Device and method for intelligently controlling sound beam by using head and neck pressure

Abstract

The invention discloses a device and a method for intelligently controlling sound wave beams by using head and neck pressure, and belongs to the technical field of intelligent audio equipment. The flexible circuit board is arranged on the pillow; the control unit is integrated on the flexible circuit board; the two control units are arranged at the two ends of the pillow in the length direction respectively and correspond to the left ear side and the right ear side of a user respectively. Each control unit comprises a pressure sensor array used for collecting pressure distribution data; the loudspeaker array is used for playing audios; the multi-mode data processor is connected with the pressure sensor array and is used for converting the pressure signal into an audio control signal; and the multi-channel sound encoder is respectively connected with the loudspeaker array and the multi-mode data processor and is used for receiving a control instruction of the multi-mode data processor and controlling the frequency range and the sound pressure level of the output audio stream. The intelligent hearing compensation system has the advantages of intelligent self-adaption, personalized hearing compensation, excellent comfort and portability and the like.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of intelligent audio devices, and particularly relates to a device and method for intelligently controlling sound beams by using head and neck pressure. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the popularity of mobile devices, more and more people are used to watching videos or listening to music on mobile phones, tablets and other devices before going to sleep to help fall asleep. However, people inevitably change their posture when sleeping, especially when lying on their side, the ear close to the pillow will be physically blocked or shielded. This results in a significant difference in the loudness and clarity of the sound received by both ears, which destroys the original stereo field and reduces the immersion and comfort of the listening experience, and may even affect the quality of sleep.

[0003] Existing solutions, such as ordinary earphones or pillow speakers, cannot effectively solve this problem. In-ear or over-ear earphones will cause a sense of compression when lying on the side, making people uncomfortable; and a single pillow speaker cannot dynamically adjust the sound field according to the sleeping posture, and there is still a phenomenon of imbalance between the left and right ears when lying on the side.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an audio solution that can intelligently adapt to changes in sleeping posture and provide users with a continuous and balanced stereo sound experience. SUMMARY

[0005] The purpose of the present application is to provide a device and method for intelligently controlling sound beams by using head and neck pressure to solve the problems raised in the background.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the present application provides the following technical solution: a device for intelligently controlling sound beams by using head and neck pressure, comprising at least: a pillow; a flexible circuit board arranged on the pillow; a control unit integrated on the flexible circuit board; two control units arranged at both ends of the length direction of the pillow and corresponding to the left and right ears of the user respectively; Each control unit comprises: a pressure sensor array for collecting pressure distribution data; a speaker array for playing audio; a multi-mode data processor connected to the pressure sensor array for converting pressure signals into audio control signals; a multi-channel sound encoder connected to the speaker array and the multi-mode data processor for accepting control instructions from the multi-mode data processor, controlling the frequency range and sound pressure level of the output audio stream, and finally outputting sound from the speaker array.

[0007] In some embodiments, each control unit further comprises: a wireless communication module integrated in the multi-mode data processor; the two control units communicate wirelessly through the wireless communication module; the multi-mode data processor communicates wirelessly with the host computer through the wireless communication module.

[0008] Thus, the two control units communicate wirelessly through the wireless communication module, which can realize the function of coordinating the left and right ear loudness, and the multi-mode data processor communicates wirelessly with the host computer through the wireless communication module, which facilitates data transmission and user configuration.

[0009] In some embodiments, each control unit further comprises: a storage module integrated in the multi-mode data processor, for storing user personal hearing data; The multi-channel sound encoder can call the user personal hearing data in the storage module to control the frequency range, sound pressure limit and dynamic range of the output audio stream. Thus, it is convenient to realize safe and personalized sound output.

[0010] In some embodiments, the device for intelligently controlling sound beams by head and neck pressure further comprises: a power supply unit integrated in the flexible circuit board, for power supply; the power supply unit is connected with the multi-mode data processor of the two control units.

[0011] In some embodiments, the flexible circuit board, the control unit and the power supply unit are packaged in a soft silicone shell, which is configured to be laid on or embedded in a pillow.

