Microphone Array Signal Processing for Failed Element Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-microphone audio devices experience degraded user experience due to malfunctioning microphones in the microphone array, leading to abnormal array states and significantly different sound output compared to normal states.
Innovation Solution
A method for processing sound signals by determining the current array state of the microphone array and calling target processing parameters from preset signal processing parameters corresponding to normal microphones to perform gain, noise reduction, or active noise reduction processes, ensuring the sound output is close to the normal array state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microphones are used in the microphone array, then the audio device can provide better sound quality and functionality, but the probability of microphone failure increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the array state by monitoring signal characteristics from each microphone to identify malfunctioning microphones before they significantly degrade audio quality. This early detection enables proactive switching to alternative processing modes or microphones, maintaining reliability while preserving the benefits of multiple microphones for enhanced sound quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes processing parameters based on the detected array state. When microphones are identified as malfunctioning, the system adjusts signal processing parameters such as gain, noise reduction thresholds, and beamforming weights to compensate for the failed microphones, thereby maintaining audio quality despite the reduced number of functional microphones
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microphones are used in the microphone array, then noise reduction and voice enhancement capabilities are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring microphone status increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of signal characteristics from each microphone in the array. By analyzing signal strength, noise levels, and spectral content in real-time, the system automatically detects microphone status and adjusts processing accordingly, making the detection process transparent and reducing the perceived complexity for users
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own microphone array status without requiring external intervention. The processing unit continuously evaluates signal quality metrics and autonomously identifies malfunctioning microphones, eliminating the need for manual checking or complex external diagnostic equipment
3Reliability
If signal processing parameters are adjusted to compensate for failed microphones, then the sound output quality is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal signal processing framework that handles both normal and abnormal array states through a single integrated processing pipeline. The same processing unit and algorithms are used regardless of microphone status, with parameter values dynamically adjusted rather than requiring separate processing paths, thereby maintaining audio quality while limiting the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for processing a sound signal, an audio device and a storage medium. The method including: determining a current array state of the microphone array, the current array state represents whether a microphone in the microphone array is currently in a normal working state; and calling a target processing parameter in the current array state from signal processing parameters in multiple array states preset corresponding to a normal microphone to process a sound signal picked up by the normal microphone, the normal microphone is a microphone in a normal working state in the microphone array.