Patent Publication Number: US-2013236024-A1

Title: Sound quality testing device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This non-provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) on Patent Application No(s).101107498 filed in Taiwan, R.O.C. on Mar. 6, 2012, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The present invention relates to sound quality testing devices, and more particularly, to a sound quality testing device for testing the sound quality of a communication apparatus having a loudspeaker and a microphone. 
     BACKGROUND 
     After the manufacturing process of a conventional communication apparatus, such as a handheld electronic device, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or a public switched telephone network (PSTN) phone, has been finished at the production end, a test is performed on the conventional communication apparatus to evaluate the sound receiving and generating functions thereof. 
     In general, a sound guiding tube is installed on the communication apparatus. One end of the sound guiding tube is in contact with and thus is disposed at a loudspeaker installed on the communication apparatus. Likewise, the other end of the sound guiding tube is in contact with and thus is disposed at a microphone installed on the communication apparatus. Hence, the sound generated by the loudspeaker is transmitted to the microphone through the sound guiding tube so as to form a testing loop for assessing the performance and quality of the communication apparatus in terms of the sound receiving and generating functions thereof. 
     However, the aforesaid conventional testing method can only confirm whether the microphone and the loudspeaker are functioning, but cannot test the sound quality, such as volume, frequency responses, and harmonic wave distortion, of the microphone and the loudspeaker. As a result, the conventional testing method only performs a rough test on the communication apparatus but is not efficient in performing quality control over sound receiving and generating quality. 
     In addition, in the situation where every communication apparatus is tested with the aforesaid conventional testing method, it is possible that the sound guiding tube is located at different positions and thus produces test errors, thereby compromising the stability of test quality. Furthermore, to reduce test errors, it is necessary to take a relatively long period of time to calibrate the sound guiding tube with a view to attaining a precise test result. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a test device that is effective in overcoming the aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art, enabling quick test, and boosting test stability. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an objective of the present invention to provide a sound quality testing device for testing the sound quality of a communication apparatus. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide the sound quality testing device for testing a loudspeaker or a microphone of a communication apparatus accurately and steadily. 
     In order to achieve the above and other objectives, the present invention provides a sound quality testing device for testing a communication apparatus having a sound generating unit and a sound receiving unit, comprising a carrying unit, a first testing module, and a second testing module. The carrying unit carries the communication apparatus. The first testing module is disposed at the carrying unit and has a sound source unit and a first adjusting unit. The sound source unit generates a sound signal. The first adjusting unit adjusts a position of the sound source unit based on a position of the sound receiving unit of the communication apparatus. The second testing module is disposed at the carrying unit and has a receiving unit and a second adjusting unit. The receiving unit receives a sound-generating signal from the sound generating unit. The second adjusting unit adjusts a position of the receiving unit based on a position of the sound generating unit of the communication apparatus. 
     Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a sound quality testing device whereby a sound signal is generated from a first testing module thereof and sent to a sound receiving unit (such as a microphone) of a communication apparatus. After receiving the sound signal, the sound receiving unit evaluates the sound quality related to the sound signal, such as volume, frequency responses, and harmonic wave distortion. A sound-generating signal generated from a sound generating unit of the communication apparatus (such as a sound-generating signal generated from a loudspeaker of the communication apparatus) is received by a second testing module. After receiving the sound-generating signal, the second testing module evaluates the sound quality of the sound signal generated from the sound generating unit. Hence, the present invention involves using at least two testing modules to simulate an environment in which users operate the communication apparatus and using the first testing module and the second testing module to evaluate the sound quality related to the communication apparatus precisely and quickly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
       Objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention are hereunder illustrated with specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a sound quality testing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a communication apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of the sound quality testing device and the communication apparatus coupled together as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of the sound quality testing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of the sound quality testing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of calibration of the sound quality testing device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a schematic view of a sound quality testing device  10  according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the sound quality testing device  10  tests a communication apparatus  2  shown in  FIG. 2 . A sound generating unit  22  and a sound receiving unit  24  are disposed inside the communication apparatus  2 . For instance, the communication apparatus  2  is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) whereby hand-free mode communication takes place or a public switched telephone network (PSTN) phone. In the first embodiment, the communication apparatus  2  is exemplified by a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The sound generating unit  22  is exemplified by a loudspeaker, and the sound receiving unit  24  is exemplified by a microphone. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , the sound quality testing device  10  comprises a carrying unit  14 , a first testing module  16 , and a second testing module  18 . The carrying unit  14  carries the communication apparatus  2 . The carrying unit  14  defines an examination platform  142  and a test platform  144 . The examination platform  142  and the test platform  144  lie at different levels. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the examination platform  142  and the test platform  144  lie at the same level. In yet another embodiment, the examination platform  142  and the test platform  144  are fastened to a workbench (not shown) on which the communication apparatus  2  is positioned and tested to evaluate the sound quality thereof, so as to enhance the stability of the carrying unit  14 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the first testing module  16  has a sound source unit  162  and a first adjusting unit  164 . The sound source unit  162  is disposed at the first adjusting unit  164 , such that the position of the sound source unit  162  can be adjusted with the first adjusting unit  164 . Hence, not only can the sound source unit  162  be fixed in place, but the sound source unit  162  can move. The sound source unit  162  is exemplified by an artificial mouth or a loudspeaker and adapted to generate a sound signal. 
