ANR Headphones Tap Control via Current Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustic noise reduction (ANR) headphones lack efficient control mechanisms, particularly for changing modes or adjusting audio attributes, as they often rely on physical buttons that can be inconvenient and distracting, especially in environments where hands are occupied or buttons are hard to reach.
Innovation Solution
An ANR system that utilizes tap or touch controls on the headphones to change modes or adjust audio attributes by detecting specific current patterns through a current sensor and signal conditioner module, allowing users to perform functions like pausing playback, changing volume, or switching between modes without physical buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical buttons are used for control, then control functions are available, but ease of operation deteriorates in environments where hands are occupied or buttons are hard to reach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button pressing with acoustic wave detection. The acoustic sensor detects sound waves generated by the user speaking or making sounds, and the processor interprets these acoustic signals to execute control functions. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with buttons, greatly improving ease of operation when hands are occupied or buttons are hard to reach.
2Ease of operation
If acoustic sensors are added for voice control, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing acoustic sensor, originally designed for noise reduction functionality, serve dual purposes by also using it for voice-based control detection. The processor analyzes the acoustic signal to distinguish between noise cancellation scenarios and voice command scenarios. This multi-functionality approach improves ease of operation without adding dedicated voice control hardware, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If tap control is implemented, then ease of operation improves for specific functions, but measurement precision requirements increase to distinguish tap patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously monitors current patterns from the acoustic sensor and adjusts its interpretation based on detected patterns. When a tap pattern is detected (identified by specific current characteristics), the system provides feedback by executing the corresponding control function. The system can also provide auditory or visual feedback to confirm recognition, allowing users to refine their input. This feedback loop improves measurement precision over time and makes the control more reliable.
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 and convenient control of ANR headphones by interpreting tap sequences to change modes or adjust audio attributes, improving usability and reducing distractions in environments where button access is difficult.
Implementation Method 1
by detecting specific current patterns through a current sensor
Implementation Method 2
signal conditioner module, allowing users to perform functions like pausing playback, changing volume, or switching between modes
Data Source
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AI summary
Acoustic noise reduction (ANR) headphones (10) described herein have current detection circuitry (14) that is used to detect current consumed by ANR circuitry (12) as a result of pressure changes due to a tapping of a headphone (10). Tapping may be performed to change an audio feature or operating mode. The current detection circuitry (14) senses a characteristic of the current 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 (10) avoid the need for control buttons to initiate the desired changes to the audio feature or operating mode. Error detection circuitry (16) included in the ANR headphones can distinguish between a valid tap events and an occurrence of a different type of event that may otherwise be improperly be interpreted as a tap event.