Guarded Sound Pickup Device with Movable Acoustic Barrier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sound pickup devices, such as smart speakers, lack effective security measures to prevent unauthorized sound data collection, compromising user privacy, as existing mute switches can be hacked and disabled, leading to unreliable security.
Innovation Solution
A guarded sound pickup device with a movable sound control structure and fixing member that can be positioned to block or allow sound pickup, using a sound absorbing material and a mechanism to control the sound control structure's position relative to the sound pickup area, ensuring secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mute switch is used to prevent sound collection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the mute switch can be hacked and disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic/software-based mute switch with a mechanical sound control structure that physically blocks the sound pickup area. This mechanical approach (physical blocking) substitutes the vulnerable electronic system, providing reliable sound prevention that cannot be hacked or disabled through software means.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound control structure acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the sound pickup device. It physically intervenes in the sound transmission path, serving as a mediator that reliably prevents sound from reaching the pickup area when in the blocking position, regardless of the device's electronic state.
2Reliability
If a physical sound blocking structure is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sound control structure is merged with the existing device housing or frame, integrating the security function into the overall device structure rather than adding a separate, complex mechanism. This combining approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable sound blocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound control structure employs a simple movable design that can transition between blocking and non-blocking positions, allowing the system to dynamically adjust sound pickup capability without requiring complex control mechanisms. The movable connection enables reliable sound prevention when needed while maintaining operational flexibility.
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 solution effectively prevents unauthorized sound data collection by ensuring the sound pickup device only collects sound when intended, enhancing user privacy and security by physically blocking or allowing sound entry based on user control.
Implementation Method 1
using a sound absorbing material and a mechanism to control the sound control structure's position relative to the sound pickup area
Data Source
AI summary
Sound is blocked from entering a sound pickup area of a sound pickup device by placing a sound control structure adjacent to the sound pickup area. The sound control structure can include a sound absorbing material which can be placed in a first position that blocks sound, or in a second position that allows sound to pass. The sound control structure can alternately include levers that engage buttons on the sound pickup area that enable or disable the sound pickup area.