Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor for In-Ear Audio Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio accessories, such as in-ear earphones, face challenges in maintaining optimal sound quality due to varying local environments and improper positioning, which can lead to misalignment and decreased performance.
Innovation Solution
The integration of ultrasonic proximity sensors within audio accessories allows for the classification of local environments based on reflected ultrasonic signals, enabling the device to automatically determine its optimal positioning and adjust accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a continuous external surface is used on audio accessories, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but detection of local environment and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based detection methods with ultrasonic acoustic field-based detection. The ultrasonic transducer emits acoustic waves that interact with the local environment (ear canal, earlobe, etc.) to provide positioning information, eliminating the need for mechanical sensors or perforations in the housing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustic field as an intermediary between the ultrasonic transducer and the local environment. The acoustic waves serve as a mediator that can penetrate through the continuous housing surface and interact with the ear anatomy, allowing information extraction without direct mechanical contact or surface interruptions.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic transducer is positioned to detect reflected signals from ear anatomy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the ultrasonic transducer to perform multiple functions: it acts as both an acoustic wave generator for emitting ultrasonic signals and as a sensor for detecting reflected signals. This single component serves dual purposes, reducing the need for separate transmitter and receiver elements and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic transducer utilizes the ear anatomy itself as the target for signal reflection, eliminating the need for external reflective surfaces or additional target components. The system self-determines positioning by analyzing the reflected acoustic waves from the user's ear structure.
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 solution enhances the audio accessory's performance by ensuring proper alignment and contact with the user's ear, thereby maintaining consistent sound quality and providing an aesthetically pleasing, uninterrupted external surface.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric actuator can be a first piezoelectric actuator to emit the ultrasonic signal
Implementation Method 2
the transducer can be configured to receive a reflected signal from a local environment
Implementation Method 3
The ultrasonic transducer can include a second piezoelectric actuator to receive ultrasonic energy
Implementation Method 4
emit an ultrasonic signal into, and to detect a reflected signal from, a local environment
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic proximity sensor can determine one or more characteristics of a local environment. For example, the sensor can emit an ultrasonic signal into a local environment and can receive an ultrasonic signal from the local environment. From a measure of correlation between the emitted and the received signals, the sensor can classify the local environment. By way of example, such a sensor can assess whether an in-ear earphone is positioned in a user's ear. A media device in communication with the sensor can transmit an audio signal to the earphone for audio playback responsive to a determination by the sensor that the earphone is in the user's ear and can redirect the audio signal to another playback device responsive to a determination by the sensor that the earphone is not in the user's ear. Related and other aspects also are described.