Communication device and method for using speaker as a stud finder
OwnerRussell Simpson, John Burgan +1inventors
InventorsRussell Simpson, John Burgan, Joseph Patino
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Abstract
A communication device (102) has a loudspeaker (212) that includes a loudspeaker coil. The loudspeaker is used for playing audio signals and for detecting metal in the vicinity of the loudspeaker. To detect metal the communication device includes a pulse generation circuit (216) for generating pulses that are applied to the loudspeaker, and a pulse measurement circuit (222) for measuring response pulses. If the response pulses indicate metal is in proximity to the loudspeaker, an alert is generated to inform the user of the communication device.
Claims15
A communication device, comprising:
- a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving radio communication signals;
- a loudspeaker having a loudspeaker coil;
- an audio circuit coupled to the loudspeaker and the communication circuit, the audio circuit generating audio signals to be played by the loudspeaker, the audio signals being derived from the radio communication signals;
- a pulse generator circuit coupled to the loudspeaker for generating magnetic pulses with the loudspeaker coil;
- a feedback sampling circuit coupled to the loudspeaker for sampling magnetic feedback at the loudspeaker coil;
- and
- a user interface to indicate when the magnetic feedback at the loudspeaker coil indicates the presence of a metallic object in the vicinity of the loudspeaker.
A method of detecting the presence of a metallic object in the vicinity of a communication device, comprising:
- applying an electric current pulse to a loudspeaker coil of a loudspeaker of the communication device;
- measuring a reflected pulse observed at the loudspeaker coil in response to applying the electric current pulse;
- and
- generating an alert if the reflected pulse is indicative of the presence of metal in the vicinity of the loudspeaker coil.
A cellular phone device, comprising:
- a cellular phone communication circuit for transmitting and receiving radio communication signals;
- a loudspeaker having a loudspeaker coil;
- an audio circuit coupled to the loudspeaker and the communication circuit, the audio circuit generating audio signals to be played by the loudspeaker, the audio signals being derived from the radio communication signals;
- a pulse generator circuit coupled to the loudspeaker for generating magnetic pulses with the loudspeaker coil;
- a feedback sampling circuit coupled to the loudspeaker for sampling magnetic feedback at the loudspeaker coil;
- and
- a user interface to indicate when the magnetic feedback at the loudspeaker coil indicates the presence of a metallic object in the vicinity of the loudspeaker.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.