U.S. patent application number 13/103416 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-01 for flip-type communication device with a single output audio transducer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Motorola Mobility, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gregory R. Black, Joel A. Clark, Robert A. Zurek.
Application Number | 20110212754 13/103416 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37657296 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110212754 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zurek; Robert A. ; et
al. |
September 1, 2011 |
Flip-Type Communication Device with a Single Output Audio
Transducer
Abstract
A flip-type communication device 200 includes a base housing 220
and an auxiliary housing 225. The base housing has an audio output
320 and the auxiliary housing has an earpiece 240 for another audio
output. An unattenuated acoustic path has an input end coupled to
an audio transducer 115 and an output end coupled to the audio
output 320 while an attenuated acoustic path has an input end
coupled to the output end of the unattenuated path and an output
end coupled to the earpiece region 240 during a privacy mode and
having the input end uncoupled from the output end of the
unattenuated path during a speakerphone mode.
Inventors: |
Zurek; Robert A.; (Antioch,
IL) ; Black; Gregory R.; (Vernon Hills, IL) ;
Clark; Joel A.; (Woodridge, IL) |
Assignee: |
Motorola Mobility, Inc.
Libertyville
IL
|
Family ID: |
37657296 |
Appl. No.: |
13/103416 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11170358 |
Jun 29, 2005 |
7961900 |
|
|
13103416 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/569.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/605 20130101;
H04M 1/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/569.1 |
International
Class: |
H04W 88/02 20090101
H04W088/02 |
Claims
1. A communication device capable of operating in a privacy mode
and a speakerphone mode, the communication device comprising: a
base housing having an audio output; an unattenuated acoustic path
having an input end coupled to an audio transducer and an output
end coupled to the audio output; an auxiliary housing, coupled to
the base housing, having an earpiece region; an attenuated acoustic
path having an input end coupled to the output end of the
unattenuated acoustic path and an output end coupled to the
earpiece region during the privacy mode and having the input end
uncoupled from the output end of the unattenuated acoustic path
during the speakerphone mode.
2. A communication device as recited in claim 1, wherein the
attenuated acoustic path includes one or more of a group
comprising: mass loading, viscous losses, and acoustic resistive
damping materials.
3. A communication device as recited in claim 2, wherein the
attenuated acoustic path comprises: a passive porting network.
4. A communication device comprising: a base housing including: an
audio transducer, an audio output, and an acoustic path coupled
between the audio transducer and the audio output; and an auxiliary
housing, rotatably coupled to the base housing, including: an
earpiece region, and an attenuated audio path coupled to the
earpiece region, wherein the attenuated audio path is coupled to
the audio output during a privacy mode and wherein the attenuated
audio path is not coupled to the audio output during a speakerphone
mode.
5. A communication device as recited in claim 4, wherein the base
housing is coupled to the auxiliary housing with one or more
elements chosen from a group comprising: a ball hinge, and a
cylindrical hinge.
6. The communication device as recited in claim 4, further
comprising: a switch, located within the base housing, adapted to
depress when the auxiliary housing rotates to an open position.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/170,358 (CS26465RA) entitled "Communication Device with
Single Output Audio Transducer" by Robert A. Zurek et al. and filed
on Jun. 29, 2005.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a communication device; and
more particularly, the present invention relates to a system for
enhanced audio operation within a communication device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Acoustic performance is an important product differentiator
among communication devices. A communication device, such as a
portable radiotelephone, employs a speaker to convert electrical
signals into sound waves in the human-audible frequency range of 20
Hertz (Hz) to 20,000 kilo-Hertz (kHz). When positioned against the
user's ear during operation, the speaker enables a user of the
radiotelephone to hear a representation of a caller's voice, as
well as other sounds such as dial tones.
[0004] In addition to the traditional operation where the
communication device is held close to a user's ear, the newer
generation of communication devices offers hands-free speakerphone
operation. Further, most communication devices also employ an alert
transducer for audible notification of various operations including
incoming messages, alarms, and the like.
