Multi-directional Beamforming Device for Audio Noise Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices struggle to accurately separate human speech from noise in noisy environments due to limitations in microphone design and signal processing, leading to reduced accuracy in voice recognition and increased power consumption, which shortens battery life in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a geometrical array of microphones that employ first and second signal processing techniques to separate unwanted noise from audible signals, combining signals to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio across the full speech range, extending battery life and improving voice recognition accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional filtering methods are used to reduce noise, then noise reduction is achieved, but speech components are also suppressed along with noise, reducing voice recognition accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio signal processing into multiple frequency bands using filter banks. Each band processes specific frequency ranges separately, allowing noise reduction in each band without suppressing speech components in other bands. This segmentation enables selective noise reduction while preserving speech integrity across different frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing strategies to different frequency bands based on their local characteristics. Speech components are identified and protected in bands where they are present, while noise reduction is applied in bands dominated by noise. This local quality approach ensures that noise reduction does not uniformly suppress speech across all frequencies.
2Measurement precision
If the full speech frequency range (100-8000 Hz) is processed, then voice recognition accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases, shortening battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent processes only the necessary portions of the frequency spectrum required for voice recognition rather than uniformly processing all frequencies. By identifying and focusing computational resources on frequency bands containing speech components, the system achieves adequate voice recognition accuracy with reduced computational load and lower power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts processing parameters such as frequency band selection and processing intensity based on the detected signal characteristics. When speech is detected in certain frequency ranges, processing is intensified in those bands while reducing or eliminating processing in bands dominated by noise, thereby optimizing the balance between recognition accuracy and power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are used to improve noise separation, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio processing task across multiple microphones and frequency bands. Each microphone captures audio from its specific spatial position, and the system segments the processing by assigning different frequency bands to different microphone combinations. This segmentation allows effective noise separation through spatial and spectral diversity while managing system complexity through structured processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the microphone array and processing system to perform multiple functions simultaneously: noise reduction, speech enhancement, and direction-of-arrival estimation all use the same microphone inputs and processing infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by avoiding dedicated hardware for each function while achieving multiple objectives.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure generally include a method and apparatus for receiving and separating unwanted external noise from an audible input received from an audible source using an audible signal processing system that contains a plurality of audible signal sensing devices that are arranged and configured to detect an audible signal that is received from any position or angle within three dimensional space. The audible signal processing system is configured to analyze the received audible signals using a first signal processing technique that is able to separate unwanted low frequency range noise from the received audible signal and a second signal processing technique that is able to separate unwanted higher frequency range noise from the received audible signal. The audible signal processing system can then combine the signals processed by the first and second signal processing techniques to form a desired audible signal that has a high signal-to-noise ratio throughout the full speech range.