Audio Signal Processing With Noise-Threshold Microphone Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Echo phenomena in electronic devices cause difficulties in outputting intended audio signals and can generate roaring sounds, making immediate voice feedback challenging.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device identifies reference noise intensity and processes audio signals based on this intensity to prevent echo and enable immediate voice feedback by turning off the microphone when noise levels are below a threshold and modulating the signal for output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the microphone continuously captures audio signals for voice feedback, then the device can provide immediate voice feedback, but echo phenomena occur and degrade audio quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio qualityVSAvoidecho phenomenon
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary actions by capturing audio signals during a first specified time period before the actual voice feedback operation. This preliminary capture allows the system to identify reference noise intensity and determine appropriate processing parameters in advance, preventing echo phenomena during the subsequent voice feedback phase without compromising audio quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic action by dividing the audio capture process into distinct time periods: a first specified time for capturing audio signals to identify noise intensity, and a second specified time for capturing audio signals during voice feedback. This periodic segmentation allows the microphone to be turned off during the second period, preventing echo while maintaining audio quality through the identified noise reference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the microphone remains on during audio output, then the device can process audio signals in real-time, but roaring sounds are generated due to echo

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice feedback response speedVSAvoidroaring sound
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary noise intensity identification during the first specified time period before voice feedback occurs. By pre-identifying the reference noise intensity and using it to determine processing parameters, the system enables fast voice feedback response without requiring the microphone to remain on during audio output, thus avoiding roaring sounds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring audio signal intensity during the first specified time to identify reference noise intensity. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adaptively determine when to turn off the microphone and when to process audio signals, achieving fast response while preventing roaring sounds through intelligent control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the device waits for user input before processing audio signals, then echo phenomena are minimized, but the response time is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio signal processing accuracyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and processing audio signals during the first specified time period to identify reference noise intensity and determine processing parameters before the actual voice feedback operation. This preliminary processing eliminates the need to wait for user input, achieving both accurate audio signal processing and fast response time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuity of useful action by continuously capturing audio signals during the first specified time and continuously monitoring audio signal intensity to identify noise reference. This continuous processing allows the system to be ready for immediate voice feedback without delay, while the microphone is turned off during the second period to prevent echo and maintain processing accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4336504B1Audio signal processing method and electronic device supporting same
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4336504B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4336504B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4336504B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device comprising a speaker, a microphone, a processor, and a memory. For example, the electronic device may: acquire a first audio signal for a first designated period of time by using the microphone; identify a reference noise intensity on the basis of the first audio signal; acquire a second audio signal exceeding the reference noise intensity by using the microphone; turn off the microphone on the basis that a third audio signal less than or equal to the reference noise intensity is acquired for a second designated period of time or longer; and modulate the second audio signal and output same through the speaker while the microphone is turned off.