Acoustic Response Update via Hinge Angle in Foldable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices with small speakers struggle to produce high-volume, low-frequency sounds due to size constraints and existing techniques either fail to adequately amplify low frequencies or result in reduced clarity from standing waves or 'muddy' signals.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves modifying the acoustic response of a device based on the hinge angle between its members, selectively amplifying low frequencies and reducing standing waves by adjusting the amplitude of frequency spectra within a resonance chamber defined by the device's surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resonance cavity is incorporated into a device to amplify low frequencies, then low-frequency response is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies digital signal processing to dynamically adjust and 'fake' low frequencies by exciting slightly different frequencies (e.g., 255 Hz, 260 Hz, 275 Hz instead of exactly 250 Hz) to increase apparent loudness. This dynamic frequency manipulation allows low-frequency enhancement without requiring a physical resonance cavity, thereby maintaining device thinness while improving low-frequency response.
2Power
If a container or tube is attached to the device to amplify sounds, then sound volume is improved, but standing waves are generated that reduce clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical amplification approach (using physical containers or tubes) with digital signal processing. By processing the audio signal electronically to excite multiple frequencies and manipulate spectral content, the system achieves volume enhancement without creating the standing waves that would occur in a physical resonant chamber, thereby maintaining sound clarity.
3Power
If digital signal processing is used to fake a desired low frequency, then apparent loudness is increased, but signal clarity is reduced making it sound muddy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively targeting specific frequency regions for enhancement while leaving other frequency ranges relatively untouched. The digital signal processing focuses on exciting frequencies slightly above the desired low frequency (e.g., 255-275 Hz for a 250 Hz target) to create apparent loudness in the low-frequency region without affecting the clarity of mid and high frequencies, thus avoiding the muddy sound that would result from broad-spectrum processing.
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
This approach enables devices with small speakers to produce high-volume, low-frequency sounds with improved clarity, effectively amplifying low frequencies while minimizing standing waves, thus enhancing user interaction and sound quality.
Implementation Method 1
A variety of techniques has been proposed for improving low-frequency response of devices. However, each such technique has its limitations. In one example, a resonance cavity (a.k.a. boom box) is incorporated into a device to amplify low frequencies.
Implementation Method 2
An amplitude of each of a plurality of portions of a frequency spectrum of a spectral signal is selectively modified to change an acoustic response of the device to an updated acoustic response based at least in part on the angle of the hinge.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described herein that are capable of providing an updated acoustic response for a device based at least in part on a hinge angle. For instance, an angle of a hinge that is coupled between first and second members of a device may be determined. The angle is defined between first and second surfaces of the respective first and second members. A spectral signal has a frequency spectrum that includes multiple portions. An amplitude of each portion of the frequency spectrum is selectively modified to change an acoustic response of the device to an updated acoustic response based at least in part on the angle of the hinge. The acoustic response of the device is associated with a resonance chamber, which is defined by the first surface, the second surface, and a third surface.