Electronic Device Acoustic Angle Determination Without Microphone Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the relative angle between electronic devices require multiple audio receiving units aligned on a straight line, limiting their applicability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An angle determining method using sound wave signals sent and received by electronic devices to calculate multiple possible angles, allowing for the determination of actual angles and locations based on these values, even when receiving units are not aligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple audio receiving units are aligned on a straight line to determine relative angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to strict alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D planar angle measurement (requiring straight-line alignment) to 3D spatial position measurement. By using multiple loudspeakers arranged in a specific geometric pattern and multiple microphones to capture sound wave signals from different spatial dimensions, the system can determine relative position without requiring the microphones to be perfectly aligned on a straight line. This dimensional expansion resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement accuracy while eliminating strict alignment constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the audio receiving function into multiple independent microphone units distributed in space, rather than requiring a single aligned array. Each microphone captures sound wave signals independently, and the system processes these segmented signals to compute relative position. This segmentation allows flexible spatial arrangement without compromising measurement precision, thereby resolving the alignment requirement contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If multiple audio receiving units are used to determine relative angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each audio receiving unit (microphone) multi-functional: they not only receive sound wave signals for angle determination but also contribute to position triangulation through their spatial distribution. The same microphone array used for capturing audio signals serves dual purposes in both angle measurement and position determination, reducing the need for additional specialized components and thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the angle determination function and position determination function into a unified system. By combining the signals from multiple microphones with the known positions of multiple loudspeakers, the system simultaneously achieves both relative angle and relative position information from the same component set, eliminating the need for separate alignment mechanisms and reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sound wave signals are exchanged between multiple electronic devices, then adaptability and interaction capabilities are improved, but loss of information increases due to environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where electronic devices exchange not only sound wave signals but also processing results and calibration information. Each device uses the received signals to compute relative position, then shares this information with other devices in the network. This feedback loop allows the system to compensate for environmental interference by collectively processing information from multiple sources, thereby maintaining signal accuracy while enhancing interaction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordinator device or centralized processing unit that acts as an intermediary to manage signal exchange between multiple electronic devices. This intermediary collects sound wave signals from all devices, performs centralized processing to compensate for environmental interference, and distributes the corrected information back to the network. This intermediary mechanism protects against information loss while enabling versatile multi-device interaction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate determination of the relative angle and location between electronic devices, enhancing interaction capabilities and stereo sound effects without the need for precise alignment of receiving units.
Implementation Method 1
sending at least two sound wave signals through a loudspeaker, receiving, through a microphone, at least two sound wave signals sent by a second electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: sending at least two sound wave signals through a loudspeaker; receiving, through a microphone, at least two sound wave signals from a second electronic device, and determining a first receiving result of receiving the at least two sound wave signals; determining a first possible angle value between the second electronic device and a first electronic device based on the first receiving result; and receiving a second possible angle value between the first electronic device and the second electronic device that is from the second electronic device, and determining an actual angle between the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on the first possible angle value and the second possible angle value; or sending the first possible angle value to the second electronic device, and receiving an actual angle between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.