Microphone Coherence Analysis for Reliable Contact Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for user interaction with microphone-enabled electronic devices, such as earpieces and smartwatches, are prone to false detections and degrade the user experience due to limitations in distinguishing between physical contact and airborne sounds.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing coherence analysis between multiple microphones to differentiate between physical contact and airborne events by capturing and analyzing microphone signals, performing coherence functions, and adjusting device parameters based on detected contact events, such as taps or touches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods use single microphone or simple pressure wave detection for user interaction, then device operation is enabled, but false detections occur and user experience degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task by using multiple microphones to capture sound waves from different spatial positions. Each microphone provides independent signal data that is processed separately through coherence analysis, allowing the system to distinguish between genuine contact events and airborne sounds by comparing the coherence patterns across multiple signal sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coherence analysis as an intermediary processing step between raw microphone signals and contact detection. The coherence function acts as a mediator that quantifies the relationship between signals from different microphones, enabling reliable distinction between contact-generated waves and airborne sounds without requiring complex machine learning models.
2Reliability
If multiple microphones are used for coherence analysis to distinguish contact from airborne sounds, then detection reliability improves, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical contact sensors with acoustic field analysis using existing microphones. Instead of adding dedicated contact sensors, the system uses the acoustic field information already captured by microphones designed for voice recording, processing the signals through coherence analysis to infer contact events from the spatial and temporal characteristics of sound wave propagation.
3Ease of operation
If simple pressure wave detection is used for contact sensing, then device operation is enabled, but false detections from airborne sounds occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a temporal coherence dimension to the detection process. By analyzing the coherence between signals from multiple microphones over time, the system can distinguish contact events from airborne sounds based on their different coherence patterns. Contact-generated waves exhibit high coherence across microphones due to direct mechanical coupling, while airborne sounds show lower coherence due to spatial separation and different propagation paths.
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
Enhances user interface robustness by accurately distinguishing between physical contact and airborne sounds, reducing false detections and improving user interaction reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first microphone (101) for capturing a first microphone signal... a second microphone (102) for capturing a second microphone signal
Implementation Method 2
perform a coherence analysis on the first microphone signal and the second microphone signal... analyzing the coherence function to determine if a physical contact due to touch occurred on the device
Data Source
AI summary
Herein provided is a method for acoustical switching suitable for use with a microphone enabled electronic device. The method includes capturing a first microphone signal from a first microphone on a device, analyzing the first microphone signal for a contact event versus a non-contact event, and directing the electronic device to switch a processing state responsive to detection of either the contact event or non-contact event. In another configuration, additional microphone can be added for performing coherence analysis between at least two microphone signals mounted on or in the device. At least one parameter settings of the device can be changed in response to at least one detected physical contact on the device. Other embodiments are disclosed.