     The first testing module  16  is disposed above the test platform  144 . The first adjusting unit  164  adjusts the position of the sound source unit  162  based on a preset position of the sound receiving unit  24  of the communication apparatus  2 , such that the sound source unit  162  can be positioned at the periphery (defined below) of the sound receiving unit  24 . Given the aforesaid adjustment, a sound signal generated by the sound source unit  162  can be precisely sent to the sound receiving unit  24  and thereby configured for use in evaluating sound quality by the sound receiving unit  24 . The periphery is defined by the distance that separates the sound source unit  162  and the sound receiving unit  24 , wherein the distance is subject to dynamic adjustment based on the communication apparatus  2 . In an embodiment, the distance ranges between 2 cm and 15 cm, and can be defined as a near-field distance, such that sound quality measured at the near-field distance can be used in inferring sound quality at a far-field distance. For example, the far-field distance ranges between 45 cm and 55 cm. 
     The first adjusting unit  164  comprises a sliding element  1642  and a fixing element  1644 . The sliding element  1642  allows the sound source unit  162  to move relative to the carrying unit  14 . For example, the sliding element  1642  comes in the form of a sliding rail. The fixing element  1644  fixes the sound source unit  162  to the carrying unit  14 . For example, the fixing element  1644  fixes the sound source unit  162  to a base (not shown). Hence, the sound source unit  162  approaches the sound receiving unit  24  based on the adjustment of the position of the sliding element  1642  relative to the fixing element  1644 . 
     For instance, the sliding element  1642  is exemplified by a sliding rail. The sound source unit  162  moves in direction A, B, C, D, E or F by means of the sliding rail, whereas the first adjusting unit  164  adjusts the distance between the sound source unit  162  and the sound receiving unit  24 . In another embodiment, after the sound source unit  162  has got closer to the sound receiving unit  24 , the sound source unit  162  can be fastened to the fixing element  1644  with screws, for example. 
     The aforesaid adjustment of the distance between the sound source unit  162  and the sound receiving unit  24  includes but is not limited to the disclosure contained in the above embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Hence, whatever means of driving the first testing module  16  to move the sound source unit  162  and fix the sound source unit  162  to a position in the vicinity of the sound receiving unit  24  falls within the scope of the present invention. 
     The second testing module  18  has a receiving unit  182  and a second adjusting unit  184 . The receiving unit  182  is disposed at the second adjusting unit  184 . The receiving unit  182  can be moved and fixed in place, as the position of the receiving unit  182  can be adjusted by the second adjusting unit  184 . The receiving unit  182  is an artificial ear or a microphone for receiving a sound signal from the sound generating unit  22 . 
     The second testing module  18  is disposed at the carrying unit  14 . The second adjusting unit  184  adjusts the position of the receiving unit  182  based on the preset position of the sound generating unit  22  of the communication apparatus  2 , such that the receiving unit  182  can be positioned at the periphery of the sound generating unit  22  in order to receive a sound-generating signal from the sound generating unit  22  and evaluate the sound quality of the sound-generating signal thus received. The periphery is defined as above. 
     The second adjusting unit  184  comprises a sliding element  1842  and a fixing element  1844 . The sliding element  1842  enables the receiving unit  182  to be moved relative to the carrying unit  14 . For example, the sliding element  1842  comes in the form of a sliding rail or a sliding rod. The fixing element  1844  fixes the receiving unit  182  to the carrying unit  14 . For example, the fixing element  1844  is a supportive post for use with the receiving unit  182 . Hence, the receiving unit  182  approaches the sound generating unit  22  based on the adjustment effectuated by the sliding element  1842  and the fixing element  1844 . 
     For instance, the sliding element  1842  is exemplified by a sliding rail and a sliding rod. For example, the receiving unit  182  moves in direction E or F by means of the sliding rail. For example, the receiving unit  182  moves in direction A, B, C or D by means of the sliding rod, such that the second adjusting unit  184  can adjust the distance between the receiving unit  182  and the sound generating unit  22 . 
