Microphone Gain Control Using 3D Source Position for Stable Ambient Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic gain control systems in audio conferencing fail to provide consistent volume levels and stable ambient sound performance due to unknown sound source locations and variable room conditions, leading to inconsistent user experiences.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing positional 3D spatial sound power information to calculate and control individual microphone gains based on known path loss calculations, ensuring consistent volume and stable ambient sound levels by determining the exact location of sound sources and adjusting gain accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heuristic-based automatic gain control is used to manage wide dynamic range audio signals, then the desired signal can be brought to within an acceptable dynamic range, but the ambient sound levels also track in proportion to volume changes, resulting in inconsistent ambient sound performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gain control into two independent components: signal-dependent gain adjustment and ambient sound gain adjustment. The processor determines a first gain adjustment based on the dynamic range of the desired signal, and a second gain adjustment based on the dynamic range of ambient sounds, applying them separately to achieve independent control of signal levels and ambient sound levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different gain control strategies to different sound components. The first gain adjustment is applied specifically to the desired signal path, while the second gain adjustment is applied to the ambient sound path, allowing each to be optimized independently for its specific requirements.
2Device complexity
If automatic gain control operates on heuristic principles without knowing sound source location, then the system can function without additional sensors, but the performance is not deterministic and shows sharp unexpected changes in background ambient sound levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback by continuously monitoring the dynamic range of both the desired signal and ambient sounds, and adjusting the gain parameters accordingly. The processor determines gain adjustments based on real-time analysis of signal characteristics, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions while maintaining deterministic performance.
3Ease of operation
If single automatic gain control parameter is used to normalize to preset parameters, then the system can simplify the control logic, but it cannot adapt to all scenarios and contingencies, resulting in inconsistent sound volume when switching sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gain control dynamic by using multiple adjustable parameters (first gain adjustment for signal, second gain adjustment for ambient sound) that can be independently modified based on the specific scenario. The system adapts to different situations such as single-user vs. multi-user environments, varying ambient noise levels, and different desired signal levels by adjusting the appropriate gain parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for automatic gain control utilizing sound source position information in a shared space having a plurality of microphones and a plurality of sound sources. Sound signals are received from the microphones. One or more processors locate position information corresponding to each of the sound sources. The processor(s) determine the distance to each of the sound sources from each of the microphones. The processor(s) define a predetermined gain weight adjustment for each of the microphones. The processor(s) apply the defined weight adjustments to the microphones to achieve a consistent volume of the desired plurality of sound sources. The processor(s) maintain a consistent ambient sound level regardless of the position of the sound sources and the applied gain weight adjustments. The processor(s) output a summed signal of the sound sources at a consistent volume with a constant ambient sound level across the plurality of sound source positions.