[0012] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the application further provides a method for intelligently controlling sound beams by head and neck pressure, which is based on the above-mentioned device for intelligently controlling sound beams by head and neck pressure, and at least includes the following steps: S1, real-time acquisition of pressure distribution data of the contact area between the user's head and the pillow by the pressure sensor array; S2, the multi-mode data processor determines the current lying posture of the user according to the data, and generates corresponding audio control signals; S3, based on the audio control signals, the multi-channel sound encoder dynamically adjusts the output characteristics of the loudspeaker array, so as to compensate for the left and right ear auditory perception difference caused by the change of lying posture.

[0013] In some embodiments, in step S3, the output characteristics include at least one of volume, phase and frequency response.

[0014] In some embodiments, in step S3, the multi-channel sound encoder dynamically adjusts the output characteristics of the loudspeaker array, specifically by: S31, establish a reverse proportional mapping relationship between pressure and loudness, according to the pressure value collected by the pressure sensor array, reduce the output loudness of the pressure sensor array corresponding area or the same side loudspeaker; S32, through the communication between the left and right control units, coordinate the total output loudness of the two sides of the loudspeaker array, to maintain the balance of binaural loudness.

[0015] In some embodiments, in step S2, the multi-mode data processor can also achieve the following functions: S21, according to the pressure distribution difference of the pressure sensor array, calculate the beamforming parameter; S22, according to the beamforming parameter, control the output phase and volume of the loudspeaker array, form a specific sound beam pointing to the user's ear.

[0016] In some embodiments, in step S3, the multi-channel sound encoder can also achieve the following functions: According to the personal hearing data stored in the multi-mode data processor, the audio signals of the left and right ears are independently frequency encoded and loudness encoded to match the user's hearing sensitivity; Set the maximum output sound pressure level and dynamic range for each loudspeaker of the loudspeaker array to limit the output loudness and avoid excessive sound stimulation.

[0017] The core purpose of the present application is to solve the problem of hearing perception imbalance caused by sleep position change. The basic idea is: through real-time monitoring of the pressure distribution of the head and pillow contact, intelligent control of the volume, phase and frequency response of multiple loudspeakers, to achieve two key goals: Beamforming and loudness compensation: no matter how the user turns over, the sound can be "directed" to the ears through acoustic technology, maintaining a stable stereo sound field and loudness balance.

[0018] Personalized hearing compensation: according to the individual differences in hearing sensitivity of the user, the left and right ear sounds are independently frequency and loudness encoded to provide customized sound experience.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present application include: 1. Intelligent self-adaptation: the system can automatically perceive the user's sleeping position and adjust the sound field in real time, without manual intervention, providing balanced stereo sound experience in any posture.

[0020] 2. Personalized hearing compensation: by storing and applying personal hearing data, the system can provide customized sound output for users with different hearing sensitivities, compensating for individual differences.

[0021] 3. Hearing safety: By setting the maximum sound pressure level and dynamic range, it effectively avoids the damage to hearing caused by sudden loud noises that may occur during sleep.

[0022] 4. Comfort and portability: Utilizing flexible circuitry and soft silicone encapsulation, it perfectly fits the sleep environment, providing comfortable use and easy integration with existing pillows.

[0023] In summary, the device and method for intelligently controlling sound beams using head and neck pressure of the present invention have advantages such as intelligent self-adaptation, personalized hearing compensation, hearing safety, and excellent comfort and portability. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a simplified system framework diagram of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the distribution of the pressure sensor array and speaker array on the headrest according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the flexible circuit board of the present invention distributed on a headrest; Figure 4 This is one of the interactive interfaces of the software that runs the method of the present invention.

