Portable Computer Audio Output Surface Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer speakers lack adaptability to varying surfaces, leading to suboptimal sound quality due to inefficient air vibration generation, especially when the device is not level or on soft, less dense surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A portable computer system that includes a detector to assess the surface characteristics and a controller to select between traditional speakers and transducers for optimal audible output, utilizing sensors like accelerometers and pressure sensors to determine the surface's ability to generate air vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional speakers are used, then the device structure remains simple, but sound quality deteriorates when the device is on soft or uneven surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound qualityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between conventional speakers and transducers based on detected surface characteristics. The controller monitors surface hardness and density through sensor feedback, then selectively activates the appropriate audio output method, making the audio system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates both conventional speakers and transducers, allowing it to perform multiple audio output functions. The same device can operate in traditional speaker mode on hard surfaces and switch to transducer-based surface vibration mode on soft surfaces, providing universal audio capability across different environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If transducers are added to utilize surface vibration, then adaptability to different surfaces improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the device's own surface (chassis, housing, or display) as the sound-generating element when transducers are activated. Instead of requiring external speakers or additional components, the device leverages its existing structural surfaces to produce audible sound through vibration transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that monitors surface characteristics through sensors and decides whether to engage transducers or conventional speakers. This intelligent mediation allows the system to add adaptability while keeping the control logic centralized and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the device operates on soft surfaces with conventional speakers, then the speaker structure remains unchanged, but air vibration generation becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair vibration generation efficiencyVSAvoidsurface condition adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on conventional speakers to generate air vibrations directly, the system uses transducers to mechanically vibrate the device's surface, which then transfers vibrations to the surrounding air. This mechanical vibration approach is more effective on soft surfaces where conventional speakers struggle to move air efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 sound quality by dynamically selecting the appropriate audio output method based on the surface, ensuring efficient air vibration generation and improved audio performance across different contact scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

a transducer configured to utilize a surface in contact with the portable computer to generate an audible sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

utilizing sensors like accelerometers and pressure sensors to determine the surface's ability to generate air vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

conventional (or traditional) speakers utilizing a diaphragm to generate air motion resulting in audible sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave generation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS9264802B2Computing device utilizing a resting surface as a speaker

Publication Date: 2016.02.16 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

The computing device includes a speaker, a transducer configured to utilize a surface in contact with the portable computer to generate an audible sound, a detector configured to determine at least one characteristic of the surface based on at least one received sensor signal, and a controller configured to select at least one of the speaker and the transducer for audible output based on the at least one characteristic of the surface.