Acoustic Reflection Surface for Electronic Device Sound Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Built-in loudspeakers in portable electronic devices, such as cell phones and cordless home phones, suffer from poor sound reproduction when placed on surfaces, as the sound signal is primarily broadcast towards the rear, reducing the perceived sound level and making it difficult to predict and correct due to varying positions and environments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electronic device and a support with a reflection surface that partially reflects acoustic waves when the device is in a docking position, combined with processing means that equalize the sound signal using predefined parameters to enhance sound level and quality, correcting acoustic defects and preserving sound reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic device is placed on furniture with back face contact, then the device can be stably positioned, but the sound reproduction quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a spatial dimension to the support structure by incorporating a reflective surface positioned behind the device. This creates a three-dimensional acoustic environment where sound waves are reflected back toward the user, transforming the problematic back-face contact into a beneficial acoustic reflection surface that improves sound reproduction while maintaining positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective surface acts as an intermediary element between the speaker and the user. It mediates the sound transmission by reflecting acoustic waves that would otherwise be directed away from the user, thereby improving sound reproduction quality without requiring changes to the device itself or its positioning.
2Device complexity
If the speaker emits sound through the rear panel, then the device structure is simplified, but the perceived sound level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of rear-panel sound emission (which directs sound away from the user) into a beneficial effect by providing a reflective surface behind the device. The sound waves that would otherwise be wasted are now reflected toward the user, turning the simplified but problematic rear emission arrangement into an effective sound delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective surface is pre-positioned behind the device to anticipate and correct the sound direction issue before the sound reaches the user. This preliminary acoustic intervention ensures that sound waves are redirected toward the user's position, increasing the perceived sound level without requiring complex speaker arrangements.
3Ease of operation
If the hands-free function is used with vertical phone positioning, then the user can speak freely, but the sound reproduction quality becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the acoustic parameters of the environment by introducing a reflective surface with specific geometric characteristics. This creates a predictable acoustic path and reflection pattern, transforming the unpredictable sound reproduction into a controllable and consistent acoustic environment that maintains hands-free convenience while improving sound quality predictability.
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 system significantly improves sound level and reproduction by reflecting acoustic waves and applying equalization parameters, resulting in a higher perceived sound level and maintaining good sound quality across frequencies, while also addressing acoustic echoes.
Implementation Method 1
the initial acoustic waves corresponding to the first sound signal are at least partially reflected by the reflecting surface, thereby increasing the sound level of the first sound signal perceived by a user
Data Source
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AI summary
System comprising an electronic apparatus (1) and a support (2) intended to accommodate the electronic apparatus (1) in an accommodation position, the electronic apparatus (1) comprising processing means (13) linked to a broadcasting unit (3) for emitting a first sound signal (S1) and detection means (14) able to detect whether the electronic apparatus (1) is or is not in the accommodation position, the support (2) comprising a surface (20) for reflecting acoustic waves emitted by the electronic apparatus (1), the reflection surface (20) being arranged in such a way as to reflect at least partially first acoustic waves corresponding to the first sound signal when the electronic apparatus is in the accommodation position. According to the invention, the processing means (13) are adapted for equalizing the first sound signal (S1) according to first equalization parameters when the detection means (14) detect that the electronic apparatus (1) is in the accommodation position.