Hands-Free Call Channel Shielding Detection and Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

During hands-free calls on mobile phones, the microphone or speaker being shielded leads to increased echo and deteriorated sound quality, as existing echo suppression solutions are ineffective in scenarios where the microphone or speaker is obstructed.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that detect whether a hands-free call channel is shielded, adjusting the configuration of the channel or outputting an alarm signal to inform the user, by monitoring sound pressure variations, acoustic impedance changes, or transmission delays to mitigate noise and echo.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing echo suppression solution is used, then voice problem is resolved when mobile phone is normally held, but call quality deteriorates when microphone or speaker is shielded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall qualityVSAvoidapplicability to shielded scenarios
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically detects whether the microphone or speaker is shielded during hands-free calls and automatically adjusts the sound effect configuration accordingly. The detection mechanism monitors acoustic impedance changes, sound pressure levels, or transmission delays to determine shielded states, and the system adapts by switching between different sound effect modes (echo suppression for normal state, noise reduction for shielded state) to maintain call quality across varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If hands-free call channel configuration is adjusted when shielded, then noise and echo are reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and echoVSAvoiddetection and adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-detection of shielded states by monitoring acoustic impedance changes, sound pressure levels, or transmission delays through the existing microphone and speaker components. The detection algorithm automatically identifies when the microphone or speaker is shielded and triggers appropriate configuration adjustments without requiring external intervention or complex additional hardware, enabling the system to self-manage sound quality in varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Effectively improves call quality by reducing noise, distortion, and echo when the microphone or speaker is shielded, and allows for automatic switching to alternative microphones or speakers if necessary.

Implementation Method 1

detecting whether a hands-free call channel of the mobile terminal is shielded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound pressure detection: Sound

Implementation Method 2

calculating the distance between the mobile telecommunication means and an object on the basis of a reflected sound signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

detecting whether a hands-free call channel of the mobile terminal is shielded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3001654B1Sound effect control method and device
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 HUAWEI DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP3001654B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP3001654B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c
  • EP3001654B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a sound effect control method and apparatus, where the sound effect control method includes: when a hands-free call is performed for a mobile terminal, detecting whether a hands-free call channel of the mobile terminal is shielded; and adjusting a configuration of the hands-free call channel of the mobile terminal and/or outputting an alarm signal to inform a user that the hands-free call channel is shielded, when it is detected that the hands-free call channel of the mobile terminal is shielded. According to the sound effect control method in embodiments of the present invention, when a hands-free call is performed for a mobile terminal, whether a hands-free call channel of the mobile terminal is shielded is detected; when the hands-free call channel of the mobile terminal is shielded, a configuration of the hands-free call channel of the mobile terminal is adjusted and/or an alarm signal is output, which can effectively improve quality of the hands-free call of the mobile terminal.