Mobile Audio Output Device Ear Proximity Alarm Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio output devices with electro-acoustic transducers struggle to ensure clear sound quality, particularly in scenarios where a sudden large volume may harm the user's auditory sense, such as when a ringtone is output while the device is in close proximity to the ear.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sound control mechanism that allows for two sound modes (small and large volume) and an alarm output system that alerts the user before transitioning to large volume, utilizing proximity detection to ensure the ear is not directly exposed to the transducer during loud outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electro-acoustic transducer outputs a sound of large volume, then the ringtone can be heard clearly, but the user's ear may be harmed when the device is in close proximity to the ear
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of ear proximity before outputting the ringtone. When the ear is detected to be in close proximity to the electro-acoustic transducer, the system preemptively prevents large volume output, thereby avoiding potential auditory harm before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the distance between the user's ear and the electro-acoustic transducer using a distance measurement unit. Based on this feedback information, the control unit dynamically adjusts the output volume or prevents large volume output when the ear is in close proximity, thus resolving the contradiction between clear sound quality and auditory safety.
2Weight of stationary object
If the electro-acoustic transducer is used for both receiver and speaker functions, then the device size and weight are reduced, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-acoustic transducer is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a receiver (earpiece) and a speaker (ringtone output). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device size and weight while the control unit manages the different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (receiver mode and speaker mode) based on detected conditions such as ear proximity. The control unit adjusts the output characteristics in real-time, enabling the single transducer to adaptively serve multiple purposes without requiring complex permanent dual-configuration hardware.
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 protects the user's ears from sudden loud volumes while ensuring clear and desirable sound quality by alerting them before increasing the volume, allowing for safe and effective audio output.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-acoustic transducer that converts an electrical signal to a sound wave and radiates thus generated sound wave
Implementation Method 2
an actuator module having a piezoelectric element is mounted, which actuator module is in contact with the diaphragm so as to convey a vibration
Data Source
AI summary
It is possible to surely protect the user's ear from a sudden large volume and enable the user to surely and clearly hear a sound as information to be alarmed. In case an incoming call signal is received when the user holds a mobile telephone (1) at the speaking position and listens to a message output from an audio output unit (8), a control unit (17) makes a vibrator (27) generate a vibration as an alarm to call user's attention. At the timing when the user has sufficiently separated the mobile telephone (1) from his/her ear, the control unit (17) makes the audio output unit (8) output a ringtone of large volume. Thus, it is possible to surely protect the user's ear from a sudden large volume. Even when a music composition to notify the receipt of incoming call signal is used as a ringtone, the user can surely and clearly hear the sound as information to be alarmed.