[0005] A variety of techniques have been developed to detect
whether the communication device is operating in a close-talking
mode, speakerphone mode, or audible alert mode. In one technique,
for example, a host processor keeps track of the current operating
mode of the device based on user selection. If a user selects the
speakerphone option, then the host processor sets a number of
device parameters such as echo cancellation thresholds, microphone
sensitivity and high audio speaker output level to optimize the
performance of the device in that mode. Another technique for
detecting whether the communication device is operating in a
close-talking, speakerphone mode, or audible alert mode utilizes
the outputs of gravitational sensors. According to this technique,
the processor not only keeps track of the current mode, but will
also switch from one operating mode to the other based on the
output from the gravitational sensors.
[0006] It is desirable to use the same speaker for the earpiece
audible operation, the speakerphone operation, and the alert
operation in order to minimize cost and size of the communication
device. One problem with such multiple-utilizations is that the
alert and/or speakerphone audio level at the earpiece during close
talking would tend to exceed a typical person's required limit for
comfort or safety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0007] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views and which together with the detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve
to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various
principles and advantages all in accordance with the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 1 is an example block diagram of communication device
in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an example flip-type communication device in an
open position in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an example flip-type communication device in a
closed position in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front view of an example candybar-type
communication device in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of one embodiment of the
candybar-type communication device of FIG. 4 in accordance with
some embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 a second cross-section view of one embodiment of the
candybar-type communication device of FIG. 4 in accordance with
some embodiments of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a back view of an example candybar-type
communication device in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a second back view of an example candybar-type
communication device in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is cross-section view of an alternate embodiment of
the candybar-type communication device of FIG. 4 in accordance with
some embodiments of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a second cross-section view of an alternate
embodiment of the candybar-type communication device of FIG. 4 in
accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
[0018] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of
some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to
other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Before describing in detail the apparatus and method within
a communication device having a single output audio transducer in
accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that
the present invention resides primarily in combinations of method
steps and apparatus components related to the apparatus and method
within a communication device having a single output audio
transducer. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps
have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in
the drawings, showing only those specific details that are
pertinent to understanding the present invention so as not to
obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the
description herein.
[0020] In this document, relational terms such as first and second,
top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one
entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily
requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between
such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or
any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive
inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that
comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded
by "comprises . . . a" does not, without more constraints, preclude
the existence of additional identical elements in the process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
[0021] It will be appreciated the apparatus and method within a
communication device having a single output audio transducer
described herein may be comprised of one or more conventional
processors and unique stored program instructions that control the
one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain
non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the
apparatus and method within a communication device having a single
output audio transducer described herein. The non-processor
circuits may include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a
radio transmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source
circuits, and user input devices. As such, these functions may be
interpreted as steps of a method to perform the method for
interpreting user input in an electronic device. Alternatively,
some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that
has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application
specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or
some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as
custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could
be used. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been
described herein. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary
skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design
choices motivated by, for example, available time, current
technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the
concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of
generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with
minimal experimentation.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic block diagram of a
communication device 100 is illustrated. It will be appreciated by
one of ordinary skill in the art that the communication device 100,
in accordance with the present invention, can be a mobile cellular
telephone, a mobile radio data terminal, a mobile cellular
telephone having an attached or integrated data terminal, a two-way
messaging device, or an equivalent. Similarly, the communication
device 100 can be any other electronic device such as a personal
digital assistant or a laptop computer having wireless
communication capabilities. In the following description, the term
"communication device" refers to any combination of the devices
mentioned above or an equivalent.
