Collaborative filter

Abstract

A noise filtering method implemented by a first terminal (T1) equipped with a microphone (M1) and an audio output (SA), said first terminal being connected to a communication network (R) and used by a user (U1) wearing headphones connected to said first terminal (T1), said method comprising the following: - capturing (E201) a first noise (B1) from a source (S) using said microphone (M1), - generating (E202) or not a second noise (BF1) resulting from the application of a filter to the first noise (B1), - reproducing or not (E203) the second noise (BF1) to the user via the audio output (SA1) and through said headphones, characterized in that the method further comprises the following: - sending (E204) information relating to the first noise (B1) to at least a second terminal (T2) connected to the network (R), where this information is used by at least the second terminal (T2). to filter the first noise (B1). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Collaborative filter Field of invention

[0001] This invention relates to the field of active noise filtering.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to the prediction and detection and filtering of noise pollution, as well as to the pooling of alerts of such noise pollution. Prior art

[0003] The densification of living spaces, the use of machines and communicating objects contribute to the multiplication of noise pollution: noise from vehicles, ringing of portable electronic devices, work, etc.

[0004] Noise pollution can cause various health problems: irritability, insomnia, depression, hearing problems, hypertension and cardiovascular problems. In addition to its impact on health, noise pollution also has an economic and social impact, causing workplace accidents and a general lack of productivity.

[0005] In addition to the direct reduction of noise emission sources, such as in particular the reduction of air and road traffic, the limitation of work to restricted time slots, etc., various solutions exist to personally reduce the absorption of noise resulting from noise pollution: isolating oneself, wearing earplugs or headphones, wearing an active noise reduction device, deploying acoustic panels or even using noise reduction systems based on the diffusion of white noise.

[0006] These solutions, however, have their own limitations: - in the case of isolation, it is an individual solution and often limited by circumstances, - fixed installations (acoustic walls or white noise diffusion) are often expensive and always limited to their installation location, - conventional filtering systems (earplugs, passive headphones) can increase the risk of accidents by preventing their user from hearing important signals.

[0007] This is a general limitation of passive filtering solutions, it being understood that certain noises can also be useful to certain agents / operators while constituting nuisances for other individuals nearby.

[0008] This is the case, for example, with the auditory feedback from cash registers in supermarkets. These "beep" type auditory feedbacks are useful for the cashier to know if a product has been correctly registered but represents by elsewhere a nuisance for colleagues nearby: on average a host or hostess can register up to 700 items per hour, which corresponds to as many "beeps" multiplied by the number of checkouts near each operator.

[0009] Conversely, other noises can be a nuisance for operators and useful for people nearby. This is particularly the case for the horns of emergency or construction vehicles: the sound level of a siren is approximately 110 dBm for a rate of between 25 and 60 cycles per minute, which can make it difficult to tolerate on a daily basis for the driver or his passengers. The same is true for construction machinery equipped with reversing horns which can emit sound signals of 87 dB, requiring workers to wear headphones or earplugs, which reduces the fluidity of their communication.

[0010] One solution to this problem is to use active systems. These are often broadband systems that broadcast a sound that is the opposite of the captured sound in order to attenuate it, maintaining the amplitude of the signals but opposing their phases. This is known as ANC: ("Active Noise Control" in English or "active noise control" in French). The most sophisticated ANC devices, known as adaptive, integrate detection of desired sounds and unwanted noise, then, after processing, are capable of broadcasting a sound from which the unwanted noise has been filtered. To achieve this, these filters notably implement control functions based on the least squares method. These systems nevertheless have limitations: - only low frequencies below 1kHz can be properly filtered, which is enough to attenuate engine or rolling noise for example, but not voices, shouts, sirens, certain squeaks, etc., - only noises of a periodic or regular nature can be correctly filtered, but not brief or rare noises, - if incorrectly adjusted or used improperly, they can generate noise in the signal, due to phase shift.

[0011] Finally, there are hybrid solutions integrating ANC systems and proactive and targeted systems which adapt according to configured or learned models, detected upstream.

[0012] Other solutions integrate approaches implementing learning, for example by using neural networks or the k nearest neighbors method.

