Foldable Device Microphone Recording Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with multiple microphones face sound quality degradation or recording interruption when the folding angle changes during voice recording, as the relative positioning of microphones affects the sound capture configuration.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a processor that identifies folding state information and adjusts the recording function configuration accordingly, applying voice beamforming in an unfolded state and switching to a non-beamforming configuration in a folded state to maintain continuous recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the electronic device is folded during voice recording, then the device can be compacted for portability, but the multiple microphones are positioned in the same direction causing sound quality degradation or recording abortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the recording function configuration changeable based on the folding state. The system transitions from a static recording configuration to a dynamic one that automatically adapts when the device folds or unfolds, allowing the recording function to adjust microphone positioning and beamforming parameters in real-time to maintain reliable recording across different device shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical or operational parameters of the recording function based on folding state. When the device folds, the system changes parameters such as microphone array configuration, beamforming directions, and recording activation status to prevent sound quality degradation. This parameter adaptation ensures continuous reliable recording despite changes in device geometry.
2Measurement precision
If voice beamforming is applied in unfolded state for optimal sound quality, then recording precision is improved, but the system becomes complex and may not adapt to folded state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the recording function detect the folding state through sensors or state information and automatically adjust its configuration accordingly. The system receives feedback about whether the device is folded or unfolded and responds by changing beamforming parameters, activating or deactivating specific microphones, and reconfiguring the recording function to maintain optimal sound quality without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the recording function universal by enabling it to operate effectively in both folded and unfolded states through a single adaptable configuration system. The recording function integrates multiple capabilities including beamforming, microphone array switching, and state detection, allowing it to serve different operational requirements (portable folded mode vs. optimal sound quality unfolded mode) without requiring separate systems.
3Device complexity
If the recording function is fixed regardless of folding state, then device complexity is reduced, but sound quality deteriorates when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the recording function with multiple possible states and parameters based on expected folding conditions. The system prepares different recording configurations in advance (e.g., beamforming settings for unfolded state, mono settings for folded state) and automatically switches between them based on detected folding state, ensuring sound quality is maintained without requiring complex real-time computation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing structure including a first microphone, a second housing structure including a second microphone and foldably coupled to the first housing structure, a sensor module disposed in the first housing structure or the second housing structure, and a processor in the first housing structure or the second housing structure, operationally connected with the first microphone, the second microphone, and the sensor module, the processor configured to receive a folding event related to the first housing structure and the second housing structure through the sensor module while a specific voice recording mode is performed, identify folding state information in response to receiving the folding event, identify a recording function configuration related to the first microphone and the second microphone, based on the folding state information and the specific voice recording mode, and perform recording by applying the recording function configuration.