Headset Microphone Boom Position Sensing and Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headset technologies face challenges in maintaining optimal microphone position due to variability in user head dimensions and movement, leading to suboptimal audio quality, as current solutions require user intervention or are not adaptable to different head shapes.
Innovation Solution
A headset with rotatable components, sensors, and a controller that detects and adjusts the microphone boom's angle and proximity to the user's head, providing messages and corrective actions to ensure optimal performance, including motor-driven adjustments and user input for calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the headset uses a fixed boom design to guarantee consistent orientation, then the headset orientation is always the same when worn, but it makes it much more difficult to allow for different head shapes and may cause discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a rotatable boom mechanism that can dynamically adjust its position. The boom is coupled to the headband through a rotation joint that allows it to pivot and adapt to different head shapes and orientations, transforming a static fixed-boom design into a dynamic adjustable one that maintains both stability and adaptability
2Measurement precision
If the headset uses manual marking to indicate proper boom orientation, then the user can ensure proper orientation, but the user must examine the headset each time before use which is neither desirable nor dependable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect the boom's current position and orientation, then providing real-time feedback to the user through visual or audible signals when the boom is in the optimal position. This automated feedback system eliminates the need for manual marking and user inspection, making the system both precise and easy to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting and indicating the proper boom orientation without requiring user intervention. The sensor-based system self-calibrates and provides guidance, allowing the headset to serve itself in determining optimal positioning rather than relying on manual user adjustment and verification
3Measurement precision
If the headset relies on user adjustment to maintain optimal position, then the setting can be optimized, but if the headset moves or the boom is bumped out of position, the setting is no longer optimum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses continuous feedback from position sensors to monitor the boom's location in real-time. When the boom deviates from the optimal position due to movement or bumps, the sensor detects the change and provides feedback to guide the user back to the correct position or triggers automatic adjustment, maintaining reliable microphone positioning throughout use
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the optimal boom position through calibration before actual use. The sensor system is pre-configured with the correct angular range and position parameters, so when the headset is first worn, it can quickly determine and maintain the optimal position without requiring the user to manually adjust during conversation
4Measurement precision
If the headset uses voice analysis to detect non-optimum position, then the user can be warned to adjust the headset, but it requires the user to speak to detect a problem which may waste communication time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic/voice-based detection system with a mechanical sensor system that uses physical sensors to detect boom position and orientation. This mechanical substitution allows for continuous, silent monitoring of headset position without requiring the user to speak, eliminating communication delays while maintaining detection accuracy
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 dynamically adjusts the headset's position to maintain optimal microphone performance, reducing the need for user intervention and accommodating various head shapes, thereby enhancing audio quality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to sense a current angle of the boom with respect to gravity
Implementation Method 2
a motor configured to rotate the first portion with respect to the second portion
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for sensing, reporting, and correcting microphone proximity for a headset. The method includes determining a current proximity of a headset microphone to a face of a user. The method also includes storing the current proximity of the headset microphone as a calibrated microphone proximity value, and selecting, based on the calibrated microphone proximity value, a range of microphone proximities. Further, the method includes sensing a new proximity of the headset microphone, and comparing the new proximity of the headset microphone with the range of microphone proximities. Still yet, the method includes generating a message for the user in response to determining, based on the comparison, that the new proximity of the headset microphone is outside the range of microphone proximities.