Speaker Microphone Dual-Use Circuit for Ambient Noise Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ambient noise sensor systems require multiple components, increasing costs and complexity, especially in large spaces, and lack efficient methods for determining ambient audio conditions with minimal equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a speaker that doubles as a microphone, with an audio processing unit generating switching signals to connect the speaker to a digitizing circuit, allowing for ambient noise measurement and subsequent adjustment of audio signals to compensate for noise levels, thereby reducing the need for separate microphone and noise cancellation components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate microphone and noise cancellation components are used to determine ambient noise levels, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the speaker driver perform dual functions: it serves as both an audio output device and an ambient noise sensor. By utilizing the speaker's ability to detect acoustic pressure changes, the system eliminates the need for a separate microphone, thereby reducing component quantity while maintaining noise measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the speaker and microphone functions into a single integrated component. The speaker driver's voice coil assembly is used to detect ambient noise levels, merging the audio reproduction function with the noise sensing function into one unified component, thus simplifying the overall system architecture
2Reliability
If multiple components are used in ambient noise sensor systems, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker driver is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - audio output and noise sensing. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining system reliability through the robustness of the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the speaker and microphone into a single component, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps and connection points required. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly complexity, making the system easier to produce at scale while maintaining reliability through fewer potential failure points
3Measurement precision
If separate noise cancellation components are used, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker driver serves dual purposes as both audio output and noise sensor, eliminating the need for separate noise cancellation hardware. The system achieves signal-to-noise ratio improvement through software-based processing and gain adjustment rather than additional physical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using separate noise cancellation components with a digital signal processing approach. The audio processing unit adjusts gain and processes signals digitally to maintain constant signal-to-noise ratio, substituting electronic/software solutions for mechanical/hardware-based noise cancellation
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 approach significantly reduces equipment costs and complexity while maintaining a constant signal-to-noise ratio by using the speaker to measure and adjust audio output in real-time, effectively addressing ambient noise challenges in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
the speaker including a driver input; a switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, and an output... generate the switching signal such that when in the second switching state, the driver input of the speaker is connected to a first portion of the audio processing unit such that the speaker operates as a microphone to acquire ambient noise sound
Data Source
AI summary
An audio noise calibration circuit is provided comprising: a speaker, the speaker including a driver input; a switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, and an output, and wherein the switch is adapted to be responsive to a switching signal having at least a first switching state and a second switching state such that the first terminal of the switch is connected to the output of the switch when the switching signal is in the first switching state such that there is electrical connectivity between the first terminal and the output, and the second terminal of the switch is connected to the output of the switch when the switching signal is in the second switching state such that there is electrical connectivity between the second terminal and the output, and further wherein the output of the switch is connected to the driver input of the speaker; and an audio processing unit adapted to generate the switching signal such that when in the first switching state, an audio signal generated by the audio processing unit is transferred to the first terminal and then to the driver input of the speaker to be broadcast, generate the switching signal such that when in the second switching state, the driver input of the speaker is connected to a first portion of the audio processing unit such that the speaker operates as a microphone to acquire ambient noise sound, and an electrical output of the microphone that represents the ambient noise sound is processed by the first portion of the audio processing unit to generate a digitized ambient noise sound, and modify a next output audio signal based on the digitized ambient noise sound.