Customizable Active Noise Control for Selective Audio Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current listening devices, including headphones and hearing aids, are limited in their ability to customize audio experiences due to fixed noise reduction algorithms that fail to differentiate between desirable and undesirable ambient sounds, leading to suboptimal listening environments, especially in varied noise conditions and complex acoustic settings.
Innovation Solution
A customizable active noise control system utilizing directional microphones, MEMS sensors, and digital signal processing to allow users to adjust filtration algorithms based on personal preferences and environmental conditions, enabling the integration of desirable ambient sounds into the listening experience while suppressing undesirable noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed noise reduction algorithms are used in listening devices, then noise suppression is achieved, but the ability to differentiate between desirable and undesirable ambient sounds is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic and adjustable noise reduction algorithms that can be customized by users. The system allows real-time modification of noise reduction parameters and enables users to select different algorithms based on their preferences and environmental conditions, transforming fixed algorithms into adaptable, dynamic processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables changes in algorithm parameters such as noise reduction strength, frequency ranges, and processing characteristics. Users can adjust these parameters to optimize the balance between noise suppression and preservation of desirable ambient sounds, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different listening scenarios.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If aggressive noise cancellation is applied, then undesirable noise is reduced, but desirable ambient sounds are also suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different noise reduction processing to different frequency ranges and sound types. Rather than uniform noise cancellation, the system selectively processes specific frequency bands and sound characteristics, preserving desirable ambient sounds while targeting undesirable noise for reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the aggressiveness of noise cancellation based on user preferences and environmental analysis. Users can control the level of noise reduction applied, and the system adapts processing intensity in real-time to maintain desirable ambient sounds while suppressing unwanted noise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customization options are added to noise control systems, then user preference optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control architecture that manages multiple noise reduction algorithms and parameters through a single interface. This multi-functional design allows the system to handle various customization options without proportionally increasing complexity, as the control system serves multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic environmental analysis and recommendation features that reduce the burden on users. The device can automatically analyze the acoustic environment and suggest or apply appropriate settings, allowing users to benefit from customization without needing to understand complex parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic customization system to enhance a user's audio environment. One type of enhancement would allow a user to wear headphones and specify what ambient audio and source audio will be transmitted to the headphones. Added enhancements may include the display of an image representing the location of one or more audio sources referenced to a user, an audio source, or other location and/or the ability to select one or more of the sources and to record audio in the direction of the selected source(s). The system may take advantage of an ability to identify the location of an acoustic source or a directionally discriminating acoustic sensor, track an acoustic source, isolate acoustic signals based on location, source and/or nature of the acoustic signal, and identify an acoustic source. In addition, ultrasound may be serve as an acoustic source and communication medium. The audio customization system may be responsive to one or more inputs that enhance aspects of an audio output and one or more inputs that diminish aspects of an audio output. The system may lessen the influence of ambient audio or in some situations enhance ambient audio over source audio. The system may specify aspects of audio to be modified by specification of filtering algorithm, characterization of audio samples, monitored distortion, user selection, location specification or environmental specification.