EP4032316A1 - Adaptive pressure-release wind protection for microphones - Google Patents
Adaptive pressure-release wind protection for microphonesInfo
- Publication number
- EP4032316A1 EP4032316A1 EP19789672.3A EP19789672A EP4032316A1 EP 4032316 A1 EP4032316 A1 EP 4032316A1 EP 19789672 A EP19789672 A EP 19789672A EP 4032316 A1 EP4032316 A1 EP 4032316A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- microphone
- cavity
- air
- microphone assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 230000003044 adaptive effect Effects 0.000 title description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000010295 mobile communication Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005534 acoustic noise Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/08—Mouthpieces; Microphones; Attachments therefor
- H04R1/083—Special constructions of mouthpieces
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R3/00—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R3/007—Protection circuits for transducers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2410/00—Microphones
- H04R2410/07—Mechanical or electrical reduction of wind noise generated by wind passing a microphone
Definitions
- the aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to mobile communication devices and more particularly to reducing wind noise interference with a microphone of a mobile communication device.
- Microphones operate by sensing sound, i.e. changes in air pressure.
- a movable membrane in the microphone is displaced by the changing air pressure.
- the position of the membrane is read electronically and converted into a digital or analog audio signal.
- the membrane is not directly linked with the outside chassis of the device containing the microphone in order to avoid the user touching the membrane, for example.
- the chassis of the device will include a “microphone hole” or cavity and the membrane is located within this hole.
- the small air volume inside the microphone hole is typically called the front cavity of the microphone. In windy conditions, wind will often pressurizes the front cavity too much and drive the membrane outside its operating range. This can result in, among other things, in clipping distortion which sounds bad and decreases speech intelligibility.
- the microphone assembly includes a housing defining a cavity, a microphone disposed in the cavity and a valve disposed in the housing proximate to the microphone.
- the valve is configured to be actuated when an air pressure level in the cavity exceeds a pre-determined threshold level and enables air to pass from the cavity and into the surrounding environment. Wind-caused excess pressure in the microphone front cavity, or negative pressure in the microphone front cavity, is released release via an active or passive valve. The valve will open when a desired pressure level is exceeded and connect the front cavity to the surrounding air allow for improved operation in windy conditions.
- the valve is disposed in the housing between an opening in the cavity and an external environment.
- the valve will open when a desired pressure level is exceeded and connect the front cavity to the surrounding air allow for improved operation in windy conditions.
- a channel is disposed in the housing.
- the channel is connected between the valve and an external environment.
- the channel allows air to travel from the cavity through the valve and to an outlet of the channel. Wind-caused excess pressure in the microphone front cavity is released release via the valve.
- the valve will open when a desired pressure level is exceeded and connect the front cavity to the surrounding air allowing for improved operation in windy conditions.
- a controller is connected to the valve.
- the controller is configured to detect the air pressure level in the cavity and actuate the valve when the detected air pressure level exceeds the pre-determined threshold level.
- the valve is configured to be actuated when an air pressure level in the cavity exceeds a pre-determined threshold level and enables air to pass or flow from the cavity into the surrounding environment.
- the valve will open when a desired pressure level is exceeded and connect the front cavity to the surrounding air allow for improved operation in windy conditions.
- the controller includes one or more of a wind noise detector or a pressure sensor.
- the controller is configured to detect the air pressure level in the cavity and actuate the valve when the detected air pressure level exceeds the pre- determined threshold level to enable air to pass or flow from the cavity into the surrounding environment and reduce the air pressure.
- the microphone assembly is disposed in an ear bud.
- the aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide a valve-based pressure release from the microphone front cavity of an ear bud into the surrounding air for reducing acoustic overloading typically caused by wind.
- the microphone assembly is disposed in a mobile communication device.
- the aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide a valve-based pressure release from the microphone front cavity of a mobile communication device into the surrounding air for reducing acoustic overloading typically caused by wind.
- a signal is obtained from the front cavity of a microphone assembly. Is determined from the obtained signal whether there is wind noise affecting the microphone. If it is determined that the obtained signal indicates wind noise, a valve is opened. When opened, the valve enables air to pass from the cavity and into the surrounding environment. Wind-caused excess pressure in the microphone front cavity, or negative pressure in the microphone front cavity, is released release via an active or passive valve. The valve will open when a desired pressure level is reached or exceeded, which can include negative pressure values, and connect the front cavity to the surrounding air allow for improved operation in windy conditions.
