Auditory Scene Controller for Private Conversation Bubbles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for private conversations in group settings often result in important conversations being deferred or disrupted, and lack sufficient privacy, requiring physical separation or whispered communication.
Innovation Solution
The development of an auditory scene controller system that generates customizable listening environments using microphone and speaker modules, processing units, and wireless transceivers to isolate voices within 'conversation bubbles' via software algorithms, allowing multiple conversations to occur simultaneously without disrupting others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If physical separation or whispered communication is used to maintain privacy, then privacy is improved, but communication quality and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared physical space into multiple independent auditory zones using directional audio technology. Each participant or group can have their own conversation stream that is spatially separated, allowing privacy without physical separation or whispered communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (audio processing device) that mediates between speakers and listeners. This intermediary uses voice activity detection and spatial audio processing to route conversations selectively, maintaining privacy while preserving normal communication quality.
2Loss of information
If physical separation is used to accommodate multiple conversations, then privacy is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial separation (physical dimension) to directional audio separation (acoustic dimension). By using beamforming and spatial audio processing, multiple conversations can occur in the same physical space without interference, eliminating the need for separate rooms or physical barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical physical separation (walls, doors, separate rooms) with electronic/audio processing methods. The audio processing device uses software algorithms and signal processing to create auditory isolation, substituting physical infrastructure with electronic functionality.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conversations are deferred to later times, then disruption to other conversations is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous, simultaneous conversations without interruption or deferral. By using auditory scene analysis and selective audio routing, multiple conversations can proceed concurrently in the same space without disrupting each other, maintaining productivity while eliminating harmful interference.
Data Source
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AI summary
Approaches are disclosed for generating auditory scenes. A computing device includes a wireless network interface and a processor. The processor is configured to receive, via a microphone, a first auditory signal that includes a first plurality of voice components. The processor is further configured to receive a request to at least partially suppress a first voice component included in the first plurality of voice components. The processor is further configured to generate a second auditory signal that includes the first plurality of voice components with the first voice component at least partially suppressed. The processor is further configured to transmit the second auditory signal to a speaker for output.