Active Noise Cancellation Coefficient Update Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing active noise cancellation (ANC) systems face challenges in updating filter coefficients without interrupting noise cancellation, particularly when the update time is longer, leading to user experience issues due to noise interference and coefficient mixing.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a digital signal processor and multiple storage modules to update noise cancellation coefficients during a noise cancellation processing cycle, ensuring seamless transition from old to new coefficients without turning off the ANC module, using position information in update requests to manage coefficient updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If coefficients are updated without turning off ANC, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to coefficient mixing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoefficient update efficiencyVSAvoidcoefficient update integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coefficient update process into distinct phases by introducing separate buffers: a first buffer for storing current coefficients used by the ANC module, and a second buffer for pre-loading new coefficients. This segmentation allows the update process to proceed without interrupting ANC functionality while maintaining coefficient integrity through controlled switching between buffers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing new coefficients in the second buffer before the ANC module needs to switch to them. The digital signal processor continuously updates the second buffer with new coefficients while the ANC module operates with coefficients from the first buffer, ensuring that when switching occurs, the new coefficients are already ready and validated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If update time is extended, then adaptability is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to noise interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise cancellation adaptabilityVSAvoidaudible noise during update
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the ANC module's operation throughout the coefficient update process. The module continuously reads coefficients from the first buffer and processes audio signals without interruption, ensuring that noise cancellation remains active and effective throughout the update period without generating audible artifacts or interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces buffers as intermediary storage structures between the digital signal processor and the ANC module. These buffers act as mediators that decouple the coefficient update process from the noise cancellation processing, allowing updates to occur without direct interference in the audio signal path and preventing update-related noise from reaching the output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple buffers are used for coefficient storage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoefficient update reliabilityVSAvoidstorage module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a copying mechanism where the second buffer serves as a preview or copy of what the first buffer will contain next. The digital signal processor copies new coefficient values into the second buffer, which can be validated and prepared in advance. When switching is required, the buffers simply exchange roles, providing a reliable and simple copy-based update mechanism that enhances reliability without significant complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4138406B1Noise cancellation method for audio signal, audio signal processing apparatus, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 SHENZHEN GOODIX TECH CO LTD
  • EP4138406B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4138406B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4138406B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for audio signal noise cancellation, an apparatus for audio signal processing, and an electronic device. The method includes: in response to current noise cancellation coefficients being required to be updated to new noise cancellation coefficients, the digital signal processor calculating the new noise cancellation coefficients and writing the new noise cancellation coefficients into an storage module that is idle in the at least two storage modules, and the digital signal processor sending an update request for updating the noise cancellation coefficients to the active noise cancellation module, wherein the update request carries position information configured to indicate a position of the storage module to which the new noise cancellation coefficients is written; and the active noise cancellation module reading the new noise cancellation coefficients in the storage module indicated by the position information based on the position information carried in the update request, and performing noise cancellation processing according to the new noise cancellation coefficients after a current noise cancellation processing cycle ends.