Proximity Sensor-Based Automatic Microphone Muting for Mobile Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices lack efficient methods to automatically manage phone calls and select functions based on user proximity and device orientation, requiring manual input for tasks like muting microphones and selecting applications.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that uses proximity sensors and accelerometers to collect data on the device's position relative to the user's body and orientation, allowing for automatic muting of microphones and selection of functions based on how the device is held, such as activating a speakerphone when the device is not near the ear or facing downward.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual input is required for muting microphones and selecting functions during phone calls, then user control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device automatically mutes the microphone based on proximity sensor data detecting that the device is not near the user's ear, without requiring manual user input. The system serves itself by autonomously adjusting audio settings based on sensed conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical button pressing with automatic sensor-based detection and control. Proximity sensors and accelerometers substitute for manual user actions, detecting device position and orientation to trigger appropriate audio functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple proximity sensors are used to detect device position and orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice position detection precisionVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensing function into multiple independent proximity sensors positioned at different locations on the device. Each sensor independently detects proximity conditions, and the system integrates data from these segmented sensing points to determine overall device position and orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The proximity sensors serve multiple functions: detecting whether the device is near the user's ear for automatic muting, detecting device orientation for speakerphone activation, and potentially other contextual awareness functions. This multi-functionality justifies the added sensor components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9473611B2Use of proximity sensors for interacting with mobile devices

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various arrangements for handling a call by a mobile device and/or selecting a function for execution by the mobile device are presented. A phone call may be commenced by a mobile device. During the phone call, the mobile device may collect proximity data that indicates the mobile device is not proximate to an ear of a user. The microphone of the mobile device may be muted in response to the proximity data that indicates the mobile device is not proximate to the ear of the user.