Microphone Cover Integration for Versatile Mobile Audio Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face challenges in providing optimal audio capture and processing for diverse use cases due to limitations in incorporating multiple microphones and processing capabilities, with external microphones often being bulky and lacking integration with the device for improved audio quality.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device accessory cover with integrated microphones and audio processing capabilities that attaches to the device, allowing for enhanced audio functionality by switching between different audio processing algorithms based on the cover's attributes, and enabling improved audio capture and processing through the interaction between the device and the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microphones are provided in the mobile device for different use cases, then audio capture quality for various applications is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio processing system into two segments: a compact mobile device with basic microphones and a separate protective cover containing additional specialized microphones. This segmentation allows the device to maintain simplicity while gaining enhanced audio capabilities when the cover is attached, resolving the contradiction between audio versatility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects the mobile device physically while also providing enhanced audio capture capabilities for different use cases (voice telecommunication, video conferencing, recording). This multi-functionality allows a single addition to address diverse audio needs without increasing the core device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external microphones are connected to the mobile device, then audio processing capabilities are improved, but the equipment becomes bulky and less convenient to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective cover with additional microphones into a single integrated unit. Instead of adding separate external microphone equipment, the solution combines device protection and audio enhancement functions in one compact accessory that attaches to the mobile device, maintaining portability while improving audio processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional microphones and their processing components are nested within the protective cover structure. This nesting approach allows the audio processing equipment to be housed in a compact form factor that attaches to the mobile device, avoiding the bulk of separate external equipment while maintaining enhanced audio capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external microphones are used separately from the mobile device, then audio functionality is improved, but integration and communication between device and microphones are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the external microphones with the protective cover and integrates them with the mobile device through electrical connections. This integration enables communication between the device processor and the cover microphones, allowing coordinated audio processing for different use cases while maintaining a unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the additional microphones. It provides the physical housing, electrical connections, and processing interface that enables seamless integration and communication between the device processor and the cover-mounted microphones, resolving the integration gap.
4Volume of moving object
If the mobile device is made compact, then portability is improved, but the ability to incorporate multiple microphones and processing capabilities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio processing system into a compact mobile device and an attachable protective cover containing additional microphones. This segmentation allows the device to maintain a small form factor while providing access to enhanced audio capabilities through the cover, effectively resolving the contradiction between compactness and audio versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the audio processing capabilities to another dimension by adding a protective cover that attaches to the device. This dimensional extension allows additional microphones and processing power to be added without increasing the core device volume, as the capabilities are distributed to an external attachable component.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus comprises one or more first microphones for providing audio signals from captured acoustic signals; one or more conductive terminals for connection to one or more conductive terminals of an external cover device for receiving audio signals provided by one or more second microphones included in the external cover device; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more first microphones and to the one or more conductive terminals and configured to perform audio processing on the audio signals from the one or more first microphones and/or from the one or more second microphones based on a control input. Cover apparatus comprises one or more microphones and one or more conductive terminals for providing audio signals provided by said one or more microphones to the electronic apparatus.