[0027] In the picture: 100 - Host computer; 1-Pillow; 2-Flexible circuit board; 3-Control unit; 4-Power supply unit; 30-Pressure control module; 31-Pressure sensor array; 32-Speaker array; 33-Multi-mode data processor; 34-Multi-channel sound encoder; 35-Wireless communication module; 36-Storage module; 311-Pressure sensor; 321-Speaker. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the present invention schematically provides a device for intelligently controlling a sound beam using head and neck pressure, comprising at least: Pillow 1; Flexible circuit board 2 is disposed on pillow 1; Control unit 3 is integrated into flexible circuit board 2; The control unit 3 is two, respectively set in the length direction of the pillow 1 two end parts and respectively correspond to the left and right ear side of the user; Each control unit 3 includes: The pressure sensor array 31 composed of a plurality of pressure sensors 311 is used to collect pressure distribution data; The loudspeaker array 32 composed of a plurality of loudspeakers 321 is used to play audio; The multi-mode data processor 33 is connected with the pressure sensor array 31, which is used to convert the pressure signal into an audio control signal; The multi-channel sound encoder 34 is connected with the loudspeaker array 32 array and the multi-mode data processor 33 respectively, which is used to accept the control instruction of the multi-mode data processor 33, control the frequency range and sound pressure level of the output audio stream, and finally make the sound output from the loudspeaker array 32.

[0030] As preferred, one loudspeaker 321 and one pressure sensor 311 corresponding to the position form a pressure control module 30.

[0031] As further preferred, a plurality of pressure control modules 30 are distributed in a circumferential array, that is, the pressure sensor array 31 and the loudspeaker array 32 corresponding to form a ring shape.

[0032] As preferred, each control unit 3 further includes: The wireless communication module 35 is integrated in the multi-mode data processor 33; The two control units 3 communicate wirelessly through the wireless communication module 35; The multi-mode data processor 33 communicates wirelessly with the host computer 100 through the wireless communication module 35.

[0033] The host computer 100 can be a smart phone or a tablet computer, and the special APP cooperating with the system is used to realize the functions of control and user configuration.

[0034] Therefore, the two control units 3 communicate wirelessly through the wireless communication module 35, which can realize the function of coordinating the loudness of the left and right ears, and the multi-mode data processor 33 communicates wirelessly with the host computer 100 through the wireless communication module 35, which is convenient for data transmission and user configuration.

[0035] As preferred, each control unit 3 further includes: The storage module 36 is integrated in the multi-mode data processor 33, which is used to store the user's personal hearing data (such as hearing threshold curve); The multi-channel sound encoder 34 can call the user's personal hearing data in the storage module 36 to control the frequency range, sound pressure limit and dynamic range of the output audio stream. Therefore, it is convenient to realize safe and personalized sound output.

[0036] As preferred, the device for intelligently controlling sound beams by head and neck pressure further comprises: a power supply unit 4 integrated in the flexible printed circuit board 2 for power supply; The power supply unit 4 is connected with the multi-mode data processor 33 of the two control units 3.

[0037] As further preferred, the multi-mode data processor 33 of the embodiment can be an MCU chip. The power supply unit 4 at least includes a battery and a charge and discharge management circuit, both of which are of prior art.

[0038] The flexible printed circuit board (FPC for short) is a highly reliable and excellent flexible printed circuit board made of polyimide or polyester film as the base material. It has the characteristics of high wiring density, light weight, thin thickness and good bending property.

[0039] As preferred, the flexible printed circuit board 2, the control unit 3 and the power supply unit 4 are packaged in a soft silicone shell which is configured to be laid on or embedded in the pillow 1. For the specific mechanical structure and implementation of the pillow 1 of the present application, please refer to the existing patent documents with application numbers 202123425838.X, 201720086412.0, etc.

[0040] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application further provides the following technical scheme: a method for intelligently controlling sound beams by head and neck pressure, based on the above-mentioned device for intelligently controlling sound beams by head and neck pressure, at least comprising the following steps: S1, acquiring the pressure distribution data of the contact area between the user's head and the pillow 1 in real time through the pressure sensor array 31; S2, the multi-mode data processor 33 determines the current lying posture of the user according to the data and generates corresponding audio control signals; S3, based on the audio control signals, the multi-channel sound encoder 34 dynamically adjusts the output characteristics of the loudspeaker array 32, so as to compensate for the left and right ear auditory perception difference caused by the change of lying posture.

[0041] As preferred, in step S3, the output characteristics include at least one of volume, phase and frequency response.

