Smartphone Whisper System Using Bone Conduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current smartphones fail to effectively provide discreet and private sound output in noisy environments, particularly in busy work settings, where users want to hear phone conversations without disturbing others or risking eavesdropping, and they lack the ability to play separate sound streams simultaneously, such as music and phone calls.
Innovation Solution
A whisper communication system integrated into smartphones or as an aftermarket add-on, utilizing a whisper sound microphone, lips video camera, and bone conduction device to capture and transmit sound and image information associated with phonemes, allowing for quiet and private sound reproduction, enabling users to hear conversations clearly without disturbing others and listen to multiple sound sources simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the speaker option is used to hear conversations in noisy environments, then the user can hear the conversation better, but it disturbs other workers and compromises privacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bone conduction technology as an intermediary mechanism that transmits sound vibrations through the skull bones directly to the inner ear, bypassing the need for external air conduction. This mediator allows the user to perceive conversation audio clearly while preventing sound waves from propagating into the environment, thus solving both the clarity and privacy/disturbance issues simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional acoustic-mechanical system (speaker emitting sound waves through air) with a direct mechanical vibration transmission system (bone conduction transducer transmitting vibrations through skull bones). This substitution eliminates the harmful propagation of sound waves into the environment while maintaining effective sound perception for the user
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the earpiece is pressed into the ear for discreet listening, then privacy is improved, but the user cannot press it in while talking on the phone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio transmission function into two independent pathways: bone conduction for private audio playback and air conduction through the ear canal for ambient sound perception. This segmentation allows the user to maintain the earpiece in a comfortable position without deep insertion while still achieving discreet listening through bone conduction, eliminating the need to press the device into the ear
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sound sources are played simultaneously through traditional speakers, then the user can hear multiple sources, but the sound quality and separation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments different audio streams into separate transmission channels, with each stream assigned to either bone conduction or air conduction pathways. This segmentation allows the user to simultaneously perceive multiple sound sources with clear discrimination, as each source can be routed through the most appropriate transmission medium without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to audio transmission by utilizing both bone conduction and air conduction pathways simultaneously, creating a multi-dimensional audio delivery system. This dimensional expansion allows for sophisticated audio routing and separation, enabling clear perception of multiple sound sources through different physiological pathways
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
Enables clear and private communication in noisy environments by converting whisper communications into signals that can be perceived through sound and image, allowing users to hear phone conversations more effectively without disturbing others and simultaneously listen to other sound sources, enhancing the user experience in noisy settings.
Implementation Method 1
bone conduction device to capture and transmit sound and image information associated with phonemes
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices and computer-readable medium are provided in the field of whisper communications features of mobile phones such as for communicating in noisy environments or wherein the users of the communication system require privacy. The invention provides for capturing elements of whisper communication including sound and lips information expressed by a first user and converting the elements of whisper communication into signals suitable for transmission over a communications network, transmitting the signals over the communication network, receiving the signals and reconverting the signals into elements of whisper communication and replaying the whisper communication such that it can be perceived by a second user. Embodiments include microphones in combination with dedicated lips cameras attached to mobile phones, sound equalization processing and extendable earphones and lip display means