Acoustic Noise Cancellation via Spatial Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ambient noise significantly affects the signal-to-noise ratio in communication systems like video/audio conference calls, and existing noise reduction solutions, such as headphones and earbuds, are cumbersome and only effective for individual users.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising cameras, ambient sound microphones, and speakers, where a server processes video and audio inputs to generate and output counter soundwaves that synchronize with ambient noise frequencies, suppressing noise without the need for personal audio devices, effectively reducing ambient noise for multiple users within a defined zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If noise reduction headphones and earbuds are used, then ambient noise is reduced for individual users, but the solution becomes cumbersome and limited to single user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical noise reduction devices (headphones/earbuds) with an acoustic field-based system. Speakers generate sound waves that actively cancel ambient noise through destructive interference, eliminating the need for physical earphones while achieving noise reduction for multiple users simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-user noise reduction to multi-user noise reduction by deploying speakers throughout the environment. The acoustic noise cancellation works for all users within the covered area simultaneously, making the solution universal rather than personal
2Object-affected harmful factors
If active noise cancellation system is deployed, then ambient noise is suppressed for multiple users, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the noise cancellation task into multiple independent speaker units distributed throughout the environment. Each speaker handles noise cancellation for its local region, and the overall system performance is the combination of these segmented efforts, reducing the complexity burden on any single component
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses microphones to continuously monitor ambient noise levels and adjusts speaker output accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing acoustic conditions automatically, reducing the need for complex manual configuration and optimization
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the signal-to-noise ratio for both listeners and speakers in communication systems by continuously tracking users' locations and adjusting soundwaves to cancel ambient noise, providing a more satisfying experience without the need for cumbersome personal noise reduction devices.
Implementation Method 1
generate and output a counter soundwave... that synchronizes with ambient noise frequencies, suppressing noise
Data Source
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AI summary
In example implementations, a system is disclosed for suppressing ambient sounds. In one example, the system includes a camera, a plurality of microphones, a plurality of speakers and a processor. The camera captures an image of a target, the plurality of microphones receives ambient sounds and a plurality of speakers outputs an audio signal to suppress the ambient sounds. The processor is in communication with the camera, the plurality of microphones and the plurality of speakers. The processor can identify a location on the target based on the image that is captured, determine a direction and a frequency of the ambient sounds, and generate the audio signal based on the direction and the frequency of the ambient sounds, the audio signal is directed towards the location on the target.