Noise Database Editing for Context-Aware Audio Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for filtering out background noise in audio streams, such as telephone calls, typically eliminate noise signals without utilizing their context information, which could be valuable for services like location-based applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and computing device that analyze and store noise information from audio streams by localizing noise sources, analyzing noise content, linking it to geographical data, and storing it in a noise-database, allowing for context-related processing and utilization of noise signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If noise signals are filtered out and eliminated from audio streams, then audio quality is improved, but noise information that could be useful for context-based services is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts noise signals from the audio stream separately instead of eliminating them. The noise component is isolated and routed to a different processing path where it can be analyzed and stored in a database, while the clean audio signal is transmitted for communication purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful or useless noise signals into beneficial context information. By analyzing noise characteristics (such as identifying traffic noise, construction noise, or natural sounds) and storing them with location data, the system transforms waste information into valuable data for location-based services and contextual applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If noise signals are analyzed and stored in a database, then context information is created for services, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the noise analysis database serves multiple purposes: it provides context information for location-based services, enhances audio processing by identifying noise types for targeted suppression, and enables various applications such as environmental monitoring, safety alerts, and personalized user experiences based on acoustic environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a noise analysis device and database as intermediary components between the audio stream and the service applications. This intermediary layer processes and stores noise information in a structured manner, making it easily accessible to various services without requiring each service to implement its own complex noise analysis functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If noise signals are completely eliminated, then background noise interference is reduced, but opportunities for location-based services and context information are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio signal processing into distinct paths: one path handles the clean audio signal transmission for communication purposes, while another path processes the extracted noise signals for analysis and database storage. This segmentation allows both goals to be achieved simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter handling of noise signals from complete elimination (amplitude = 0) to selective suppression with information preservation. By analyzing noise parameters such as frequency spectrum, temporal patterns, and acoustic characteristics, the system identifies and suppresses harmful noise while preserving the informational content for database storage and service applications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method as well as to a computing device (20) for editing a noise-database (13) containing noise information, said noise information being derived from noise signals within an audio stream (19). In order to enhance possibilities to create and utilize context information which emerge from tracking noise signals from an audio stream, for example a telephone call, the above method is characterized by the following steps: A) in a localizing step (14), determining geographical data of the location the noise signals origin from; B) in an analyzing step (15), analyzing the noise signals with reference to the noise content; C) in a linking step, linking the analyzed noise signals to said geographical data to create noise information; D) in a storing step, storing said noise information within said noise-database (13). The present invention further relates to a method of treating noise signals within an audio stream (18), said audio stream comprising noise signals and additional audio signals, preferably voice signals.