Surface Vibration Audio Control for Dampening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio signal reproduction in portable devices, such as mobile phones, often suffers from deteriorated quality when the device is placed on a surface or used as an earpiece, due to dampening effects that reduce the clarity and effectiveness of acoustic wave transmission.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the mode of operation based on input signals from sensors, such as accelerometers and cameras, to control audio signal reproduction through actuators that vibrate the device's surface, allowing for optimal acoustic energy radiation whether the device is on a surface or being held as an earpiece, by processing signals to adjust frequency response and level accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device is placed on a surface for audio playback, then convenience is improved, but audio quality deteriorates due to dampening effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different audio reproduction modes (surface-coupled mode and air-coupled mode) based on detected usage conditions. Sensors detect whether the device is being held or placed on a surface, and the audio signal processing is adjusted accordingly to maintain optimal audio quality in each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes audio signal parameters (frequency response, gain, equalization) based on the detected mode of operation. When placed on a surface, the system applies specific signal processing parameters to compensate for dampening effects and optimize audio reproduction through the contact surface
2Power
If actuators vibrate the device surface for audio reproduction, then acoustic energy radiation is improved, but adaptability to different usage modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple actuators that can be independently controlled to vibrate different surfaces of the device. The control system dynamically selects which actuators to activate and at what intensity based on the detected usage mode, enabling optimal acoustic energy radiation whether the device is held in air or placed on a surface
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure serves multiple functions: the housing and display surface act as both structural components and acoustic radiation surfaces. The same physical surfaces are used for both device integrity and audio reproduction, with the actuators enabling these surfaces to function as effective acoustic radiators in different usage scenarios
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 enhances audio signal reproduction quality by adapting to different usage modes and environmental conditions, ensuring clear and effective sound transmission whether the device is on a surface or being used as an earpiece.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuator within the apparatus to vibrate a surface... vibrating the display or another surface of the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
coupling the surface vibration to an object such that the object radiates the vibration to an object surface and reproduces the sound at the object surface as acoustic energy
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising: at least one input configured to provide at least one input signal; a mode determiner configured to determine at least one mode of condition based on the at least one input signal; a controller configured to control the reproduction of at least one audio signal based on the at least one mode of condition; and at least one actuator configured to reproduce the at least one audio signal within the apparatus by vibration of a surface.