[0042] As preferred, in step S3, the multi-channel sound encoder 34 dynamically adjusts the output characteristics of the loudspeaker array 32 by the following way: S31, a reverse mapping relationship between pressure and loudness is established, and the output loudness of the pressure sensor array 31 corresponding area or the same side loudspeaker 321 is reduced according to the pressure value collected by the pressure sensor array 31; S32. Through communication between the left and right control units 3, the total output loudness of the two speaker arrays 32 is coordinated to maintain binaural loudness balance.

[0043] Specifically, when the user lies on their side, such as on their left side, the pressure sensor array 31 on the left side will detect greater pressure. This pressure data is sent to the multi-mode data processor 33. The multi-mode data processor 33 generates a control signal according to a preset pressure-loudness mapping function (for example, the greater the pressure, the smaller the loudness compensation). This signal is used to reduce the gain of the left speaker 321 on the one hand, and is sent to the right control unit 3 via the wireless communication module on the other hand, instructing the right speaker 321 to appropriately increase the gain, thereby maintaining the overall balance of loudness perceived by the user in the left and right ears.

[0044] Preferably, in step S2, the multi-mode data processor 33 can also perform the following functions: S21. Calculate the beamforming parameters based on the pressure distribution difference of the pressure sensor array 31; S22. Based on the beamforming parameters, control the output phase and volume of the speaker array 32 to form a specific sound wave beam pointing towards the user's ear.

[0045] Specifically, the system can utilize the pressure distribution difference provided by the pressure sensor array 31 (e.g., the pressure difference between the area around the ear and the back of the head) to calculate the optimal beamforming parameters using an algorithm. The multimode data processor 33 then controls multiple speakers 321 on the same side to emit sound waves with specific phase and volume relationships based on these parameters. These sound waves, when superimposed in space, form a more focused sound beam directed towards the user's ear canal, effectively reducing sound diffusion and loss in other directions and improving sound clarity.

[0046] Preferably, in step S3, the multi-channel sound encoder 34 can also perform the following functions: Based on the individual hearing data stored in the multi-mode data processor 33, the audio signals of the left and right ears are independently coded in terms of frequency and loudness to match the user's hearing sensitivity. Set the maximum output sound pressure level and dynamic range for each speaker 321 to limit the output loudness and avoid excessive sound stimulation.

[0047] Users can perform hearing sensitivity tests via a dedicated app on their smartphones, generating a personal hearing data file which is then transmitted via wireless communication to the storage module of the multi-mode data processor 33. In subsequent use, the multi-channel sound encoder 34 will access this data in real time and, in conjunction with the multi-mode data processor 33, control the independent frequency compensation (e.g., boosting frequencies where hearing is weaker) and loudness calibration of the audio signals sent to the left and right speakers 321, ensuring that the sound output always matches the user's individual hearing characteristics.

[0048] In addition, users can freely define the relationship curve between pressure and volume through a dedicated app, or directly set a fixed loudness difference between the left and right ears to subjectively control the sound image position and create the auditory effect of sound coming from the left, right or center of the head.

[0049] The core objective of this invention is to solve the problem of auditory perception imbalance caused by changes in sleeping posture. Its basic idea is to intelligently control the volume, phase, and frequency response of the multi-speaker 321 by real-time monitoring of the pressure distribution between the head and pillow 1, thereby achieving two key objectives: Beamforming and loudness compensation: No matter how the user turns over, the acoustic technology can "guide" the sound to both ears, maintaining a stable stereo sound field and loudness balance.

[0050] Personalized hearing compensation: Based on the individual differences in hearing sensitivity among users, the sound of the left and right ears is independently encoded in terms of frequency and loudness, providing a tailor-made sound experience.

[0051] The beneficial effects of this invention include: 1. Intelligent Adaptive: The system can automatically sense the user's sleeping posture and adjust the sound field in real time without the need for manual intervention, providing a balanced stereo experience in any position.

[0052] 2. Personalized hearing compensation: By storing and applying personal hearing data, the system can provide customized sound output for users with different hearing sensitivities, compensating for individual differences.

[0053] 3. Hearing safety: By setting the maximum sound pressure level and dynamic range, it effectively avoids the damage to hearing caused by sudden loud noises that may occur during sleep.

