Earbud Speaker-Microphone Layout for High-Frequency ANC Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable electronic devices face issues with active noise cancellation (ANC) performance due to peak signals from high sound ranges entering the microphone, degrading ANC function, especially in low sound ranges, when the microphone is positioned in the sound path of a speaker.
Innovation Solution
The wearable electronic device is designed with a specific arrangement where the microphone is positioned to overlap with a first speaker in one direction but not a second speaker in that direction, and the sound path is optimized to reduce high sound range interference, enhancing ANC performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the microphone is positioned in the sound path of the speaker to enable ANC function, then the ANC function can be performed, but peak signals from high sound ranges enter the microphone degrading ANC performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the speaker into two separate speakers: a first speaker for low sound ranges and a second speaker for high sound ranges. This segmentation allows the microphone to be positioned in the sound path of the first speaker without being affected by peak signals from the second speaker, thereby maintaining ANC performance while enabling high sound range output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spatial positioning strategies for different speakers: the first speaker is positioned such that its sound path includes the microphone for ANC functionality, while the second speaker is positioned to avoid directing high-frequency sounds toward the microphone. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by tailoring the sound path characteristics to the specific frequency range of each speaker.
2Device complexity
If a single speaker covers both low and high sound ranges, then the device structure is simplified, but peak signals from high sound ranges degrade ANC performance in low sound ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single speaker into two separate speakers dedicated to different frequency ranges. This segmentation, while increasing component count, enables the microphone to be optimally positioned for ANC functionality without interference from high-frequency peak signals, thereby achieving better ANC performance overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the high sound range function from the low sound range speaker by introducing a separate second speaker for high frequencies. This extraction removes the source of peak signal interference, allowing the first speaker to maintain clean low-frequency sound paths that are essential for effective ANC operation.
3Reliability
If the microphone is positioned to capture sound for ANC function, then ANC can be performed, but high-frequency sound waves cause peak signals that degrade low-frequency ANC performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio output into two independent channels with dedicated speakers: the first speaker handles low frequencies for ANC, while the second speaker handles high frequencies. This segmentation prevents high-frequency peak signals from the second speaker from interfering with the microphone's capture of low-frequency sounds for ANC processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the second speaker as an intermediary element that is spatially positioned to avoid directing high-frequency sounds toward the microphone. This intermediary arrangement allows the system to maintain high-frequency output capability while protecting the ANC function from peak signal interference.
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
This arrangement optimizes the disposition of speakers and microphones, improving ANC performance by reducing high sound range interference and maintaining effective ANC functionality across various sound ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a first speaker configured to radiate a sound in a first sound range... a sound path extending in the first direction and configured to serve as a path through which sounds radiated from the first speaker move
Implementation Method 2
a second speaker configured to radiate a sound in a second sound range higher than the first sound range... a sound path extending in the first direction and configured to serve as a path through which sounds radiated from the first speaker and the second speaker move
Implementation Method 3
a microphone... disposed at a position where, when the recess is viewed from above, the microphone overlaps with the first speaker in the first direction
Implementation Method 4
The ANC function may refer to a function for receiving a sound-related wave by using a microphone, inversing the phase of the wave, and outputting the phase-inverted wave through a speaker, thereby blocking noise
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a wearable electronic device including a speaker and a microphone, and more particularly, to a wearable electronic device worn on the user's ear. Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide a wearable electronic device including: a first speaker configured to radiate a sound in a first frequency range; a second speaker configured to radiate a sound in a second frequency range higher than the first frequency range; a microphone; and a housing configured to accommodate the first speaker, the second speaker, and the microphone therein. The housing may include: a sound path configured to serve as a path through which sounds radiated from the first speaker and the second speaker move; and a recess configured to communicate the sound path with the outside of the housing. The microphone may be disposed at a position where, when the recess is viewed from above, the same overlaps with the first speaker in a first direction and does not overlap with the second speaker in the first direction.