Adjustable Audio Beamforming for Deformable Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable and mobile devices with multiple microphones face challenges in effectively capturing audio signals due to varying signal strengths based on microphone placement, which affects directional selectivity and audio quality.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an adjustable audio beamforming method that processes output signals from multiple microphones to form a combined signal, taking into account the deformable state of the device, including relative microphone positioning, to enhance directional audio capture by strengthening signals from specific directions while suppressing others.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple microphones are used to capture audio signals, then the audio capture capability is improved, but the directional selectivity deteriorates due to varying signal strengths based on microphone placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of microphonesVSAvoiddirectional selectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the beamforming parameters adjustable and adaptable to different device configurations. The system dynamically adjusts the weighting and processing of signals from multiple microphones based on their relative positions and the device's deforming state, transforming a static microphone array into a dynamic system that maintains optimal directional selectivity regardless of microphone placement variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by modifying the beamforming parameters (such as weighting factors, delay values, and combining coefficients) based on the detected device deforming state. This allows the system to compensate for variations in microphone placement and maintain consistent directional audio capture performance across different device configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device is made deformable to improve adaptability, then the versatility is improved, but the audio beam formation accuracy deteriorates due to changing microphone positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice deformabilityVSAvoidaudio beam formation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by detecting the device's deforming state (such as folding angle or bending position) and using this information to adjust the beamforming parameters accordingly. This closed-loop approach ensures that the audio beam formation remains accurate despite changes in microphone positioning caused by device deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static beamforming approach to a dynamic one where the beamforming parameters are continuously adjusted based on the device's current deforming state. This allows the audio beam to adapt and maintain accuracy regardless of the device's physical configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9716944B2Adjustable audio beamforming

Publication Date: 2017.07.25 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Adjustable audio beamforming of a device having a plurality of microphones is disclosed. A method for forming an audio beam of a device having a plurality of microphones, wherein the device is a deformable device, comprises: recognizing a deforming state of the device; and forming the audio beam according to the recognized deforming state of the device.