Audio Device Positioning via Speaker Time-Difference Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack an efficient method to accurately determine the position of peripheral devices using audio signals, which hinders user convenience and proper setup of audio systems like home theaters.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with two speakers and a processor that outputs distinct audio signals and calculates the distance and direction of peripheral devices based on the time information received from these signals, allowing for precise positioning and arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If audio signals are used to detect peripheral device position, then positioning capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to erroneous detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing mechanism between audio signal reception and position determination. The processor analyzes multiple audio signals from different speakers and uses time difference calculations as an intermediary step to derive position information, thereby filtering out erroneous detections and improving measurement precision while maintaining positioning capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring audio signal reception times and comparing calculated positions with expected positions. When discrepancies are detected, the system adjusts its detection parameters or requests re-detection, thereby eliminating erroneous detections and improving measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If multiple speakers output distinct audio signals for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the audio output function into multiple independent speakers that emit distinct audio signals. Each speaker acts as an independent element in the positioning system, allowing the processor to calculate position based on time differences from multiple sources. This segmentation improves positioning accuracy while keeping each speaker relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The processor performs multiple functions: it manages audio signal output coordination, calculates time differences, determines peripheral device position, and provides positioning information to the user. By making the processor multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for each function, thereby improving positioning accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances user convenience by enabling accurate positioning of peripheral devices, simplifying the setup of audio systems and improving the overall audio experience.

Implementation Method 1

a first speaker (111) configured to output a first audio signal, a second speaker (112) configured to output a second audio signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

determine the distance to and the direction of the peripheral device with reference to the electronic device based on the received information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3258709B1Electronic device, peripheral devices and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3258709B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3258709B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3258709B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a first speaker configured to output a first audio signal, a second speaker configured to output a second audio signal, a communicator configured to communicate with a peripheral device, and a processor configured to receive information related to a time at which the first audio signal is received and a time at which the second audio signal is received from the peripheral device which receives the first audio signal and the second audio signal and to determine a distance to and a direction of the peripheral device with reference to the electronic device based on the received information.