Foldable electronic device and microphone setting method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a foldable electronic device and a microphone configuration method of the foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device comprises a first panel part, the first panel part having a first surface facing a user in open use; a second panel part, the second panel part having a second surface facing the user in open use, the second panel part being foldably connected with the first panel part through a movable connecting part; wherein the first surface is provided with at least two first microphones, the second surface is provided with at least one second microphone, and the at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone adopt different configurations according to different folding angles between the first and second panel parts. According to the application, the microphone can be flexibly arranged on the foldable electronic device, so that the microphone can change according to the folding mode of the electronic device, thereby making a microphone configuration more in line with the folding nature of the electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of acoustic technology, and in particular to a foldable electronic device and a method for setting up a microphone for the foldable electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable electronic devices are known. These devices are typically open when in use and folded when not in use or in standby mode. However, existing foldable electronic devices do not take into account the characteristics of foldable products in their microphone configurations, resulting in a limited range of microphone pickup methods and failing to adequately meet the diverse needs of users. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, this application aims to provide a foldable electronic device and a microphone setting method thereof, which can change according to the different folding forms of the foldable product to provide diverse usage effects.

[0004] In one aspect, this application provides a foldable electronic device, comprising: a first panel portion having a first side facing the user when opened for use; a second panel portion having a second side facing the user when opened for use, the second panel portion being foldably connected to the first panel portion via a movable connecting portion; wherein the first side is provided with at least two first microphones, the second side is provided with at least one second microphone, and the at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone are configured differently depending on the folding angle between the first and second panel portions.

[0005] According to a particular embodiment of this application, the foldable electronic device further includes: an angle sensor for detecting the folding angle between the first and second panel portions; and a microprocessor for controlling at least two first microphones and at least one second microphone.

[0006] According to a particular embodiment of this application, when the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel portions is less than a first angle, the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones and at least one second microphone to be turned off.

[0007] According to a particular embodiment of this application, when the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel portions is greater than or equal to the first angle and less than the second angle, the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones to be turned on and at least one second microphone to be turned off.

[0008] According to a particular embodiment of this application, when the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel portions is greater than or equal to the second angle, the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones and at least one second microphone to be turned on.

[0009] According to a particular embodiment of this application, when the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel portions is greater than or equal to the first angle and less than the second angle, the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones to form a linear array and uses a directional pickup mode.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment of this application, when the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel portions is greater than or equal to the second angle, the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones and at least one second microphone to form a surface array, using an omnidirectional sound pickup mode.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment of this application, the first angle is the opening angle of the foldable electronic device when it is suitable for use by one person, and the second angle is the opening angle of the foldable electronic device when it is suitable for use by multiple people.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment of this application, a foldable electronic device includes a laptop computer, a screen on a first side, a keyboard on a second side, and at least two first microphones, each disposed above the screen, and at least one second microphone disposed above the keyboard.

[0013] On the other hand, this application provides a microphone setting method for a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel has a first side facing the user when opened for use, and the second panel has a second side facing the user when opened for use. The second panel is foldably connected to the first panel via a movable connecting portion. The method includes: setting at least two first microphones on the first side; setting at least one second microphone on the second side; and configuring the at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone differently according to the different folding angles between the first and second panel.

[0014] According to the foldable electronic device and its microphone setting method of this application, by setting microphones on the two foldable panels respectively, the distance and configuration of the microphones can change with the different folding shape or angle of the foldable electronic device, thereby creating flexible and varied usage scenarios and sound recording effects, and better meeting the diverse needs of users. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 A side view schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 A front view schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 3 A perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the functional module structure of the foldable electronic device in the embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart illustrating a microphone setting method for a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand the concepts and ideas of this application, the application is described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments given herein are only a part of all possible embodiments of this application. After reading the specification of this application, those skilled in the art are capable of making improvements, modifications, or substitutions to parts or the entirety of the following embodiments, and such improvements, modifications, or substitutions are also included within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0022] In this document, the terms "one," "an," and other similar words are not intended to indicate that only one of the described things exists, but rather that the description refers only to one of the described things, which may have one or more. In this document, the terms "comprising," "including," and other similar words are intended to indicate a logical relationship, not a spatial relationship. For example, "A includes B" means that logically B belongs to A, not that spatially B is located inside A. Furthermore, the meanings of the terms "comprising," "including," and other similar words should be considered open-ended, not closed-ended. For example, "A includes B" means that B belongs to A, but B does not necessarily constitute all of A; A may also include other elements such as C, D, and E.

