Audio Signal Processing via Remote User Control Parameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

In audio communication systems, the lack of user control over audio signal processing at the sender device leads to suboptimal playback experiences, as the sender device applies pre-defined processing operations without knowledge of receiver device contexts or user preferences, resulting in decreased accuracy and increased network bandwidth consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where a remote receiver device can transmit control parameters to the sender device to specify user preferences, allowing the sender device to process the audio signal accordingly, while maintaining processing at the sender side and reducing network bandwidth usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the sender device applies pre-defined processing operations to the captured audio signal, then the audio signal can be transmitted to remote receiver devices, but the playback experience at the receiver sides degrades because the processing is not adapted to the receiver devices or user preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of audio processing to receiver device context and user preferencesVSAvoidquality of audio playback experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The audio processing operations are made dynamic and adjustable by allowing remote users to control processing parameters (such as noise suppression level, echo cancellation settings) in real-time. The sender device receives control commands from remote devices and adapts its processing accordingly, transforming static pre-defined processing into dynamic user-adaptable processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback mechanism is established where remote receiver devices send control information back to the sender device regarding their audio processing preferences and context. The sender device uses this feedback to adjust its audio processing operations, creating a closed-loop system that continuously adapts to receiver needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the raw audio signal is sent to receiver devices for local processing, then users can have control over processing, but the accuracy of audio signal processing decreases and network bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control over audio processingVSAvoidaccuracy of audio signal processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The audio processing function is segmented between the sender device and receiver devices. The sender device performs initial audio processing (noise suppression, echo cancellation) on the captured audio signal, then transmits the processed signal along with control parameters to remote devices. Remote devices can further adjust processing based on user preferences, dividing the processing workload while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sender device performs preliminary audio processing operations on the captured audio signal before transmission, preparing the signal with basic noise suppression and enhancement. This preliminary processing maintains accuracy by handling computationally intensive tasks at the source, while leaving room for remote devices to apply additional user-specific processing adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the raw audio signal is transmitted to receiver devices, then local processing can be performed, but network bandwidth consumption increases and audio transmission rate reduces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of processing locationVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and transmits only the essential control parameters and processed audio signal characteristics to remote devices, rather than transmitting the complete raw audio signal for full re-processing. This extraction approach reduces network bandwidth consumption by sending only the necessary information for remote devices to apply user-specific processing adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transmits control parameters that define processing characteristics (noise suppression levels, equalization settings) rather than transmitting raw audio data for complete re-processing. By changing from parameter transmission to full signal transmission, the system achieves the same adaptability with significantly reduced bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3304880B1Audio signal processing based on remote user control
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORP
  • EP3304880B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3304880B1 patent drawingFigure 2
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AI summary

Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to audio signal processing based on remote user control. A method of processing an audio signal in an audio sender device is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at a current device, a control parameter from a remote device, the control parameter being generated based on a user input of the remote device and specifying a user preference for an audio signal to be transmitted to the remote device. The method also includes processing the audio signal based on the received control parameter and transmitting the processed audio signal to the remote device. Corresponding computer program product of processing an audio signal and corresponding device are also disclosed. Corresponding method in an audio receiver device and computer program product of processing an audio signal as well as corresponding device are also disclosed.