Gaming Headset Ambient Sound Mixing via Bone Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio headsets used in computer gaming often overwhelm environmental sounds with multi-channel surround sound, making it difficult for users to hear external noises like conversations or alerts without removing the headset.
Innovation Solution
The integration of far-field microphones and a signal processor that uses a neural network to classify and selectively mix environmental sounds with the media sound, allowing targeted sounds to be heard while maintaining the multi-channel audio experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multi-channel surround sound is used in the headset, then the audio experience is enhanced, but environmental sounds are canceled out and users cannot hear external noises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio output into two distinct channels: one for media content (gaming audio) and another for environmental sounds. The media audio is delivered through the surround sound speakers while environmental sounds are delivered through bone conduction transducers, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bone conduction transducers as an intermediary delivery mechanism for environmental sounds. This intermediary approach allows environmental audio to bypass the traditional air conduction path that is blocked by the headset, delivering sound through the skull bones directly to the inner ear without canceling out external acoustic signals.
2Productivity
If the headset blocks environmental sounds, then focus on gaming is improved, but users cannot hear external alerts or conversations without removing the headset
Solution Approach 1:
The bone conduction transducers serve as an intermediary delivery system that provides environmental sound information through a separate physiological pathway (bone conduction) from the blocking mechanism (headset ear cups). This allows users to maintain gaming focus while simultaneously receiving external sound information without removing the headset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the auditory information delivery by using different transmission methods: air conduction for media content through speakers and bone conduction for environmental sounds through transducers. This segmentation allows both gaming audio and environmental awareness to coexist without compromising either function.
3Measurement precision
If far-field microphones and neural network processing are added, then environmental sound selection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sound isolation mechanisms with a computational approach using far-field microphones and neural network processing. Instead of relying on passive acoustic isolation, the system actively captures, classifies, and selectively delivers environmental sounds through bone conduction, reducing the need for complex physical sound blocking structures.
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
Enables users to realistically hear environmental sounds without disrupting the gaming experience, allowing for real-time awareness of external events while keeping the headset on.
Implementation Method 1
each earphone includes a bone conduction transducer configured to transmit the environmental sound to a user's inner ear
Data Source
AI summary
Environmental sound is recorded using one or more microphones. A source of the recorded environmental sound is classified. The recorded environmental sound is weighted based on the classification of the source and the source media sound using a weighting mode to determine whether to mix the recorded environmental. The recorded environmental sound is mixed with source media sound to produce a mixed sound based on the determination. The mixed sound is played over one or more speakers.