Speaker Acoustic Impedance Touch Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable electronic devices face increased size and cost due to the restricted touch sensing areas required for touch panels, which occupy display space, limiting convenience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus that activates functions or application programs by detecting acoustic impedance or excursion of speakers, using an audio signal processor to generate logic waveform signals and an application processor to interpret these signals as control signals, thereby extending touch sensing areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touch panel sensing area is increased to improve user interaction, then ease of operation is improved, but device area and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker openings serve dual functions: audio output and touch sensing input. By making the speaker structure multi-functional, the device extends interaction areas without adding dedicated touch panel components, thus improving ease of operation while avoiding increased device area.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker structure itself performs sensing functions without requiring separate touch sensing components. The speaker diaphragm and opening naturally respond to external pressure and acoustic changes, enabling the structure to serve both audio and interaction purposes autonomously.
2Ease of operation
If touch panel sensing area is increased to improve user interaction, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker structure serves dual functions as audio output device and touch/acoustic sensing input. This eliminates the need for separate touch sensing components in these regions, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the audio speaker structure with touch sensing functionality into a single integrated component. By merging these functions, the device reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while expanding interaction areas.
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
This method enhances the convenience of electronic devices by allowing users to activate functions through speaker openings, reducing the need for additional touch sensing areas and improving device usability.
Implementation Method 1
the acoustic condition is determined by the audio signal processor according to an impedance of the speaker or an excursion of the speaker
Implementation Method 2
the acoustic condition is determined by the audio signal processor according to an impedance of the speaker or an excursion of the speaker
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An electronic apparatus and a method for activating a specified function are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a speaker, an audio signal processor and an application processor. The audio signal processor senses a variation of an acoustic condition of the speaker. The application processor is used for: generating a logic high or low signal in response to the sensed variation of the acoustic condition; interpreting the logic high or low signal as a control signal; and performing an instruction corresponding to the control signal.