- the method includes detecting from the obtained signal whether a detected air pressure level in a front cavity of a microphone level is at or exceeds a predetermined threshold level.
- the valve is opened if the pressure level is at or exceeds the predetermined threshold level.
- the valve when opened enables air to pass from the cavity and into the surrounding environment. Wind-caused excess pressure in the microphone front cavity, or negative pressure in the microphone front cavity, is released release via an active or passive valve.
- the valve will open when a desired pressure level is reached or exceeded, which can include negative pressure values, and connect the front cavity to the surrounding air allow for improved operation in windy conditions.
- the method further includes starting a timer when the valve is opened and closing the valve when the timer expires.
- Figures 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.
- Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.
- Figure 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.
- Figure 4 illustrates aspects of an exemplary method incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.
- Figure 5 illustrates aspects of an exemplary method incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.
- Figure 6 illustrates aspects of an exemplary method incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.
- FIG. 1 a schematic block diagram of an exemplary apparatus 100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is illustrated.
- the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to releasing wind-caused excess pressure in the microphone front cavity via an active or passive valve.
- a valve 104 is disposed between the cavity 108 and surrounding air. This valve 104 will be opened or actuated when a desired pressure level is exceeded. The opening or actuation of the valve 104 allows air to flow through the valve 104.
- the valve 104 can be mechanically tuned to open when desired pressure is reached (passive solution). Alternatively, the valve or valves 104 can be controlled by an external control to open when the desired pressure reached (active solution).
- the valve 104 connecting the cavity 108 to the surrounding air allows for improved operation in windy conditions.
- the exemplary apparatus 100 includes a housing 102 defining a cavity 108.
- the cavity 108 is a microphone front cavity.
- a valve 104 is disposed in the housing 102. The valve 104 is configured to release air pressure from the microphone front cavity 104 and into the surrounding environment. In this manner, the valve 104 reduces acoustic overloading of the microphone 110, that is typically caused by wind.
- valve 104 is disposed proximate to the microphone 110.
- the valve 104 needs to be positioned within the housing 102 in a manner that enables air pressure from the microphone front cavity 108 to be received by the valve 104.
- an air channel 112 is disposed within the housing 102.
- the air channel 112 can comprise an exhaust or ventilation path, for example.
- the air channel 112 is a tubular structure that is configured to allow air to pass through it from one end to the other end.
- the air channel 112 of Figure 1 includes an opening 114 and an opening 116.
- the opening 114 is disposed in a manner to receive air or air pressure from the microphone front cavity 108 and allow the air to travel into and through the channel 112 and into the surrounding environment.
- the opening 116 allows the air or air pressure in the channel 112 to exit into the surrounding air.
- wind can cause a negative pressure to the cavity 108.
- the air flow could be from the opening 116 into the front cavity 108 via the air channel 112 and opening 114.
- the housing 102 can include any number of channels, opening, inlets, outlets and valves that will enable air pressure to be diverted from the microphone 110 to prevent acoustic overload of the microphone 110.
- the valve 104 is disposed within the air channel 112 proximate to the opening 114. In alternate embodiments, the valve 104 can be disposed at any suitable location with respect to the air channel 112 and the opening 114. For example, in one embodiment, the valve 104 could be disposed at or comprise the opening 114 of the channel 112.
- the apparatus 300 comprises an earbud, eartip or headphone device. The apparatus 300 in this example includes an ear tip 120.
- wind can cause overpressure on the top surface of the microphone 108. This overpressure can lead to clipping, for example.
- the valve 104 is opened, air can travel through the channel or exhaust path 112 leading to pressure release. This results in less pressure to the microphone and less audio clipping.
- the valve 104 can be an active valve or a passive valve.
- an electrically-controlled active valve can be implemented using for example a miniaturized solenoid valve.
- a passive valve can be implemented as an overpressure vent.
- the apparatus 100 includes a controller 106.
- the controller 106 generally comprises a processor and memory.
- the processor is generally configured to execute non-transitory machine readable instructions, which when execute, are configured to carry out the processes described herein.
- the controller 106 can control the operation of the valve 104 and switch the state of the valve between the open and closed positions.
- the apparatus 200 includes one or more sensors 118.
- the valve 104 when the valve 104 is an active valve, the valve 104 can be controlled by a sensor 118.
