Videoconferencing Echo Cancellation Using Spatial Locus Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current videoconferencing systems face challenges in echo cancellation due to the combination of local voice signals and multi-path interference from remote audio signal transmissions, particularly when signals are transmitted from different speakers at varying times or combinations, necessitating a more robust echo cancellation method.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a series of echo cancellers positioned along a one-dimensional locus connecting multiple speakers, where remote audio signals are mapped to corresponding positions based on spatial indicators, combined to form input signals for each echo canceller, and a resultant signal is transmitted, with gain coefficients determining the contribution of each signal to speaker output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remote audio signals are transmitted from multiple speakers at different times, then the coverage and flexibility of audio transmission is improved, but the complexity of echo cancellation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the echo cancellation task into multiple parallel echo cancellers, each responsible for a specific speaker position. Each echo canceller independently processes signals from one speaker, segmenting the complex multi-speaker echo cancellation problem into manageable single-speaker sub-problems. This segmentation maintains adaptability for multiple speakers while reducing the complexity burden on each individual canceller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by arranging echo cancellers along a one-dimensional locus that corresponds to speaker positions. This spatial organization allows the system to handle multiple speakers simultaneously by mapping each speaker to a specific position on the locus, transforming the complex temporal-multiplexed echo cancellation into a structured spatial arrangement that simplifies processing.
2Device complexity
If a single echo canceller is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle multi-path interference from different speakers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one complex echo canceller that struggles to distinguish multiple echo paths, the patent segments the cancellation function into multiple specialized echo cancellers. Each canceller is dedicated to removing echoes from a specific speaker position, making the echo cancellation more effective and reliable for each individual path while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving each echo canceller a specific functional specialization corresponding to its position on the locus. Each canceller is optimized for its local speaker position, creating position-specific echo cancellation expertise. This localized specialization improves overall reliability by ensuring each speaker's echoes are handled by the most appropriate canceller.
3Area of stationary object
If remote audio signals are transmitted from different speakers at different times, then the spatial coverage is improved, but the measurement precision of echo cancellation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spatial coverage into discrete positions along a one-dimensional locus, with each position handled by a dedicated echo canceller. This segmentation allows the system to cover multiple spatial positions simultaneously while maintaining high precision at each individual position, as each canceller focuses its measurement and cancellation efforts on its specific location without interference from other speakers.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may be configured to: receive remote audio signals and corresponding spatial indicators from remote systems; generate output signals for local speakers based on the remote audio signals and the corresponding spatial indicators; supply a microphone input signal to a first echo canceller in a series of echo cancellers, where each echo canceller of the series corresponds to a position in a set of positions along a one-dimensional locus connecting the speakers; map each of the remote audio signals to a corresponding one of the positions based on the corresponding spatial indicator; for each position of the set of positions, combine any of the remote audio signals that map to that position in order to form a corresponding input signal for the corresponding echo canceller; transmit a resultant signal including at least an output of a last echo canceller of the series to the remote systems.