Stylus Pen Microphone Layout for Beamforming in Compact Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to enhance audio performance in portable electronic devices equipped with multiple microphones, which face space constraints due to the need for external exposure for sound collection, while also accommodating a detachable stylus pen for precise input.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a stylus pen with a microphone that can operate independently or in conjunction with the device's microphones, allowing for adjustable audio solutions based on attachment or detachment, utilizing wireless communication and specific positioning to optimize sound data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple microphones are mounted inside the housing to improve audio performance, then audio performance is improved, but mounting space is insufficient due to the need for external exposure for sound collection
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus pen is nested within the housing when not in use, with its microphone positioned to extend through an elongated hole. This allows the stylus microphone to serve as an additional audio input without requiring separate mounting space within the housing, effectively nesting a functional audio component within the existing device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting all microphones within the two-dimensional plane of the housing, the invention utilizes the third dimension by extending the stylus pen microphone through the elongated hole to the external environment. This dimensional transition allows the microphone to access external sound space while being integrated into the device's internal storage space.
2Measurement precision
If a detachable stylus pen is provided for precise touch input, then input precision is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex due to the elongated hole and detachment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus pen serves multiple functions: it provides precise touch input through the display and simultaneously functions as an audio input device when inserted into the elongated hole. The microphone in the stylus can be used for voice calls or audio recording regardless of whether the stylus is attached or detached, making the audio system universal across different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio system dynamically adapts based on the stylus attachment state. When the stylus is inserted, the system can utilize both the housing microphone and the stylus microphone for enhanced audio processing. The processor selectively activates and coordinates microphones based on the real-time attachment status, creating a dynamic audio configuration that optimizes performance for each usage scenario.
3Reliability
If the microphone is exposed to the outside through the elongated hole when the stylus is inserted, then sound collection capability is improved, but noise from the external environment may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to manage noise from the external environment. The processor receives input from both the housing microphone and the stylus microphone, comparing and processing the signals to distinguish between desired sound sources and external noise. This feedback-based signal processing allows the system to maintain high sound collection capability while mitigating the impact of external noise through active noise control algorithms.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device and method are disclosed. The electronic device includes a housing, microphone, wireless communication circuit, processor, memory, and stylus pen. The processor is configured to implement the method, including: when the stylus pen is located in the elongated hole, operate both the at least one first microphone and the second microphone to detect sound, and when the stylus pen is not located in the elongated hole, operate one of the first microphone or the second microphone to detect sound.