Integrated Motion Detection via Acoustic Echo Path Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion detectors require additional hardware components and are not integrated with audio systems, limiting their ability to detect movement using existing speakers and microphones for enhanced user interaction or notification purposes.
Innovation Solution
An integrated motion detector system that utilizes the speakers and microphones of an audio device to measure residual echo changes or echo canceller impulse responses, allowing for the detection of motion and proximity, and triggering functions such as notifications or control modifications within the audio system without additional hardware costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional motion detectors are used, then motion detection capability is provided, but additional hardware components are required and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the audio system's speakers and microphones to serve dual purposes: both audio reproduction and motion detection. The speakers emit sound waves that reflect off objects, and the microphones capture the reflected sound, allowing the same hardware components to perform both audio and motion sensing functions without requiring separate dedicated motion detection devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motion detection function with the existing audio system by combining the speakers, microphones, and signal processing unit into an integrated system. The motion detection algorithm processes audio signals to identify changes in the acoustic echo path, effectively merging what were previously separate functions (audio reproduction and motion detection) into a single unified system.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated motion detection hardware is added, then motion detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the audio system's own speakers and microphones to perform motion detection without requiring external dedicated hardware. The system uses its existing components to sense motion through acoustic echo path changes, eliminating the need for additional motion detection devices and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing hardware universal by enabling speakers and microphones to perform both audio reproduction and motion detection functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated motion detection hardware, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining motion detection accuracy through sophisticated signal processing.
3Device complexity
If speakers and microphones are used for motion detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through the echo canceller and signal processing unit that continuously monitor and analyze the acoustic echo path. The system processes the reflected sound waves from speakers, compares them with expected patterns, and identifies changes that indicate motion. This feedback-based approach enables the system to maintain measurement precision by actively analyzing and interpreting the acoustic signals rather than relying on simple passive detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical motion detection systems with an acoustic field-based system. Instead of using physical sensors or mechanical components to detect motion, the system uses sound waves emitted by speakers and captured by microphones, processing the acoustic echo path changes to identify motion. This substitution of mechanical systems with acoustic field interactions simplifies hardware while maintaining detection capability through sophisticated signal analysis.
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 movement detection and proximity analysis using existing audio device components, enhancing user interaction and functionality, such as modifying content or activating voice recognition, without the need for dedicated motion detection hardware.
Implementation Method 1
measuring residual echo changes or echo canceller impulse response changes
Implementation Method 2
measuring residual echo changes or echo canceller impulse response changes
Implementation Method 3
measuring residual echo changes or echo canceller impulse response changes
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting motion comprising a first speaker, a first microphone separated from the first speaker by a distance D1, a sound generator, an echo parameter measurement device and an echo parameter monitor, wherein the echo parameter monitor stores two or more sequential echo parameters and generates a motion indicator if the two or more sequential echo parameters indicate a change in an acoustic echo path that exceeds a predetermined threshold.