Acoustic Device Nozzle Passage for Sound Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Acoustic devices used in augmented reality applications, such as in manufacturing and medical industries, face challenges in accurately localizing sound sources due to inadequate sound quality and phase difference sensing between external sounds reaching both ears.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic device with a nozzle and housing configuration that includes a transducer and electronic circuit, allowing external sounds to be taken in through a continuous passage with a larger cross-sectional area at the distal end, enhancing sound quality and enabling accurate sound image localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a noise canceling technology or microphone-based external sound collection is employed, then external sounds can be taken in with clear sound quality, but sound image localization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic device divides the sound collection function into two separate paths: one path through the nozzle for high-quality external sound collection, and another path through the ear canal for phase difference sensing. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between sound quality and localization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the nozzle with passage) that mediates between the external environment and the ear canal. This intermediary allows external sounds to be collected with high quality while maintaining the natural phase difference information needed for accurate sound image localization.
2Reliability
If the passage cross-sectional area is increased at the distal end, then sound quality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passage cross-sectional area is varied along its length, being larger at the distal end where sound quality is most important and smaller at the base portion. This local quality variation optimizes sound collection efficiency while minimizing the overall device volume, resolving the contradiction between sound quality and device size.
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 device allows for high sound quality input, improving sound image localization and reducing sound quality deterioration, while maintaining a compact and lightweight design suitable for prolonged use.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer installed in the nozzle, and a housing attached to a base portion of the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
transducers have been provided that are produced by using a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology which applies a semiconductor manufacturing technology, and that employ a piezoelectric element including a pair of electrodes and a piezoelectric layer held between the pair of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an acoustic device to be worn on an ear for use, the acoustic device including a nozzle having a transducer installed therein, the transducer serving as a sound source, and a housing attached to a base portion of the nozzle and having an electronic circuit and a battery housed therein, the electronic circuit being configured to drive the transducer. When the acoustic device is worn on the ear with a distal end of the nozzle inserted into an earhole and the base portion of the nozzle positioned outside of the earhole, a passage continuously extending between the base portion and the distal end of the nozzle is secured to allow an external sound to be taken in through the passage.