Wearable Device Receptacle for Audio Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices like smart watches face inconvenience in managing audio operations and lack privacy and audio quality when using built-in speakers or separate headphones, and require cumbersome multi-device handling for cellular connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device with a receptacle for an audio device, featuring multiple transceivers and a charging system, which automatically initiates phone operations based on the audio device's position, providing built-in speaker and microphone functionality, and facilitating data sharing through a data storage device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If headphones are connected to the audio jack of the smart watch, then audio quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the inconvenience of connecting headphones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio qualityVSAvoidconvenience of connecting headphones
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when headphones are connected to the audio jack and autonomously loads the music player application and begins playback without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining high audio quality through proper headphone connection while eliminating the operational burden of manual app launching and playback control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a built-in speaker is used, then ease of operation is improved, but audio quality and privacy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of audio playbackVSAvoidaudio quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the state of the audio jack to detect whether headphones are connected. Based on this feedback, it automatically switches between using the built-in speaker and routing audio through the connected headphones. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain ease of operation by always having audio output available while ensuring high audio quality and privacy by automatically selecting the superior output device when available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices are used for cellular connectivity, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to cumbersome multi-device handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecellular connectivity capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of multi-device handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates cellular communication capabilities directly into the wearable device, merging the functions of the wearable device and cellular phone into a single integrated system. This consolidation maintains comprehensive communication capability while eliminating the complexity of managing multiple separate devices, as the wearable device can independently handle cellular calls, messages, and data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the wearable device automatically loads phone application upon audio device removal, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to automated operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of call managementVSAvoidcomplexity of automated phone operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device incorporates sensors and software that automatically detect when the audio device is removed from the receptacle and autonomously initiate phone operations such as loading the phone application or answering calls. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by providing convenient automated call management while managing device complexity through integrated sensor-based detection and pre-programmed response protocols that streamline the automation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3375176B1System comprising a wearable device with receptacle to receive an audio device and method of operating same
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3375176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3375176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3375176B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An apparatus includes a first transceiver of a wearable device. The first transceiver is configured to communicate using a first communication network having a first communication range. The apparatus further includes a second transceiver of the wearable device. The second transceiver is configured to communicate using a second communication network having a second communication range that is less than the first communication range. The apparatus also includes a receptacle of the wearable device. The receptacle is configured to receive an audio device that is configured to communicate with the second transceiver using the second communication network.