[0013] However, these solutions do not, a priori, claim to have the ability to determine the nuisance or the subjective degree of nuisance of each noise from the point of view of each user, for example the cash register “beep” which is useful for the cash register operator but harmful to the operator of another cash register, the siren of an emergency vehicle useful to an adjacent driver but harmful to the driver or a person far from the road.

[0014] In this respect, we will define a noise as a sound associated with a potential nuisance, the degree of which depends on the person picking up this sound. Depending on the person, the same noise may be filtered so that it is made inaudible / cancelled, that is to say totally filtered or attenuated or substituted (replaced by another sound).

[0015] Object and summary of the invention

[0016] One of the aims of the invention is to remedy at least one of the drawbacks highlighted by the aforementioned state of the art by proposing a noise filtering method based on mechanisms for detecting, predicting and collaboratively sharing noise pollution.

[0017] To this end, an object of the present invention relates to a noise filtering method implemented by a first terminal equipped with a microphone and an audio output, said first terminal being connected to a communication network and used by a user equipped with a headset connected to said first terminal, said method comprising the following: - capture a first noise coming from a source using said microphone, - generate or not a second noise resulting from the application of a filter to the first noise, - whether or not to restore the second noise to the user via the audio output and through said headphones, characterized in that the method further comprises the following: - sending information relating to the first noise to at least one second terminal, connected to the network, this information being usable by at least the second terminal to filter the first noise.

[0018] This sending of information relating to the first noise advantageously makes it possible to improve the filtering implemented by the second terminal or by any filtering device which receives this information via the second terminal. The reception of this information makes it possible in particular to anticipate the noise to be filtered and to configure upstream the generation or not of a second noise resulting from an application of a filter to the first noise.

[0019] This sending of information relating to the first noise also contributes to the constitution of the communication network as a collaborative noise filtering network, allowing an improvement in the overall noise filtering of all the terminals connected to this network.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment of the noise filtering method, the capture of the first noise by the first terminal is preceded by a step of receiving information relating to the first noise from a third terminal. connected to the communication network and where this information is used by the first terminal to filter the first noise.

[0021] This embodiment has the advantage of allowing the first terminal to anticipate the generation or not of a second noise, resulting from an application of a filter to the first noise. This anticipation is made possible in particular by the fact that the transmission of information relating to the noise, via the communication network, can be faster than the transmission of the noise by air.

[0022] Receiving information relating to the first noise makes it possible in particular to: - know the context of noise emission, or even its meaning and / or its subjective degree of nuisance with respect to the user of the first terminal and thereby know whether or not the first terminal must generate a second noise resulting from the application of a filter applied to the first noise, - if necessary, to better configure the generation of a second noise, for example by determining whether the first noise should be hidden / cancelled, attenuated or substituted, - to limit computing resources by pooling certain processing linked to the generation of the second noise.

[0023] This embodiment also contributes to the consolidation and enrichment of the aforementioned collaborative noise filtering network, making it possible to optimize the improvement of the overall noise filtering of all the terminals connected to this network.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the noise filtering method, said transmission of information relating to said first noise to said at least second terminal is implemented only if said second terminal picks up said first noise.

[0025] This embodiment has the advantage of not unnecessarily soliciting the first terminal, by implementing such a transmission step, and the second terminal, by processing the information received, and therefore of limiting their electrical consumption while limiting the congestion of the communication network.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the generation of the second noise is implemented in part from at least one filtering parameter specific to the first terminal.

[0027] This aspect of the invention offers the advantage of improving the generation or not of a second noise, taking into account the fact that the degree of nuisance associated with a noise is subjective and varies according to the users.

[0028] For example, an emergency siren is a nuisance to the driver of an ambulance but is useful to drivers in the vicinity of said ambulance, a cash register "beep" is harmful to people in the vicinity but constitutes a useful confirmation signal for the operator of said cash register.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the generation or not of the second noise is followed by an evaluation of the filtering, this evaluation being used to improve said generation or not of the second noise.

[0030] The evaluation of the filtering advantageously makes it possible to refine the generation or not of a second noise and contributes to improving, where appropriate, the parameters used to generate said second noise resulting from the application of a filter to the first noise.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the noise filtering method includes sharing with at least said second and / or third terminal(s) information relating to at least the first noise, said sharing being asynchronous with said capturing of the first noise.

