ANR Headphone Tap Control via Amplifier Current Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ANR headphones do not distinguish between acoustic noise and user-induced pressure changes, leading to potential misinterpretation of control signals and difficulty in using existing functionality without physical buttons.
Innovation Solution
An ANR audio system with tap control that utilizes a current sensor to detect user taps by distinguishing the electrical current consumption patterns, allowing mode changes and audio signal attribute adjustments through a signal conditioner and audio and mode control module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ANR headphones use acoustic sensors to detect pressure changes, then acoustic noise can be reduced, but user-induced pressure changes (taps) cannot be distinguished from acoustic noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two separate sensing paths: one for acoustic noise detection and one for tap event detection. The acoustic sensor detects pressure changes for noise cancellation, while the current sensor detects electrical current changes for tap identification. This segmentation allows the system to reliably distinguish between acoustic noise and user taps without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical current as an intermediary parameter to detect tap events. Instead of relying solely on acoustic pressure changes, the system uses the current drawn by the acoustic driver during a tap as a mediating signal. This intermediary current signal allows the system to identify tap events separately from acoustic noise, enabling reliable control without physical buttons.
2Ease of operation
If physical buttons are added to ANR headphones for control, then user control functionality is improved, but device complexity and user comfort are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button system with an electrical sensing system. Instead of requiring physical buttons that add structural complexity, the system uses electrical current sensing to detect tap events. This substitution maintains full control functionality while eliminating the need for additional mechanical components, thereby reducing device complexity and improving user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic driver serves a dual function: it not only produces sound for audio output but also acts as a tap sensor by detecting changes in its own current consumption. This self-service approach allows the system to gain tap detection capability without adding separate sensing hardware, thereby avoiding increased device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Power
If the acoustic driver is used solely for audio output, then audio performance is optimized, but tap detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the acoustic driver universal by enabling it to perform two functions: audio output and tap detection. By monitoring the electrical current drawn by the acoustic driver, the system can identify tap events through characteristic current patterns. This multi-functionality allows the acoustic driver to serve both its primary audio purpose and an additional control sensing purpose, thereby increasing system adaptability without compromising audio performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the audio output function and the tap detection function into a single component - the acoustic driver. By combining these functions, the system eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both audio performance and tap detection capability. The electrical current serves as the linking parameter that enables both functions through the same hardware.
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 and execution of user-defined functions without physical buttons, enhancing user convenience and reducing distractions by accurately interpreting tap events.
Implementation Method 1
The current sensor is disposed in the second electrical path and has a sensor output to provide a signal responsive to a characteristic of the second supply current
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic noise reduction (ANR) headphone described herein has current detection circuitry that detects current consumed by an acoustic driver amplifier as a result of pressure changes due to a tapping of the headphone. Tapping may be performed to change an audio feature or operating mode of the audio system for the headphone. The current detection circuitry senses a characteristic of the current consumed by the acoustic driver amplifier that can be used to determine an occurrence of a tap event. Examples of a characteristic include an amplitude, waveform or duration of the sensed current. Advantageously, the ANR headphones avoid the need for control buttons to initiate the desired changes to the audio feature or operating mode.