Telephone Proximity Sensor Muting for Call Termination Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telephones often transmit unwanted noise when the handset is placed back on the base unit, disrupting calls and public address systems by emitting sounds during the termination of a call.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a proximity sensor in the telephone system that detects when the handset is close to the base unit and activates a mute switch to prevent signal transmission before the handset contacts the base unit, thereby preventing noise from being transmitted to the call endpoint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the handset is placed on the base unit to terminate a call, then the call termination function is achieved, but noise is transmitted to the call endpoint disrupting communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting when the handset approaches the base unit using a proximity sensor, and pre-emptively mutes the microphone before the handset actually contacts the base unit. This prevents the collision noise from being captured and transmitted, while still allowing the call termination function to proceed normally when the handset is placed on the base unit.
2Measurement precision
If the microphone remains active during handset placement, then accurate detection of user speech is maintained, but collision noise is captured and transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor acts as an intermediary between the handset and the microphone system. It detects the handset's approach and triggers the muting function before the collision occurs, thereby mediating between the need for accurate speech detection and the need to prevent noise transmission. The system can resume normal microphone operation after the handset is placed, maintaining speech detection accuracy for subsequent calls.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a proximity sensor and muting system are added to the telephone, then noise transmission is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by using the existing proximity sensor (originally designed for other functions like detecting handset presence) to trigger the noise prevention mechanism. The control element automatically mutes the microphone based on proximity detection without requiring user intervention, and the system self-manages the muting state based on handset position, reducing the need for additional complex control mechanisms.
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
Effectively prevents noise transmission during call termination, ensuring clear communication and reducing distractions in environments like office buildings with public address systems.
Implementation Method 1
The telephone has a proximity sensor configured to detect when the handset is in close proximity to the base unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system for preventing noise transmission at the end of a telephone call includes a telephone having a handset and a base unit. The telephone has a proximity sensor configured to detect when the handset is in close proximity to the base unit prior to the handset contacting the base unit. A control element communicates with the proximity sensor and prevents transmission of sound received from the handset when the proximity sensor indicates that the handset is in close proximity to the base unit thereby preventing transmission of noise caused by the handset contacting the base unit.