[0054] 4. Comfort and portability: Utilizing flexible circuitry and soft silicone encapsulation, it perfectly fits the sleep environment, providing comfortable use and easy integration with existing pillows.

[0055] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for intelligently controlling a sound beam using head and neck pressure, characterized in that, At least comprising: a pillow (1); a flexible circuit board (2) disposed on the pillow (1); a control unit (3) integrated on the flexible circuit board (2); the control unit (3) is two, respectively disposed on both ends of the pillow (1) length direction and respectively corresponding to the left and right ear side of the user; each control unit (3) comprises: a pressure sensor array (31) for collecting pressure distribution data; a speaker array (32) for playing audio; a multi-mode data processor (33) connected with the pressure sensor array (31) for converting pressure signals into audio control signals; a multi-channel sound encoder (34) connected with the speaker array (32) array, the multi-mode data processor (33) respectively, for accepting the control instruction of the multi-mode data processor (33), controlling the frequency range and sound pressure level of the output audio stream, and finally making the sound output from the speaker array (32).

2. The device of claim 1, wherein, Each control unit (3) further comprises: a wireless communication module (35) integrated in the multi-mode data processor (33); the two control units (3) are wirelessly communicated through the wireless communication module (35); the multi-mode data processor (33) is wirelessly communicated with the upper computer (100) through the wireless communication module (35).

3. The device of claim 1, wherein, Each control unit (3) further comprises: a storage module (36) integrated in the multi-mode data processor (33) for storing user personal hearing data; the multi-channel sound encoder (34) can call the user personal hearing data in the storage module (36) to control the frequency range, sound pressure limit and dynamic range of the output audio stream.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: a power supply unit (4) integrated in the flexible circuit board (2) for power supply; the power supply unit (4) is connected with the multi-mode data processor (33) of the two control units (3).

5. The device of claim 4, wherein, The flexible circuit board (2), the control unit (3) and the power supply unit (4) are packaged in a soft silica gel shell which is configured to be laid on the pillow (1) or embedded in the pillow (1).

6. A method for controlling sound beams intelligently using head and neck pressure, based on the device for controlling sound beams intelligently using head and neck pressure according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, At least comprising the following steps: S1, acquiring the pressure distribution data of the contact area between the user's head and the pillow (1) in real time through the pressure sensor array (31); S2, the multi-mode data processor (33) judges the current lying posture of the user according to these data, and generates corresponding audio control signals; S3, based on the audio control signals, the multi-channel sound encoder (34) dynamically adjusts the output characteristics of the speaker array (32), so as to compensate for the left and right ear auditory perception difference caused by the change of lying posture.

7. The method for controlling sound beams intelligently with head and neck pressure as claimed in claim 6, wherein, In step S3, the output characteristics include at least one of volume, phase and frequency response.

8. The method for intelligently controlling a sound beam with head and neck pressure as claimed in claim 6, wherein, In step S3, the multi-channel sound encoder (34) dynamically adjusts the output characteristics of the speaker array (32) by the following way: S31, a reverse mapping relationship between pressure and loudness is established, and the output loudness of the pressure sensor array (31) corresponding area or the same side speaker is reduced according to the pressure value collected by the pressure sensor array (31); S32, through the communication between the left and right control units (3), the total output loudness of the two side speaker arrays (32) is coordinated to maintain binaural loudness balance.

9. The method for intelligently controlling a sound beam with head and neck pressure as claimed in claim 6, wherein, In step S2, the multi-mode data processor (33) can also implement the following functions: S21, according to the pressure distribution difference of the pressure sensor array (31), the beamforming parameters are calculated; S22, according to the beamforming parameters, the output phase and volume of the speaker array (32) are controlled to form a specific sound wave beam pointing to the user's ear.

10. The method for intelligently controlling a sound beam with head and neck pressure of claim 6, wherein, In step S3, the multi-channel sound encoder (34) can also implement the following functions: According to the personal hearing data stored in the multi-mode data processor (33), the frequency encoding and loudness encoding of the audio signals of the left and right ears are independently carried out to match the hearing sensitivity of the user; The maximum output sound pressure level and dynamic range are set for each speaker of the speaker array (32) to limit the output loudness and avoid excessive sound stimulation.

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