Headset Noise Estimation via Multi-Device Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise indication systems for office and workshop environments are costly and cluttered due to the need for multiple microphone units, which are inefficient in larger spaces and contribute to desktop clutter.
Innovation Solution
A headset with integrated voice and noise microphones, along with a base station and audio communication network, estimates acoustic noise levels and provides visual feedback, reducing the need for multiple microphone units by using a single device to measure ambient noise and communicate with other devices to display noise levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple microphone units are distributed in a room to measure noise levels, then noise measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling headsets to serve dual purposes: their primary function for audio communication and a secondary function as noise measurement devices. The headset's existing microphone is utilized to capture ambient noise levels, eliminating the need for separate dedicated microphone units. This allows a single device to perform multiple functions, reducing the overall number of devices required in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by having the headsets that users already possess and wear themselves perform the noise measurement function. Instead of requiring additional equipment to be installed in the environment, the users' own headsets contribute to noise monitoring. This self-service approach leverages existing resources (the users' headsets) to provide the measurement function, reducing system complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If multiple microphone units are installed at each office desk, then noise feedback accuracy is improved, but desktop clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headset serves multiple functions including audio communication and noise measurement, eliminating the need for separate noise measurement devices on the desktop. By integrating the measurement function into the wearable headset, the system removes physical clutter from the desktop while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is relocated from the horizontal desktop plane to the vertical dimension by placing the microphone in the wearable headset on the user's head. This dimensional shift moves the measurement device from the desktop surface to the user's body, effectively removing it from the desktop environment and reducing clutter while maintaining proximity to the user for accurate feedback.
3Reliability
If dedicated noise measurement devices are deployed throughout the space, then noise monitoring effectiveness is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headset performs multiple functions including audio communication and noise measurement. By utilizing the headset's existing microphone for noise capture, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated noise measurement devices. This multi-functional approach reduces the total number of devices required while maintaining effective noise monitoring through the headsets already in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the users' own headsets to perform noise measurement, eliminating the need for additional dedicated measurement devices. Each headset contributes to the collective noise monitoring effort, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive coverage using existing resources rather than requiring additional deployed devices.
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
This solution allows for efficient noise level estimation and feedback in larger spaces with reduced clutter and cost, enabling better noise management without the need for extensive microphone installations.
Implementation Method 1
receiving an acoustic signal from ambient space and providing a corresponding microphone output signal by a microphone comprised by the respective audio communication device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a system for estimating acoustic noise levels. The invention may advantageously be applied in systems comprising multiple audio communication devices, such as e.g. telephones, mobile phones, headsets and headset base stations. It is an object of the present invention to provide respectively a method for estimating acoustic noise levels and a system for estimating acoustic noise levels, which enable a more efficient use of resources and may reduce cluttering in offices and other working environments than the prior art. This and other objects are achieved by a method for estimating acoustic noise levels, the method comprising: (66) for each of two or more audio communication devices (1, 21, 31), receiving an acoustic signal (61) from ambient space (62) and providing a corresponding microphone output signal (63) by a microphone (5, 7, 23) comprised by the respective audio communication device (1, 21, 31) and (67) repeatedly estimating a local acoustic noise level (64) in dependence on the microphone output signal (63); and (68) repeatedly estimating a location-dependent distribution of acoustic noise levels in ambient space (65) in dependence on the local acoustic noise levels (64).