Samsung Patent Solves Problem of Distractions in VR with Wearable Audio Control
As technology continues to advance, so does our ability to immerse ourselves in virtual reality (VR) experiences. But with the increasing popularity of VR, a new problem has emerged—distractions caused by audio from external devices. This issue has caught the attention of Samsung Electronics Co., which has come up with a patent that aims to solve this problem and enhance the VR experience.
The core problem being addressed by the patent, with the title "Method for Controlling Audio Setting and Wearable Electronic Device for Supporting the Same" (patent number: US20240171894A1), is the difficulty users face in distinguishing between the sound directly transmitted from an external gadget and the sound outputted through the speaker of a wearable gadget, such as VR headsets. This redundancy of audio input can make it challenging for users to fully immerse themselves in the VR content they are engaging with.
While using VR applications together, such as virtual conference spaces or VR/AR game spaces, the voice of the user on the external gadget is typically transmitted directly to the user's wearable gadget, sometimes simultaneously being outputted through the device's speaker. This redundant audio input creates communication problems and prevents users from truly becoming immersed in the content.
In response to this issue, Samsung's patent introduces a wearable gadget that can intelligently determine the proximity of another person in the same space and adjust the audio settings accordingly. In simpler terms, the device can analyze if the user is close to someone else and prevent the sound of their voice from playing. Conversely, if the user is not close to anyone, the device will play the sound of the person's voice through a speaker.
The wearable gadget, which is envisioned as a pair of Samsung Wearable Earbuds in the patent, can connect to other gadgets like phones or tablets. Its primary function is to understand the user's surroundings and adjust the audio output accordingly, preventing distractions and enhancing the VR experience.
Once this problem is solved, the world of VR will become a more immersive and enjoyable space. Imagine participating in a virtual conference where the speaker's voice is perfectly transmitted to your ears without any disturbances from the outside world. Or picture being fully engrossed in a VR game, where the sound effects and character voices enrich the gameplay, all while ensuring that you remain fully engaged without external disruptions.
Samsung's patent aims to revolutionize the VR experience for both entertainment and professional purposes. By eliminating distractions caused by overlapping audio sources, users will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the virtual world they are exploring. With the integration of this invention, Samsung is taking a significant step toward enhancing user experiences and maximizing the potential of VR technology.
It is important to note that this patent is a glimpse into Samsung's innovative ideas, but there is no guarantee that it will come to fruition in the market. Nevertheless, the potential for solving the problem of distractions in VR through wearable audio control offers an exciting prospect for the future of immersive experiences.
P.S. Please bear in mind that this article is based on a patent filed by Samsung Electronics Co. There is no certainty that this technology will be commercially available.