Mixed Sensor Array for Self-Voice Capture in Wearables
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Self-voice capture in wearable devices is degraded by ambient noise, such as wind noise and music, which reduces the clarity of captured voice signals.
Innovation Solution
A mixed sensor array comprising microphones and accelerometers is used, where the ratio of microphone and accelerometer signal components is adjusted based on a noise metric to optimize voice clarity. This array includes multiple microphones and accelerometers positioned strategically, with a controller determining the signal mix based on ambient noise levels, using techniques like time-averaging, spectral weighting, and machine learning algorithms to enhance voice capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microphone is used to capture self-voice, then voice capture capability is provided, but ambient noise degrades the clarity of captured voice signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (microphones and accelerometers) into a mixed sensor array to capture voice signals. The accelerometer detects bone-conducted vibrations from the user's voice while being immune to ambient noise, and this signal is merged with microphone signals through adaptive mixing to produce a clear voice output despite noisy environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer serves as an intermediary sensor that captures voice information through bone conduction, providing an alternative pathway that bypasses the ambient noise affecting traditional microphones. The controller acts as another intermediary, adaptively mixing signals from different sensors to optimize voice capture clarity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to improve voice capture in noise, then voice clarity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions including noise level assessment, signal mixing ratio determination, and adaptive signal combination. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving improved voice capture through adaptive signal processing.
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
The solution effectively improves self-voice capture clarity by adaptively mixing microphone and accelerometer signals, providing high-quality voice output even in noisy environments by predominantly featuring the accelerometer signal when ambient noise is high.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer generating an accelerometer signal and positioned to capture the user's voice
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable for capturing self-voice using a mixed sensor array, including a microphone generating a microphone signal and positioned to capture a user's voice; an accelerometer generating an accelerometer signal and positioned to capture the user's voice; and a controller receiving the microphone signal and the accelerometer signal and configured to generate a mixed output signal, wherein the mixed output signal comprises a microphone signal component and an accelerometer signal component, wherein a ratio of the microphone signal component and the accelerometer signal component is related to a value of a noise metric representing a magnitude of ambient noise.