Beamformer Rotation Compensation for Mobile Voice Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beamforming techniques in audio systems are less effective in isolating noise from a single source in a particular non-desired direction, especially when diffuse noise is present, and may not adapt well to changes in audio conditions.
Innovation Solution
A voice-controlled device with a microphone array that employs adaptive beamforming and rotation compensation to isolate audio from a desired direction by dynamically selecting filter coefficients and rotating beams in response to sensed rotation, using techniques such as MVDR and LCMV beamformers, and applying rotation-compensation functions to maintain audio signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed beamforming techniques are used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to changes in audio conditions and device orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming by continuously adapting beamforming parameters (filter coefficients, beam directions) based on real-time audio conditions and device orientation. The system transitions from static fixed beamforming to dynamic adaptive beamforming, where beams are rotated and reconfigured in response to detected device rotation and changing acoustic environments, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by detecting device rotation (via sensors or orientation data) and audio conditions, then using this information to dynamically adjust beamforming parameters. This closed-loop approach enables the system to adapt to changing conditions while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms that process feedback information to optimize beamforming performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If beamforming parameters are dynamically adjusted, then noise isolation improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing beamforming parameters (filter coefficients, beam patterns) for various directions and conditions. When device rotation is detected, the system retrieves and applies pre-computed parameters corresponding to the new orientation, rather than performing complex real-time optimization. This approach reduces computational complexity while maintaining effective noise isolation through advance preparation of beamforming data.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device rotates, then user interaction flexibility improves, but audio signal quality degrades without compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by detecting device rotation and applying compensatory beam rotation in advance to counteract the degradation of audio signal quality. When rotation is detected, the system proactively rotates the beams to track the desired audio source direction, preventing quality loss rather than correcting it afterward. This anticipatory compensation maintains reliable audio signal quality while allowing flexible device rotation for improved user interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device capable of capturing voice commands includes a beamformer for determining audio data corresponding to one or more directions and a beam selector for selecting in which direction a source of target audio lies. The device determines, based on data from one or more sensors, an angle through which the device has rotated. Based on the angle and one or more rotation-compensation functions, the device interpolates audio data corresponding to the one or more directions to compensate for the rotation such that the direction corresponding to the source of target audio remains selected.