[0023] It will further be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in
the art that the communication device, in accordance with the
present invention, can operate within wide area networks utilizing
at least one of several standards. These standards include analog,
digital or dual-mode communication system protocols such as, but
not limited to, the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), the
Narrowband Advanced Mobile Phone System (NAMPS), the Global System
for Mobile Communications (GSM), the IS-136 Time Division Multiple
Access (TDMA) digital cellular system, the IS-95 Code Division
Multiple Access (CDMA) digital cellular system, the CDMA 2000
system, the Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA) system, the Personal
Communications System (PCS), the Third Generation (3G) system, the
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and variations
and evolutions of these protocols. In the following description,
the term "communication system" refers to any of the systems
mentioned above or an equivalent. Additionally, it is envisioned
that communication systems can include wireless local area
networks, including pico-networks, or the like, utilizing at least
one of several standards. These standards include but are not
limited to Bluetooth, ZigBee (802.16.4), WiFi (wireless fidelity,
802.11), WiMax (802.16e), and the like. Additionally, it is
envisioned that the communication device 100 can be employed in
cordless telephone applications, utilizing at least one of several
standards. These standards include but are not limited to Analog
systems, DECT (Digital European Cordless Telecommunications), and
the like.
[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication device 100
includes a first audio output 105 and a second audio output 110.
The first audio output 105, for example, can be a speakerphone or
alternatively can be an audio alerting mechanism. The second audio
output 110, for example, can be an earpiece.
[0025] The communication device 100 further includes an audio
transducer 115 for dual mode use. The first audio output 105 and
the second audio output 110 can, for example, be used for
outputting audio communications and audio alerts for a user to
hear. For example, by driving the audio transducer 115 with an
oscillating signal that is in the audio frequency range, the audio
transducer 115 is induced to emit an audible sound, e.g., a beep.
Alternatively, the audio transducer 115 can be driven with an audio
signal that includes voice, music or other complex sounds. For
example, a frequency range of about 300 to 4000 Hertz is suitable
for voice signals.
[0026] Within the communication device 100, a shuttered acoustic
path 120 is coupled between the audio transducer 115 and the first
audio output 105. The shuttered acoustic path 120 preferably
includes a movable shutter 130 which opens the shuttered acoustic
path 120 when the first audio output 105 is active. Further the
movable shutter 130 closes the shuttered acoustic path 120 when the
second audio output 110 is active.
[0027] Within the communication device 100, an attenuated acoustic
path 125 is coupled between the audio transducer 115 and the second
audio output 110. Preferably, the attenuated acoustic path 125
remains open independent of the movable shutter 130 closing or
opening the shuttered acoustic path 120. In an alternate
embodiment, the movable shutter 130 is mechanically coupled to the
attenuated acoustic path 125. In this alternate embodiment, the
movable shutter 130 closes the attenuated acoustic path 125
simultaneously with opening the shuttered acoustic path 120; and
opens the attenuated acoustic path 125 simultaneously with closing
the shuttered acoustic path 120. In one embodiment, the attenuated
acoustic path includes a passive porting (not shown). For example,
when the second audio output 110 is an earpiece, the passive
porting can be an earpiece seal. In one embodiment, the attenuated
acoustic path further includes one or more of an acoustic resistive
element, a viscous loss element, and an acoustic mass element (all
not shown).
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication device 100
further includes a controller 135. The controller 135, in one
embodiment, is coupled to the movable shutter 130 for controlling
positioning of the movable shutter 130 in response to activation of
either the first audio output 105 or the second audio output 110.
For example, the controller 135 can cause the movable shutter 130
to open the shuttered acoustic path 120 when the first audio output
105 is active. Further, the controller 135 can cause the movable
shutter 130 to close the attenuated acoustic path 125
simultaneously with opening the shuttered acoustic path 120. The
controller 135 can further cause the movable shutter 130 to close
the shuttered acoustic path 120 when the second audio output is
active.
[0029] The controller 135, in a second embodiment, is coupled to
the movable shutter 130 for sensing of the shutter positioning, and
controlling the handset operation accordingly. For example, the
controller 135 can sense that the movable shutter 130 is moved from
an open to a closed position and in response cause the handset mode
to change from an alert mode to a voice call mode. Further, the
controller 135 can sense the movable shutter 130 is moved from a
closed position to an open position and in response cause the
handset mode to change from voice call mode to stand-by mode.
[0030] The communication device 100 further includes a user
interface 140 for receiving a user input 145. The user interface
140, upon receiving the user input 145, can signal the controller
135 to change the positioning of the movable shutter 130.
