Wearable Audio Device Through-Body Input Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional earbuds are limited in their ability to control sounds or outputs without a hardwired connection and are unresponsive to voice commands, restricting their adaptability in controlling multiple functions.

Innovation Solution

A wearable audio device that includes an enclosure sealed to the ear canal, an input device to detect signals through the body, and a processing unit to adjust audio outputs based on detected inputs, allowing for touch and force input detection and response without direct user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional earbuds use hardwired connections to control sounds, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and user convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardwired connection with a wireless communication system. The earbud uses wireless communication modules to connect with external devices, eliminating the need for physical cables while maintaining connection reliability through established wireless protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing unit within the earbud that handles signal processing and communication protocols. This intermediary component enables wireless communication functionality without requiring direct hardwired connections, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If traditional earbuds require physical connections for control, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service functionality by enabling the earbud to detect and respond to user inputs directly through integrated sensors. The device automatically detects touch inputs, voice commands, and physiological signals without requiring physical connection or manual configuration, improving ease of operation while maintaining control precision through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If earbuds are unresponsive to voice commands, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple input detection capabilities into the earbud. The device can respond to various input types including voice commands, touch inputs, and physiological signals, making it adaptable to different user needs and scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by enabling the earbud to automatically adjust its response based on detected inputs. The processing unit dynamically switches between different input modes and processing algorithms depending on the detected signal type, allowing the device to adapt to various usage scenarios without increasing physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If earbuds lack voice command responsiveness, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but versatility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidversatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple input detection functionalities into a single integrated processing unit within the earbud. By combining voice command processing, touch detection, and physiological signal analysis in one component, the patent achieves versatility without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables adaptive control of audio outputs through body-generated signals, enhancing user interaction and functionality beyond traditional earbud limitations.

Implementation Method 1

an input device disposed in the enclosure and coupled to the ear canal by the sealed passage, and configured to detect a signal propagating through a body of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10873798B1Detecting through-body inputs at a wearable audio device

Publication Date: 2020.12.22 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure describes systems, devices, and techniques related to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud or other device that is configured to detect inputs and change the operation of the wearable audio device in accordance with the inputs. In some embodiments, the wearable audio device is disposed in a structure and detects signals propagating through or within the structure. Various inputs may cause one or more signals to propagate through or within the structure, outside the structure, or some combination thereof. The wearable audio device may determine whether a detected signal was generated by an input and, if so, change its operation in accordance with the input.