Acoustic Tap Detection via Inter-Channel Level Differences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in detecting tap events on surfaces without physical sensors, requiring complex processing and potential delays in audio data processing for voice commands and alarm management.
Innovation Solution
The system uses inter-channel level differences between multiple microphones to detect tap events based on power level ratios, allowing for action execution and distinguishing between tap locations to perform separate actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical sensors are used to detect tap events, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical sensors with an acoustic detection system using existing microphones. The system detects tap events by analyzing acoustic signals captured by microphones, converting a mechanical sensing problem into an acoustic signal processing problem. This substitution eliminates the need for additional physical sensors while maintaining detection capability through signal analysis of tap-induced acoustic waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses existing microphones, which are already present in the device for other audio functions, to detect tap events. Instead of adding new physical sensors, the system copies the functionality of existing audio capture components to serve dual purposes: voice command input and tap event detection. This approach leverages existing hardware resources to avoid increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If complex processing is used to detect tap events, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors acoustic signals from microphones even when no voice command is being processed. By maintaining ongoing audio signal analysis, the system is already in a state of readiness to detect tap events, eliminating the need for time-consuming initialization or setup when a tap occurs. This preliminary monitoring ensures immediate detection capability without sacrificing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent analyzes specific local characteristics of acoustic signals, such as sudden changes in sound pressure level or frequency patterns characteristic of tap events. Instead of processing the entire audio signal comprehensively, the system focuses on localized temporal and spectral features that are indicative of taps, reducing overall processing requirements while maintaining high detection accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microphones are used to distinguish tap locations, then spatial detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple microphones that are already present in the device for stereo audio capture and noise suppression functions. These existing microphones are made multi-functional by also using them for tap location detection. The system leverages the spatial arrangement of microphones intended for audio processing to additionally provide directional tap detection, eliminating the need for dedicated sensors while enhancing spatial awareness capability.
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 efficient tap event detection and action execution without physical sensors, improving user interface responsiveness and reducing processing delays in voice command and alarm management.
Implementation Method 1
detect a tap event based on a power level difference between the first audio data and the second audio data
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to detect a tap event on a surface of a device only using microphone audio data. For example, instead of using a physical sensor to detect the tap event, the device may detect a tap event in proximity to a microphone based on a power level difference between two or more microphones. When a power ratio exceeds a threshold, the device may detect a tap event and perform an action. For example, the device may output an alarm and use a detected tap event as an input to delay or end the alarm. In some examples, the device may detect a tap event using a plurality of microphones. Additionally or alternatively, the device may distinguish between multiple tap events based on a location of the tap event, enabling the device to perform two separate actions depending on the location.