Voice Call Equalizer Selection for Variable Ear Seal Acoustics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile telephony handsets face inconsistent acoustic seals due to variations in ear shape and size, and holding positions, leading to suboptimal audio quality as existing handsets often default to a single acoustic equalizer setting that may not suit individual preferences or certification standards.
Innovation Solution
A user interface on mobile devices allows users to select from predetermined acoustic equalizer settings for voice calls, enabling real-time adjustment of audio processing to enhance audio quality by amplifying specific frequency ranges, such as bass or treble, during ongoing calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single acoustic equalizer setting is used in the handset, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to different user ear shapes and holding positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic equalizer setting that automatically adapts to the user's ear shape and holding position by detecting acoustic characteristics during the call and adjusting frequency compensation in real-time, transforming the static single-setting system into a dynamic multi-adaptability system
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the equalizer parameters (frequency response characteristics) based on detected acoustic conditions, adjusting gain values across different frequency bands to compensate for varying acoustic leaks caused by different ear shapes and holding positions
2Reliability
If the handset is designed for high-leak ear model, then users with similar ear shapes achieve acceptable audio quality, but users with low-leak seals experience poor audio quality described as 'boomy' or 'muddy'
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates acoustic feedback by monitoring the actual sound pressure level and frequency response during the call, then using this information to automatically adjust the equalizer settings to achieve consistent audio quality across different user ear types and holding positions
Solution Approach 2:
The equalizer parameters are dynamically adjusted based on the detected acoustic leak characteristics, changing frequency gain values to compensate for both high-leak and low-leak scenarios, thereby achieving reliable audio quality across diverse user conditions
3Reliability
If the handset is designed for low-leak ear model, then users forming consistent seals achieve good audio quality, but users unable to form consistent seals experience degraded performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-adjusting equalizer settings that automatically detect and adapt to the user's specific acoustic conditions without requiring manual configuration or consistent holding technique, making the system robust to variations in user operation and ear positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The equalizer settings dynamically adapt to changing acoustic conditions during the call, allowing the system to maintain good audio quality even when the user's holding position or ear seal consistency varies, thereby improving ease of operation
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 provides users with customizable audio settings, improving voice call quality by accommodating individual acoustic preferences and reducing complaints about poor audio quality, such as 'boomy' or 'muddy' sounds, while meeting specific frequency requirements.
Implementation Method 1
An acoustic EQ setting determines which frequencies of received audio are amplified, and to what extent, before the received audio is sent to a handset speaker
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of providing a user interface on a mobile device for enabling a user to select acoustic equalizer settings for voice call downlink audio signals, the mobile device including an internal microprocessor, a display in communication with the microprocessor, and at least one input means in communication with the microprocessor, the method including receiving a request from the user for displaying the user interface, in response to the request, displaying the user interface on the display, the user interface including a plurality of predetermined acoustic equalizer settings, wherein the user selects one of the equalizer settings using the input means, receiving the selected equalizer setting at the microprocessor, storing the selected equalizer setting at the microprocessor, and processing the voice call downlink audio signals according to the selected equalizer setting.