Ultrasonic Surface Detection Using Audio Sweep Echoes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack the ability to accurately sense and identify different surfaces and objects using conventional ultrasonic imaging techniques, which require high power, specialized transducers, and are limited to a small frequency range, making them inefficient and impractical for everyday use.

Innovation Solution

The use of an ultrasonic sweep across a range of frequencies, typically between 18 kHz to 24 kHz, allows an electronic device to emit and receive sound waves that interact with surfaces and objects, analyzing echoes to determine material properties, distance, and object presence without the need for a couplant, utilizing existing transducers like speakers and microphones, and employing machine learning for classification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional ultrasonic imaging techniques are used to detect surfaces and objects, then detection capability is achieved, but power consumption is high and specialized transducers are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of ultrasonic waves to a lower range (18-24 kHz) that is less attenuating and requires less power while still providing effective detection. This parameter change allows the system to maintain detection capability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to conventional high-frequency ultrasonic imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes existing transducers (speakers and microphones) perform the additional function of ultrasonic detection, eliminating the need for specialized transducers. By using components already present in the device for both audio output and environmental sensing, the system achieves versatility without adding dedicated ultrasonic hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If conventional ultrasonic imaging techniques are used, then detection is possible, but specialized transducers are required increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidtransducer requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses its own existing components (speakers and microphones) to perform the detection function, making the system self-sufficient. The speaker emits the ultrasonic sweep and the microphone receives the reflected signal, eliminating the need for external or specialized transducers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If conventional ultrasonic imaging techniques are used, then detection can be performed, but the frequency range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidfrequency range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent expands the frequency parameter range to 18-24 kHz, which is broader and more adaptable than conventional ultrasonic imaging frequencies. This expanded range allows the system to detect different materials and surfaces more effectively while maintaining lower power consumption and avoiding audible interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enables accurate detection and identification of surfaces and objects, enhancing device functionality with reduced power consumption and no need for specialized transducers, allowing for context-aware operations and improved user experiences.

Implementation Method 1

the device emits an ultrasonic sweep and interprets the sound waves received by a transducer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic sweep: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

the range of ultrasonic frequencies interacts with and reflects from (i.e., echoes from) nearby objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEcho: Echo

Implementation Method 3

An apparatus comprises: a first transducer; a second transducer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTransducer conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3732872B1Detecting an environment of an electronic device using ultrasound

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

In one embodiment, a method includes transmitting, from a first transducer of an electronic device, a first audio signal to a surface near the electronic device. The first audio signal is generated based on a frequency sweep across a range of frequencies. The method also includes receiving, at a second transducer of the electronic device, a second audio signal that is at least partly reflected off the surface. The method then determines an attribute of the surface based on the received second audio signal.