[0023] In this document, the terms "first," "second," and other similar terms are not intended to imply any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different elements. In this document, the terms "embodiment," "this embodiment," "an embodiment," or "an example" do not indicate that the description applies only to one specific embodiment, but rather that such description may also be applicable to one or more other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that any description made herein with respect to one embodiment can be substituted, combined, or otherwise combined with the descriptions in one or more other embodiments, and the new embodiments resulting from such substitutions, combinations, or other combinations are readily conceived by those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] In various embodiments of this application, an electronic device can refer to an electrical device composed of microelectronic devices, such as integrated circuits, transistors, vacuum tubes, and other electronic components. For example, an electronic device can refer to a device that functions by applying electronic technology (including software). For example, electronic devices may include smartwatches, smartphones, tablets, telephones, televisions, DVD players, video recorders, camcorders, radios, tape recorders, speaker systems, CD players, computers (laptops, desktops, etc.), game consoles, mobile communication products, etc.

[0025] In the various embodiments of this application, a foldable electronic device can refer to an electronic device that can be folded or has a folded form. For example, a foldable electronic device can refer to an electronic device that is folded when stored and unfolded when used to produce a better user or viewing experience. For example, foldable electronic devices may include foldable screen mobile phones, laptops, tablet computers with foldable keyboards, etc.

[0026] With the continuous development of science and technology, laptops have also diversified in form, with opening angles ranging from a mere 135 degrees to 180 degrees or even 360 degrees. This change in form means that laptops have more uses, from personal gaming and multimedia entertainment to multi-user office work needs, and laptops are taking on more and more functions. For example, more and more users are using the microphones on their laptops for directional voice recording and online voice conferencing. However, current laptops typically only have two microphones located at the top of the screen, limiting their usage. Furthermore, this dual-microphone radial array has limited directionality, resulting in poor directional recording quality, which can no longer meet diverse needs.

[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of this application, wherein... Figure 1 It is a side view. Figure 2 This is a front view.

[0028] According to this embodiment, the foldable electronic device 100 includes: a first panel portion 110 having a first side 111 facing the user when opened; and a second panel portion 120 having a second side 121 facing the user when opened. The second panel portion 110 is foldably connected to the first panel portion 120 via a movable connecting portion 130. The first side 111 is provided with at least two first microphones 140, and the second side 121 is provided with at least one second microphone 150. The at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone are configured differently depending on the folding angle between the first and second panel portions.

[0029] In this embodiment, the panel portion can refer to the two foldable main body parts of a foldable electronic device. For a laptop computer, the first panel portion can refer to the module containing the screen, and the second panel portion can refer to the module containing the keyboard (and motherboard). For a foldable screen phone (or tablet computer), the panel portion can refer to the main body part containing the two screens connected by the folding hinge.

[0030] In this embodiment, the movable connection can be a hinge or other types of connection mechanisms that can produce a folding effect (e.g., flexible materials).

[0031] In this embodiment, when the foldable electronic device is opened for use, its two folded panels are opened to form an opening angle (folding angle). At this time, both the first and second panels face the user for viewing or operation. It should be noted that the first panel usually also has a side facing away from the user, such as the A-side (logo side) of a laptop; the second panel usually also has a side facing away from the user, such as the D-side (bottom side) of a laptop.

[0032] In this embodiment, a microphone (also known as a transmitter, receiver, or microphone, etc.) refers to an energy conversion device that converts sound signals into electrical signals. Microphones can be classified as dynamic, condenser, electret, and the recently emerging silicon micromicrophones, as well as liquid microphones and laser microphones. Common microphone types include condenser microphones, crystal microphones, carbon microphones, and dynamic microphones.

[0033] As an example, the foldable electronic device also includes an angle sensor and a microprocessor. The angle sensor is used to detect the folding angle between the first and second panel portions, and the microprocessor is used to control at least two first microphones and at least one second microphone based on the detection signal from the angle sensor.

