the device, while rear-facing speakers near the earbuds provide directionality relative to the user's head. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain stereo integrity across various head positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the stereo image positioning based on device orientation and head position. By utilizing multiple audio outputs at different locations, the system can maintain a stable stereo field whether the head is upright or tilted, as the combined acoustic field from front and rear speakers compensates for positional changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable electronic device includes an anterior pendant and a posterior pendant. A first neck strap couples a first side of the anterior pendant to the posterior pendant, while a second neck strap couples a second side of the anterior pendant to the posterior pendant. The posterior pendant includes a first single channel posterior audio output delivering a left channel audio signal through a first port and a second single channel posterior audio output delivering a right channel audio signal from a second port. The anterior pendant has a single channel anterior audio output delivering a combined left channel audio signal and right channel audio signal to pull the stereo image defined by the combined acoustic signals toward the anterior pendant.