Acoustic Port Obstruction Detection and Audio Signal Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable audio devices face performance degradation and power wastage due to obstructed acoustic ports, which occur when the device is held, placed in a holster, or positioned in a way that blocks the sound radiation, leading to muffled sound and inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a pressure sensing transducer, such as a barometer, to detect acoustic pressure changes within the device and adjust the audio signal generation accordingly, reducing energy usage and enhancing sound quality by altering the acoustic characteristics, such as amplitude and frequency, when an obstruction is detected, and restoring normal operation when the obstruction is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the speaker continues to generate acoustic pressure through the obstructed port, then power consumption increases, but audio performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing transducer provides feedback about the acoustic pressure buildup in the sealed enclosure caused by port obstruction. The controller monitors this feedback signal and uses it to detect the obstructed state, then adjusts the audio signal generation accordingly to reduce power consumption while maintaining acceptable audio performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the audio signal generation based on the detected obstruction state. When obstruction is detected, the system alters the acoustic characteristics (amplitude, frequency) of the audio signal in real-time, transitioning from a static audio output to a dynamic adaptive output that responds to environmental conditions
2Reliability
If the audio signal is altered to compensate for obstruction, then sound quality improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller alters the acoustic parameters (amplitude, frequency) of the audio signal to compensate for the obstructed port conditions. By changing these parameters, the system maintains sound quality and fidelity even when the acoustic port is blocked, transforming the audio output to match the altered acoustic environment
3Productivity
If the speaker generates high acoustic pressure, then audio output volume increases, but energy efficiency decreases when port is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing transducer provides real-time feedback on the acoustic pressure generated by the speaker. When the port is obstructed, this feedback shows abnormal pressure buildup, allowing the controller to detect the condition and adjust the audio signal to reduce energy consumption while maintaining acceptable output volume through parameter alterations
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 solution effectively reduces power consumption and improves sound quality by dynamically adjusting audio output based on obstruction detection, ensuring better fidelity and extending battery life by optimizing energy use during obstructed conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A method comprises determining a presence of an obstruction at an acoustic port... detecting an increase in acoustic pressure within the housing with a pressure sensing transducer
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable electronic device has an acoustic port having an aperture in a housing having a speaker and pressure sensing transducer incorporated therein. During normal use of the portable electronic device, the aperture of the acoustic port may become obstructed during handling, holstering or surface placement, resulting in reduced sound quality and a waste of energy from a battery powering the device. The pressure sensing transducer detects an obstruction of the acoustic port by detecting an increase in acoustic pressure within the housing or within an acoustic chamber coupling the aperture of the acoustic port to the speaker. In response, acoustic characteristics of the obstructed port speaker's audio are altered to conserve power or enhance audio. Furthermore, acoustic characteristics of speakers of unobstructed acoustic port apertures of the device may also be altered in response to detection of the obstruction.