Adaptive Proximity Thresholds for Acoustic Howling Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current howling suppression methods in wireless communication systems use fixed proximity thresholds that do not account for varying acoustic environments, leading to ineffective suppression in different settings, such as open versus enclosed spaces.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive proximity thresholds are dynamically set based on ultrasonic transmissions to determine the acoustic environment, allowing for effective howling suppression as communication devices move between different environments by adjusting loudspeaker volume accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed proximity thresholds are used for howling suppression, then the system is simple to implement, but the suppression effectiveness deteriorates in varying acoustic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic proximity thresholds that automatically adapt to different acoustic environments (enclosed vs. open spaces) based on real-time acoustic characteristics detection, transforming the static threshold system into a dynamic one that adjusts to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the threshold parameters based on detected acoustic environment characteristics, modifying the proximity threshold values dynamically according to whether the environment is enclosed or open, thereby optimizing suppression effectiveness for each environment type
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic transmissions are used to detect acoustic environment, then the suppression accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs ultrasonic transmissions periodically rather than continuously, detecting acoustic environment characteristics at intervals to determine when threshold adjustments are needed, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing communication device's own ultrasonic transmission capability to detect the acoustic environment, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware and reducing overall system energy requirements
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 approach provides more effective howling suppression across various acoustic environments, ensuring clear communication by accurately attenuating audio feedback loops.
Implementation Method 1
receive, via the microphone, an acoustic signal from a second communication device operating in an acoustic field with the communication device
Implementation Method 2
determine a reflection pattern for the acoustic field based on the received acoustic signal
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for howling suppression. One method includes receiving, via a microphone, an acoustic signal from a communication device operating in an acoustic field with the microphone. The method includes determining a reflection pattern for the acoustic field based on the acoustic signal, and determining an acoustic characteristic for the acoustic field based on the reflection pattern. The method includes determining, based on the acoustic characteristic, a plurality of howling zones for the acoustic field, each zone defined by first and second proximity thresholds. The method includes, for each of the howling zones, determining an attenuation level for the zone based on the proximity thresholds and the acoustic characteristic. The method includes determining a distance between the microphone and the communication device, selecting one of the howling zones based on the distance, and adjusting a volume of a loudspeaker based on the attenuation level for the selected howling zone.