Audio Communication System with Dynamic Zone Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio communication systems worn on the head struggle with selective communication with multiple users, rendering other audio systems into an acoustic scene, and comfort in noisy environments, particularly in industries like aircraft and construction.
Innovation Solution
An audio communication system that allows users to establish and manage communication zones through a handle mechanism, enabling open or closed communication channels based on field of view, with noise cancellation and 3D sound rendering to improve audibility and usability in noisy environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the audio communication system uses a fixed communication channel, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot selectively communicate with different audio communication systems
Solution Approach 1:
The communication channel is designed to dynamically switch between open and closed states based on the user's field of view and interaction needs. The channel transitions from a fixed closed state to an open state when the user looks at another audio communication system, enabling selective communication without permanent structural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines when to open or close communication channels based on detected field of view orientation and user gaze direction, eliminating the need for manual channel selection and reducing operational complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the audio communication system opens communication channels to all directions, then the system can communicate with multiple users, but the system cannot provide selective communication and increased privacy
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system applies different communication states to different spatial zones: the communication channel is closed in directions away from the user's field of view and open only in the direction where the user is looking. This localized communication approach enables selective interaction with specific users while maintaining privacy from others.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the audio communication system processes multiple audio signals simultaneously, then the system can render acoustic scenes, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal processing is segmented into distinct functional modules: field of view detection, communication channel state control, acoustic scene rendering, and noise cancellation. Each module processes specific aspects of the audio signal independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the capability to render comprehensive acoustic scenes.
4Reliability
If the audio communication system uses noise cancellation filters, then the audibility is improved in noisy environments, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The noise cancellation filter is merged with the acoustic scene rendering system, where both functions share common signal processing resources and computational infrastructure. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective noise cancellation and acoustic scene rendering capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
An audio communication system configured to be head worn by a user and with at least one communication zone configured to communicate with the at least one other audio communication system through a communications channel that can be open or closed. The audio communication system may comprise at least one audio unit configured to sound an acoustic scene to a user using the audio communication system and which acoustic scene is enabled for inclusion of at least one voice from at least one another audio communication system. The audio communication system may further comprise at least one microphone configured to receive a voice from a user using the audio communication system. There is a field of view in the direction of orientation of the audio communications system.