Microphone Array Blockage Mitigation via Direction-of-Arrival Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microphone arrays in video conference endpoint devices are often obstructed by objects, leading to impaired sound quality due to the dynamic placement of these objects, which degrades the overall user experience.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of spaced-apart microphone arrays with a processor that determines the direction-of-arrival of sound signals to identify blockages and selects the best microphone for sound processing, ensuring unobstructed sound capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If microphones are incorporated inconspicuously into the device, then the device appearance is improved and user awareness is reduced, but objects are more likely to be placed between the user and microphones causing sound blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the microphone capture function into multiple independent microphone arrays positioned at different locations and orientations within the device. Each array can independently detect and process sound from different directions, allowing the system to segment the sound capture task across multiple spatially distributed sensors rather than relying on a single concealed microphone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sound quality metrics from each microphone array and uses this feedback to dynamically determine which array provides the best unblocked sound capture. The DOA estimation and blockage detection mechanisms provide real-time feedback about the acoustic environment, enabling the system to adaptively select the optimal microphone array based on current object placements.
2Device complexity
If a single microphone array is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic object placements that block sound
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic selection of microphone arrays based on real-time acoustic environment assessment. The blockage detection mechanism continuously evaluates sound quality metrics and dynamically determines which microphone array should be used for active sound capture, allowing the system to adapt to changing object placements without requiring manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple microphone arrays are positioned to serve different acoustic capture functions - some optimized for direct user speech, others for ambient sounds, and others for specific directional sources. This multi-functional arrangement allows the system to universally handle various sound capture scenarios regardless of object placement, with each array potentially serving different purposes depending on the acoustic environment.
3Reliability
If multiple spaced-apart microphone arrays are implemented with DOA determination and blockage detection, then sound quality is improved by mitigating blockage effects, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical adjustments or physical reconfiguration of microphones with computational methods for blockage detection and array selection. Instead of mechanically adjusting microphone positions or using complex acoustic waveguides, the patent uses signal processing techniques including DOA estimation algorithms and blockage detection based on acoustic transfer function analysis to achieve adaptive sound capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as gain settings, filtering characteristics, and array selection based on detected blockage conditions. By dynamically adjusting these acoustic parameters rather than changing the physical hardware configuration, the system maintains reliable sound quality while managing complexity through software-based adaptation rather than mechanical complexity.
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 effectively mitigates microphone blocking by selecting the optimal microphone array based on sound signal analysis, thereby improving sound quality and maintaining a consistent user experience despite changing object placements.
Implementation Method 1
spaced-apart microphone arrays each configured to transduce sound into corresponding sound signals
Data Source
AI summary
A telepresence video conference endpoint device includes spaced-apart microphone arrays each configured to transduce sound into corresponding sound signals. A processor receives the sound signals from the arrays and determines a direction-of-arrival (DOA) of sound at each array based on the set of sound signals from that array, determines if each array is blocked or unblocked based on the DOA determined for that array, selects an array among the arrays based on whether each array is determined to be blocked or unblocked, and perform subsequent sound processing based on one or more of the sound signals from the selected array.