Mobile Terminal Booth Sound Masking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In public areas, conversations on mobile terminals are often difficult to conduct due to high noise levels and the risk of private content being overheard, and existing masking systems can be uncomfortable and interfere with surrounding sound environments when multiple mobile terminal booths are installed.
Innovation Solution
A masking system for mobile terminal booths that includes a speaker with a masking sound generation unit, which attenuates high-frequency components of natural sounds like murmurs, and synchronizes masking sounds between booths to minimize discomfort and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If masking sound volume is increased to improve conversation privacy, then privacy protection is improved, but listener discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter distribution of masking sound by attenuating high-frequency components (above 2kHz) while maintaining or emphasizing low-frequency components. This parameter transformation allows the masking sound to maintain privacy protection effectiveness while reducing the harshness and discomfort associated with high-frequency noise, thereby resolving the contradiction between privacy protection and listener comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different frequency bands of the masking sound. Low-frequency components are maintained or enhanced to provide masking effect without discomfort, while high-frequency components are attenuated to reduce harshness. This local differentiation of sound quality allows the system to achieve privacy protection while minimizing listener discomfort
2Productivity
If multiple mobile terminal booths are installed adjacent to each other, then service coverage is improved, but sound environment deterioration increases due to multiple masking sounds
Solution Approach 1:
By transforming the frequency parameter distribution of masking sounds across multiple booths to emphasize low frequencies and attenuate high frequencies, the patent enables multiple booths to operate simultaneously without their masking sounds creating harsh overlapping noise. The low-frequency dominant characteristic allows for better spatial blending and reduced cumulative discomfort, thus supporting expanded service coverage while maintaining sound environment quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively merges the masking sounds from multiple adjacent booths by using a common low-frequency dominant sound profile. This unified approach allows the masking sounds to combine in a harmonious manner rather than creating dissonant interference, enabling multiple booths to operate together without deteriorating the overall sound environment
3Reliability
If high frequency components of masking sound are maintained, then masking effectiveness is improved, but sound harshness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the frequency parameter distribution by setting different attenuation levels for different frequency bands. High-frequency components (above 2kHz) are attenuated by 3dB or more to reduce harshness, while low-frequency components are maintained or boosted to preserve masking effectiveness. This selective parameter modification resolves the contradiction between masking effectiveness and sound harshness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different frequency bands: low-frequency components are maintained with higher energy to provide effective masking, while high-frequency components are attenuated to reduce harshness. This local differentiation allows the masking sound to be both effective and comfortable
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 system effectively reduces the harshness of masking sounds, maintains conversation privacy, and prevents interference between adjacent booths by using attenuated high-frequency sounds and synchronized masking noises, enhancing both auditory and psychological masking effects.
Implementation Method 1
a high frequency component of the masking sound is attenuated
Implementation Method 2
a speaker installed in the vicinity of a place where a user makes conversation; and a masking sound generation unit configured to generate a masking sound from the speaker
Implementation Method 3
masking systems are known (for example, Patent Document 2) with which it becomes hard to hear sound information by outputting wideband noise (masking sound) on the basis of an auditory masking phenomenon
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile terminal booth with a sound masking function includes a sound absorbing panel which partitions a space as viewed from the above to provide a place where a user of a mobile terminal can have a telephone conversation; a speaker provided to emit sounds to an outside of the mobile terminal booth; and a masking sound generation unit provided to emit a masking sound through the speaker. The harsh-sounding high frequency components of the masking sound are attenuated so that the masking sound gives less uncomfortable feeling to persons surrounding the mobile terminal booth. This masking sound is generated by attenuating a high frequency component of a raw sound material including a natural sound.