Multi-loudspeaker playback system for conference call speaker differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Participants in conference calls struggle to distinguish between different remote speakers due to the summation of audio signals by network operators, making it difficult to identify individual speakers, especially in noisy environments like cars.
Innovation Solution
A method using a multi-loudspeaker playback system that processes the received telephone signal to create distinct apparent positions for each remote speaker's audio output, allowing listeners to perceive audio signals as originating from specific positions, enhancing differentiation between speakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single loudspeaker is used to playback the telephone signal, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to distinguish between different remote speakers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal from multiple remote speakers is segmented and assigned to different loudspeakers based on their apparent positions. Each loudspeaker reproduces audio from specific remote speakers, creating spatial separation that helps participants distinguish between different speakers without requiring complex additional processing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the audio playback by distributing sound from different remote speakers across multiple loudspeakers positioned at different locations. This transforms a monophonic playback problem into a spatial audio experience, allowing participants to distinguish speakers based on their apparent positions in the acoustic space.
2Productivity
If audio signals from multiple remote speakers are summed by the network operator, then the transmission efficiency is improved, but the ability to identify individual speakers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network operator performs preliminary action by summing the audio signals from multiple remote speakers before transmission, which improves transmission efficiency. The patent then compensates for the loss of speaker identification by using local analysis of the summed signal to determine apparent positions and distribute the audio appropriately across multiple loudspeakers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step at the local playback device that analyzes the summed audio signal to extract apparent position information. This intermediary analysis restores speaker identification capability without requiring the network operator to transmit separate audio streams, thus maintaining transmission efficiency while recovering speaker distinction.
3Ease of operation
If hands-free equipment with a loudspeaker is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to distinguish between remote speakers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hands-free equipment is enhanced by segmenting the audio output across multiple loudspeakers instead of using a single loudspeaker. This segmentation allows participants to maintain hands-free operation while gaining the ability to distinguish between different remote speakers through spatial audio separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the hands-free convenience of a single playback device with the speaker distinction capability of multiple loudspeakers. By combining multiple loudspeakers into a coordinated playback system that reproduces audio from different remote speakers at different apparent positions, the system maintains ease of operation while improving speaker differentiation.
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
This approach enables participants to more easily identify and differentiate between remote speakers by spatially separating their audio outputs, improving the clarity and focus during conference calls, even in distracting environments.
Implementation Method 1
processing the received telephone signal to obtain at least two output signals each corresponding to a different one of the at least two remote speaker signals, and playing back the at least two output signals using the multi-loudspeaker playback system, such that for a listener at a predetermined listening position one of the at least two output signals originates from a first apparent position and a second one of the at least two output signals originates from a second apparent position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for playback of a telephone signal during a conference call using a multi-loudspeaker playback system (100), comprising the steps of receiving a telephone signal, wherein the telephone signal comprises audio data from a plurality of remote speakers, identifying in the received telephone signal at least two remote speaker signals corresponding to at least two different remote speakers based on the audio data, processing the received telephone signal to obtain at least two output signals each corresponding to a different one of the at least two remote speaker signals, and playing back the at least two output signals using the multi-loudspeaker playback system (100) such that for a listener at a predetermined listening position one of the at least two output signals originates from a first apparent position and a second one of the at least two output signals originates from a second apparent position, different from the first apparent position.