     The aforesaid adjustment of the distance between the receiving unit  182  and the sound generating unit  22  includes but is not limited to the disclosure contained in the above embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Hence, whatever means of driving the second testing module  18  to move the receiving unit  182  and fix the receiving unit  182  to a position in the vicinity of the sound generating unit  22  falls within the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a schematic view of a sound quality testing device  10 ′ according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 4 , like its counterpart in the first embodiment, the sound quality testing device  10 ′ in the second embodiment comprises the carrying unit  14  having the examination platform  142  and the test platform  144 , the first testing module  16 , and the second testing module  18 . Unlike its counterpart in the first embodiment, the sound quality testing device  10 ′ in the second embodiment further comprises a positioning portion  26  and a sliding rail unit  28 . 
     The positioning portion  26  is disposed above the examination platform  142  and adapted to enable the communication apparatus  2  to be positioned at the carrying unit  14 . For example, the positioning portion comes in the form of at least one of screws, holes, grooves, stoppers, posts, magnets and suckers. In the second embodiment, the positioning portion  26  is exemplified by a plurality of stoppers  262  and a plurality of holes  264 . The positioning portion  26  has thereon the holes  264  arranged longitudinally and transversely, and corresponds in shape to the edges of the bottom of the communication apparatus  2 ; hence, the stoppers  262  can be coupled to the holes  264 , respectively, to fix the communication apparatus  2  to the examination platform  142 , selectively. 
     In another embodiment, the positioning portion  26  is modularized to facilitate the replacement thereof according to the type of the communication apparatus  2  in use, so as to suit the communication apparatus  2  under test. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the sliding rail unit  28  is disposed between the carrying unit  14  and the positioning portion  26 , such that the communication apparatus  2  can move relative to the carrying unit  14  by means of the positioning portion  26 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a schematic view of a sound quality testing device  10 ″ according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , like its counterparts in the preceding embodiments, the sound quality testing device  10 ″ comprises the carrying unit  14 , the first testing module  16 , and the second testing module  18 . Unlike its counterparts in the preceding embodiments, the sound quality testing device  10 ″ further comprises a casing  30 . The casing  30  has a receiving space  302  for receiving or enclosing the carrying unit  14 , the first testing module  16 , and the second testing module  18  so as to shut out any external noise signal. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a schematic view of calibration of a sound quality testing device  10 ″′ according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 6 , like its counterparts in the preceding embodiments, the sound quality testing device  10 ″′ comprises the carrying unit  14 , the first testing module  16 , and the second testing module  18 . Unlike its counterparts in the preceding embodiments, the sound quality testing device  10 ″′ further comprises a calibrating unit  32  for testing and calibrating the sound source unit  162  and the receiving unit  182  before testing the sound quality of the communication apparatus  2 . 
     The calibrating unit  32  has two ends, one disposed at the first testing module  16 , and the other disposed at the receiving unit  182  of the second testing module  18  for separating the receiving unit  182  from the sound source unit  162  by a specific distance. In this regard, the receiving unit  182  receives a sound-generating signal from the sound source unit  162  in order to carry out calibration. The receiving unit  182  is aligned with the center of the sound source unit  162 . 
     Calibration kicks off as soon as a standard sound signal is generated from the sound source unit  162  and received by the receiving unit  182 ; meanwhile, the receiving unit  182  receives a test result and analyzes the test result so as to determine whether to calibrate the receiving unit  182 . For instance, assuming that the sound source unit  162  generates a standard sound signal of 90 dB, such that the intensity of the sound signal separated from the sound source unit  162  by a distance of 10 cm attenuates to 70 dB (given that sound intensity is inversely proportional to the square of distance), and thus the receiving unit  182  separated from the sound source unit  162  by a distance of 10 cm receives the sound signal of 70 B. However, in the situation where a receiving unit breaks down and needs to be replaced or where a test line has two or more sound quality testing devices for performing a sound quality test concurrently, it is necessary to calibrate the test results yielded by the sound quality testing devices. It is because errors are inherent to every receiving unit manufactured and delivered, and thus test results eventually yielded by the receiving units which have received the standard sound signal under the same condition are not necessarily the same. Hence, it is necessary to calibrate a test result according to the difference between the test result and the standard sound signal. 
     The present invention provides a sound quality testing device whereby a sound signal is generated by a first testing module and sent to a sound receiving unit (such as a microphone) of a communication apparatus for evaluating the sound quality, such as volume, frequency responses, and harmonic wave distortion, of the sound receiving unit, and then a second testing module receives a sound-generating signal from the sound generating unit, such as a loudspeaker, of the communication apparatus. Accordingly, the present invention features at least two testing modules for simulating an environment in which users operate the communication apparatus, such that the first testing module and the second testing module fetch parameters related to the sound quality of the communication apparatus precisely and quickly. 
     The present invention is disclosed above by preferred embodiments. However, persons skilled in the art should understand that the preferred embodiments are illustrative of the present invention only, but should not be interpreted as restrictive of the scope of the present invention. Hence, all equivalent modifications and replacements made to the aforesaid embodiments should fall within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the legal protection for the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.