Panel Speaker Ear Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flat panel displays in devices like smartphones face challenges in generating sound uniformly across their surface, as traditional earpieces are location-sensitive, and using the display as a panel speaker results in varying audio performance without a specific earpiece location.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a vibrating element and sensors into the display panel to detect the user's ear position and adjust audio output accordingly, providing guidance through signal attenuation or haptic feedback to optimize audio playback by moving the ear to a predetermined 'sweet spot' for improved audio quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the display element is used as a panel speaker, then the audio output area is increased, but the audio performance becomes non-uniform without a specific earpiece location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designates a specific predetermined location on the display element as a 'sweet spot' for optimal audio reception. This local quality approach creates a focused area of high audio performance rather than attempting uniform performance across the entire display surface, resolving the contradiction between large output area and audio uniformity.
2Manufacturing precision
If sensors are added to detect ear position, then audio performance is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the user's ear position and provide feedback to the audio system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust audio output based on detected ear location, optimizing audio performance while using relatively simple sensor-based detection rather than complex active control systems.
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 audio performance by ensuring the ear is positioned for optimal sound reception, improving frequency response and reducing distortion across the display area, thus providing a more uniform audio experience without the need for a conventional earpiece.
Implementation Method 1
The vibrating element is configured to at least partially move the display element to generate sound waves from the display element
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is configured to sense when an ear of a user is placed at the speaker
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a speaker and a sensor. The speaker includes a vibrating element and a display element. The vibrating element is configured to at least partially move the display element to generate sound waves from the display element. The sensor is configured to sense when an ear of a user is placed at the speaker.