Communications Management System for Undesirable Noise Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In remote gatherings such as conference calls, undesirable noise like echo or feedback can disrupt communications, and it is challenging to quickly determine and manage the source of these issues, especially with multiple participants, as the noise can be distracting and potentially render the gathering impossible if not addressed.
Innovation Solution
A communications management system that uses a processor to transmit unique signals to participant systems, detect undesirable sounds, and apply remedial actions to reduce the likelihood of future noise occurrences, employing predictive methods based on registration information and historical data to preemptively address potential noise sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple participant systems are allowed in a remote gathering, then the richness of participation is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and managing undesirable noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the audio detection process by assigning unique identification signals to each participant system. The noise detection function is divided into individual system-level detections rather than group-level detection, allowing precise identification of which specific participant is generating undesirable noise through systematic testing of each segment independently
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where each participant system receives unique test signals and the system analyzes the returned audio to determine if echo or feedback is present. This closed-loop feedback process enables automatic identification and management of noise sources without requiring manual intervention from multiple participants
2Measurement precision
If unique test signals are transmitted to each participant system, then the precision of noise detection is improved, but the use of energy and time for testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic testing rather than continuous testing, transmitting unique test signals at scheduled intervals to each participant system. This periodic approach maintains detection precision while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as the system only activates test signals when needed to detect or manage noise issues
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary noise detection testing during participant registration or before conferences begin. By conducting initial assessments in advance, the system identifies potential noise sources before they disrupt actual gatherings, reducing the need for extensive testing during active use and thereby lowering overall energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A communications management system (CMS) and related method receive registration information related to a plurality of participant systems (PSs) that communicate audio information between themselves. The CMS transmits a unique signal to each of the plurality of PSs that causes each of the plurality of PSs to produce a unique audio signal and detects an undesirable sound (US) in a PS of the plurality of PSs responsive to the transmission of the unique signal. Then, responsive to the detection of the US, the CMS applies a remedial action to the PS to initiate a reduction in a likelihood that the PS will produce a future US. Finally, the CMS repeats the operations of transmitting, detecting, and applying according to a predefined testing criteria.