Adaptive Vibration Noise Reduction in Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices often produce excessive and intrusive vibration noise when alerting users, particularly when placed on hard surfaces, due to the limitations of existing vibrator mechanisms such as eccentric rotating mass (ERM) and linear resonant actuator (LRA) systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a z-axis LRA with adaptive control mechanisms that adjust vibration noise based on device status and ambient noise levels, using a processor to manage the drive voltage and frequency of the vibrator, thereby reducing noise when it would otherwise be objectionable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional vibrator mechanisms (ERM or LRA) are used to provide tactile alerts, then the alert function is achieved, but excessive vibration noise is generated when the device is placed on hard surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the vibrator's operational parameters adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes vibration frequency and magnitude based on detected surface conditions, transitioning between different vibration modes to minimize noise while maintaining alert effectiveness. The processor continuously monitors ambient noise and device orientation to adapt vibration characteristics in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying vibration frequency and magnitude based on environmental conditions. When the device detects it is placed on a hard surface, it adjusts the vibration parameters to reduce noise generation. The system varies frequency within a range (e.g., 50-200 Hz) and adjusts magnitude levels to optimize the balance between alert effectiveness and noise reduction.
2Ease of operation
If vibration magnitude is increased to improve alert effectiveness, then the alert becomes more noticeable, but vibration noise becomes more intrusive and disturbing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vibration magnitude based on ambient noise levels and surface conditions. When ambient noise is high or the surface is soft, the system increases vibration magnitude to ensure alert effectiveness. When ambient noise is low and the surface is hard, it reduces magnitude to minimize intrusive noise, creating a dynamic balance between effectiveness and intrusiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the processor monitors ambient noise levels, device orientation, and vibration characteristics in real-time. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts vibration magnitude and frequency to optimize alert effectiveness while minimizing noise intrusiveness. The feedback loop continues during the vibration alert to maintain optimal performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device is placed on a hard surface for stability, then device stability is improved, but vibration noise is amplified and becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects device orientation and surface conditions using sensors, then dynamically adjusts vibration characteristics based on the detected state. When placed on a hard surface, the system modifies vibration frequency and magnitude to reduce noise amplification while maintaining alert effectiveness, allowing stable placement without excessive noise.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If ambient noise level is low, then the environment is quieter and more pleasant, but vibration noise becomes relatively more prominent and disturbing
Solution Approach 1:
The processor continuously monitors ambient noise levels and uses this feedback to adjust vibration magnitude. When ambient noise is low, the system reduces vibration magnitude to prevent the vibration noise from becoming prominently disturbing. When ambient noise is high, it increases magnitude to ensure the alert remains effective, maintaining a balanced approach based on real-time environmental conditions.
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 solution effectively reduces unwanted vibration noise in portable devices without compromising cost or functionality, ensuring alerts are effective without being intrusive, by dynamically adjusting the vibration parameters based on device position and ambient noise.
Implementation Method 1
Implementing a z-axis LRA with adaptive control mechanisms that adjust vibration noise based on device status and ambient noise levels
Implementation Method 2
a noise sensor of the device detects a current ambient noise level
Implementation Method 3
using a processor to manage the drive voltage and frequency of the vibrator, thereby reducing noise when it would otherwise be objectionable
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device provides adaptive vibration noise reduction by generating a user alert vibration that is one of a first magnitude and a second magnitude, with the first magnitude being greater than the second magnitude. The portable device is configured to alert the user by providing a first magnitude alert vibration except when the device is lying flat and ambient noise at the device is low, and to provide a second magnitude alert vibration when the device is lying flat and ambient noise at the device is low.