Display Speaker Feedback Control Using Vibration Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio systems face challenges in maintaining audio quality when using displays as sound emitters, as they often lack accurate feedback mechanisms to account for the unique physical characteristics and external forces affecting the display's vibration, leading to distorted sound output.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a vibration sensor to provide an accurate representation of the display's vibration, which is used in a feedback loop to adjust the audio signal and improve sound quality by compensating for external forces and physical characteristics, thereby enhancing the display's ability to produce clear and consistent sound.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a display is used as a sound emitter to maximize display area, then the display area is increased, but the audio quality deteriorates due to lack of accurate feedback mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidaudio quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a vibration sensor detects the actual vibration of the display and feeds this information back to a processor. The processor adjusts the audio signal based on the detected vibration characteristics, compensating for distortions and maintaining audio quality while using the display as the sound emitter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If feedback control is implemented to improve audio quality, then the audio quality is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration sensor serves multiple functions: it detects display vibration for audio feedback, monitors device motion, and can detect external forces applied to the display. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity while maintaining improved audio quality.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the display's own vibration characteristics as the feedback source, eliminating the need for separate reference signals or additional acoustic sensors. The display essentially monitors itself, reducing the need for external monitoring components and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Area of stationary object

If the display vibrates to produce sound, then the display area utilization is maximized, but distortion increases due to external forces affecting the display

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay area utilizationVSAvoidsound distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system proactively compensates for expected distortions by applying correction factors to the audio signal before the display vibrates. The processor anticipates the impact of external forces based on vibration sensor feedback and pre-adjusts the audio signal to counteract expected distortion, rather than merely reacting after distortion occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 vibration sensor effectively improves audio quality by providing a precise reference signal that adjusts the audio output, reducing distortion and ensuring consistent sound production across various external conditions.

Implementation Method 1

vibrating the display based on an audio signal provided as an input to the actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a vibration sensor, physically coupled to the display, and configured to output a vibration sensor signal representing vibration of the display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3932088B1Feedback control for display as sound emitter
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3932088B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3932088B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3932088B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to using a display as a sound emitter and may relate to an electronic device including a display. In particular a vibration sensor such as an accelerometer is physically coupled to the display and senses display vibration to provide a high accuracy feedback loop with respect to representing actual audio output from the display. The electronic device includes an actuator physically coupled to the display and configured to cause vibration of the display in response to an audio signal. The electronic device further includes a vibration sensor physically coupled to the display and configured to output a vibration sensor signal proportional to the vibration of the display due to the actuator.