[0032] This embodiment advantageously allows terminals newly connected to the network to receive a set of data relating to at least one noise and to benefit from an upgrade of the information relating to the noises previously captured by all the other terminals connected to the network, thus improving their overall capacity to filter noises.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the generation of a new noise and / or the evaluation and / or the parameterization of filtering are carried out by a server and the generation of a new noise, the evaluation and the parameterization of the filtering are carried out on the basis of information relating to noises sent by terminals connected to the network.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the noise information, sent and / or received, includes any of the following data: - an audio signature of the first noise, - quantification data of the first noise, - contextual data relating to the source of the first noise and / or the periodicity of the emission of the first noise, - identification data of at least the first terminal having picked up the first noise, - a spatiotemporal position of at least the first terminal having picked up the first noise, - data relating to the generation or not of the second noise by at least the first terminal, - evaluation data relating to the generation or not of the second noise by at least the first terminal, - data relating to at least the user of said first terminal.

[0035] This information makes it possible to improve in various ways the quality and relevance of the filtering implemented by the terminals connected to the network: - the reception of the audio signature of the first noise by a terminal allows the latter to anticipate the generation of a secondary noise, - the context data allows you to configure the generation or not of a second noise and, if necessary, to configure the generation of this second noise in order to cancel the first noise, to attenuate it or to replace it, depending on the degree of nuisance that this noise causes to the user of the terminal likely to pick up said first noise, - the spatiotemporal position of the first terminal makes it possible to create a noise map over time and to warn terminals entering a geographical area at a given time of noise that will potentially need to be filtered.

[0036] According to another embodiment: - said second terminal is a terminal similar to the first terminal or a server, - the third terminal is a terminal similar to the first terminal, a server or a connected micro.

[0037] This embodiment offers the advantage of allowing the implementation of the method within a network of heterogeneous terminals, covering a greater number of implementation contexts: - an implementation between communicating terminals similar to the first terminal makes it possible to create a peer-to-peer network where each terminal takes turns acting as client and server. This type of architecture has the advantage of being robust and of limiting the centralization of information that could present a risk in terms of securing personal data, - an implementation between dissimilar terminals, for example between a terminal similar to the first terminal and a server, allows certain data processing to be advantageously shared at the server level, thus optimizing the energy consumption of the communication network, - an implementation between dissimilar terminals, for example between a terminal similar to the first terminal and a connected microphone, makes it possible to integrate more varied terminals into the network and to generate and convey broader and more complete information relating to noise.

[0038] The various embodiments or features mentioned above may be added independently or in combination with each other to the noise filtering method as defined above.

[0039] The invention also relates to a terminal equipped with a microphone and an audio output, said terminal being connected to a communication network and used by a user equipped with a headset connected to said terminal and where said terminal is configured to: - capture a first noise coming from a source using said microphone, - generate or not a second noise resulting from the application of a filter to the first noise, - whether or not to restore the second noise to the user via the audio output and through said headphones, characterized in that the terminal is further configured to implement the following: - sending information relating to the first noise to at least one other terminal connected to the network, this information being usable by at least the other terminal to filter the first noise.

[0040] Such a terminal is particularly suitable for implementing the noise filtering method according to any one of the embodiments described previously.

[0041] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing the noise filtering method as mentioned above.

[0042] Such instructions can be stored permanently in a non-transitory memory medium implementing the noise filtering method according to the invention.

[0043] This program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0044] The invention also relates to a recording medium or information medium readable by a computer, and comprising instructions of a computer program for implementing the noise filtering method as mentioned above.

[0045] The recording medium may be any entity or module capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), for example a CD ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), a synthetic DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a mobile medium, a hard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0046] On the other hand, the recording medium may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means, so that the computer program it contains is remotely executable. The program according to the invention may in particular be downloaded over a network, for example an Internet-type network.

[0047] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to perform or to be used in performing the aforementioned noise filtering method.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment, the present technique is implemented by means of software and / or hardware components. In this regard, the term “module” may correspond in this document to a software component, a hardware component or a set of hardware and software components. Brief description of the drawings

[0049] Other characteristics and advantages will appear on reading particular embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, among which:

[0050] [Fig.l] represents an example of architecture in which the noise filtering method is implemented.

[0051] [Fig.2] illustrates the steps of the method according to one embodiment.

