Mobile Device Mode Switching via Voice Volume Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices require manual user interaction to switch between handset mode and speakerphone mode, which can be inconvenient and may not function accurately when the device is in a pocket or holder, or when using gravitational sensors.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system that automatically switches between handset and speakerphone modes by detecting voice conversation and sampling the user's voice to determine if the device is being held to the ear, using a detecting module, sampling module, and mode operation module without the need for additional sensors like infrared or gravitational sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual switching between handset mode and speakerphone mode is implemented, then the user can control the mode of operation, but the user must look at the device and it takes time to execute
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects whether the user is holding the device to their ear or not, and autonomously switches between handset mode and speakerphone mode without requiring manual user input. The mobile device serves itself by using its own microphone to detect the user's voice and determine the appropriate mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical switching (buttons, menu selections) with an acoustic detection system. The microphone captures voice signals and the system processes these acoustic inputs to automatically determine the operating mode, substituting mechanical user interaction with acoustic sensing and automated processing.
2Extent of automation
If infrared distance measurement is used to automatically switch modes, then mode switching can be automatic, but the device complexity increases and it may not work accurately when the device is in a pocket or holder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing microphone serve multiple functions: its traditional function of capturing voice for communication, and an additional function of detecting whether the user is holding the device to their ear by analyzing the presence and characteristics of the user's voice. This eliminates the need for separate distance measurement sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mode detection function from the existing voice processing system. By analyzing the acoustic signals already being processed for communication, the system can determine the operating mode without adding separate detection hardware, effectively extracting dual functionality from the microphone system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gravitational sensors are added to detect device orientation for mode switching, then automatic switching based on orientation is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing microphone is used for multiple purposes: voice capture for communication and orientation detection for mode switching. By analyzing the acoustic characteristics of the user's voice in different device orientations, the system achieves orientation-based mode detection without requiring separate gravitational or orientation sensors.
4Extent of automation
If external proximity detection systems are attached to users, then speakerphone activation can be automatic, but the system is not geared towards mobile device integration and requires additional external components
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs proximity detection itself using its built-in microphone, without requiring external sensors attached to the user. The system analyzes the acoustic signals from the user's voice to determine proximity and automatically activates speakerphone mode when appropriate, making the device self-sufficient for this function.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods are provided whereby a user of a mobile device can adaptively switch the mobile device from speakerphone mode to handset mode without needing to look at the mobile device or without the need to activate a button or key sequence. In a preferred embodiment, modules are provided in the mobile device which allow for the detection of a voice conversation, the sampling of the user's voice and the switching between the two modes of operation. If the user's voice volume is above a certain threshold the mobile device operates in handset mode. If the user's voice volume is below a certain threshold the mobile device operates in handset mode. Through the inclusion of the embodiments described herein, a mobile device can allow a user to safely and quickly switch from one mode of operation to the other without a requirement for additional hardware in the mobile device.