Event Driven Noise Cancellation for Voice Streams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional noise cancellation algorithms are ineffective in filtering computer-generated noises such as dings, tones, keyboard clicks, and mouse clicks from voice streams in office environments.

Innovation Solution

Monitoring computer events associated with noise within the computer to provide specific noise cancellation procedures or algorithms, enabling targeted noise filtering by identifying and timing of noise events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional noise cancellation algorithms are used, then general noise filtering is provided, but computer-generated noises cannot be effectively filtered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise cancellation effectivenessVSAvoidability to handle computer-generated noises

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The noise cancellation system dynamically adapts by detecting computer events (keyboard presses, mouse clicks, application switches) and selecting specific noise cancellation algorithms based on the detected event type. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to effectively cancel computer-generated noises that static conventional algorithms cannot handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by monitoring computer event signals and adjusting the noise cancellation approach accordingly. Different event types trigger different cancellation parameters and algorithms, enabling effective filtering of specific computer-generated noises while preserving voice signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple microphones are used to detect computer noises, then noise detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of microphones

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses computer event signals as an intermediary to indicate when computer-generated noises occur. Instead of using multiple microphones to detect noises directly, the event signals serve as a mediator that triggers appropriate noise cancellation, simplifying the hardware while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple microphones to detect and locate noise sources with an electronic/software-based approach using computer event monitoring. This substitution reduces hardware complexity while achieving the same noise cancellation goal through software intelligence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8041026B1Event driven noise cancellation

Publication Date: 2011.10.18 AVAYA INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for noise cancellation are provided. In particular, information regarding events associated with a computer providing a telephony function or associated with a hardware telephone providing a telephony function is provided to a noise cancellation process. The provided information can be used to identify specific noises associated with events, so that filters specifically adapted for removing an identified noise can be applied. Alternatively or in addition, information regarding the existence and timing of an event can be provided in order to facilitate the application of a noise cancellation filter. Noise cancellation as described can also be applied in connection with recording speech or other audio signals.