Dual Microphone Sound Playback Device for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing aids and portable devices with two microphones often pick up interference sounds from the environment, leading to unclear speech due to the side effect of enhanced sound collection, necessitating a method to decrease the effect of interference sounds.
Innovation Solution
A sound playback device with two microphones and a microcontroller that processes localization judgement signals to determine the main direction of sound sources, adjusting the volume of low-frequency sound signals based on the probability that the source is aligned with the target orientation, thereby reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two microphones are used to enhance sound collection range, then sound pickup capability is improved, but interference sound collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful interference sounds collected by two microphones into useful localization information. By analyzing phase differences between the two microphone signals, the system determines sound source direction and uses this information to selectively enhance or suppress specific sounds, turning the previously harmful omnidirectional interference collection into a beneficial directional awareness capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that analyzes the signals from both microphones. This intermediary system calculates phase differences, determines sound source localization, and generates control signals that regulate the output volume of low-frequency sounds. This intermediary layer mediates between the raw microphone inputs and the final audio output, enabling selective enhancement of desired sounds while suppressing interference.
2Illumination intensity
If low-frequency sound signals are outputted to enhance sound quality, then sound richness is improved, but interference sound effect increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of low-frequency sound output based on real-time sound source localization. The system continuously monitors phase differences between microphone signals, determines the direction of sound sources, and dynamically adjusts the volume of low-frequency components accordingly. When a sound source is identified as being in the target direction, low-frequency enhancement is applied; when interference is detected, the enhancement is reduced or suppressed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of low-frequency sound volume based on sound source direction and localization probability. By dynamically adjusting this parameter according to the determined sound source position and the calculated probability that the source aligns with the target orientation, the system enhances sound richness for desired sounds while minimizing the amplification of interference sounds.
3Loss of information
If sound volume is increased to improve speech clarity, then speech intelligibility is improved, but interference sound volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by selectively adjusting the volume of low-frequency sound signals based on their directional origin. Instead of uniformly increasing all sound volumes, the system identifies sounds originating from the target direction and enhances only those local components. This localized enhancement improves speech intelligibility for desired sounds while leaving interference sounds from other directions unaffected or suppressed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively reduces the volume of interference sounds, improving speech clarity for hearing aids and enhancing communication in devices like smartphones and tablets by selectively attenuating sounds not originating from the target direction.
Implementation Method 1
receiving an input sound by the first microphone and the second microphone to respectively acquire a first sound signal and a second sound signal
Implementation Method 2
determining a plurality of phase differences between each of the same sound frames of the first localization judgement signal and the second localization judgement signal with the same selected frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A method of decreasing the effect of an interference sound is disclosed and includes the following the steps: receiving an input sound by a first microphone and a second microphone to respectively acquire a first sound signal and a second sound signal; determining and acquiring a plurality of sound source position data according to a phase difference between a plurality of sound frames of at least one position low-frequency sound signal of the first sound signal and a plurality of sound frames of at least one position low-frequency sound signal of the second sound signal; determining a probability that a main direction of the input sound is in accordance with a target orientation according to each of the sound source position data; and adjusting, according to the probability, the sound volume of low-frequency sound signals of the first sound signal and the second sound signal being outputted.