- the sensor 118 can be a wind noise detector (WND) that is configured to read the microphone signal and use digital signal processing (DSP) to determine the limit of microphone clipping.
- the sensor 118 can be a pressure sensor.
- the sensor 118 shown in Figure 2 can be a standalone device that is connected to and controls the valve 104 between the open and closed states. In an alternate embodiment, the sensor 118 is coupled to or part of the controller 106 illustrated in Figure 1. In one embodiment, signals from the sensor 118 can be sent to the controller 106 of Figure 1, which controls the state of the valve 104.
- the apparatus 100 optionally includes a timer 122.
- the timer 122 can be a standalone device connected to the controller 106, or part of the controller 106.
- the timer 122 is used to determine the minimum “open time” for the valve 104, in order to avoid rapid opening and closing the valve 104, which may create audio artefacts.
- the suitable value for timing of the timer 122 depends on the acoustic and mechanical structures, and can be experimentally found in a practical implementation.
- Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary process flow 400 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.
- a signal from the front cavity of the microphone is obtained 402.
- the signal can include for example, an air pressure signal, a nois detector or such other suitable signal that can be used to detect wind noise. It is determined 404 if the signal indicates the presence of wind noise. If wind noise is detected, a valve 104 is opened 406 to allow air to flow through the valve.
- the signal is an air pressure signal.
- the air pressure in the microphone cavity is detected 408 from the obtained signal. It is determined 410 whether the detected air pressure reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If the predetermined threshold is not reached or exceeded, the process continues to detect or measure 408 the air pressure. If the predetermined threshold value is exceeded, the valve 104 is opened 406.
- the predetermined threshold value can include both positive and negative pressure values.
- the release of air pressure through the valve reduces the pressure on the microphone 110 and reduces the acoustic noise. In the case of negative pressure on in the front cavity 108 of the microphone, the opening of the valve 104 releases the negative pressure.
- a timer 122 is started 414.
- the timer 122 is monitored 416 for an expiration of a predetermined time period.
- the valve 104 is closed 418.
- the timer 122 can be reset 420.
- the timer 122 is used to determine the minimum “open time” for the valve 104. By using a minimum open time for the valve 104, rapid opening and closing of the valve 104 is avoided, which may otherwise create audio artefacts.
- a microphone front cavity is connected to the surrounding air via a controllable valve.
- the wind-caused excess pressure in the microphone front cavity is released via the valve.
- the valve connects the front cavity to the surrounding air allow for improved operation in windy conditions, and tunable microphone sensitivity, respectively.
- Valves such as miniature valves are disposed between the front cavity and surrounding air. These valves will open when a desired pressure level is reached or exceeded. In a passive valve solution, the valves are mechanically tuned to open when the desired pressure is reached or exceeded. In an active valve solution, the valves are controlled by external control to open when desired pressure is reached or exceeded.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2019/078076 WO2021073731A1 (en) | 2019-10-16 | 2019-10-16 | Adaptive pressure-release wind protection for microphones |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4032316A1 true EP4032316A1 (en) | 2022-07-27 |
Family
ID=68281456
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19789672.3A Pending EP4032316A1 (en) | 2019-10-16 | 2019-10-16 | Adaptive pressure-release wind protection for microphones |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4032316A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN114556966B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021073731A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8447054B2 (en) * | 2009-11-11 | 2013-05-21 | Analog Devices, Inc. | Microphone with variable low frequency cutoff |
US9185480B2 (en) * | 2012-12-14 | 2015-11-10 | Apple Inc. | Acoustically actuated mechanical valve for acoustic transducer protection |
CN206136292U (en) * | 2016-08-31 | 2017-04-26 | 歌尔股份有限公司 | Packaging structure of MEMS microphone |
US10405105B2 (en) * | 2017-01-19 | 2019-09-03 | Intel Corporation | MEMS microphone maximum sound pressure level extension |
CN208821085U (en) * | 2018-10-31 | 2019-05-03 | 歌尔科技有限公司 | A kind of MEMS microphone package structure |
-
2019
- 2019-10-16 WO PCT/EP2019/078076 patent/WO2021073731A1/en unknown
- 2019-10-16 CN CN201980101183.7A patent/CN114556966B/en active Active
- 2019-10-16 EP EP19789672.3A patent/EP4032316A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2021073731A1 (en) | 2021-04-22 |
CN114556966A (en) | 2022-05-27 |
CN114556966B (en) | 2023-09-22 |
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