Acoustic Coupling Sensor for Mobile Phone Leakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variation in acoustic coupling between a mobile phone loudspeaker and the user's ear due to varying force application affects sound quality, as it influences acoustic leakage, which existing technologies struggle to consistently mitigate without complex designs or dedicated sensors.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic coupling sensor system that uses a reference signal generator and sensor to detect changes in acoustic coupling, allowing for dynamic adaptation of audio signal gain and equalization to minimize the impact of leakage, utilizing a band-limited ultrasound signal to avoid mechanical coupling effects and ensure accurate detection without critical sensor positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated sensor in close proximity to the loudspeaker is used to detect acoustic leakage, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by placing the acoustic sensor at a distance from the loudspeaker rather than in close proximity. The sensor detects sound waves that have traveled through the air from the loudspeaker, acting as an intermediary measurement point that simplifies the overall system while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling systems with acoustic wave propagation through air. Instead of requiring direct mechanical contact or close proximity between sensor and loudspeaker, the system uses airborne sound wave transmission to carry information about acoustic leakage, thereby simplifying the physical arrangement.
2Measurement precision
If the acoustic sensor is positioned close to the loudspeaker, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to critical positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Air acts as an intermediary medium that transmits acoustic information from the loudspeaker to the sensor over a distance. This eliminates the need for direct proximity or precise mechanical coupling between the sensor and loudspeaker, making the system more tolerant of positioning variations and easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a spatially constrained close-proximity arrangement to a distance-based acoustic wave propagation approach. By utilizing the air dimension as a transmission medium, the system decouples the sensor positioning from direct mechanical contact requirements, allowing greater operational flexibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If leak tolerant acoustical designs with controlled acoustical paths are introduced, then acoustic leakage impact is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the acoustic sensor continuously monitors the actual acoustic output from the loudspeaker. The detected information about acoustic leakage is fed back to a processor that can then adjust the audio signal in real-time, compensating for leakage effects without requiring complex physical modifications to the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical solutions (complex housing designs with controlled acoustic paths) with an electronic/software-based approach. Instead of physically modifying the acoustic environment through complex structures, the system uses signal processing and feedback to compensate for acoustic leakage effects, thereby reducing mechanical complexity.
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
The system effectively stabilizes sound quality by dynamically adjusting audio output to be less dependent on acoustic leakage, providing consistent sound reproduction across different coupling conditions without the need for complex designs or additional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
the acoustic transmitter is operable to transmit the reference signal and the acoustic sensor is operable to detect an acoustic level of the transmitted reference signal
Implementation Method 2
the acoustic sensor is operable to detect an acoustic level of the transmitted reference signal
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic coupling sensor 200 for a portable electronic device is described which includes an acoustic transmitter 22, a reference signal generator 20 coupled to the acoustic transmitter, and an acoustic sensor 24 wherein in operation, the reference signal generator is operable to transmit the reference signal to the acoustic transmitter, to detect an acoustic level of the transmitted reference signal via the acoustic sensor, and wherein the detected reference signal level corresponds to a value of acoustic coupling between the acoustic transmitter and the acoustic sensor. The acoustic coupling sensor may be used for example in a mobile phone to detect acoustic leakage in order to adapt the acoustic level in the mobile phone during use.