Terminal Microphone Selection for Blocked Audio Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals face poor call quality due to the main microphone being easily blocked by user's face or fingers, as existing solutions fail to adapt to different operation habits and handhold gestures, leading to inconsistent audio input.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that automatically selects the optimal main microphone from multiple microphones by monitoring working state parameters, such as audio input signal strength, and toggling between them to ensure clear audio input, avoiding blocking issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single main microphone is arranged on the terminal, then the device structure is simple, but the microphone is easily blocked by user's face or fingers during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrophone arrangement structureVSAvoidaudio input quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the audio input function into multiple independent microphones (first main microphone and second main microphone) positioned at different locations on the terminal. This segmentation allows the system to switch between microphones based on usage scenarios, preventing complete audio input failure when one microphone is blocked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the working state parameter of the microphones by switching between different main microphones based on monitored audio signal characteristics. When the current main microphone is blocked, the system toggles to the other main microphone, changing the active audio input parameter to maintain reliable audio quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the main microphone position is fixed to avoid blocking, then blocking issues are reduced, but it cannot adapt to different user operation habits and handhold gestures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio input qualityVSAvoidadaptation to user habits

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic microphone selection mechanism that automatically switches between different main microphones based on real-time monitoring of audio signal characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to different user operation habits and handhold gestures, selecting the optimal microphone for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the working state parameters of the main microphone, including audio signal strength and quality metrics. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether the current microphone is blocked and automatically toggles to an alternative microphone, creating a closed-loop adaptive system that responds to actual usage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple microphones are arranged on the terminal, then audio input reliability is improved by avoiding blocking, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio input qualityVSAvoidmicrophone arrangement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple main microphones are configured to perform the same primary function of capturing audio input for calls and recordings. This multi-functionality ensures that regardless of which microphone is active, the core audio input requirement is met, providing redundancy without requiring entirely separate functional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If automatic microphone switching is implemented, then adaptability to different usage scenarios is improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to usage scenariosVSAvoidcontrol mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own microphone working state and autonomously determining when switching is needed. The control mechanism uses simple threshold-based detection of audio signal characteristics to trigger automatic toggling between microphones, eliminating the need for complex user interfaces or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3163849B1Method and apparatus for selecting main microphone

Publication Date: 2020.06.10 ZTE CORP

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AI summary

In an embodiment of the present invention, a terminal monitors a working state parameter of a main microphone arranged on the terminal; judges whether the working state parameter satisfies a preset rule; and prompts a user that an audio input signal is abnormal or selects a main microphone satisfying the preset rule as an audio input according to a judgment result.