[0031] The present invention, as described herein provides loud
ringer/speakerphone operation in the shutter open case and an
earpiece privacy mode having reduced maximum volume in the shutter
closed case, without relying on an automatic gain adjustment
circuit.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, a flip-type communication device 200 in
an open position in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention is illustrated. Specifically, a front view 205, a side
view 210, and a top view 215 of the flip-type communication device
200 in an open position are shown.
[0033] As illustrated, the flip-type communication device 200
comprises a base housing 220 and a flip housing 225. The flip
housing 225 is preferably a hinged cover that closes to make the
flip-type communication device 200 more compact and to protect a
keypad 230 or other user interface located on the base housing 220
from inadvertent entries. As an example, a communication device
such as a radiotelephone can comprise two planar elements coupled
by a hinge. When the radiotelephone is not in use, the two planar
elements are closed and lie in parallel (see FIG. 3). When the
radiotelephone is in use, the two planar elements are opened in
relation to each other, exposing such elements as a touch pad,
viewing screen, microphone and/or speaker as shown in FIG. 2.
[0034] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
that the base housing 220 and the flip housing 225 can each have,
and/or contain printed circuit boards (PCBs) with electronic
components, audio devices, cameras, visual displays, metal shields,
and metal chassis, as well as wiring to connect the electrical
component together to form electrical circuits, and the like.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the flip-type communication device
200 includes a single loudspeaker (not shown) within the base
housing 220. The flip-type communication device 200 further
includes an acoustic port (not shown) on the top of the base
housing 220. When the flip housing 225 is open the flip housing 225
covers the acoustic port with a lossy port extension to lower the
radiated sound pressure level, thereby allowing a privacy mode.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, the flip-type communication device 200
in a closed position in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention is illustrated. Specifically, a closed front view 305, a
closed side view 310, and a closed top view 315 of the flip-type
communication device 200 in a closed position are shown.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 3, when closed, the flip housing 225,
in accordance with the present invention, does not cover the
acoustic port 320, thereby allowing a handsfree mode. As an
alternative to the flip housing 225 covering the loudspeaker 235, a
ball or cylindrical hinge can be utilized to couple the base
housing 220 speakerphone porting to the flip housing 225 earpiece
porting.
[0038] The flip-type communication device 200 further includes an
acoustic port 320 on the top of the base housing 220 which when the
flip housing 225 is closed provides the correct speakerphone
tuning. The acoustic port extension is an attenuated path to the
earpiece region in the flip housing 225 for private operation such
that the maximum ringer or speaker phone level transmitted through
this path is below our required limit for comfort or safety. When
the flip housing 225 is closed the acoustic port extension is not
coupled to the acoustic port 320. When the flip housing 225 is
open, the acoustic port extension is coupled to the acoustic port
320.
[0039] The system as described previously herein provides an
attenuated path to the earpiece 240 such that the maximum audio
level into a sealed ear is below a typical required limit for
comfort or safety. The invention incorporates both mass loading and
acoustic resistive damping to reduce the sound pressure level at
the ear from the speakerphone level at the loudspeaker 235. In
order to produce a leak tolerant design with this methodology, a
passive porting network (se FIGS. 5 and 6, for example) can be
added to the earpiece region of the flip-type communication device
200.
[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, a user interface
such as a hook switch 325 provides a call-answer functionality when
pressed, and a call-release functionality when pressed again. The
hook switch 325 can be depressed manually for going right into a
non-private speaker phone mode, or depressed by the flip housing
225 for automatic answering when opening the flip housing 225.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a front view of an example candybar-type
communication device 400 in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention. The candybar-type communication device 400, as
illustrated, includes a housing 410 for covering, protecting and
supporting the internal components encased within. The internal
components, for example, can include conventional cellular
telephone hardware (not represented for simplicity) such as user
interfaces that are integrated in a compact housing, an antenna
system, and the like. Similarly, the internal components can
include printed circuit boards (PCBs) with electronic components,
audio devices, cameras, visual displays, metal shields, and metal
chassis, as well as wiring to connect the electrical components
together to form electrical circuits, and the like.
