Microphone Audio Processing UI for Directional Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio recording technologies in portable devices lack the ability to effectively assist users in identifying and improving audio quality, particularly in noisy environments or when the sound source is distant, due to inadequate feedback on sound properties and directional awareness, leading to potential poor quality recordings.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine audio sources, generate visual representations of these sources, and process audio signals based on user interaction with these representations, allowing for selection and adjustment of microphone settings, including internal and external microphones, to enhance audio capture and recording quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual feedback and interaction controls are added to audio recording apparatus, then user ability to identify and improve audio quality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback mechanisms including audio source indicators, level meters, and directional information displayed on the device screen. These visual elements provide real-time feedback about audio capture quality, allowing users to identify issues and adjust settings accordingly. The feedback system transforms invisible audio properties into visible information without requiring complex external equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary software layer that processes audio data from multiple microphones and presents simplified control options to users. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of audio source separation, directional control, and microphone selection, exposing only essential controls to the user while managing sophisticated audio processing in the background.
2Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are used to capture acoustic waves, then audio quality and directional control are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio capture function across multiple microphones positioned at different locations within the device. Each microphone captures audio from specific directions, and the system segments the audio processing task by assigning different microphones to different spatial zones. This segmentation enables directional control and noise reduction while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the microphone array system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both audio recording and audio source localization simultaneously. The same set of microphones used for capturing audio signals also provides directional information and noise reduction capabilities. This universality allows the system to achieve enhanced audio quality without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If external directional microphones are used to improve audio quality in noisy environments, then audio capture capability is enhanced, but ease of operation decreases due to limited control and integration difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges external microphone functionality with the device's internal audio processing system. The external directional microphones are integrated into the existing audio pipeline, allowing unified control through the device's standard interface. This merging enables the system to switch between internal and external microphones, combine their outputs, or use them simultaneously, greatly simplifying operation compared to standalone external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of microphone selection and audio processing parameters based on environmental conditions and user preferences. The system can automatically adjust microphone gain, switching between microphones, and applying noise reduction algorithms in real-time. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize audio capture for different scenarios without requiring manual reconfiguration, enhancing ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus or method to allow a user to control an audio processing operation of an internal and/or external microphone(s). The method includes providing a configurable user interface which defines an audio processing operation. The status of the audio processing operation can be defined through interaction with the user interface. Capture of sound with the microphone(s) may be controlled based on the status of the audio processing operation.