Acoustic Output Device with Bone Conduction for Realistic Sound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headphone systems struggle to sufficiently localize audio images outside the user's head due to individual differences in ear shapes and imperfections in recording and reproducing systems, resulting in a lack of realistic sound localization.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic output device that combines air conduction and bone conduction sounds, with the bone conduction sound providing unit positioned away from the ear, using a signal generating unit to control amplitude, phase, and frequency characteristics to create a realistic stereophonic sound experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional headphone systems use air conduction only, then the structure is simple, but the audio image cannot be sufficiently localized outside the head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air conduction sound providing unit and bone conduction sound providing unit into a single headphone system. The air conduction unit delivers sound through the ear canal while the bone conduction unit transmits vibrations through the skull, merging two different sound transmission paths to achieve superior audio image localization outside the head that neither method could achieve alone.
2Measurement precision
If bone conduction sound providing unit is positioned near the ear, then the structure is compact, but the audio image localization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the bone conduction sound providing unit away from the ear (at the temple or cheekbone area) rather than near the ear canal, utilizing a different spatial dimension on the head. This positioning allows the vibrations to travel through the skull to the inner ear while maintaining device compactness, achieving effective audio image localization without increasing overall device volume.
3Measurement precision
If individual differences in ear shapes are considered, then the sound localization can be personalized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal headphone system that can accommodate individual differences in ear shapes without requiring complex customization. The bone conduction unit can be positioned at various locations (temple, cheekbone, behind the ear) to adapt to different user anatomies, while the air conduction unit handles the ear canal delivery. This multi-functional design allows the same device structure to effectively serve users with varying ear shapes and sizes.
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 effectively localizes audio images outside the head, providing a more natural and realistic stereophonic sound experience regardless of individual differences in ear shapes or system imperfections, by using a combination of air and bone conduction sounds with controlled timing and channel allocation.
Implementation Method 1
a bone conduction sound providing unit configured to provide a bone conduction sound
Implementation Method 2
an air conduction sound providing unit configured to provide an air conduction sound
Data Source
AI summary
[Object] To provide an acoustic output device capable of reproducing a more natural stereophonic sound giving a realistic sensation regardless of the influence of individual differences in the shapes of ears or an imperfection of the recording system or the reproducing system, through a combination of an air conduction sound and a bone conduction sound produced through bone conduction. [Solution] Provided is an acoustic output device including: an air conduction sound providing unit configured to provide an air conduction sound; and a bone conduction sound providing unit configured to provide a bone conduction sound. The bone conduction sound providing unit is positioned on a portion other than near an ear of a user when worn by the user. According to the an acoustic output device, it is possible to reproduce a stereophonic sound regardless of the influence of individual differences in the shapes of ears or an imperfection of the recording system or the reproducing system.