Multi-Input Audio Synchronization for Adaptive Signal Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing aid technologies that automatically switch between audio sources may result in a noisy signal being processed and directed to the listener's ear, failing to improve the quality of the processed signal.
Innovation Solution
A system that cross-correlates multiple audio signals representing the same content to determine relative delays, synchronizes them, and mixes them in time-varying proportions to form an output audio signal, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If automatic switching between audio sources is implemented, then the system can provide multiple audio source options, but the signal quality may deteriorate due to selecting noisy signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the quality of audio signals from multiple sources and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the mixing proportions. The processor calculates signal-to-noise ratios for each input and adjusts the mixing coefficients in real-time to maximize overall signal quality while maintaining the ability to switch between sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mixing proportion parameters dynamically based on the relative quality of different audio sources. By adjusting the weight of each input signal according to its measured quality metrics, the system can adapt to varying signal conditions and maintain optimal output quality across different listening scenarios.
2Reliability
If multiple audio signals are combined, then the signal-to-noise ratio can be improved, but the system complexity increases due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cross-correlation analysis on the incoming audio signals to determine their relative time delays before mixing. By pre-calculating the synchronization requirements and applying appropriate time shifts to each signal, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time synchronization algorithms during the mixing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing stage that aligns the phase and timing of multiple audio signals before they are combined. This intermediary synchronization layer simplifies the subsequent mixing operation by ensuring that signals are properly aligned, reducing the computational complexity of the overall system.
3Reliability
If real-time mixing of synchronized signals is performed, then audio output quality is maximized, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial processing by focusing computational resources on the most significant aspects of signal combination. Rather than performing exhaustive optimization of all signal parameters, the system concentrates on the critical elements of synchronization and mixing that have the greatest impact on perceived audio quality, achieving good results with reduced processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, such as an ear-wearable device or a hearing aid, can receive multiple audio signals representing a same audio content, can cross-correlate the multiple audio signals to determine relative delays between the audio signals, can apply the determined delays to at least one of the audio signals to form multiple synchronized audio signals, and can mix at least two of the synchronized audio signals in time-varying proportions to form an output audio signal. The system can optionally adjust the mix proportions, in real time, to increase or optimize the signal-to-noise ratio of the output audio signal. The system can optionally perform the cross-correlation repeatedly, at regular or irregular time intervals, to update the relative delays. The system can optionally divide the audio signals into frequency bands, and apply these operations to each frequency band, independent of the other frequency bands.