Video-assisted audio signal processing system and method

Abstract

A circuit arrangement for controlling audio signal transmissions for a communications system that includes a microphone and a video camera. The arrangement comprises a video processor configured and arranged to receive a video signal from the video camera, detect movement of an object in the video signal, and provide a motion-indicating signal indicating movement relative to the object. An audio processor is coupled to the video processor and is configured and arranged to modify the audio signal to be transmitted responsive to the motion-indicating signal. In another embodiment, a video signal processor is configured and arranged to receive a video signal from the video camera, detect mouth movement of a person and provide a mouth-movement signal indicative of movement of the person's mouth. An echo-cancellation circuit is coupled to the video signal processor and configured and arranged to filter from an audio signal provided by the microphone sound energy output by the speaker responsive to the mouth-movement signal.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to audio signal processing, and more particularly to a video-assisted audio signal processing system and method.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Videocommunicating arrangements generally include a camera for generating video signals, a microphone, sometimes integrated with the camera, a speaker for reproducing sound from a received audio signal, a video display for displaying a scene from a remote location, one or more processors for encoding and decoding video and audio, and a communication interface. In some instances the arrangement includes a speaker and microphone that are separate and not part of an integrated unit.[0003]One problem that arises in videocommunicating applications, and with speakerphones, as well, is the feedback of an audio signal from the speaker into the microphone. With this feedback of an audio signal, a participant hears an echo of his / her voice. Various methods are used to eliminate the e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a system and method for processing audio and video signals in response to detected movement of an object. The system includes a video processor to detect movement of an object in a video signal and provide a motion-indicating signal. An audio processor is coupled to the video processor and detects the motion-indicating signal and modifies the audio signal accordingly. The invention also includes an echo-cancellation arrangement to filter out sound energy output by the speaker when a mouth movement is detected. The technical effects of the invention include improved audio and video signal processing for video conferences and communication systems.

Problems solved by technology

One problem that arises in videocommunicating applications, and with speakerphones, as well, is the feedback of an audio signal from the speaker into the microphone.

This may be undesirable because comments and / or utterances by a party may be lost, thereby causing confusion and wasting time.

However, a problem with echo-cancellation is determining the proper time at which to model the received audio signal.

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