Audio Signal Synchronization via Audible Test Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio signal processing devices face challenges in synchronizing signals with external voice input devices, leading to inaccurate echo removal and poor voice recognition due to differences in hardware specifications and communication delays, especially when internal microphones are not compatible or perform poorly.
Innovation Solution
An audio signal processing method that generates a pattern in the audio signal to be output, detects this pattern in both internal and external audio signals, and synchronizes them based on the detected pattern and time differences, allowing for accurate synchronization and echo removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inaudible frequency band signals are used for synchronization between heterogeneous devices, then signal synchronization can be achieved, but compatibility is lost when speakers or microphones cannot process inaudible frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the synchronization signal from inaudible to audible range, making it compatible with standard speakers and microphones while maintaining synchronization functionality. The system generates audible test signals that can be processed by conventional audio devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard, widely-available speakers and microphones for synchronization instead of specialized inaudible frequency devices. This approach uses common, inexpensive components that are already present in most electronic devices, improving compatibility without requiring special hardware.
2Productivity
If echo cancellation is performed without proper signal synchronization, then processing speed is maintained, but echo removal accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs synchronization as a preliminary step before echo cancellation. By first aligning the timing of audio signals between devices using audible test signals, the system ensures that subsequent echo removal operations are performed on properly synchronized data, improving accuracy without significant delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from detecting the test signal in the external device's audio output to adjust timing alignment. The system monitors when the test signal appears in the external device's output and uses this feedback to calculate and apply the appropriate synchronization offset.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio signal processing method including obtaining a first audio signal by generating a pattern in association with the first audio signal to be output, outputting the first audio signal, receiving, through an external voice input device while the external voice input device is communicatively connected to the audio signal processing device, a second audio signal including the output first audio signal, detecting the pattern from the second audio signal, and synchronizing the second audio signal with the first audio signal based on the pattern detected from the second audio signal and the pattern included in the first audio signal.