Stereo Headset Microphone Array for Adaptive Noise Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise canceling headsets with boom microphones require frequent adjustment and are cumbersome during prolonged gaming sessions, especially in noisy environments, as they need to be positioned close to the user's mouth to effectively cancel background noise.
Innovation Solution
A stereo headset with an integrated array of microphones utilizing an adaptive beam forming algorithm that allows for adjustable microphone positioning and effective noise cancellation without the need for constant adjustment, using digital microphones and adjustable delay lines to steer the sound beam and filter out background noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a close talking boom microphone is used for noise cancellation, then background noise cancellation is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to frequent positioning adjustments required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the microphone boom adjustable and movable, allowing it to adapt to different user positions and activities. The boom can be dynamically repositioned from a close-talking position near the mouth to an upright position away from the face, enabling the system to maintain optimal noise cancellation performance while accommodating various operational scenarios without requiring frequent manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone boom is designed with multi-functionality to serve different purposes: it can be positioned close to the mouth for clear voice capture during communication, moved away during gaming activities, and adjusted to various angles. This universal design allows a single device to handle multiple functions (noise cancellation, voice communication, gaming) without requiring separate devices or frequent repositioning.
2Measurement precision
If a close talking boom microphone is positioned near the mouth, then voice clarity is improved, but ease of operation worsens during prolonged gaming sessions requiring eating or drinking
Solution Approach 1:
The boom microphone incorporates dynamic positioning capability, allowing users to quickly move it between a close-talking position for clear voice capture during communication and an upright position away from the face during gaming or eating. This dynamic adjustment enables hands-free operation throughout the entire gaming session without compromising voice clarity when communication is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone system is segmented into a movable boom component and a fixed headset component. This segmentation allows the boom to be independently positioned - close to the mouth for voice clarity during communication, or away from the face during gaming activities - while the headset remains stationary on the user's head, enabling seamless transition between different operational modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent microphone repositioning is required, then adaptability to different activities is improved, but loss of time increases due to constant adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The boom microphone is pre-positioned in an upright position away from the face, which is the optimal position for prolonged gaming sessions. Users only need to adjust it to a close-talking position temporarily when voice communication is needed, rather than constantly moving it back and forth. This preliminary positioning reduces the frequency and time of adjustments required throughout the gaming session.
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone boom incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms that allow it to maintain its position automatically during gaming activities without requiring continuous manual intervention. The design enables the system to serve itself by maintaining optimal positioning for the current activity mode, reducing the time users need to spend on adjustments while preserving adaptability to different activities.
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
The adaptive beam forming algorithm provides superior noise cancellation, reducing background noise by up to 28.6 dB and allowing for hands-free operation, improving the gaming experience by maintaining clear voice communication in noisy environments without the need for frequent microphone repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
A stereo headset with an integrated array of microphones utilizing an adaptive beam forming algorithm that allows for adjustable microphone positioning and effective background noise cancellation
Implementation Method 2
using digital microphones and adjustable delay lines to steer sound beams and filter out noise
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a noise canceling audio transmitting/receiving device; a stereo headset with an integrated array of microphones utilizing an adaptive beam forming algorithm. The invention also relates to a method of using an adaptive beam forming algorithm that may be incorporated into a stereo headset. The sensor array used herein has adaptive filtering capabilities.