Audio Input Selection via Acoustic Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network-connected devices with distributed microphones, users experience poor audio quality and communication issues due to changing signal-to-noise ratios as they move within a physical space, leading to noisy and quiet speech, which affects both human perception and automated natural language processing systems.
Innovation Solution
A system determines the closest device to a sound source by comparing audio input energy and time difference of arrival between pairs of devices, using proximity data to select the optimal device for input and output, ensuring seamless audio processing and user experience across the space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If audio input is acquired from multiple distributed devices, then audio coverage across physical space is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates as users move away from individual devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which device's audio input to use based on real-time proximity measurements. Instead of using audio from all devices simultaneously or from a fixed device, the system continuously determines which device is closest to the user and switches audio input sources accordingly, making the audio acquisition system adaptive to user movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical proximity (mechanical/spatial relationship) with acoustic energy measurement and time difference of arrival calculations. By measuring acoustic energy levels and timing differences in audio arrival at multiple devices, the system can determine user proximity without physical contact or direct line-of-sight requirements
2Device complexity
If a single device is used for audio input, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to user movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each device in the network independently measures its own acoustic energy levels and time difference of arrival data, then autonomously determines whether it is the closest device to the user. This distributed self-assessment approach eliminates the need for a centralized control system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each device capable of performing multiple functions: audio acquisition, acoustic energy measurement, time difference calculation, and proximity determination. Each device serves as both a sensor and a potential audio input source, eliminating the need for dedicated control hardware and simplifying the system architecture
3Reliability
If audio input selection is changed dynamically, then audio quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures and monitors acoustic energy levels and time difference of arrival data in the background, even when not actively switching audio sources. This preliminary data collection ensures that when a user moves and a switch is needed, the proximity determination can be made rapidly using pre-captured measurements rather than initiating measurements from scratch
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses threshold-based decision making where audio input switching is triggered only when acoustic energy measurements or time difference calculations exceed predetermined thresholds indicating significant user movement. This approach skips unnecessary processing when the user remains in the same vicinity, reducing processing time while maintaining audio quality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for low-latency determination of the closest device, maintaining consistent audio quality and improving user experience by dynamically adjusting input and output selection based on user movement, even in scenarios with multiple users or noise sources.
Implementation Method 1
a first device of the plurality of devices determines first audio input data using a microphone of the first device
Implementation Method 2
comparing audio input energy and time difference of arrival between pairs of devices
Data Source
AI summary
A group of devices acquire audio input of a sound, such as speech, using respective microphones. For pairs of devices in the group, intensity of energy of audio input at each of the devices in the pair is used to determine first proximity data. Relative differences in time-of-arrival of the sound at the devices in the pair is used to determine second proximity data. The first and second proximity data are used to determine an estimated closest device of the pair with respect to the sound. Comparison of the first proximity data to the second proximity also allows a confidence value to be associated with the estimated closest device. The estimated closest device with the greatest confidence value may be selected for use to acquire audio input, present output, and so forth. Additional techniques such as beamforming techniques may be applied to the audio input from the selected device.