Microcontroller Audio Noise Cancellation via Dual-Mic Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio devices face challenges in noise and echo cancellation due to the requirement for high-performance hardware, which increases costs and power consumption, and limits flexibility in design, especially in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
An audio device with a primary microphone near the sound source and an auxiliary microphone farther away, combined with a microcontroller that encodes and processes audio signals to generate a data stream for noise and echo cancellation, allowing for multi-input audio processing algorithms to improve voice recognition and communication quality without the need for additional hardware DSP modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-performance hardware (hardware DSP module/GPU) is used for noise and echo cancellation, then noise cancellation performance is improved, but device cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hardware DSP module/GPU (mechanical/electronic system) with a software-based noise cancellation algorithm running on a standard microcontroller. This substitution eliminates the need for dedicated high-performance hardware while achieving the same noise cancellation function, thereby reducing power consumption and device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the microphone array, processes audio signals, executes noise cancellation algorithms, and manages data transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware modules, reducing overall power consumption and device complexity while maintaining noise cancellation performance.
2Reliability
If hardware DSP module or GPU is embedded in the audio device, then noise cancellation performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the noise cancellation functionality with the main microcontroller unit. Instead of having a separate hardware DSP module or GPU, the noise cancellation algorithm is integrated into the microcontroller's software, combining multiple functions (audio acquisition, processing, noise cancellation, and control) into a single device, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software (a copy of the noise cancellation algorithm) to replicate the functionality of expensive hardware DSP modules or GPUs. This software-based approach achieves the same noise cancellation performance without requiring complex hardware infrastructure, simplifying the device architecture and reducing manufacturing costs.
3Speed
If dedicated hardware DSP module is used for real-time audio processing, then processing speed is improved, but device cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the dedicated hardware DSP module with a software-based processing approach on a standard microcontroller. The microcontroller executes optimized noise cancellation algorithms that achieve real-time processing speeds without requiring specialized hardware, making the device easier to manufacture with standard components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the software algorithm parameters and microcontroller configuration to achieve real-time processing speeds comparable to hardware DSP modules. By adjusting processing parameters, buffer sizes, and algorithm complexity, the system maintains high processing speed while using standard, easier-to-manufacture components.
4Speed
If microcontroller exclusively executes audio processing scheme, then real-time processing capability is improved, but device versatility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic task scheduling system where the microcontroller can switch between different operational modes. When real-time audio processing is required, the microcontroller dedicates its full capability to audio processing. When not in use, it can execute other tasks or enter low-power modes. This dynamic allocation maintains real-time processing capability while improving device versatility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic audio processing intervals where the microcontroller executes noise cancellation algorithms at specific intervals rather than continuously. During these periodic processing windows, real-time performance is maintained. Between intervals, the microcontroller can perform other tasks, improving overall device versatility without compromising real-time audio processing capability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio device, an audio system, and an audio processing method that implement noise (echo) cancellation techniques are provided. The audio device includes a primary microphone(s) that is arranged closer to a desired sound source and configured to collect first audio signals containing more of target audio signals. In addition to the primary microphone(s), an auxiliary microphone(s) is arranged away from the desired sound source and configured to collect second audio signals containing less of the target audio signals. A microcontroller is configured to process the first audio signals and the second audio signals to generate a data stream. An encoding scheme(s) is implemented in encoding the audio signals, optionally with to-be-played audio signals outputted to a loudspeaker, into the data stream. At least one multi-input audio processing algorithm(s) is applied to the data stream to arrive at an accurate interpretation and/or comprehension of the audio signals or an improvement of human-to-human voice communications.