Parametric Audio Wind Noise Suppression With Spatial Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind noise is a significant issue in mobile device recorded videos, particularly in parametric audio capture, as existing methods like physical shielding and multi-microphone signal processing are either too bulky or ineffective in maintaining audio quality under windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize multiple microphones to estimate noise values, apply weights or select audio signals based on these values to suppress wind noise, and generate spatial metadata for improved audio rendering, including beamforming and decorrelation techniques to enhance audio quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If physical shielding is used to prevent wind noise, then wind noise reduction is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical shielding mechanisms with signal processing techniques. Multiple microphones capture audio signals that are then processed using adaptive algorithms to identify and suppress wind noise components, eliminating the need for physical wind shields while maintaining noise reduction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal processing system between the microphones and the final audio output. This intermediary layer analyzes the audio signals from multiple microphones and applies adaptive gain factors and combining techniques to separate coherent sound signals from incoherent wind noise, effectively mediating the noise reduction without physical barriers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple microphones and adaptive signal processing are used, then wind noise reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adaptive gain factors that automatically adjust based on real-time analysis of the audio signals. The system continuously monitors the microphone inputs and modifies the gain applied to each channel according to the detected wind noise conditions, enabling the system to adapt to varying environmental conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple microphone signals through adaptive combining techniques that emphasize coherent sound components while attenuating incoherent wind noise. By merging the signals from multiple microphones and applying adaptive algorithms, the system achieves superior wind noise reduction compared to individual microphone inputs alone.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If adaptive gain factors are applied to suppress wind noise, then wind noise attenuation is improved, but audio quality degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing characteristics to different frequency bands and time periods. The adaptive gain factors are applied selectively based on the detected noise conditions, and the system maintains different levels of processing intensity for coherent sound signals versus incoherent noise, preserving audio quality where wind noise is not present while effectively suppressing wind noise when detected.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including circuitry configured to: obtain at least two audio signals from at least two microphones, wherein the at least two audio signals at least in part includes noise which is substantially incoherent between the at least two audio signals; estimate values associated with the noise within the at least two audio signals; process at least one of the at least two audio signals based on the values associated with the noise; and obtain spatial metadata associated with the at least two audio signals for rendering at least one of the at least two audio signals.