Screen Sound Generator Damage Detection and Audio Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Full-screen terminals face issues with sound leakage and unclear audio due to the placement of the earpiece on the side surface, which can lead to poor quality of the audio signal played by the screen sound generator when it is damaged.

Innovation Solution

A device detection method that determines if the screen sound generator is damaged by playing audio signals through both the screen sound generator and the earpiece, analyzing the audio signal sequences to identify any damage, and subsequently switching to play audio signals only through the earpiece if damage is detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the earpiece is disposed on the side surface of the terminal to achieve full-screen display, then the screen-to-body ratio is improved, but sound leakage occurs and audio quality becomes unclear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen-to-body ratioVSAvoidsound leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The audio output function is segmented into two independent sound generators: the earpiece on the side surface and the screen sound generator integrated into the display. This segmentation allows each component to serve specific functions - the earpiece for private audio and the screen sound generator for full-screen audio output, resolving the sound leakage issue while maintaining full-screen display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screen sound generator acts as an intermediary component integrated within the display structure. It mediates between the audio signal source and the user's ear by utilizing the screen area to generate sound waves that directly reach the auricle, eliminating sound leakage while preserving the full-screen display appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the screen sound generator is used to improve audio quality by facing the auricle, then sound leakage is reduced, but the audio signal quality deteriorates when the screen sound generator is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound leakageVSAvoidaudio signal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal incorporates a detection mechanism that continuously monitors the operational status of the screen sound generator. When damage is detected through analysis of audio signal characteristics, the system provides feedback to switch the audio output mode from screen sound generator to earpiece, ensuring reliable audio quality regardless of screen sound generator status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The audio output system is designed to be dynamic, automatically switching between the screen sound generator and the earpiece based on real-time detection of the screen sound generator's operational status. This dynamic adaptation ensures that audio quality is maintained at an acceptable level even when the screen sound generator is damaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If audio signals are played through both the screen sound generator and the earpiece simultaneously, then audio coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio coverageVSAvoidsound generator configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active sound generators based on detection results. When the screen sound generator is functioning normally, both the screen sound generator and earpiece are activated to provide comprehensive audio coverage. When damage is detected, the system automatically deactivates the screen sound generator and uses only the earpiece, simplifying the operational configuration while maintaining audio quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4258696B1Device test method and terminal
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4258696B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4258696B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4258696B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(c)

AI summary

A device detection method and a terminal are provided. The method may be used to detect whether a screen sound generator is damaged. When determining that the screen sound generator is damaged, a terminal may use some manners to eliminate adverse impact (for example, the foregoing impact that noise is carried when an audio signal is played) caused due to damage of the screen sound generator.