Wireless Audio Transfer via Sensor Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing entertainment systems require manual connection of listening devices to audio sources, which is inconvenient and can disturb others, especially when users move between rooms, due to compatibility issues and the need for proximity.

Innovation Solution

An entertainment system with an audio transmission device and a sensor-equipped audio receiving device that can automatically connect via a network or near field communication, allowing seamless audio signal transfer without disturbing others, even when the user moves between rooms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual connection of listening devices to audio sources is used, then compatibility issues are avoided through direct physical connection, but user convenience deteriorates due to the need for manual connection and proximity to the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidconnection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical connection with wireless communication technology. The listening device automatically connects to the audio source through wireless protocols, eliminating the need for physical plugging and unplugging of connectors. This substitution resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while avoiding the complexity of manual connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The listening device performs automatic connection and disconnection without user intervention. The device autonomously establishes wireless connections when approaching audio sources and terminates connections when moved away, making the system self-serving and eliminating manual operational steps for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Length of moving object

If manual connection of listening devices is required, then audio signal transmission is reliable through direct connection, but user mobility deteriorates as users must stay close to the audio source

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser mobility rangeVSAvoidaudio signal transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical audio cable connections with wireless transmission systems. This allows users to move freely within the wireless communication range while maintaining reliable audio signal transmission through continuous wireless connection, resolving the contradiction between mobility range and signal reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically maintains wireless connections as users move between rooms or locations. The listening device automatically re-establishes connections with available audio sources during movement, ensuring continuous reliable audio transmission while maximizing user mobility throughout the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If volume is increased in public areas to overcome background noise, then audio clarity for the user is improved, but disturbance to others worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio clarityVSAvoiddisturbance to others

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the audio signal from the shared public environment and delivers it privately to the user through the listening device. By routing audio directly to personal headphones rather than through public speakers, the system provides clear audio to the user while eliminating audio disturbance to others in the public space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The listening device acts as an intermediary between the audio source and the user's ear. It receives the audio signal wirelessly and delivers it directly to the user, serving as a private transmission channel that prevents audio from becoming a harmful factor to others in the public environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of time

If connectors are made compatible through manual connection, then device interoperability is achieved, but connection time increases due to manual matching and plugging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection timeVSAvoiddevice interoperability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical connector matching with automated wireless protocol handshaking. The listening device automatically discovers and connects to compatible audio sources through wireless communication, eliminating the time-consuming process of manual connector matching while maintaining broad device interoperability through standardized wireless protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10735881B2Method and apparatus for audio transfer when putting on/removing headphones plus communication between devices

Publication Date: 2020.08.04 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An entertainment system includes an audio transmission device, for example a digital television. configured to provide audio signals over multiple channels. The entertainment system also includes an audio receiving device, for example over-the-ear or wireless headphones, configured to receive signals from the audio transmission device. The audio receiving device includes a sensor. When the sensor is in a first position the audio receiving device receives the signals from the audio transmission device. Correspondingly, when the sensor is in a second position, the audio receiving device does not receive the signals from the audio transmission device.