Speaker Interface Element for Audio Control via Acoustic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices lack efficient control techniques for applications like muting or pausing audio playback without adding extra hardware, as users require greater control over actions such as muting or pausing songs for varying durations, and existing methods do not effectively account for mechanical interference from user interactions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that capture acoustic signals using a microphone and compare them to source audio signals to determine if mechanical vibrations from user interference are present, allowing for predetermined actions to be performed, such as muting or pausing audio playback, without requiring additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical buttons or touch sensitive sections are used for controlling applications, then control functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and user control flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker interface element performs dual functions: it serves as both the acoustic output component and the control input mechanism. When a user interferes with the speaker interface element (e.g., covering it to mute or pressing it to pause), the interference is detected through changes in acoustic signal rendering, eliminating the need for separate control buttons or sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker interface element is designed to serve multiple purposes: it functions as an acoustic rendering component and simultaneously as a control input device. The same physical component that outputs sound also detects user intent for controlling application playback, reducing overall device complexity while enhancing operational flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If speaker interface element interference is detected to enable control actions, then user control capability is enhanced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the acoustic signal rendered by the speaker and compares it against expected signal characteristics. When user interference occurs (such as covering the speaker to mute or pressing to pause), the distortion or change in the rendered acoustic signal provides feedback that triggers the appropriate control action, enabling versatile control through precise acoustic measurement
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 accurate and reliable control of applications by determining mechanical vibrations caused by user interference, allowing for customizable actions like muting or pausing audio playback without adding hardware, thus enhancing user control over electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
capturing an acoustic signal by a microphone of an apparatus to generate an electrical output signal wherein the acoustic signal is rendered by at least one speaker
Implementation Method 2
determine whether the electrical output signal is being affected by mechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the at least one speaker interface element being at least partially interfered by a user
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, method, apparatus and computer program product are provided. The method includes capturing an acoustic signal by a microphone of an apparatus to generate an electrical output signal. The acoustic signal is rendered in response to a source audio signal by a speaker through at least one speaker interface element of the apparatus. The electrical output signal is compared to the source audio signal in order to determine whether the electrical output signal is being affected by mechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the speaker interface element being at least partially interfered by a user. A predetermined action is further performed in the apparatus whenever it is determined that the electrical output signal is affected by the mechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the speaker interface element being at least partially interfered by the user.