[0052] [Fig.3] illustrates the steps of the method according to another embodiment.

[0053] [Fig.4] illustrates the steps of the method according to another embodiment.

[0054] [Fig.5] illustrates the steps of the method according to another embodiment.

[0055] [Fig.6] represents an example of a noise filtering terminal, in one embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0056] Description of an example of architecture in which the noise filtering method is implemented

[0057] With reference to [Fig.l] an example of architecture is described in which the noise filtering method is implemented. This architecture comprises: - a source S (for example an alarm or a cash register) emitting a noise Bb - a terminal Ti placed at a distance di from the source S, - a terminal T2 placed at a distance d2 from the source S, - a Ui user using the Th terminal - a communication network R.

[0058] The terminal Ti is a communicating terminal, such as for example a smartphone or a tablet, and is equipped with: - an Mb microphone - an SAb audio output - a UCi calculation unit, - a communication module MCi allowing it to connect to the network R.

[0059] The user Ui is equipped with an audio headset Ci connected to the audio output S Ai of the terminal Tb. Here the term “audio headset” covers a headband headset (open or closed), earpieces, in-ear headphones or any other listening device known to those skilled in the art.

[0060] According to certain embodiments, the terminal Ti is connected via its audio output to a non-personal listening device such as a speaker or a sound panel.

[0061] According to certain embodiments, the terminal Ti and the audio headset Ci are integral and constitute a single terminal Ti, for example a connected headset or an augmented reality headset.

[0062] The terminal T2 is connected to the network R and is placed at a distance d2 from the source S.

[0063] According to the embodiments, the terminal T2 is a similar communicating terminal to the Ti terminal or any other communicating terminal, for example a server or a laptop.

[0064] The communication network R, to which the terminals Ti and T2 are connected, constitutes a collaborative noise filtering network.

[0065] According to the embodiments, the network R takes the form of a peer-to-peer network where each terminal alternately plays a client role and a server role.

[0066] According to other embodiments, the network R takes the form of a centralized or semi-centralized network with specialized terminals having specifically a server role and others only a client role.

[0067] The methods of pairing between terminals or registration to one or more dedicated servers (not shown) of this network vary according to the embodiments. Such methods are for example implemented following registration of the terminal within the network R or automatically depending on the geographical proximity between terminals or when a terminal enters a given geographical area.

[0068] According to the embodiments, the terminals associated with the communication network R, in particular the first and second terminals Ti, T2, can exchange information such as: - identity data (user and / or terminal), - geolocation data, - technical data specific to the terminal, - any other data processed by one of the communicating terminals associated with said communications network R, - etc. This data can be exchanged in various ways, such as as soon as a new terminal connects to the communications network R or at regular time intervals.

[0069] Description of the main actions implemented in the noise filtering process

[0070] Figure [Fig.2] represents the steps implemented by the noise filtering method, in a particular embodiment of the invention, the method being implemented in an architecture similar to that described in figure [Fig.l].

[0071] In E201, the terminal Ti picks up, via its microphone Mb, a first noise Bi emitted by the source S. This noise is picked up after the sound wave of said noise has traveled the distance di which separates the source S from the terminal Tb, i.e. second(s). speed of sound

[0072] In E202, the terminal Ti generates, or not, a second noise BFi resulting from an application of a filter to the noise BL

[0073] The generation of this second noise is part of the implementation of active noise control (ANC) techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0074] Whether or not this second noise is generated depends on at least one characteristic of the noise and at least one filtering parameter specific to the first terminal.

[0075] According to the possible embodiments, the characteristics of the noise relate to: - one or more objective characteristics of the first noise (intensity, wavelength, audio signature, etc.) and / or, - one or more contextual characteristics (time of broadcast, nature of the broadcast source, meaning / sense, etc.) and / or, - one or more subjective characteristics entered on the terminal with regard to this noise or type of noise (subjective degree of nuisance, particular significance for the user, etc.), etc.

[0076] According to a particular embodiment, these characteristics can be collected on the basis of data already recorded in the first terminal or data received by third-party terminals. This embodiment is notably illustrated in figure [Fig.3].

