Ultrasonic Signal Detection Using Gyroscope and Microphone Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
User devices, such as smartphones and earphones, face challenges in detecting and mitigating ultrasonic signals that can cause unwanted events or outputs, as these signals are down-shifted to the audio range due to non-linear components and are not effectively distinguished from legitimate audio signals.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize data from microphones and gyroscopes to detect ultrasonic signals by analyzing amplitude envelope correlation and spectral analysis of waveforms, with machine-learned models trained on ultrasonic signal parameters, to identify and mitigate such signals by controlling the user device's output or functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-linear components are used to process audio signals, then signal processing functionality is improved, but ultrasonic signals are down-shifted to audio range causing unwanted events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the gyroscope as an intermediary sensor to detect ultrasonic signals through mechanical vibrations, providing an additional detection pathway that complements the microphone-based audio processing system without interfering with its normal functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional acoustic detection method (microphone) with a mechanical detection method (gyroscope) for ultrasonic signal detection, exploiting the gyroscope's ability to detect high-frequency mechanical vibrations that correspond to ultrasonic frequencies
2Device complexity
If traditional microphone-based detection is used, then audio signal detection is simple, but ultrasonic signals cannot be distinguished from audio signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task into two parts: the microphone handles audio frequency detection while the gyroscope handles ultrasonic frequency detection, allowing each sensor to specialize in its optimal frequency range and improving overall detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new detection dimension by incorporating gyroscope data alongside microphone data, transforming the detection problem from a single-channel audio analysis to a multi-modal sensing approach that can distinguish ultrasonic signals through their unique mechanical vibration characteristics
3Measurement precision
If gyroscope data is added to detect ultrasonic signals, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the gyroscope's existing mechanical vibration sensing capability, which was already present in the device for other purposes, and repurposes it for ultrasonic detection, avoiding the need to add entirely new specialized hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the processing of microphone and gyroscope data within the existing audio processing pipeline, utilizing the device's existing computational resources and processing architecture to handle the combined data stream without requiring separate dedicated processing systems
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 unwanted events associated with ultrasonic signals by accurately distinguishing them from audio signals, thereby protecting user devices from potential malicious inputs or distractions.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, based at least in part on the first data and the second data, that the signal received by the microphone comprises an ultrasonic signal
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to detection of ultrasonic signals. Example embodiments may comprise an apparatus, method and/or computer program. For example, the method may comprise: providing first data derived from a signal received by a microphone of a user device; providing second data representing mechanical oscillations within a gyroscope of the user device; detecting, based at least in part on the first data and the second data, that the signal received by the microphone comprises an ultrasonic signal; and responsive to the detection, controlling the user device for mitigating one or more events associated with receipt of the ultrasonic signal by the microphone.