Stereo Speaker Phase Detection Using Microphone Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing apparatuses face challenges in connecting two types of stereo speakers without increasing the cost and space on the circuit board, as traditional identification methods require additional terminals, which are costly and space-consuming.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a microphone to collect sound output from stereo speakers, identifying the type based on sound pressure, and controls amplifiers to be in phase or reverse phase depending on the speaker type, using stored parameters for optimal sound signal generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If identification terminals are added to the connector to identify speaker type, then speaker type identification capability is improved, but connector terminal count and circuit board space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeaker type identification capabilityVSAvoidcircuit board space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical identification terminal system with an acoustic identification system. The microphone detects sound pressure levels from the speaker to identify speaker type, eliminating the need for additional connector terminals and reducing circuit board space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sound pressure as an intermediary medium for speaker identification. Instead of direct electrical contact through identification terminals, the system uses acoustic waves as a mediator to convey speaker type information to the microphone for detection and analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If identification terminals are added to the connector to identify speaker type, then speaker type identification capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeaker type identification capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the existing microphone component, which is already present in the information processing apparatus for other functions, to perform speaker identification. This reuses an existing low-cost component rather than adding expensive identification terminals to the connector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If phase configuration is adjusted based on speaker type, then sound output quality is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound output qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic phase configuration that automatically adjusts based on detected speaker type. The system transitions from a static fixed phase configuration to a dynamic adaptive configuration, optimizing sound output quality for different speaker types without requiring manual intervention or complex user setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback from the microphone's sound pressure detection to automatically determine speaker type and adjust the phase configuration accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system optimizes sound output quality by continuously adapting to the connected speaker characteristics without increasing apparent system complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 allows seamless connection of two types of stereo speakers while minimizing the impact on cost and space on the circuit board, ensuring optimal sound output and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a microphone capable of collecting at least the sound output from the stereo speakers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound pressure detection: Acoustics

Data Source

PatentUS12483834B2Information processing apparatus and control method

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: two amplifiers that and output sound signals based on sound data to two speakers, respectively, that the stereo speaker has; a connector that connects the amplifiers to the two speakers; and a microphone. When a first stereo speaker is to be connected to the connector, the stereo speaker is connected so that the two speakers of the first stereo speaker are in phase with each other. When a second stereo speaker is to be connected to the connector, the stereo speaker is connected so that the two speakers of the second stereo speaker are in reverse phase with each other. The information processing apparatus outputs a sound signal based on predetermined sound data from the amplifiers to the stereo speaker, thus identifying the type of the stereo speaker connected to the connector based on the sound collected with the microphone.