Directional Audio Processing for Context-Aware Noise Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality audio processing technologies are limited in context-controlled noise suppression, often failing to effectively reduce ambient noise in all directions while enhancing audio signals from specific directions, which is crucial for safety in noisy environments like industrial or mining zones.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that process audio signals by generating control parameters based on various sensor inputs, such as motion, position, and environmental data, to dynamically configure audio directional processing, enabling improved noise suppression and audio enhancement in specific directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ambient noise cancelling is applied in all directions, then ambient noise is reduced, but audio signals from specific directions cannot be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different noise cancellation strengths to different spatial directions. The system creates directional zones where noise cancellation is selectively applied - stronger cancellation in directions without important audio sources, and weaker cancellation in directions containing important audio sources. This resolves the contradiction by making the noise cancellation property spatially variable rather than uniform across all directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the 360-degree audio environment into multiple directional sectors or zones. Each zone is independently processed with appropriate noise cancellation parameters based on the presence and importance of audio sources in that direction. This segmentation allows simultaneous noise reduction in some directions and signal preservation in others.
2Loss of information
If audio signals are enhanced from a specific direction, then perception of that direction is improved, but ambient noise in other directions is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies localized audio enhancement to specific directional zones while maintaining noise cancellation in other zones. Important audio sources are identified and assigned to specific directional sectors, where enhancement parameters are applied. Meanwhile, other sectors continue to receive full noise cancellation treatment, resolving the contradiction through spatially differentiated processing.
3Device complexity
If limited context sensing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but safety in complex environments is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of noise cancellation parameters based on real-time sensor inputs. Motion sensors, proximity sensors, and environmental sensors continuously provide context information that automatically modifies the noise cancellation behavior. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to respond to complex environmental changes without requiring complex manual configuration or processing, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically senses environmental context and self-adjusts its noise cancellation parameters without user intervention. Sensors detect motion, proximity, and environmental conditions, and the system autonomously modifies audio processing accordingly. This self-service capability enables sophisticated safety features while maintaining simple user interaction and device operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform processing at least one control parameter dependent on at least one sensor input parameter, processing at least one audio signal dependent on the processed at least one control parameter, and outputting the processed at least one audio signal.