Audio Sensor Contact Detection for Speech Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices used in noisy environments face challenges in obtaining a clear audio signal due to the combination of bone-conducted and air-conducted microphones changing contact status, leading to distorted speech signals with low signal-to-noise ratios and reduced intelligibility.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing multiple audio sensors, where one sensor is in contact with the user and another is in the air, analyze the spectral properties of the audio signals to determine which sensor is in contact, using Fourier transforms and power spectrum comparison to differentiate between bone-conducted and air-conducted signals, and process the signals accordingly to enhance speech quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bone-conducted microphone is used to obtain audio signals in noisy environments, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the intelligibility of speech is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bone-conducted and air-conducted microphones into a single device, processing both signal types through different paths and merging their outputs. The bone-conducted microphone provides high signal-to-noise ratio in noisy environments, while the air-conducted microphone captures speech with better frequency response. By merging both approaches, the system achieves both noise immunity and speech intelligibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in bone-conducted mode for high noise immunity, air-conducted mode for better frequency response, or combined mode for optimal performance. The system automatically adapts its operation based on environmental conditions and contact status, making it universally applicable across different scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device moves relative to the user, then adaptability is improved, but the contact status of sensors becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to movement by continuously monitoring contact status between the device and user. When movement causes a sensor to lose contact, the system automatically switches between available sensors or adjusts processing modes. This dynamic response maintains reliable operation despite changes in device position or user movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor sensor contact status and adjust operation accordingly. Contact sensors provide real-time information about the device-user interface state, allowing the system to detect when a sensor is no longer in contact and switch to alternative sensors or processing modes, maintaining stable operation during movement.
3Reliability
If multiple audio sensors are used to ensure continuous contact, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the audio sensing function into separate bone-conducted and air-conducted microphone channels. Each channel is independently processed through dedicated signal processing paths, allowing the system to manage complexity by dividing the overall task into manageable segments rather than handling all sensors through a single complex processing pipeline.
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
The solution effectively distinguishes between bone-conducted and air-conducted signals, improving speech intelligibility and reducing noise interference, even when the device moves relative to the user, by applying appropriate processing algorithms to generate a clear and enhanced audio output.
Implementation Method 1
audio signals obtained using a contact sensor, such as a bone-conducted (BC) or contact microphone (i.e. a microphone in physical contact with the object producing the sound) are relatively immune to background noise compared to audio signals obtained using an air-conducted (AC) sensor
Implementation Method 2
air-conducted (AC) sensor, such as a microphone (i.e. a microphone that is separated from the object producing the sound by air)
Implementation Method 3
analyzing the spectral properties of the audio signals to determine which sensor is in contact, using Fourier transforms and power spectrum comparison
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of operating a device, the device comprising a plurality of audio sensors and being configured such that when a first audio sensor of the plurality of audio sensors is in contact with a user of the device, a second audio sensor of the plurality of audio sensors is in contact with the air, the method comprising obtaining respective audio signals representing the speech of a user from the plurality of audio sensors; and analyzing the respective audio signals to determine which, if any of the plurality of audio sensors is in contact with the user of the device.