[0034] As an example, when the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first panel portion 110 and the second panel portion 120 is less than a first angle, the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones 140 and at least one second microphone 150 to turn off. When the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first panel portion 110 and the second panel portion 120 is greater than or equal to the first angle and less than the second angle, the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones 140 to turn on and at least one second microphone 150 to turn off, and the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones 140 to form a linear array, using a directional pickup mode. When the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first panel portion 110 and the second panel portion 120 is greater than or equal to the second angle, the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones 140 and at least one second microphone 150 to turn on, and the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones 140 and at least one second microphone 150 to form a planar array, using an omnidirectional pickup mode.

[0035] In this embodiment, a microphone array can refer to a system composed of a certain number of acoustic sensors (usually microphones) used to sample and process the spatial characteristics of a sound field. For example, in addition to the visible number of microphones, a microphone array also includes a series of front-end algorithms; the combination of both constitutes a complete microphone array. Currently, common classifications are based on the shape of the microphone layout, dividing microphone arrays into: linear arrays, area arrays, and three-dimensional arrays (where a point is a microphone). A linear array can be a linear (straight-line) array composed of two or more microphones. An area array can be an array formed by arranging three or more microphones in a plane. A three-dimensional array can be an array formed by arranging four or more microphones in a three-dimensional shape.

[0036] In this embodiment, the microphone's directionality refers to its polarity, which indicates its ability to pick up sound from different directions. It can be categorized as unidirectional, bidirectional, omnidirectional, cardioid, supercardioid, and figure-eight. A unidirectional microphone requires input to be directed to a specific direction for recording. A bidirectional microphone can pick up sound from both sides. An omnidirectional microphone, also called a non-directional microphone, has the same sensitivity to sound from all directions. A cardioid microphone is a directional microphone with the strongest sensitivity at the front and the weakest at the back. A supercardioid microphone has a narrower pickup area than a cardioid microphone, but it also picks up sound from the back. A figure-eight microphone picks up sound from both the front and back, but not from the sides (90-degree angle). In this embodiment, directional pickup mode refers to a pickup mode with a specific directionality, including unidirectional, bidirectional, and cardioid pickup modes; omnidirectional pickup mode includes omnidirectional (non-directional) pickup modes, with no specific restriction on the pickup direction.

[0037] As an example, the first angle is the opening angle of the foldable electronic device suitable for use by one person, and the second angle is the opening angle of the foldable electronic device suitable for use by multiple people. Taking a laptop as an example, when used by one person, its opening angle is suitable for the screen to be upright or slightly tilted, making it convenient for the user to view the screen or type; when used by multiple people (such as in a conference call), its opening angle allows the laptop to be opened wide, so that users around the laptop can use it. For example, the first angle is between 30 and 60 degrees (e.g., 45 degrees), and the second angle is between 110 and 160 degrees (e.g., 135 degrees).

[0038] As an example, at least two first microphones 140 are disposed on the side of the first surface 111 away from the active connection portion 130, and at least one second microphone 150 is disposed on the side of the second surface 121 near the active connection portion 130. For example, for a laptop computer, the side of the first surface away from the active connection portion is the side above the screen where the camera is located; the side of the second surface near the active connection portion is the side above the keyboard.

[0039] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the foldable electronic device can be a laptop computer 300, which includes: a first panel portion 310 having a first side 311 facing the user when opened; and a second panel portion 320 having a second side 321 facing the user when opened. The second panel portion 310 is foldably connected to the first panel portion 320 via a movable connecting portion 330. The first side 311 is provided with at least two first microphones 340, and the second side 321 is provided with at least one second microphone 350. The at least two first microphones 340 and the at least one second microphone 350 are configured differently depending on the folding angle between the first panel portion 310 and the second panel portion 320. Furthermore, the first side 311 has a screen, the second side has a keyboard, the at least two first microphones 340 are respectively located above the screen, for example, on either side of a camera above the screen, and the at least one second microphone 350 is located above the keyboard.

[0041] like Figure 3As shown, the laptop computer 300 with multiple microphone array configurations according to this embodiment includes: two first microphones 340 and a second microphone 350 assembly. The two first microphones 340 are mounted above the screen end on the B-side (the side with the screen). The second microphone 350 assembly includes at least one microphone and is mounted above the keyboard end, forming a surface array with the first microphones 340.

