Noise Cancellation Using Mobile Device Processor and Headset Microphones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current noise cancelation techniques in wireless mobile device headsets require additional hardware and batteries, making them bulky, expensive, and inconvenient due to the need for battery replacement or charging.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize the existing components of a wireless mobile device and a headset with microphones and speakers, leveraging the device's processor and power source to calculate and cancel ambient noise without additional hardware, implemented as a software application or part of the operating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If noise cancelation is implemented using separate batteries and additional hardware in the headset, then noise cancelation effectiveness is improved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the noise cancelation processing functions into the mobile device's existing processor and combines the power supply with the mobile device's battery. The headset structure is merged with the mobile device to form an integrated system, eliminating the need for separate batteries and processing units in the headset.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device's processor is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original computing tasks and noise cancelation processing. The existing battery is made universal by powering both the mobile device and the headset's audio components, eliminating the need for dedicated headset batteries.
2Reliability
If noise cancelation hardware is integrated into the headset, then noise cancelation performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the noise cancelation hardware and software into the mobile device that users already possess. By merging the processing unit, power supply, and control logic into the existing mobile device, the patent eliminates the need for expensive specialized headset components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves itself by using its own processor and battery to provide noise cancelation functionality. The device leverages its existing resources to deliver advanced noise cancelation without requiring additional expensive hardware in the headset.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated noise cancelation processing units are added to the headset, then noise cancelation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and battery requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the noise processing functions into the mobile device's existing processor architecture. By combining the microphone inputs, processing algorithms, and output control into the mobile device, the system achieves accurate noise estimation without adding complex dedicated hardware to the headset.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the headset microphones and the audio output. It receives audio signals from the headset, processes them through noise estimation algorithms, and delivers the cleaned audio back to the headset speakers, centralizing the complex processing in the mobile device.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and apparatus for noise cancelation is disclosed, which may be used in a wireless unit (WU). The WU may include a processor, a memory, a user interface, internal microphones and internal speakers. A removably connected headset may include microphones and speakers. The WU may receive a first ambient noise from headset microphone(s), which may generate a first signal based on the first ambient noise. The WU may receive a second ambient noise at internal microphone(s), which may generate a second signal based on the second ambient noise. The WU may calculate an estimate of ambient noise based on the first and second signals, calculate a signal for noise cancellation based on the estimate, cancel estimated ambient noise from an audio output signal based on an application of the signal for noise cancellation, and send the audio output signal to speakers of the headset or of the WU.