Electronic Device Audio Echo Control via Directional Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices struggle to effectively control the output levels of audio signals received from external devices and ambient sounds picked up by microphones, often resulting in echo phenomena and poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a processor and memory that identifies sound directions, determines the similarity between received audio data and ambient sound data, and adjusts output levels to optimize sound processing, ensuring clear audio from external devices while minimizing ambient noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio signal from external device and ambient sound are provided together, then user can hear both external audio and surrounding sounds, but echo phenomenon occurs and audio quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the echo signal itself (the harmful factor) as a reference to identify and subtract the external audio component from the mixed ambient sound. By treating the echo as a useful reference signal, the system can isolate and remove the problematic audio repetition while preserving genuine ambient sounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference signal (the external audio signal from the Bluetooth device) as an intermediary to mediate between the mixed ambient sound and the desired output. This reference signal enables the system to identify and separate the external audio component from ambient sounds through correlation analysis.
2Ease of operation
If output level of audio signal and ambient sound is controlled manually, then user can adjust according to convenience, but operation complexity increases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic mixing ratio adjustment where the system autonomously analyzes the ambient sound signal, identifies external audio components, and adjusts the mixing ratio without user intervention. The processor automatically determines the optimal balance between external audio and ambient sound based on signal analysis, eliminating the need for manual controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the output signal and adjusts the mixing ratio based on detected echo levels and ambient sound characteristics. This closed-loop control automatically optimizes audio quality by adjusting parameters in real-time based on environmental conditions.
3Reliability
If mixing ratio is adjusted to prevent echo, then audio clarity improves, but ambient sound information may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing treatments to different components of the ambient sound signal. Genuine ambient sounds are preserved with appropriate mixing ratios, while external audio components identified through correlation analysis are suppressed or removed. This selective processing maintains audio clarity by eliminating echoes while preserving useful ambient information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ambient sound signal into distinct components: genuine ambient sounds and external audio repetitions. Through signal analysis and correlation with the reference external audio signal, the system separates these components and applies different mixing ratios to each, ensuring clarity while preserving ambient information.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: at least one microphone receiving sound from the outside, and configured to detect the direction from which the sound is received; a speaker for outputting the sound; a communication circuit for receiving audio data from an external electronic device; a processor electrically connected to at least one microphone, the speaker, and the communication circuit; and at least one memory electrically connected to the processor. The memory, when operated, can store instructions for enabling the processor to extract the information on the direction, from which the sound is received, from the data related to the sound received through at least one microphone, and to process the data related to the sound outputted through the speaker, on the basis of the information on the direction from which the sound is received. Other examples are possible.