Acoustic Probe Signal Encoding for Co-located Device Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting co-located devices during teleconferencing are inefficient and inaccurate, leading to echo and feedback issues due to the lack of standardized detection techniques and reliance on geolocation information, which can be unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A method involving local signaling of encoded audio, where devices broadcast probe signals and generate encodings based on received signals, allowing for the determination of co-location by comparing similarities between these encodings, thereby identifying co-located devices and enabling corrective actions to reduce echo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If geolocation-based methods are used to detect co-located devices, then device location information can be obtained, but the detection accuracy is poor and reliability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces geolocation-based detection methods with acoustic field-based detection. Instead of relying on GPS or network location data, the system uses audio capture devices to detect probe signals broadcast by other devices, transforming the detection mechanism from spatial-coordinate-based to acoustic-signature-based, thereby improving both accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces probe signals as an intermediary medium for device detection. These standardized audio signals act as a mediator between transmitting and receiving devices, enabling reliable detection through acoustic channel characteristics rather than direct geolocation data comparison
2Measurement precision
If standardized probe signals are broadcast for co-location detection, then detection accuracy improves, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by having probe signals transmitted only when devices are joining or rejoining teleconference sessions, rather than continuous transmission. This reduces overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining detection accuracy when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic probe signal transmission at specific intervals during teleconference participation, rather than continuous broadcasting. This periodic approach maintains detection capability while significantly reducing bandwidth usage compared to continuous signal transmission
3Object-affected harmful factors
If co-located devices are not detected accurately, then echo and feedback issues occur, but implementing detection increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing universal audio capture and playback devices that are already present in teleconference equipment. By repurposing these existing components for probe signal detection, the system avoids adding specialized detection hardware, thereby reducing complexity while effectively detecting co-located devices to prevent echo and feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having devices broadcast probe signals that can be detected by other devices. This creates a mutual detection mechanism where each device both transmits and listens for probe signals, enabling reliable co-location detection through the acoustic feedback loop without requiring complex centralized detection systems
Data Source
AI summary
A first computing device captures audio data via an audio capture device. The audio data comprises probe signals from second computing devices located within the same area. The first computing device and the second computing devices are connected to a teleconference session. Based on the audio data, the first computing device generates a first encoding of the probe signals received. The first computing device receives a second encoding of probe signals received at a second computing device. The first computing device makes a determination that a degree of similarity between the first encoding and the second encoding is greater than or equal to a threshold degree of similarity. The first computing device generates co-location information identifying the second computing device as a co-located device that is located within the same area as the first computing device.