Wearable Display Sound Direction Intensity Indications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of wearable computing systems, particularly those who are hard of hearing, face difficulties in perceiving sounds in their environment, as existing technologies do not effectively provide visual indications of sound direction and intensity levels, which can be crucial for safety and awareness.
Innovation Solution
A wearable computing system that receives audio data, analyzes it to determine sound direction and intensity, and displays visual indications such as arrows or intensity meters to convey this information, with the option to condition display based on a given threshold level, allowing users to see sound sources and their intensity levels in their surroundings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual indications of sound direction and intensity are displayed on a wearable computing system, then awareness and safety of hard-of-hearing users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable computing system integrates multiple functions into a single device: it serves as both a computing device and a sound detection/visual indication system. The processor handles both computing tasks and audio analysis, while the display provides both computational graphics and sound direction/intensity visualizations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces visual indications as an intermediary between sound waves and the user's perception. Instead of relying solely on auditory perception, the system converts acoustic information into visual representations (such as directional arrows or intensity indicators) that can be perceived through the display, thereby bridging the gap for hard-of-hearing users.
2Reliability
If the system continuously displays sound indications, then situational awareness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by selectively activating visual indications based on sound intensity thresholds. Rather than continuous display, the system monitors audio data and triggers visual representations only when sounds exceed predetermined intensity levels, thereby maintaining situational awareness for significant sounds while reducing energy consumption during quiet periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the display parameter (visual indication activation) based on the audio parameter (sound intensity). By establishing a correspondence between sound intensity levels and visual indication states, the system dynamically adjusts display activity according to acoustic conditions, optimizing the balance between awareness and energy consumption.
3Measurement precision
If the system analyzes audio data to determine sound direction and intensity, then accuracy of sound perception is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the analytical framework and threshold parameters before actual sound detection occurs. The processor is pre-configured with the methodology for analyzing audio data and determining sound characteristics, allowing rapid processing when sounds are detected without requiring time-consuming analysis setup during real-time operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and systems for displaying one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of a source of sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound are disclosed. A method may involve receiving audio data corresponding to sound detected by a wearable computing system. Further, the method may involve analyzing the audio data to determine both (i) a direction from the wearable computing system of a source of the sound and (ii) an intensity level of the sound. Still further, the method may involve causing the wearable computing system to display one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of the source of the sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound.