Apple inc. (20240292143). Force-Activated Earphone simplified abstract
Contents
Force-Activated Earphone
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Nahid Harjee of Sunnyvale CA (US)
Brian R. Twehues of Campbell CA (US)
Teera Songatikamas of San Jose CA (US)
Travis N. Owens of Lakeway TX (US)
Kyle J. Campiotti of San Jose CA (US)
Force-Activated Earphone - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240292143 titled 'Force-Activated Earphone
Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes an earphone with a unique input mechanism that detects non-binary amounts of force applied to the input surface.
- The earphone includes a speaker housing, speaker, stem with an input surface, conductive object, flexible circuit, and force sensor electrode.
- A member allows the flexible circuit to move with respect to the stem, while a controller determines input using changes in capacitance detected by the force sensor electrode.
- The earphone may also include a touch sensor electrode for additional input detection.
Key Features and Innovation:
- Unique input mechanism for detecting non-binary amounts of force applied to the earphone.
- Use of a flexible circuit, conductive object, and force sensor electrode for precise input detection.
- Integration of touch sensor electrode for additional input options.
Potential Applications:
- Gaming headsets with advanced input controls.
- Fitness trackers with more accurate force detection.
- Virtual reality devices for enhanced user interaction.
Problems Solved:
- Provides a more precise and nuanced input method compared to traditional binary input systems.
- Allows for a wider range of input options for users.
Benefits:
- Improved user experience with more accurate and responsive input controls.
- Enhanced functionality for various electronic devices.
- Potential for new and innovative applications in the consumer electronics market.
Commercial Applications: Potential commercial applications include:
- Gaming accessories
- Fitness and health monitoring devices
- Virtual reality and augmented reality headsets
Questions about Earphone Technology: 1. How does the unique input mechanism of this earphone improve user experience compared to traditional input methods? 2. What are the potential implications of integrating this technology into various consumer electronic devices?
Frequently Updated Research: Stay updated on advancements in flexible circuit technology and force sensor applications for input devices to understand the evolving landscape of input control mechanisms in consumer electronics.
Original Abstract Submitted
an earphone includes a speaker housing; a speaker positioned in the speaker housing; a stem extending from the speaker housing, the stem defining an input surface; a conductive object disposed within the stem; a flexible circuit positioned between the stem and the conductive object; a member positioned between the flexible circuit and the conductive object operable to allow the flexible circuit to move with respect to the stem; a force sensor electrode disposed within the flexible circuit; and a controller operable to determine an input to the earphone using a change in capacitance detected using the force sensor electrode, the change in capacitance corresponding to a non-binary amount of a force applied to the input surface. in some examples, the earphone further includes a touch sensor electrode disposed within the flexible circuit.
