Outward-Microphone Acoustic Output Layout for Directional Noise Canceling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise canceling systems, such as headphones, struggle with unclear sound image localization due to noise leakage from surrounding directions, especially during outdoor use, and fail to effectively cancel noise from specific directions.
Innovation Solution
The acoustic output device incorporates multiple outward microphones and drivers within the housing to generate acoustic control sounds, utilizing a digital signal processor to enhance noise cancellation and improve sound localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single microphone and single driver configuration is used for noise canceling, then the device structure is simple, but noise leakage from surrounding directions cannot be effectively canceled and sound image localization becomes unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the noise canceling function into multiple independent components: multiple outward microphones (first, second, third microphones) positioned at different locations and orientations, and multiple drivers (first and second drivers) that can independently generate acoustic control sounds. This segmentation allows each component to handle noise from specific directions, collectively achieving comprehensive noise cancellation from all surrounding directions.
2Reliability
If multiple outward microphones and drivers are used to cancel noise from all directions, then noise canceling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple microphones and drivers into an integrated housing structure where the first outward microphone, second outward microphone, third outward microphone, first driver, and second driver are all merged within a single housing. This merging approach achieves comprehensive noise cancellation functionality while maintaining a compact, unified device structure rather than分散 multiple separate components.
3Reliability
If noise canceling is applied to all directions, then overall noise reduction is achieved, but sound image localization becomes unclear due to cancellation of directional sound information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different noise canceling strategies to different spatial locations and directions. The first outward microphone and first driver handle noise from certain directions, while the second and third microphones with the second driver address noise from other directions. This localized approach allows selective noise cancellation that preserves directional sound information necessary for sound image localization while still achieving overall noise reduction.
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
The device achieves clearer sound reproduction by effectively canceling noise from various directions and maintaining sound image localization, even in noisy environments.
Implementation Method 1
two or more drivers that are provided inside the housing and each of which generates an acoustic control sound based on an acoustic control signal
Implementation Method 2
one or more outward microphones provided on the housing toward an outside of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an acoustic output device that includes a housing, one or more outward microphones in the housing toward an outside of the housing, and two or more drivers that are provided inside the housing. Each of the two or more drivers generates an acoustic control sound based on an acoustic control signal.