Ear Canal Microphone for Accurate Sound Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound localization techniques face challenges in accurately measuring individual spatial acoustic and ear-canal transfer characteristics due to variations caused by different microphones, which affects the out-of-head localization process.
Innovation Solution
A microphone design featuring an ear chip with a cylindrical part, contact part, and microphone element, allowing for precise sound pickup by being positioned close to the eardrum, and a method for measuring both spatial acoustic and ear-canal transfer characteristics using a personal terminal for filter generation and sound field reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate measurement units with different microphones are used to measure spatial acoustic transfer characteristics and ear-canal transfer characteristics, then both characteristics can be measured, but measurement precision deteriorates due to individual differences between microphones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement of spatial acoustic transfer characteristics and ear-canal transfer characteristics into a single integrated measurement unit. The microphone element is positioned to simultaneously capture both types of characteristics through a unified design that includes a sound introduction portion and a contact portion, eliminating the need for separate measurement units with different microphones.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement unit is designed with multi-functionality to perform both spatial acoustic transfer characteristic measurement and ear-canal transfer characteristic measurement using the same microphone element. The universal design allows the single microphone to serve multiple measurement purposes without introducing variability from different microphone characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If microphones are placed as close to the eardrum as possible to improve sound pickup precision, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible contact portion that can be deformed to fit the curvature of the ear canal wall. This flexible structure naturally conforms to the ear canal geometry, allowing the microphone element to be positioned close to the eardrum without requiring complex rigid positioning mechanisms. The flexibility enables adaptive positioning that simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement unit incorporates dynamic elements including the deformable contact portion that adapts to the ear canal shape, and a movable cable that can be adjusted during insertion and removal. These dynamic features allow the microphone to achieve optimal positioning close to the eardrum while maintaining ease of insertion and removal, reducing the need for complex fixed positioning structures.
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
Enables accurate sound localization by minimizing microphone position variability and improving sound pickup precision, enhancing the out-of-head localization process with personalized filters.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone element disposed in the hollow part and connected to the cable
Data Source
AI summary
A microphone according to an embodiment includes: an ear chip including a cylindrical part with a hollow part formed therein, and a contact part disposed outside the cylindrical part and configured to come into contact with an inner wall surface of an ear canal; a cable lead out to a gap between the cylindrical part and the contact part; and a microphone element disposed in the hollow part and connected to the cable.