Single Transducer Audio Controller for Mobile Phones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile phone loudspeakers are underutilized as they are either in handset mode or hand-free mode, with one mode being idle most of the time, limiting their overall usage.
Innovation Solution
An audio apparatus comprising an electroacoustic transducer and an audio controller that actively switches between functioning as a loudspeaker and a microphone, with features like spectral estimation, calibration, noise subtraction, echo cancellation, dynamic switching, and action detection to optimize functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile phone has both handset mode speaker and hand-free mode speaker, then the audio functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases and one speaker is idle most of the time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single electroacoustic transducer to serve dual purposes: functioning as both a loudspeaker (outputting audio signals) and a microphone (capturing audio signals). The audio controller dynamically switches the transducer's mode based on operational needs, eliminating the need for separate dedicated speakers for both functions and reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile audio capabilities
2Productivity
If the electroacoustic transducer switches between loudspeaker and microphone modes, then the usage efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing a dynamic switching mechanism where the electroacoustic transducer's function is not fixed but can be changed in real-time based on operational requirements. The audio controller monitors the operational state and dynamically reconfigures the transducer between loudspeaker and microphone modes, maximizing usage efficiency. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through controlled signal processing and mode switching rather than physical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the audio controller monitors the operational context and adjusts the transducer's function accordingly. The controller receives information about the current operational state and uses this feedback to determine whether the transducer should function as a loudspeaker or microphone, enabling intelligent mode switching that optimizes usage efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention
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
Enhances the utilization of loudspeakers by allowing seamless switching between modes, improving sound quality and functionality, such as voice recording and noise/echo management, based on user actions and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the loudspeaker converts output electrical signals to output sounds
Implementation Method 2
the microphone converts input sounds to input electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An audio apparatus is provided. The audio apparatus includes at most one electroacoustic transducer; and an audio controller, coupled to the electroacoustic transducer, for actively controlling the electroacoustic transducer to function as a loudspeaker or a microphone, wherein the loudspeaker converts output electrical signals to output sounds, and the microphone converts input sounds to input electrical signals.