Tapping Detection Unit Using Low-Frequency Energy Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio signal processing systems that use microphones for user input detection require significant computational resources for frequency analysis, leading to high processing burdens and increased costs, particularly in low-cost devices like portable music players, where efficient operation recognition is hindered by the need for complex calculations and prolonged detection times.
Innovation Solution
An audio signal processing apparatus that employs a tapping detection unit utilizing an energy increase/decrease determination process for low-frequency components within specific time periods to detect user input operations, reducing the need for complex waveform analysis and minimizing computational resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequency analysis and cross-correlation using FFT are used to detect tapping operations, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing burden and computational resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential feature for tapping detection - the energy level of low-frequency components - from the complete audio signal. By using a band-pass filter to isolate low-frequency components (50-500 Hz) and monitoring energy changes, the system achieves sufficient detection accuracy without performing comprehensive frequency analysis or cross-correlation operations, thereby significantly reducing computational burden
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex computational methods (FFT, cross-correlation) with a simpler, more economical approach using energy level monitoring of filtered signals. This substitution uses less computational resources and can be implemented with lower-cost processing units while maintaining adequate detection functionality for the specific application
2Measurement precision
If complex waveform analysis is performed to detect tapping operations, then detection precision is improved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the critical information - energy level changes in low-frequency components - from the audio signal. By monitoring the envelope of filtered low-frequency components, the system achieves rapid detection without performing time-consuming waveform analysis or cross-correlation operations, thus reducing detection time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by monitoring only the low-frequency energy component rather than analyzing the entire waveform. This selective approach focuses computational effort on the most relevant feature for tapping detection, achieving sufficient precision with significantly reduced processing time
3Reliability
If constant detection processing with high computational requirements is performed, then operation detection reliability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive high-performance computation units with simpler, lower-cost processing equipment capable of performing energy level monitoring. The simplified algorithm using band-pass filtering and energy calculation can be implemented on budget-friendly hardware while maintaining reliable continuous detection operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and monitors only the essential energy level feature from the audio signal, eliminating the need for complex computational operations. This reduction in processing requirements enables reliable continuous detection using cost-effective hardware suitable for portable music players and similar devices
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 allows for simplified and efficient detection of user operations using microphones, reducing processing burdens and costs, while enabling faster operation recognition and improved response times in devices like portable music players.
Implementation Method 1
detects a tapping input operation on the basis of an energy increase/decrease determination process for making a determination as to an increase and a decrease of an energy level of low-frequency components of the audio signal within a first time period
Data Source
AI summary
An audio signal processing apparatus includes a tapping detection unit to which an audio signal picked up by a microphone is input and that detects a tapping input operation on the basis of an energy increase/decrease determination process for making a determination as to whether an increase and a decrease of an energy level of low-frequency components of the audio signal occur within a first time period; and a control unit that performs a certain control process that is set for a tapping input operation in response to a tapping input operation being detected by the tapping detection unit.