ANR Headphone Tap Detection via Current Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustic noise reduction (ANR) headphones lack the ability to distinguish between acoustic noise and user-initiated pressure changes, such as taps, which can lead to incorrect interpretations of user inputs and inefficient control of audio system functions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that senses current changes in the ANR module responsive to pressure changes in the ear canal, using a current sensor and processor to determine peak values and adapt a threshold for detecting taps, allowing for reliable control of audio system modes and attributes without physical buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional ANR headphones use pressure sensing to detect user inputs, then user control capability is improved, but the system cannot distinguish between acoustic noise and intentional taps leading to false detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure detection function into two independent sensing paths: a first pressure sensor dedicated to detecting user taps on the headphone exterior, and a second pressure sensor (microphone) for detecting acoustic noise within the ear canal. This segmentation allows the control system to distinguish between intentional user inputs and environmental acoustic disturbances, resolving the false detection problem while maintaining ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If ANR headphones eliminate physical buttons for control, then device simplicity and aesthetics are improved, but reliable tap detection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical button interface with an electronic tap detection system. A first pressure sensor mounted on the headphone exterior detects mechanical tap forces, converting them into electrical signals for digital processing. This substitution eliminates physical buttons while providing reliable tap detection through electronic sensing and signal processing, including filtering and threshold comparison mechanisms.
3Speed
If the system uses a fixed threshold for tap detection, then detection speed is improved, but adaptability to different users and environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic threshold adjustment mechanism where the tap detection threshold is not fixed but adapts based on environmental conditions and usage patterns. The system continuously monitors pressure sensor outputs and adjusts the detection threshold accordingly, allowing faster response to genuine taps while filtering out ambient noise. This dynamic adaptation maintains high detection speed while improving versatility across different users and environments.
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 reliable detection of user taps to change audio system modes and attributes, improving user interaction by avoiding misinterpretation of noise as user inputs and eliminating the need for cumbersome control buttons.
Implementation Method 1
tapping at least one of a headphone worn by a user, an ear of the user, and the head of the user to cause an acoustic pressure change in an ear canal of the user
Data Source
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AI summary
Described are a headphone and a method for controlling an audio system. The method includes tapping a headphone or head of a user to cause an acoustic pressure change in an ear canal of the user wherein the ear canal is sealed by an acoustic noise reduction (ANR) headphone having an ANR module. A current provided to the ANR module is sensed and used to determine if a tap or a dual tap occurred. A mode of operation of the audio system or an attribute of an audio input signal may be changed in response to the determination of an occurrence of a tap or a dual tap.