[0077] According to the possible embodiments, the filtering parameters specific to the first terminal may correspond to: - filter noises above a certain number of decibels, - filter non-pre-identified noises, - filter ringing noises from all phones other than the user's own, - filter all noises reported as harmful by the user,

[0078] The filtering parameters specific to the terminal are stored as configuration data. According to the possible embodiments, this configuration data of the filtering parameters is stored in the first terminal or in a server (not shown) connected to the communication network R.

[0079] If the first noise is identified as useful, that is to say that it is associated with a zero degree of nuisance and that the audio headset does not mask the first noise (in the case, for example, of an open headset or a wall of sound), no second noise is generated. Conversely, if the first noise is identified as useful and that the audio headset blocks external noise (for example in the case of a closed headset or earplugs), then the second noise corresponds to an unfiltered retransmission of the first noise.

[0080] According to the possible embodiments, the generation of the second noise BFi varies according to the filtering parameter(s) configured in the first terminal and according to the capacity of the audio equipment to passively mask the first noise Bi. Depending on these elements, the second noise BFi can cancel the first noise Bh, attenuate it by reducing its intensity or even substitute another noise / sound for it.

[0081] According to the possible embodiments, the generation or not of a second noise is carried out directly by the calculation unit UCi of the first terminal or within a server (not shown) connected to the communication network R.

[0082] In E203, the terminal Ti restores the noise Bi or BFi to the user via the audio output SA i and via the audio headset Cp

[0083] In accordance with the principles of active noise control, the restitution of the second noise BFi is contiguous to the capture of the first noise Bi by the microphone Mb so that the superposition or substitution of the two sounds is substantially imperceptible for the user Up

[0084] If the generation or not of a second noise has resulted in no second noise being generated then this step is not implemented.

[0085] In E204, the terminal Ti sends to the terminal T2 information ITi(Bi) relating to the first noise Bp so that this information is used by said terminal T2 to be able to filter the noise Bp as best as possible.

[0086] According to the possible embodiments, the information relating to the noise Bi can cover different types of data, such as for example: - the audio signature of the first Bp noise - the audio signature of the second BFp noise - quantification data of the first noise Bp such as sound frequency, duration, intensity or any other sound quantifications known to those skilled in the art, - contextual data relating to the source S and the periodicity of its emission, for example if it is a connected terminal, a bell, an ambulance siren, where applicable this data may include the identity, the geographical position, the network address (in the case of communicating equipment) or any other information relating to the source of the noise, - data relating to the identity and / or nature of the terminal having picked up the first Bp noise - the spatiotemporal position of the first terminal when sending E204 the information relating to the noise Bi that the first terminal picked up in E201, - where applicable, data as implemented by the Ti terminal having generated the BFi noise relating to: — the configuration of the noise filtering parameters (for example the degree of nuisance of the noise Bi from the point of view of the user Ui of said terminal Tp the meaning of the noise Bi from the point of view of the user (for example the ringing of his telephone, the “beeps” of his cash register, etc.), — filtering of Bp noise — an evaluation of filtering a Bp noise - data relating to the user Ui of the terminal Ti having captured and filtered the noise Bp which includes for example the meaning of the noise Bi from the point of view of this user, - etc.

[0087] If the terminal Ti is closer to the source S of the noise Bi than the terminal T2, so that di <d2, et que les informations relatives au bruit Bi sont transmises au terminal T2 avant que le bruit Bi ne soit capté par le terminal T2, alors ces informations sont utilisées directement par le terminal T2 pour améliorer le filtrage du bruit Bi en amont de la captation de ce bruit par le terminal T2. A titre d’exemple, le terminal T2 ayant connaissance de la signature sonore d’une bruit nuisible à venir, il peut générer un bruit filtré BFi avant que ledit bruit ne soit capté par ledit terminal T2.

[0088] Otherwise, this information is used indirectly by the terminal T2 to improve noise filtering, for example, in the case of iterations of the Biou noise by contributing to drawing up a detailed map of the noise sources around the terminal T2.

[0089] According to the possible embodiments, the terminal Ti can send information relating to the noise Bi to other terminals connected to the communication network R.

[0090] According to the possible embodiments, the information relating to the first noise Bi is sent by the terminal Ti to at least the terminal T2, only if the terminal T2 can pick up the noise Bi. Thus, for example, if the terminal Ti identifies that the terminal T2 is too far away for the noise Bi to be picked up by the latter or by its user, the terminal Ti does not send the information relating to the noise Bp to the terminal T2. Otherwise, the terminal Ti sends this information to the terminal T2.

