Cognitive Audio Filtering in Noisy Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
In noisy environments, it is difficult for users to filter out extraneous background noise and focus on specific audio sources, as existing noise-cancelling technologies only allow for selective listening to predetermined audio content and do not effectively separate and attenuate environmental sounds.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a processor and microphone array to receive and separate audio from multiple sources, allowing users to select and amplify specific audio streams while attenuating background noise, using techniques such as real-time source separation and 3D audio rendering, with a cognitive agent that considers user inputs like gestures and location to enhance audio focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple audio sources are received in a noisy environment, then the quantity of information increases, but information confusion and difficulty in processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mixed audio signal into multiple separate audio streams, each corresponding to a distinct sound source. The audio separation module divides the composite audio input into individual streams using source separation techniques, allowing each stream to be processed and presented independently to the user, thereby reducing information confusion while preserving the quantity of information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cognitive agent as an intermediary between the audio sources and the user. This agent processes the separated audio streams, applies spatial filtering, and selectively attenuates or enhances specific sources based on user preferences or cognitive priorities, acting as a mediator that organizes and presents information in a comprehensible manner.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing noise-cancelling technologies are used, then background noise is reduced, but selective listening to predetermined audio content is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic audio stream selection where the system can adaptively adjust which audio sources are attenuated or enhanced based on user input, environmental conditions, and cognitive agent analysis. The attenuation and enhancement levels are not fixed but can be modified in real-time, allowing versatile selective listening to different audio content as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional audio processing system that can handle various types of audio sources (speech, music, environmental sounds) and provide multiple listening modes. The system can selectively process different audio streams simultaneously and present them in various configurations, making it adaptable to different user needs and scenarios beyond simple noise cancellation.
3Quantity of substance
If audio from multiple sources is received, then the completeness of information improves, but the difficulty of filtering and focusing on specific sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary audio separation and stream organization before presenting the audio to the user. The audio separation module pre-processes the mixed audio signal by identifying and separating different sources into distinct streams, and the cognitive agent pre-analyzes these streams to determine their characteristics and spatial positions, reducing the complexity of real-time filtering and focus adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and arrangements for filtering audio in a noisy environment involving receiving audio input at a user's location, using a plurality of audio input devices in proximity with a user. The audio is then separated into sources in response to a user selection. After the selection is made, the amplitudes of the audio sources are adjusted based on the selection. Other variants and embodiments are broadly contemplated herein.