Headset Microphone Selection for Call Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headsets do not effectively select and correct microphone inputs during phone calls, leading to suboptimal call sound quality due to ambient noise and varying voice signal magnitudes, which affects the user's experience and communication clarity.
Innovation Solution
A headset with a controller that selects between a first microphone for ambient noise and a second microphone for user voice input, based on noise thresholds and voice keywords, and corrects the voice signal using acoustic echo cancellation and frequency adjustment units, transmitting the improved signal to an external device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single microphone is used in the headset, then the device structure is simple, but the call sound quality deteriorates in noisy environments or when the user needs clear voice capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the microphone system into two separate microphones: a first microphone for capturing ambient sound and a second microphone for capturing user voice through the ear canal. This segmentation allows each microphone to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall call quality in various environments while maintaining manageable device complexity
2Measurement precision
If the headset always uses the second microphone for voice capture, then clear voice signal is obtained, but ambient noise from the environment is also captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic microphone selection where the controller automatically switches between the first and second microphones based on real-time environmental conditions and user needs. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize voice capture while minimizing ambient noise interference, rather than using a fixed microphone configuration
3Ease of operation
If manual microphone selection is required, then the user has control over input source, but the operation becomes complex and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the headset to automatically detect environmental noise levels and user voice characteristics, then self-select the appropriate microphone without user intervention. The system monitors audio inputs and autonomously switches between microphones to maintain optimal call quality, eliminating the need for manual user control while adapting to various environments
4Adaptability or versatility
If voice signal magnitude varies significantly, then the headset can adapt to different speaking volumes, but the call sound quality becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the voice signal magnitude from both microphones and adjusts microphone selection based on signal strength and quality metrics. This feedback loop ensures consistent call sound quality by selecting the microphone that provides the optimal signal level, adapting to different speaking volumes while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A headset including a wireless communication unit configured to provide wireless communication; a first microphone mounted on the headset; and a second microphone to be placed within an ear of the user wearing the headset; a controller configured to receive a phone call via the wireless communication unit from an external device, select either one of the first microphone or the second microphone to receive a voice signal of the user responding to the received phone call, in response to the selection of the first microphone, receive the voice signal of the user through the first microphone, correct a sound quality of the voice signal received through the first microphone, and transmit the corrected voice signal to the external device, and in response to the selection of the second microphone, receive the voice signal of the user from the external auditory canal of the ear of the user having the second microphone placed therein, correct a sound quality of the voice signal received through the second microphone and transmit the corrected voice signal to the external device.