Imaging Device Acoustic Signals Using Monotonic Frequency Sweeps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices face challenges in achieving consistent sound pressure levels (SPL) across different units due to variations in acoustic design and mechanical components, exacerbated by late-stage design changes, making it difficult to maintain desired SPL levels without resource-intensive software adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing sweeping acoustic signals (chirps) that adapt to individual device frequency response curves, ensuring optimal SPL by sweeping through a range of frequencies, including monotonic and reverse monotonic sweeps, and storing these signals in non-overwritable memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed tones are selected to meet SPL specifications, then SPL levels can be maintained for specific device configurations, but the solution becomes invalid when mechanical design changes occur late in development or after release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency selection where the audio output device can adjust the frequency of the beep signal based on real-time acoustic properties of the imaging device. This allows the system to adapt to mechanical design changes without requiring complete redesign, resolving the contradiction between maintaining SPL consistency and adapting to design variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of the acoustic signal dynamically. By measuring the actual frequency response of the imaging device and adjusting the beep frequency accordingly, the system maintains acceptable SPL levels even when mechanical design changes occur, eliminating the need for resource-intensive software adjustments.
2Reliability
If resource-intensive software adjustments are made to maintain SPL levels after mechanical design changes, then SPL consistency can be preserved, but development time and resources are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates frequency response measurement and calibration procedures during the manufacturing process. By pre-determining the optimal frequency for each device based on its specific acoustic properties before deployment, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming software adjustments after mechanical design changes, significantly reducing development time while maintaining SPL consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device performs self-calibration by measuring its own frequency response and automatically selecting the appropriate beep frequency. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external software adjustments and manual calibration processes, reducing both development time and resource requirements while ensuring SPL consistency.
3Volume of moving object
If narrow acoustic resonance width is present in the imaging device, then device size can be reduced, but it becomes difficult to ensure acceptable SPL levels across all tones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the acoustic energy at the specific frequency where the imaging device has its peak resonance. Instead of attempting to maintain acceptable SPL levels across all frequencies, the system identifies the narrow resonance peak and tailors the beep signal to match this specific frequency, ensuring optimal SPL output within the constrained acoustic bandwidth of compact devices.
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
Ensures consistent and perceivable acoustic feedback across imaging devices, eliminating the need for unit-specific calibration and enhancing device production efficiency by adapting to manufacturing variations.
Implementation Method 1
the imaging device's acoustic resonance width is narrow
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for providing acoustic signals are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving an indication of an acoustic signal initiation action for an imaging device, and retrieving, based on the indication, an acoustic signal file from a memory of the imaging device. The example method further includes causing the imaging device to emit an acoustic signal indicated by the acoustic signal file. The acoustic signal includes a monotonic sweep across a plurality of frequencies that begins at a first frequency and ends at a second frequency that is different from the first frequency.