[0042] The second microphone 350, together with the two first microphones 340, forms a planar array, providing the laptop 300 with recording capabilities for different usage scenarios. For example, in a multi-person meeting, opening the computer screen to more than 135 degrees allows for omnidirectional sound pickup through the planar array formed by the two first microphones 340 and the second microphone 350, better capturing the voice information of each individual. In a personal office meeting, opening the computer screen to 45-135 degrees allows for directional sound pickup through the linear array formed by the two first microphones 340, capturing only the voice information of the individual user and reducing various ambient noise interferences.

[0043] Thus, in this embodiment, by setting up the second microphone 350 component, various scenarios of individual and multi-person use are met, the flexibility of voice pickup is increased, and the voice quality in various states is improved, as well as the needs of various zone sound pickup are met.

[0044] Specifically, the second microphone 350 assembly is mounted above the keyboard. That is, the two first microphones 340 are positioned in a conventional manner above the screen on the B side; the second microphone 350 assembly is mounted on the keyboard, and the three microphones form a surface array.

[0045] In this embodiment, the maximum opening angle of the laptop 300 can be close to or equal to 180 degrees. Thus, in this embodiment, when the laptop 300 is rotated to an angle greater than 135 degrees, it can switch to omnidirectional sound pickup mode. At this time, the area array formed by the three microphones can pick up sound from all directions and locate the sound source. For example, when multiple users are using a single laptop 300 for a voice conference, they can open the laptop 300 to 180 degrees, place it flat on a table, and use the omnidirectional sound pickup mode to participate in the online voice conference, thus avoiding the feedback problem caused by multiple devices using the same device simultaneously.

[0046] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the functional module structure of the laptop computer 300 in this embodiment.

[0047] like Figure 4As shown, the laptop computer 300 includes an angle sensor 380 and a microprocessor 360. The angle sensor is used to detect the folding angle between the first panel portion 310 and the second panel portion 320, and the microprocessor 360 is used to control at least two first microphones 340 and at least one second microphone 350.

[0048] The microprocessor 360 of the laptop 300 is connected to two first microphones 340 and a second microphone 350. The microprocessor 360 is used to control the two first microphones 340 and the second microphone 350 to operate using different array configurations.

[0049] Specifically, the microprocessor 360 is used to control the switching of the array pickup mode of the two first microphones 340 and the second microphone 350 according to the keyboard / program input command 370.

[0050] Specifically, the laptop 300 is equipped with an angle sensor 380 for detecting the angle between the B-side screen and the C-side keyboard. The microprocessor 360 is connected to the angle sensor 380 and is used to control the switching of different sound pickup modes of the microphone array based on the detection value of the angle sensor 380.

[0051] In the laptop 300 with various microphone array configurations according to this embodiment, the switching method for different microphone array configurations is as follows: First, by default, the two first microphones 340 and the second microphone 350 group perform directional sound pickup; when the microprocessor receives the opening and closing angle of the laptop 300 from the angle sensor 380, it switches between omnidirectional sound pickup, directional sound pickup, and mute sound pickup modes according to the opening and closing angle of the laptop 300. Simultaneously, the sound pickup mode can also be controlled via keyboard / program commands 370. Thus, in this embodiment, switching between different sound pickup modes ensures the quality of voice pickup and the flexibility of microphone array usage.

[0052] Figure 5 A microphone setting method for a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0053] According to this embodiment, the foldable electronic device includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion. The first panel portion has a first side facing the user when opened for use, and the second panel portion has a second side facing the user when opened for use. The second panel portion is foldably connected to the first panel portion via a movable connecting portion. The microphone setting method of the foldable electronic device includes:

[0054] S510, with at least two first microphones on the first surface;

[0055] S520, at least one second microphone is provided on the second surface;

[0056] S530, at least two first microphones and at least one second microphone are configured differently depending on the folding angle between the first and second panel sections.

[0057] In one embodiment, the foldable electronic device further includes:

[0058] An angle sensor is used to detect the folding angle between the first and second panel sections;

[0059] A microprocessor for controlling at least two first microphones and at least one second microphone.

[0060] In one embodiment, S530 includes:

[0061] When the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel sections is less than the first angle, the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones and at least one second microphone to turn off.

[0062] In one embodiment, S530 includes:

[0063] When the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel sections is greater than or equal to the first angle and less than the second angle, the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones to turn on and at least one second microphone to turn off.

