Audio Accessory Position Detection and Signal Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio accessories, such as two-way radios and cellular devices, fail to accurately adjust speech signal levels and frequency responses due to varying use positions, leading to inconsistent audio quality for the user on the receiving end.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors, such as thermal, optical, or proximity sensors, within the audio accessory to detect positions like the Mouth Reference Point or Shoulder position, and using a digital signal processor to equalize microphone inputs based on detected positions, ensuring consistent audio quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If AGC technology is used to continuously adjust microphone input signal level, then the signal level can be maintained at a target RMS value, but the frequency response cannot be equalized and the technology fails under numerous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio adjustment function into two independent components: AGC for signal level control and equalization for frequency response adjustment. By detecting use position (shoulder vs. mouth) and applying different equalization curves accordingly, the system achieves both level consistency and frequency equalization that AGC alone cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different equalization characteristics based on detected use position. When the microphone is positioned at the shoulder, a first equalization curve is applied; when positioned at the mouth, a second equalization curve is applied. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal frequency response across different usage scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are embedded into clothing to detect user position, then location information can be obtained, but the tactile relationship between user and device is not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the position detection function directly into the audio accessory by incorporating a sensor (such as a proximity sensor, optical sensor, or thermal sensor) within the accessory housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate clothing-based sensor systems and allows direct detection of the user's hand position and tactile interaction with the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio accessory performs self-diagnosis of its own position and usage state through the integrated sensor. The sensor detects whether the accessory is being held at the shoulder or mouth position, and the processor automatically adjusts audio parameters accordingly without requiring external sensing devices or manual configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the microphone is positioned at different use positions, then the audio accessory can be used in various locations, but the speech signal level varies considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the integrated sensor to automatically adjust audio parameters. The sensor continuously monitors the use position and provides feedback to the processor, which then applies appropriate equalization curves to maintain consistent speech signal levels regardless of whether the microphone is positioned at the shoulder or mouth.
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 provides consistent and improved audio quality by automatically adjusting microphone inputs according to the detected position, enhancing intelligibility and reducing signal variance.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can be a thermal sensor
Implementation Method 2
The sensor can be an optical sensor
Implementation Method 3
The sensor can be a proximity sensor
Implementation Method 4
a processor programmed to equalize an audio input from the microphone based on which one among the plurality of positions was detected
Data Source
AI summary
A method (500) and system (100) of sensing the position of an audio accessory (102) having at least a microphone (103) can include a sensor (104 and/or 106) for detecting one among a plurality of positions of the audio accessory and a processor (118) programmed to equalize an audio input from the microphone based on which one among the plurality of positions was detected. The sensor can be a thermal sensor, an optical sensor, or a proximity sensor. The audio accessory can be a remote speaker/microphone accessory. Among the plurality of positions that can be detected can include a Mouth Reference Point (MRP) or a Shoulder position. The processor can be further programmed to automatically equalize (508) a microphone input audio based on one of the plurality of positions detected. The system can also be programmed to automatically equalize (512) when a push-to-talk activation occurs at the audio accessory.