Endpoint Echo Detection via Test Signal Muting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Echo issues in communications systems, such as near and far-end echo, and howling, are prevalent in multi-party conferencing due to various audio and video devices interacting in close proximity, impacting the quality of sessions.
Innovation Solution
A signal detection and control system that uses audible or inaudible sounds to identify endpoints causing echo, with the ability to remotely or locally mute speakers or microphones to mitigate echo, supported by a multipoint control unit (MCU) for legacy endpoints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple endpoint devices are deployed in close proximity for multi-party conferencing, then the system provides rich communication modalities and high quality conferencing, but echo and howling are induced that impact session participation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary echo detection by transmitting test signals from the MCU to endpoints before the actual communication session begins. This allows the system to identify endpoints that are prone to generating echo in advance, and pre-configure appropriate echo suppression or muting controls to prevent echo issues during the session.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors audio signals from endpoints during communication sessions and provides feedback to the MCU about detected echo conditions. Based on this feedback, the MCU dynamically adjusts echo suppression parameters or muting controls for specific endpoints to maintain clear audio quality while enabling versatile communication modalities.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If echo detection and muting control is implemented, then echo is reduced, but system complexity increases due to signal transmission and device control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The MCU serves as an intermediary that centralizes echo detection and control functions. Instead of requiring complex echo suppression logic in each endpoint device, the MCU transmits test signals to endpoints and processes the returned signals to identify echo-prone devices. This mediator approach simplifies endpoint design while maintaining effective echo control through centralized signal processing and coordinated muting commands.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic muting control is applied to endpoints, then echo is prevented, but user control and notification mechanisms are required adding to system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service echo management by automatically detecting echo-prone endpoints and applying muting controls without requiring manual user intervention. The MCU autonomously transmits test signals, analyzes returned signals to identify echo issues, and applies appropriate muting controls to prevent echo during communication sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users about the state of echo controls through notifications. When an endpoint is identified as echo-prone or when muting controls are applied, the system notifies the relevant users, allowing them to understand the system's actions and make informed decisions about whether to override the automatic controls if needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Architecture that employs a signal (e.g., audible or inaudible sounds) to detect if endpoints of a communications session are sufficiently close to each other to induce echo, and then control (e.g., muting) is applied to one or more of the endpoints to prevent echo. The signals can be played and detected from the endpoints or a central conferencing component such as a multiple control unit (MCU). The MCU can provide support for legacy endpoints as well. When echo is detected, the offending endpoint(s) can be controlled to mute one or more onboard devices such as a speaker or microphone. The device(s) can be muted from a remote component or for a local component or locally by the endpoint user. A notification can be sent that notifies the endpoint user that the mute operation has been applied or should be applied to one or more of the local devices.