Audio Device Privacy Mode Using Dual Speaker Destructive Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices often emit sounds that can be disruptive in public places, and users may want to keep these sounds private, but headphones can be uncomfortable, impractical, or ineffective in fully limiting sound transmission.
Innovation Solution
An audio device with an audio processor and two speakers, where one speaker produces a sound wave and the second speaker produces a canceling wave, either partially or completely, to reduce sound emission in unwanted directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If headphones are used to limit sound transmission, then sound privacy is improved, but user comfort and social interaction are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by generating anti-phase sound waves that cancel out the original sound waves before they can propagate to surrounding areas. The audio processor analyzes the original audio signal and generates inverted waveforms that, when combined with the original sound, create destructive interference and reduce sound transmission to others while allowing the user to remain aware of their environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful sound waves that would normally propagate outward into a beneficial effect by using active noise cancellation technology. The same sound waves that cause disruption are processed and inverted to create canceling waves, transforming the harmful acoustic energy into a solution that protects both privacy and environmental awareness.
2Power
If traditional speakers are used to emit sound, then sound output is improved, but sound privacy and disruption to others are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sound emission function into two separate speakers with distinct roles: one speaker emits the original audio signal for full sound output, while the other speaker emits the processed anti-phase signal for noise cancellation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high power output while simultaneously reducing disruptive sound emission to surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio processor acts as an intermediary between the original audio signal and the second speaker. It analyzes the original sound wave and generates an inverted waveform that serves as a mediator to cancel out the harmful sound emissions while preserving the beneficial sound output for the user.
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 device effectively minimizes sound emission in unintended directions, allowing users to enjoy private audio without the discomfort or impracticality of headphones, while still allowing interaction and awareness of surrounding sounds.
Implementation Method 1
The second speaker is configured to produce a second sound wave that at least partially cancels the first sound wave
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an audio processor, a first speaker, and a second speaker. The audio processor is configured to receive an audio signal. The first speaker is operatively coupled to the audio processor and is configured to produce a first sound wave. The first sound wave is associated with the audio signal. The second speaker is operatively coupled to the audio processor and is configured to produce a second sound wave. The second sound wave is configured to at least partially cancel the first sound wave.