Automatic Audio Pickup Regions for Changing Room Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conferencing environments require complex, manual tasks to configure and maintain audio systems, which are sub-optimal when room layouts change, necessitating repeated manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An audio system that automatically configures audio coverage areas using location data from microphones, dynamically adapts to new data, and determines device positions, minimizing manual effort and reconfiguration time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of audio coverage areas is used, then initial setup can be performed, but the system cannot dynamically adapt to room layout changes and requires repeated manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system automatically detects audio sources using microphones and independently configures audio coverage areas without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts to room layout changes by continuously monitoring audio source locations and updating coverage areas accordingly, eliminating the need for repeated manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from microphone-based audio source detection to continuously update audio coverage area configurations. By monitoring the actual locations of audio sources in real-time, the system receives feedback about room layout changes and automatically adjusts coverage areas to maintain optimal performance.
2Extent of automation
If manual configuration of audio coverage areas is used, then initial setup can be performed, but manual labor and setup complexity remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting audio sources and generating appropriate coverage areas without requiring manual setup. The system autonomously manages its own configuration, reducing both manual labor and the perceived complexity of setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic detection and processing. Instead of physically adjusting equipment based on visual inspection, the system uses electronic sensors (microphones) and computational algorithms to automatically determine and configure audio coverage areas.
3Reliability
If manual configuration is performed, then initial audio coverage can be established, but the system cannot detect and respond to changes in audio source locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors audio source locations using microphones and uses this feedback to maintain accurate audio coverage. When audio sources move or room layouts change, the system receives real-time feedback and automatically adjusts coverage areas to maintain reliability without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio system self-adjusts to maintain optimal coverage by automatically detecting changes in audio source locations and updating its configuration accordingly. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments while ensuring continued reliability in maintaining accurate audio coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include an audio system comprising a plurality of microphones disposed in an environment, wherein the plurality of microphones is configured to detect one or more audio sources, and generate location data indicating a location of each of the one or more audio sources relative to the plurality of microphones; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the plurality of microphones, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive the location data from the plurality of microphones, and define a plurality of audio pick-up regions in the environment based on the location data, the plurality of audio pick-up regions comprising a first audio pick-up region and a second audio pick-up region, wherein the plurality of microphones are configured to deploy a first lobe within the first audio pick-up region and a second lobe within the second audio pick-up region.