[0091] Description of the steps of the noise filtering method according to another embodiment

[0092] Figure [Fig.3] represents the steps implemented by the noise filtering method according to another embodiment.

[0093] The method takes place in an architecture similar to that illustrated in [Fig.l]. Such an architecture further comprises a communicating terminal To placed at a distance d0 from the source S.

[0094] The terminal To is also connected to the communications network R.

[0095] According to the possible embodiments, the terminal To is a communicating terminal similar to the terminal T i or any other communicating terminal, for example a connected microphone or a server.

[0096] In E300, the terminal Ti receives information Ito(Bi) relating to the first noise Bi from the terminal To, where the terminal To is positioned so as to pick up the noise Bi before the terminal Tp

[0097] According to other embodiments, the terminal To does not pick up the first noise Bp but receives information relating to this noise from another terminal not shown in the figure [Fig.3], and sends it to the terminal Ti before the latter picks up the noise Bp

[0098] According to other embodiments, the terminal To can be a server connected to a database such as a register of information relating to a noise or to a multitude of different noises, the server being configured to send all or part of this information to the terminal Tp

[0099] According to other embodiments, the terminal To can be coordinated with the noise source, for example by being physically associated with the source or by controlling it, and send to the terminal Ti information relating to the noise upstream of the emission of the noise Bp.

[0100] The information relating to the noise Bi can cover different types of data and is similar to the description given in figure [Fig.2]. For this purpose, it will not be described again.

[0101] Step E301 is similar to step E201 and will not be described again.

[0102] In E302, similarly to step E202 described in figure [Fig.2], the terminal Ti generates, or not, a second noise BFi resulting from an application of a filter to the noise B, However, the information relating to the noise Bi received from the third terminal To is also used to improve the filtering and the relevance of the filtering of the noise BFi generated or not.

[0103] Example 1: the terminal Ti receives, from a communicating cash register, information relating to the noises emitted when an item is scanned as well as information relating to the identity of the user of the cash register. In this way, if the identity of the user of the terminal Ti matches that of the user of the cash register, the noises emitted by the latter are filtered in a certain way (for example by attenuation or by substitution), whereas if the identity of the user of the terminal Ti does not match that of the user of the cash register, the terminal Ti filters the noises in another way (by attenuating them or by completely omitting / cancelling them).

[0104] Example 2: an ambulance driver Ub equipped with a terminal Tp is driving his emergency vehicle when he receives from the on-board computer To information corresponding to the audio signature of a siren Bi of the ambulance, as well as the GPS position (Global Positioning System) of said ambulance. During the step of generating the noise BFp, the terminal Ti compares its geolocation data with those of the source S and establishes that the user Ui and the source are moving along the same vector and that the user Ui is on board the ambulance. As a result, the terminal Ti generates at E302 a noise BFi obscuring the noise of the siren. Conversely, if the user Ui does not present geolocation data similar in time to those of source S, for example if this user walks on a sidewalk near the ambulance, then the terminal Ti generates at E302 a noise BFi attenuating the noise Bi of the siren so that the user Ui can still be alerted to the proximity of an emergency vehicle, such as the ambulance in this example.

[0105] Example 3: information relating to a noise identified as periodic, such as a bell noise for example, allows the terminal Ti to anticipate the emission of the noise by the source S which is only activated during the noise emission phases and goes into standby outside of this.

[0106] Step E303 is similar to step E203 and will not be described again.

[0107] In E304, similarly to step E204 of figure [Fig.2], the first terminal Ti sends to terminal T2 information ITi(Bi) relating to the first noise Bp so that this information can be used by terminal T2 to be able to filter the noise Bp as best as possible

[0108] According to other conceivable embodiments, the first terminal Ti additionally sends to the terminal T2: - the ITo(Bi) information received from the third terminal To, - and where applicable, information relating to the first noise received from any other terminal connected to the communications network R.

