Audio Device Multiple States Acoustic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable audio devices face challenges due to high acoustic coupling between speakers and microphones, leading to distortion and feedback, and are often designed for specific use cases, rendering them ineffective when used inappropriately.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple operational states selected based on its geometric configuration, using swiveling arms and orientation changes to dynamically adjust signal processing, microphone selection, and enabling/disabling of speakers and passive radiators for optimal performance in different scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the device uses a small form factor, then portability is improved, but acoustic coupling between speakers and microphones increases causing distortion and feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful acoustic coupling by introducing acoustic shielding structures and spatial separation between speakers and microphones. The device divides the internal space into distinct zones with acoustic barriers to isolate the microphone array from the speaker drivers, thereby reducing unwanted acoustic interaction while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary acoustic shielding elements and air gaps between the speakers and microphones. These intermediary structures act as acoustic barriers that block direct sound paths, reducing acoustic coupling and feedback while allowing the device to maintain a small overall size.
2Reliability
If the device is designed for a single use case with specific microphones, then performance for that use case is optimized, but adaptability to different situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by equipping the device with multiple microphone arrays (omnidirectional and directional types) and multiple speaker configurations. The device can switch between different microphone arrays and speaker modes depending on the detected use case, enabling it to function effectively as a personal speakerphone, conference speakerphone, or portable speaker.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capabilities that allow the device to change its configuration based on real-time detection of the use case. The system can dynamically select which microphone arrays to activate, adjust speaker output, and modify acoustic shielding configurations to match the current operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device switches between different microphone arrays and speaker configurations, then adaptability to different use cases is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional modules with separate microphone arrays and speaker configurations. Each microphone array and speaker group is independently controlled and can be selectively activated based on the use case. This modular segmentation allows for manageable complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automatic use case detection that triggers appropriate configuration changes without user intervention. The system autonomously identifies the current use case and switches between microphone arrays and speaker configurations automatically, reducing the operational complexity for the user while maintaining high adaptability.
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
Improves performance by tailoring acoustic echo cancellation, microphone and speaker settings, and other signal processing characteristics to suit specific use cases, enhancing functionality and reducing unwanted noise and distortion.
Implementation Method 1
such small audio devices that include both speakers and microphones can also experience high acoustic coupling between the speakers and the microphones
Data Source
AI summary
An audio device may be configured to have multiple modes of operation. The mode of the device may be associated with a particular geometric configuration of the device, such as by swiveling an arm of the device and/or changing the orientation of the device with respect to gravity and/or a surface (e.g., table) on which the device rests. The device may determine the appropriate state based on the current geometry, and based on the state may tune the device for a particular operation suited for that geometry. For example, different signal processing parameters may be applied, different microphones may be enabled and disabled, and/or different acoustic conditions may be provided (for example, different modes of a passive radiator) based on the mode.