Compact Audio Module for Head-Mounted Wearable Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional head-mounted wearable devices face challenges in providing high-quality audible output due to physical size constraints, resulting in poor frequency response and inability to effectively direct sound for different operational modes, such as isolating sound for the wearer while minimizing sound presentation to bystanders.
Innovation Solution
A compact audio module utilizing a pair of transducers that operate as acoustic dipoles or quadrupoles, with ducts directing sound of specific phases to output ports, creating an acoustically null region for bystanders and improved sound delivery to the user, allowing for adjustable acoustic patterns based on operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional audio modules are used in head-mounted wearable devices, then the device can provide audible output, but the physical size constraints result in poor frequency response and limited sound quality
Solution Approach 1:
The audio module is segmented into multiple functional components: transducers, acoustic ducts, and output ports arranged in a distributed configuration. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining compact overall dimensions, resolving the contradiction between small size and high sound quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar speaker arrangements to a three-dimensional acoustic field configuration using ducts that route sound in multiple spatial dimensions. This dimensional change enables sophisticated sound routing and beamforming capabilities within a compact footprint, improving frequency response without increasing overall module volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional audio modules are used, then sound can be output, but the device cannot effectively direct sound for different operational modes such as isolating sound for the wearer while minimizing sound to bystanders
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic duct system incorporates adjustable elements that can dynamically reconfigure sound pathways based on operational mode requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical hardware to switch between different acoustic patterns (e.g., directional vs. omnidirectional sound distribution) without requiring multiple separate systems, thus improving versatility while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal acoustic architecture where the same transducers and ducts can serve multiple functional modes. By configuring the duct system to support different sound routing patterns, a single audio module can provide both wearer-isolated audio and bystander-audible audio, eliminating the need for separate systems for each mode and reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If sound is directed to output ports for bystanders, then bystanders can hear the audio, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic duct system creates localized sound zones by directing audio energy through specific pathways to different output ports. By controlling the spatial distribution of sound energy, the system can deliver audio to bystanders in certain directions while maintaining acoustic privacy in other directions, thus preserving user information while enabling public sound delivery where needed.
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 improved privacy for the user by reducing sound intelligibility for bystanders, enhances sound quality with increased frequency response and power dissipation, and allows for versatile usage of head-mounted wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
A compact audio module is provided that may include a pair of transducers that may operate as acoustic dipoles or acoustic quadruples
Implementation Method 2
with ducts directing sound of specific phases to output ports, creating an acoustically null region for bystanders
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted wearable device (HMWD) with a form factor of eyeglasses incorporates a compact audio module with transducers that may be operated as an acoustic dipole or acoustic quadrupole. The audio module provides ducts that convey sound with a particular phase from a transducer to particular output ports. The phase of sound emitted from a first output port is opposite to the phase of sound emitted from a second output port. The audio module may include a pair of transducers, enabling operation as an acoustic dipole or quadrupole. The ducts are integrated into elements of the structure of the audio module, minimizing the overall size of the audio module.