Differential Audio Compensation for Speakerphone Echo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Echo cancellation in speakerphones is inadequate, leading to impaired audio quality during conversations, particularly in closed or reverberant rooms, and existing solutions like microphone muting restrict double-talk functionality.
Innovation Solution
A speakerphone system with at least two microphones and a processor that compensates for the impact of the loudspeaker signal by determining differential information between the microphone signals and adjusting the audio data to eliminate echo, allowing for improved audio quality and enabling double-talk functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If echo cancellation is implemented using traditional methods (e.g., microphone muting), then echo removal is improved, but double-talk functionality and natural conversation are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the audio signal processing by separating echo cancellation from voice activity detection. Multiple microphones capture different spatial perspectives, and the system processes signals from each microphone independently before combining them, allowing echo removal while preserving simultaneous speech capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate signal processing steps including differential information calculation and impact compensation as mediators between raw microphone signals and final audio output. These intermediate processing stages enable sophisticated echo cancellation that preserves natural conversation flow
2Object-affected harmful factors
If echo cancellation is implemented in reverberant rooms, then echo removal is improved, but audio quality and naturalness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different processing strategies to different spatial locations and frequency ranges. By analyzing differential information between multiple microphones, the system identifies and removes echo components locally while preserving the desired audio signal characteristics, maintaining naturalness even in reverberant environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on the acoustic environment. By calculating differential information and assessing the impact of loudspeaker signals, the system adapts its echo cancellation strength to maintain audio quality while removing echoes in various room conditions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple microphones are used for echo cancellation, then echo removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functionality of multiple microphones into a unified echo cancellation process. By combining signals from multiple microphones and processing them together through differential analysis, the system achieves superior echo removal without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same processing pipeline handles all microphone inputs
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed, the method comprising obtaining at least one first information indicative of audio data gathered by at least one first microphone, and at least one second information indicative of audio data gathered by at least one second microphone; determining a differential information indicative of one or more differences between at least two pieces of information, wherein the differential information is determined based, at least in part, on the at least one first information and the at least one second information; and compensating of an impact onto the audio data, wherein audio data of the first information and/or the second information is compensated based, at least in part, on the determined differential information. Further, an apparatus, and a system are disclosed.