Adaptive Microphone Signal Processing for Foldable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In foldable computing devices with two microphones mounted on separate housings connected by hinges, adjusting the angle between the housings complicates the extraction of high-quality audio signals due to changes in microphone characteristics such as volume and phase.
Innovation Solution
The computing device determines the distance between the microphones based on the changed angle and uses this information in an audio processing algorithm to modify the audio signals, employing beamforming and phase cancellation techniques to reduce noise and improve speech intelligibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the angle between the first and second housing is adjusted, then the adaptability of the computing device is improved, but the audio signal quality deteriorates due to changes in microphone characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts audio processing parameters based on the real-time angle between housings. The audio processing algorithm modifies beamforming weights and phase cancellation parameters according to the changing microphone geometry, allowing the system to maintain audio signal quality across different device configurations while preserving the adaptability of the foldable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the audio processing algorithm based on the hinge angle. Specifically, the distance between microphones is calculated from the angle, and this distance parameter is used to adjust the beamforming and noise reduction processing. This allows the system to adapt to different physical configurations while maintaining consistent audio quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the first microphone and the second microphone changes, then the adaptability to different configurations is improved, but the noise reduction effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the hinge angle sensor to continuously update the audio processing parameters. The angle information provides feedback about the current physical configuration, which is then used to adjust the beamforming and noise reduction algorithms accordingly, maintaining effective noise reduction across all device configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise reduction system dynamically adapts to changing microphone distances by adjusting processing parameters in real-time. The system transitions from a static noise reduction approach to a dynamic one that responds to configuration changes, maintaining effectiveness regardless of the distance between microphones.
3Device complexity
If audio processing is performed without considering the hinge angle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the speech intelligibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the microphone distance based on the hinge angle before executing the audio processing. By pre-calculating the geometric parameters from the angle sensor data, the system prepares the necessary information for optimized audio processing without adding significant complexity during the actual audio signal handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical audio calibration systems with a software-based solution that uses hinge angle data to calculate microphone positions. Instead of requiring physical calibration mechanisms or adjustable microphone mounts, the system uses computational methods to achieve the same effect, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining speech intelligibility.
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
The solution effectively reduces noise in audio signals and enhances speech clarity by adjusting the audio processing based on the changing distance between the microphones, improving the overall quality of audio received in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
employing beamforming and phase cancellation techniques to reduce noise and improve speech intelligibility
Implementation Method 2
employing beamforming and phase cancellation techniques to reduce noise and improve speech intelligibility
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device includes a first housing and a second housing attached by a hinge. The first housing includes a first microphone and the second housing includes a second microphone. After determining that an angle between the first and second housing has changed to a current angle, the computing device may determine a distance between the first microphone and the second microphone based on the current angle. A first audio signal from the first microphone and a second audio signal from the second microphone may each be modified (e.g., using a beamforming algorithm) to create first and second modified audio signals. The first and second modified audio signals may include less noise than the first and second audio signals. The first and second modified audio signals may be sent to an output jack or to an audio application.