Audio Headset Noise Control via Single-Line Encoding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio communication devices, such as headsets connected via a data cable, face limitations in transmission path noise control due to the constraint of a single line for microphone or data exchange, preventing effective noise reduction in audio signals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of at least two microphones in an audio communication device, such as an audio headset, generates two input signals based on desired audio information and ambient noise, which are encoded and transmitted via a single line to a sending device for decoding and processing using a transmission path noise control algorithm, reconstructing a clean signal with reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only a single line is available for exchanging microphone data between headset and sending device, then device complexity is reduced and compatibility with legacy systems is maintained, but transmission path noise control cannot be performed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio data transmission by dividing the microphone data into multiple independent channels (e.g., first microphone data, second microphone data) that can be transmitted separately through the single data line. This segmentation allows the system to process and control noise from multiple microphones while still using the limited single-line connection, thereby achieving noise control capability without increasing physical connection complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single data line serve multiple functions by using it to transmit not only audio data but also control signals and encoded/decoded information. The sending device and headset work together to encode microphone data before transmission and decode it at the receiving end, allowing the same physical line to handle complex data exchange requirements that would traditionally require multiple dedicated lines.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple microphones are used for noise control, then noise reduction effectiveness is improved, but the requirement for data transmission lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a spatial dimension solution (using multiple physical lines) to a temporal/digital dimension solution. Instead of requiring separate physical lines for each microphone, the system uses time-division multiplexing or data compression techniques to transmit multiple microphone signals through the single line sequentially or in compressed form. The sending device decodes these signals and applies noise control algorithms, achieving multi-microphone noise control without increasing physical line count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces encoding and decoding as intermediary processes between the microphones and the noise control algorithm. The headset encodes the data from multiple microphones into a format suitable for single-line transmission, and the sending device decodes this data before applying the transmission path noise control algorithm. These intermediary steps enable the system to handle multiple microphone inputs through a limited communication channel.
3Measurement precision
If transmission path noise control is implemented, then speech intelligibility is improved, but processing complexity and algorithm requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary encoding to the microphone data at the headset before transmission. This pre-processing step prepares the data in a format that facilitates more efficient noise control processing at the sending device. By performing initial data preparation and formatting at the source, the complexity of the noise control algorithm at the receiving end is reduced, as the data is already structured for optimal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sending device transmits path noise control results or adjusted parameters back to the headset through the same data line. This feedback loop allows the system to continuously optimize noise control performance by adjusting processing parameters based on actual transmission conditions and observed noise patterns, improving speech intelligibility while managing algorithmic complexity through adaptive processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transmission path noise control using an audio headset and a sending device comprises generating microphone signals by a first and a second microphone of the headset based on detected sound including desired audio information and noise. An encoded signal is generated on a first line of a data cable by means of the headset by encoding input signals depending on the microphone signals. The method comprises transmitting the encoded signal from the headset to the sending device via the first, reconstructing the input signals by decoding the encoded signal by the sending device, generating by the sending device a clean signal by applying a first noise control algorithm to the reconstructed first and second input signal and sending a signal depending on the clean signal to a communication network.