Dynamic Audio Muting via Voice and Proximity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Full duplex communication systems face issues with ambient noise interference and privacy concerns due to suboptimal mute functionality, leading to communication fatigue and misinterpretations, especially in noisy environments or scenarios requiring immediate attention.
Innovation Solution
An electronic accessory device with a microphone, communication interface, and control circuitry that dynamically mutes audio signals using a push-to-talk switch and proximity sensors to control both outgoing and incoming audio, allowing for instant muting and unmuting based on user input and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mute button is used, then muting function is provided, but switching delay occurs and user interface becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical mute button with voice-activated control. The system uses voice recognition to detect muting commands and automatically executes the muting/unmuting action, eliminating the need for physical button interaction and associated switching delays. This substitution of mechanical control with voice-based control directly addresses the technical contradiction by maintaining reliable muting function while eliminating switching delay.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full duplex communication is used, then simultaneous speech capability is improved, but ambient noise interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback-based noise suppression by continuously monitoring audio input through the microphone and comparing it against predefined noise thresholds. When ambient noise levels exceed the threshold, the system automatically suppresses the noise component while allowing legitimate speech to pass through. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain full duplex communication flexibility while actively reducing ambient noise interference in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates ambient noise from speech signals using signal processing techniques. By identifying and isolating the noise component based on acoustic characteristics and threshold comparison, the system removes harmful ambient noise while preserving the desired speech content. This extraction approach allows full duplex communication to function effectively despite the presence of ambient noise.
3Extent of automation
If voice activity detection is used, then automated muting is achieved, but processing delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing noise thresholds and muting strategies before actual communication occurs. The system pre-configures the noise suppression algorithm with predefined thresholds and parameters, so that when noise is detected during communication, the muting action can be executed immediately without requiring complex real-time analysis. This preliminary preparation reduces processing delay while maintaining automated muting capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic accessory device capable of dynamically muting the microphone and/or speaker responsive to predefined user control input, and a communications terminal at least functionally connected to the accessory for the transfer of audio signals and related signaling. Related methods for execution by the accessory and the terminal are presented.