Networked Audio Auralization Feedback Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current networked audio systems fail to provide a shared acoustic space for participants, leading to uneven audio experiences and the need for headphones to prevent feedback, restricting movement and communication during online meetings, performances, and gaming.
Innovation Solution
A networked audio system with node mixing-processing blocks that include cancellation and auralization functions, allowing each participant to control their acoustic experience by canceling loudspeaker signals from microphone signals and applying auralization parameters, enabling immersive experiences without headphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If participants wear headphones to prevent feedback, then audio quality is maintained, but participant movement is restricted and local communication is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic feedback loop by separating the microphone input from the loudspeaker output path. The feedback cancellation system identifies and removes the loudspeaker signal component from the microphone signal before processing, allowing the microphone to be positioned away from the loudspeaker and enabling participants to move freely without headphones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback cancellation mechanism that continuously monitors the microphone signal for loudspeaker signal components and subtracts them in real-time. This feedback loop eliminates the harmful acoustic feedback while maintaining audio quality, removing the need for headphones and enabling natural participant movement and local communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different acoustics are provided at different locations, then local acoustic needs are met, but a shared acoustic space is not created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different auralization parameters to different network nodes based on their local acoustic environments and needs. Each participant can have customized acoustic processing (reverberation, spatialization, etc.) tailored to their specific location and requirements, while the system maintains a coherent shared acoustic space through networked distribution of the processed signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that simultaneously provides localized acoustic customization for each participant and maintains a unified shared acoustic experience across the network. The auralization system processes signals differently for different nodes while distributing them through a common network infrastructure, achieving both local adaptability and global coherence.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If loudspeaker signals are cancelled from microphone signals, then feedback is reduced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/acoustic feedback prevention mechanisms (such as physical isolation, acoustic treatment, or headphone requirements) with a digital signal processing approach. The feedback cancellation is achieved through computational subtraction of the loudspeaker signal from the microphone signal, simplifying the physical system while adding controlled digital processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments generally relate to enabling participants in an online gathering with networked audio to use a cancelling auralizer at their respective locations to create a common acoustic space or set of acoustic spaces shared among subgroups of participants. For example, there are a set of network connected nodes, and the nodes can contain speakers and microphones, as well as participants and node mixing-processing blocks. The node mixing-processing blocks generate and manipulate signals for playback over the node loudspeakers and for distribution to and from the network. This processing can include cancellation of loudspeaker signals from the microphone signals and auralization of signals according to control parameters that are developed locally and from the network. A network block can contain network routing and processing functions, including auralization, synthesis, and cancellation of audio signals, synthesis and processing of control parameters, and audio signal and control parameter routing.