[0042] By way of example, the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4
and herein described in relation to a fixed housing, however, it
will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the
present invention is similarly applicable to a removable housing
accessory such as the removable faceplate described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,884,772, issued Mar. 23, 1999 to Floyd et al. and titled
"Electronic Device Having Multiple User Interface Configurations"
which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and
which is incorporated by reference herein. Similarly, the present
invention is equally applicable to interchangeable covers for
housings such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,566, issued Apr.
28, 1998 to Petrella et al. and titled "Portable Communication
Device Having Removable Escutcheon Elements" which is assigned to
the assignee of the present invention, and which is incorporated by
reference herein.
[0043] As illustrated, the candybar-type communication device 400
includes a loudspeaker 405 located within the housing 410.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of one embodiment of the
candybar-type communication device 400 of FIG. 4 in accordance with
some embodiments of the invention. As illustrated, the
candybar-type communication device 400 has an acoustic shutter 500
on the housing 410 (illustrated in an open position) which when
closed covers the loudspeaker 405 to lower the unsealed sound
pressure level, thereby allowing a privacy mode. An attenuated path
505 to an earpiece 510 is provided in parallel to the speaker
porting 515 for loudspeaker operation such that the maximum ringer
or speaker phone level transmitted through this parallel path 505
is within the listener's comfort level. Acoustic resistance
materials 520, 525,530 are shown in the attenuated path 505, and in
the earpiece 510.
[0045] FIG. 6 a second cross-section view of one embodiment of the
candybar-type communication device 400 of FIG. 4 in accordance with
some embodiments of the invention. As in FIG. 5, FIG. 6 illustrates
the acoustic shutter 500 in an open position.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a back view of an example candybar-type
communication device 400 in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention. The candybar-type communication device 400 includes a
single loudspeaker 405 located in the lower back portion of the
housing. FIG. 7 illustrates the acoustic shutter 500 in an open
position.
[0047] FIG. 8 is a second back view of an example candybar-type
communication device 400 in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention. FIG. 8 illustrates the acoustic shutter 500 in a closed
position.
[0048] FIG. 9 is cross-section view of an alternate embodiment of
the candybar-type communication device 400 of FIG. 4 in accordance
with some embodiments of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 9
illustrates an alternate embodiment in which the acoustic shutter
500 is shown in a closed position. In this embodiment, when the
acoustic shutter 500 closes the speaker porting 515, it opens the
attenuated path 505 to an earpiece 510.
[0049] FIG. 10 is a second cross-section view of an alternate
embodiment of the candybar-type communication device 400 of FIG. 4
in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Specifically,
FIG. 10 illustrates the alternate embodiment of FIG. 9 with the
acoustic shutter 500 in an open position. In this embodiment, when
the acoustic shutter 500 opens the speaker porting 515, it closes
the attenuated path 505 to an earpiece 510.
[0050] As illustrated in the various figures and description
herein, the invention incorporates mass loading, viscous losses
down the extended port tube, and acoustic resistive damping
materials to reduce the sound pressure level at the ear. In order
to produce a "leak tolerant" design as well as correct the
frequency response errors added in due to the long lossy port tube
a passive porting network (not shown) is added to the earpiece
region of the phone. An alternative to the shutter covering the
loudspeaker openings is the shutter closing off the porting to the
earpiece when the speakerphone ports are open and open the porting
to the earpiece when the speakerphone ports are closed.
[0051] In order to cost effectively implement this invention in a
communication device, three sides of the extended porting structure
could be molded in the phone housing, with an additional flat piece
of plastic attached over the three sided structure, to form the
extended port. This additional piece could be attached in any one
of the ways we have sealed off acoustic cavities in the past, such
as sonic welding, adhesive, or adhesive gasket. Alternatively, the
extended port could be preformed and attached to studs at both ends
of the housing as is done in hearing aid manufacturer.
[0052] In the foregoing specification, the invention and its
benefits and advantages have been described with reference to
specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art
appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention as set
forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and
figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of present invention. The benefits,
advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may
cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more
pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or
essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The
invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any
amendments made during the pendency of this application and all
equivalents of those claims as issued.
* * * * *