[0109] Description of the steps of the noise filtering method according to another embodiment

[0110] Figure [Fig.4] represents the steps implemented by the noise filtering method according to another embodiment, the method taking place in an architecture similar to that illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0111] Steps E401, E402, E403 and E404 are respectively similar to steps E201, E202, E203 and E204 of [Fig.2]. For this purpose, they will not be described again.

[0112] In E405, the terminal Ti evaluates the generation or not of a second noise BFi resulting from an application of a filter to the first noise Bp in order to improve the next generations of second noises BFi, as well as the configuration of the parameters for generating second noises.

[0113] According to the possible embodiments, the evaluation of the filtering consists of directly questioning the user Ui via a form / request for evaluation of the noise filtering Bp. The completion of this form can be carried out on the terminal Ti if the latter is equipped with a dedicated user interface (touch screen, keyboard and screen, voice control, etc.) or from any other communicating terminal.

[0114] According to other conceivable embodiments, the evaluation of the filtering is automated and is based on an analysis of user behavioral data. captured elsewhere, for example via biometric data or the user's head movement. The capture of this data is carried out by the first terminal Ti or by a dedicated terminal known to those skilled in the art.

[0115] According to other conceivable embodiments, the evaluation of the filtering is automated and is based on an analysis of the signal representative of the second noise BFi and on a detection, in this signal, of parasitic signals indicating inadequate processing or is based on any other processing of the signal implemented in the means for reinforcing the active noise control techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0116] According to the possible embodiments, the evaluation of the filtering may consist of automatically modifying certain configuration parameters relating to the selection of one or more filters and to the generation of the filtered noises.

[0117] According to the possible embodiments, the evaluation of the filtering implements different types of automated learning: incremental learning, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning or any other form of learning known to those skilled in the art.

[0118] According to the possible embodiments, the evaluation of the filtering is carried out after each implementation of the noise filtering method or periodically, for example every week, every month or after a predefined number of implementations of the noise filtering method.

[0119] Description of the steps of the noise filtering method according to another embodiment

[0120] Figure [Fig.5] represents the steps implemented by the noise filtering method according to another embodiment, the method taking place in an architecture similar to that illustrated in [Fig.l] or implemented in figure [Fig.3].

[0121] Steps E501, E502, E503 and E504 are respectively similar to steps E201, E202, E203 and E204 of [Fig.2]. For this purpose, they will not be described again.

[0122] In E506, the terminal Ti exchanges, i.e. sends and / or receives information I(B i Bn) with the other terminals connected to the communication network R.

[0123] This information is of the same nature as the information relating to the noise Bi described in the description of the figure [Fig.2] and integrates at least the information I(Bi) relating to the noise Bb

[0124] According to other conceivable embodiments, the information I(BiBn) encompasses all of the information relating to noises generated and / or received, known by the terminal Tb.

[0125] According to the possible embodiments, the information exchanged also includes data relating to the terminal sending this data, for example: - the identifier(s) of the terminal, in particular a serial number or a known name on the network, - the nature of the terminal (smartphone, tablet, communicating microphone, computer, vehicle, etc.), technical data specific to its said nature (the list of noises it can generate, the sensitivity of its microphone, etc.). - its geographical position, where applicable its speed or altitude, - its battery level, - all configuration parameters relating to the generation of filtered noise, etc.

[0126] According to the possible embodiments, the information exchanged also includes data relating to the user of the terminal, for example: - the user's identity data, - the user's role or function in a given organization, - all personal settings for filter selection configuration and filtered noise generation, - etc.

[0127] According to the possible embodiments, this step of exchanging information takes place when a terminal connects to the network R, at regular intervals or when terminals are placed close to each other or in a specific geographical area.

[0128] Description of a noise filtering terminal, in one embodiment of the invention.

[0129] Figure [Fig.6] shows the simplified structure of a noise filtering terminal TFB according to a particular embodiment of the invention implemented in an architecture as illustrated in [Fig.l]. According to the invention, the aforementioned terminals To, Ti and T2 correspond to the noise filtering terminal TFB.

[0130] Such a terminal comprises, according to the invention, a microphone Mi and an audio output S Ai, a communication module MC allowing connection to a communication network R and is used by a user equipped with a headset connected to said terminal TFB.

