Headset Privacy Mode via Speaker Occlusion Gain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Headsets with extra-aural speakers face the challenge of unwanted sound leakage when users attempt to engage in private audio activities, such as phone calls, as the sound field is not easily contained, leading to others overhearing the audio content.
Innovation Solution
The headset activates a privacy mode by determining when a speaker is partially covered, using a microphone signal to assess the occlusion effect, and applies a gain to the input audio signal to reduce the output sound level, ensuring the sound field only includes the user, thereby preventing others from hearing the audio content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If extra-aural speakers are used to project sound into the environment, then the user can hear audio content conveniently, but the sound field expands to include observers who can overhear the content
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the sound output level based on detected occlusion conditions. When the user covers the speaker (indicating desire for privacy), the system automatically reduces the gain to shrink the sound field, transitioning from a public playback mode to a private mode without requiring manual user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a microphone to continuously monitor the acoustic environment and detect occlusion events. When the microphone detects a characteristic occlusion pattern (such as hand covering the speaker), this feedback triggers the privacy mode activation, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to user behavior.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the user covers the speaker to activate privacy mode, then the sound field is reduced to protect privacy, but the occlusion effect increases the perceived sound level at certain frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the gain parameter of the audio signal in response to detected occlusion. By applying a reduced gain when privacy mode is activated, the system compensates for the occlusion effect that would otherwise amplify certain frequencies, thereby maintaining accurate and natural sound levels while protecting privacy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sound output level is reduced to shrink the sound field, then privacy is maintained, but the audibility for the user may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a localized sound field that is optimized for the user's ear position. By reducing the overall gain but maintaining the directional characteristics of the sound projection, the system ensures that the audio remains clearly audible to the user (whose ear is positioned close to the speaker) while preventing the sound from propagating far enough to be heard by distant observers.
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 solution effectively contains the sound field within the user's vicinity, maintaining privacy during sensitive audio activities without requiring the user to move to a separate space, ensuring that only the wearer can hear the audio content.
Implementation Method 1
This sound level may be measured in a microphone signal produced by a microphone
Implementation Method 2
the occlusion effect of the user's hand may cause a perceived sound level of the audio content to increase
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a processor of a computer system including a headset that is to be worn on a head of a user. The method drives a speaker of the headset with an input audio signal to output sound into an environment. The method determines that the speaker is at least partially covered with a cupped hand. In response to determining that the speaker is at least partially covered with the cupped hand, applying a gain to the input audio signal to reduce an output sound level of the speaker.