[0064] In one embodiment, S530 includes:

[0065] When the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel sections is greater than or equal to the second angle, the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones and at least one second microphone to be turned on.

[0066] In one embodiment, S530 includes:

[0067] When the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel sections is greater than or equal to the first angle and less than the second angle, the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones to form a line array and use a directional pickup mode.

[0068] In one embodiment, S530 includes:

[0069] When the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel sections is greater than or equal to the second angle, the microprocessor controls at least two first microphones and at least one second microphone to form a surface array, using an omnidirectional pickup mode.

[0070] In one embodiment, the first angle is the opening angle of the foldable electronic device when it is suitable for use by one person, and the second angle is the opening angle of the foldable electronic device when it is suitable for use by multiple people.

[0071] In one embodiment, the foldable electronic device includes a laptop computer with a screen on a first side and a keyboard on a second side, and at least two first microphones, including two first microphones. S510 includes:

[0072] The two primary microphones are positioned at the top of the screen;

[0073] S520 includes:

[0074] Place at least one second microphone above the keyboard.

[0075] The concepts, principles, and ideas of this application have been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments (including examples and instances). Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of this application are not limited to those given above. After reading this application, those skilled in the art can make any possible improvements, substitutions, and equivalents to the steps, methods, apparatus, and components in the above embodiments, and such improvements, substitutions, and equivalents should be considered to fall within the scope of this application. The scope of protection of this application is limited to the claims.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, comprising: A first panel portion, the first panel portion having a first side facing the user when opened for use; The second panel has a second side that faces the user when opened for use, and the second panel is foldably connected to the first panel via a movable connecting part; The first side is provided with at least two first microphones, and the second side is provided with at least one second microphone. The at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone are configured differently depending on the folding angle between the first and second panel portions. The at least two first microphones are located on the side of the first side away from the movable connecting portion, and the at least one second microphone is located on the side of the second side closer to the movable connecting portion. An angle sensor is used to detect the folding angle between the first and second panel portions; A microprocessor for controlling the at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone; When the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel portions is less than a first angle, the microprocessor controls the at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone to turn off. When the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel portions is greater than or equal to the first angle and less than the second angle, the microprocessor controls the at least two first microphones to turn on and the at least one second microphone to turn off. At the same time, the microprocessor controls the at least two first microphones to form a line array and use a directional pickup mode. When the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel portions is greater than or equal to the second angle, the microprocessor controls the at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone to turn on. At the same time, the microprocessor controls the at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone to form a surface array and use an omnidirectional sound pickup mode. The first angle is the opening angle of the foldable electronic device when it is suitable for use by one person, and the second angle is the opening angle of the foldable electronic device when it is suitable for use by multiple people.

2. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The foldable electronic device includes a laptop computer, with a screen on the first side and a keyboard on the second side. The at least two first microphones include two first microphones respectively disposed above the screen, and the at least one second microphone is disposed above the keyboard.

3. A microphone setting method for a foldable electronic device, the foldable electronic device comprising a first panel, a second panel, an angle sensor, and a microprocessor, the first panel having a first side facing a user when opened for use, the second panel having a second side facing the user when opened for use, the second panel being foldably connected to the first panel via a movable connecting portion, the method comprising: At least two first microphones are provided on the first surface; At least one second microphone is provided on the second surface; The at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone are configured differently depending on the folding angle between the first and second panel portions; the at least two first microphones are located on the side of the first surface away from the movable connecting portion, and the at least one second microphone is located on the side of the second surface close to the movable connecting portion; The angle sensor is used to detect the folding angle between the first and second panel portions; A microprocessor for controlling the at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone; When the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel portions is less than a first angle, the microprocessor controls the at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone to turn off. When the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel portions is greater than or equal to the first angle and less than the second angle, the microprocessor controls the at least two first microphones to turn on and the at least one second microphone to turn off. At the same time, the microprocessor controls the at least two first microphones to form a line array and use a directional pickup mode. When the angle sensor detects that the folding angle between the first and second panel portions is greater than or equal to the second angle, the microprocessor controls the at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone to turn on. At the same time, the microprocessor controls the at least two first microphones and the at least one second microphone to form a surface array and use an omnidirectional sound pickup mode. The first angle is the opening angle of the foldable electronic device when it is suitable for use by one person, and the second angle is the opening angle of the foldable electronic device when it is suitable for use by multiple people.

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