Hidden Microphone Array with Acoustic Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microphone arrays in electronic devices are typically exposed, which hinders the improvement of exterior design and affects the reception of acoustic signals, especially in high-tech devices like hearing aids and mobile phones.

Innovation Solution

A microphone array apparatus with a cover that hides first type microphones facing the target source and surrounds them with lattice windows, while second type microphones are positioned outside the cover to receive omni-directional signals, enhancing high-frequency signal reception without compromising the device's design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If microphone array is installed exposed outside electronic device, then acoustic signal reception is improved, but exterior design is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic signal receptionVSAvoidexterior design

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The first type microphones are nested inside a cover structure that is integrated into the electronic device's exterior. The cover acts as a housing that contains the microphones while maintaining the device's aesthetic appearance, effectively hiding the functional components within a decorative shell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed with localized acoustic transmission properties - it is transparent to acoustic signals in certain directions (particularly from the target source direction) while maintaining opacity for visual appearance. This allows different parts of the cover to have different functional qualities: visually opaque but acoustically transparent in specific orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If first type microphones are surrounded by cover, then exterior design is improved, but acoustic signal transmission is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexterior designVSAvoidacoustic signal transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover exhibits direction-dependent acoustic transmission characteristics. It is designed to be highly transparent to acoustic signals arriving from the target source direction while maintaining visual opacity. The cover's acoustic transmission property varies by direction, being more transparent in the forward direction and less transparent in other directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The microphone array system is segmented into two distinct types of microphones with different functions: first type microphones hidden inside the cover for directional signal reception, and second type microphones exposed outside the cover for omnidirectional signal reception. This segmentation allows each type to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If first type microphones are spaced closely, then high frequency signal reception is improved, but signal diffraction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh frequency signal receptionVSAvoidsignal diffraction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover provides localized acoustic field management around each first type microphone. By positioning the microphones closely within the cover's acoustic transmission zone, the cover creates a controlled acoustic environment that allows close spacing without excessive diffraction. The cover's acoustic properties locally manage the sound waves to maintain signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration allows for effective acoustic signal reception while maintaining a sleek design by attenuating high-frequency signal diffraction and maintaining sensitivity to all directions, thereby improving the exterior aesthetics and functionality of electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a cover (110) that surrounds the plurality of first type microphones (10, 20) and that is transparent to acoustic signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic signal transmission: Sound

Implementation Method 2

attenuating high-frequency signal diffraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic diffraction attenuation: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

a partition may be formed between the pair of first type microphones to concentrate received acoustic signals to each of the pair of first type microphones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic signal concentration: Sound

Implementation Method 4

each of the plurality of second type microphones may be an omni-directional microphone having a maximum sensitivity to all directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOmnidirectional sound reception: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS8665305B2Microphone array apparatus having hidden microphone placement and acoustic signal processing apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A microphone array apparatus is provided. The microphone array apparatus includes a plurality of first type microphones which are disposed to be hidden in a direction of a target source and surrounded by a cover that passes acoustic signals therethrough, and a plurality of second type microphones which are disposed at both sides of the plurality of first type microphones.