Adaptive Step-Size Control for Active Noise Reduction Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional active noise reduction devices face challenges in quickly adapting to changing noise conditions due to the limitations of fixed step-size parameters, leading to slow convergence and instability in noise reduction performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a µ-adjustment unit that dynamically adjusts the step-size parameter based on the amplitude of the filtered reference signal, using a standard representative input value and standard step-size parameter to ensure stable operation and high convergence speed, even under varying driving conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed step-size parameter is used to ensure stability, then the filter coefficient converges stably, but the convergence speed becomes slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of filter coefficientVSAvoidconvergence speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed step-size parameter to a variable step-size parameter that adapts based on signal characteristics. The step-size parameter μ(n) is dynamically adjusted according to the amplitude of the reference signal x(n) and filtered reference signal r(n), allowing the system to achieve both stability and fast convergence. When signals are strong, a larger step-size accelerates convergence; when signals are weak or unstable, a smaller step-size ensures stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the step-size parameter μ based on signal amplitude conditions. The control unit changes μ(n) according to predefined conditions involving thresholds of reference signal amplitude and filtered reference signal amplitude. This parameter adaptation enables the system to optimize convergence speed while maintaining stability across varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If a large step-size parameter is used to increase convergence speed, then the filter coefficient updates faster, but the system becomes unstable and may diverge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvergence speedVSAvoidstability of filter coefficient
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the amplitude of the reference signal x(n) and filtered reference signal r(n). Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the step-size parameter μ(n) in real-time. When signal amplitudes exceed thresholds indicating potential instability, the step-size is reduced to prevent divergence. This feedback-driven adaptation ensures fast convergence when conditions permit while preventing instability when signals become too strong.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the step-size parameter based on real-time signal conditions rather than using a fixed value. The control unit evaluates signal amplitudes and modifies μ(n) accordingly, enabling the system to achieve high convergence speed when signals are moderate while automatically reducing the step-size to maintain stability when signals become too strong, thus avoiding divergence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If the step-size parameter is adjusted to adapt to changing noise conditions, then the convergence speed improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvergence speedVSAvoidcomplexity of signal processing
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes parameters (step-size μ, thresholds Th1 and Th2) based on signal conditions rather than using fixed values. The control unit adjusts μ(n) according to the amplitudes of x(n) and r(n), allowing the system to adapt to changing noise conditions and achieve fast convergence. This parameter adaptation approach balances improved convergence speed with manageable system complexity by using straightforward threshold-based decision logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2869297B1Active noise reduction device and active noise reduction method
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP2869297B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2869297B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2869297B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An active noise reduction device is used with a secondary noise source that generates a secondary noise and an error signal source that outputs an error signal corresponding to a residual sound caused by interference between the secondary noise and a noise. A µ-adjustment unit calculates a step-size parameter for updating a filter coefficient of an adaptive filter by multiplying a standard step-size parameter by a ratio of a standard representative input value corresponding to amplitude of a signal to a representative input value corresponding to the amplitude of the signal.