Audio Group Identification for Conference Call Distortion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conference call systems face challenges in maintaining audio quality when participants are in close proximity, leading to issues like multipath, echo, and unstable howling due to unexpected audio couplings between devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing audio group identification by using control channels to detect when devices are in the same audio environment, allowing for dynamic allocation of control channels and modification of audio paths to mitigate distortions, such as muting speakers or microphones, and configuring conference bridges to avoid mixing audio streams from group members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio streams from multiple participants are mixed through a conference bridge, then audio communication between remote participants is enabled, but audio feedback loops and distortions occur when participants are in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of control signals in the audio environment before audio streams are mixed. By detecting the presence of control signals from multiple devices in advance, the system can proactively configure the conference bridge to exclude audio streams from devices in the same audio environment, preventing audio feedback loops before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
Control signals serve as an intermediary mechanism to convey information about device presence in the audio environment. These control signals enable the system to identify when multiple devices are in close proximity without requiring direct communication between the devices themselves, allowing the conference bridge to make informed routing decisions.
2Measurement precision
If control signals are transmitted in the audio environment, then audio group identification is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control signals are transmitted using existing audio communication infrastructure and protocols, allowing the same audio channels to serve dual purposes: both carrying control information for group identification and transmitting regular audio content. This multi-functionality approach enables audio environment detection without requiring separate dedicated communication channels or additional hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If audio streams are routed through a conference bridge, then remote conferencing is supported, but unexpected audio couplings occur when devices are in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The audio routing configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors for control signals in the audio environment and automatically adjusts the conference bridge routing in real-time. When control signals from multiple devices are detected, the system dynamically modifies the audio path to exclude streams from devices in the same audio environment, maintaining audio quality stability while preserving remote conferencing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for audio group identification for conferencing. For example, methods may include joining a conference call using a network interface; accessing an audio signal that has been captured using a microphone; detecting a control signal in the audio signal; and, responsive to detection of the control signal, invoking modification of an audio path of the conference call.