Acoustic Device Ambient Noise Attenuation Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hear-through technologies in headsets and hearables require manual adjustment for ambient noise attenuation, leading to annoyance and saturation of desired audio signals by undesired ambient sounds like wind or vehicular noise, which can distract users and reduce situational awareness.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic device with ambient signal characterization and control circuits that automatically identify and manage undesired ambient noise by selecting or attenuating input signals from multiple microphones, ensuring that only clean signals are mixed with audio playback, thereby minimizing unwanted noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment for ambient noise attenuation is implemented, then user control over noise levels is improved, but user convenience and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects undesired ambient signals and adjusts attenuation without user intervention. The ambient signal characterization circuit continuously monitors input signals and the control circuit dynamically adjusts attenuation levels, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring ambient noise levels through the characterization circuit and automatically adjusting attenuation based on detected noise conditions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable noise attenuation while maintaining ease of operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ambient noise attenuation is increased, then undesired ambient noise impact is reduced, but desired audio signal quality deteriorates due to potential over-attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different attenuation levels to different audio channels (left and right) based on the specific noise characteristics detected in each channel. The ambient signal control circuit independently adjusts attenuation for each channel, allowing optimized noise reduction without compromising overall audio signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes attenuation parameters based on real-time noise detection. The control circuit adjusts attenuation levels according to the characteristics of undesired signals detected by the characterization circuit, ensuring optimal noise reduction while preserving desired audio content.
3Reliability
If multiple microphones are used for signal selection, then noise reduction capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the audio processing into separate left and right channels, each with its own ambient signal control. This segmentation allows independent noise reduction processing for each channel while maintaining a manageable overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The ambient signal control circuit performs multiple functions including noise detection, signal selection, and attenuation control within a single integrated circuit, reducing overall device complexity despite using multiple microphones.
Data Source
AI summary
One example discloses an acoustic device, including: a first input configured to receive a first ambient input signal from a first acoustic transducer; a second input configured to receive a second ambient input signal from a second acoustic transducer; a first output configured to transmit a first ambient output signal; a second output configured to transmit a second ambient output signal; an ambient signal characterization circuit configured to identify an undesired ambient signal within the first and/or second ambient input signals; and an ambient signal control circuit configured to control how the acoustic device generates the first and second ambient output signals from the first and second ambient input signals based on the undesired ambient signal.