[0131] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actions executed by the TFB terminal, within the framework of the implementation of the noise filtering method of the present invention, are implemented by instructions of a computer program PG. For this, the TFB terminal has the conventional architecture of a computer and notably comprises a memory MEM, a processing unit UTR, equipped for example with a processor PROC, and controlled by the computer program PG stored in memory MEM.

[0132] The computer program PG comprises instructions for implementing the steps of the noise filtering method, in particular the aforementioned actions: - capture a first noise Bi coming from a source S using said microphone Mb - generate or not a second noise BFiresult of applying a filter to the first noise Bb - whether or not to restore the second BFi noise to the user via the SAi audio output and through said headphones, - sending information relating to the first noise Bi to at least one other terminal connected to the network R, where this information is used by at least this other terminal to filter the first noise Bb

[0133] According to other embodiments, based on a so-called cloud computing architecture, the processor PROC, the memory MEM can be associated with another terminal, different from the noise filtering terminal.

Claims

Claims

1. A noise filtering method implemented by a first terminal (Ti) equipped with a microphone (MJ) and an audio output (SA), said first terminal being connected to a communication network (R) and used by a user (Ui) equipped with a headset connected to said first terminal (Ti), said method comprising the following: - capturing (E201) a first noise (Bi) coming from a source (S) using said microphone (Mi), - generating (E202) or not a second noise (BFi) resulting from an application of a filter to the first noise (BJ, - restoring or not (E203) the second noise (BFJ) to the user via the audio output (SAi) and via said headset, characterized in that the method further comprises the following: - sending (E204) information relating to the first noise (BJ to at least one second terminal (T2) connected to the network (R), this information being usable by at least the second terminal (T2) to filter the first noise (Bi).

2. Noise filtering method according to claim 1, wherein the capture of the first noise (Bi) by the first terminal (TJ) is preceded by a step (E300) of receiving information relating to the first noise (Bi) from a third terminal connected (To) to said communication network (R) and where this information is used by the first terminal (TJ) to filter the first noise (BJ.

3. Noise filtering method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in which the generation of the second noise (BFi) is implemented in part from at least one filtering parameter specific to the first terminal (Ti).

4. Noise filtering method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the generation or not of the second noise is followed by an evaluation (E405) of the filtering, this evaluation being used to improve said generation or not of the second noise (BFi).

5. Noise filtering method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, including sharing (E506) with at least said second and / or third terminal(s), information relating to at least the first noise (Bi), said sharing being asynchronous with said capture of the first noise (Bi).

6. A noise filtering method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the generation of a new noise and / or the evaluation and / or the filtering parameterization are carried out by a server and where the generation of a new noise, the evaluation and the filtering parameterization are carried out on the basis of information relating to noises sent by terminals connected to the network (R).

7. A noise filtering method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information relating to the first noise (Bi), sent and / or received, comprises any of the following data: - an audio signature of the first noise (Bi), - quantification data of the first noise (BJ, - contextual data relating to the source (S) of the first noise (Bi) and / or to the periodicity of the emission of the first noise (BJ, - identification data of the at least first terminal having picked up the first noise (Bi), - a spatiotemporal position of the at least first terminal having picked up the first noise (Bi), - data relating to the generation or not of the second noise (BFi) by at least the first terminal, - evaluation data relating to the generation or not of the second noise (BFi) by at least the first terminal, - data relating to at least the user of said first terminal.

8. A noise filtering method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said transmission of information relating to said first noise (Bi) to said at least second terminal (T2) is implemented only if said second terminal (T2) picks up said first noise (Bi

9. F Terminal (TJ equipped with a microphone (MJ and an audio output (SA), said terminal being connected to a communication network (R) and used by a user (Ui) equipped with a headset connected to said terminal (TJ and where said terminal is configured to: - pick up a first noise (BJ coming from a source (S) using said microphone (MJ, - generate or not a second noise (BFi) resulting from an application of a filter to the first noise (Bi), - restore or not the second noise (BFi) to the user via the audio output (SAi) and via said headset, characterized in that the terminal (Ti) is further configured to put implement the following: - send information relating to the first noise (Bi) to at least one other terminal (T2) connected to the network (R), this information being usable by at least the other terminal (T2) to filter the first noise (B

10. 11- A computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing the noise filtering method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, when executed on a computer.

11. Computer-readable information medium comprising instructions of a computer program for implementing the noise filtering method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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