PC Audio Noise Reduction via Multi-Microphone Subtraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing systems face challenges in accurately processing audio input due to high noise levels from internal components, which degrade the signal-to-noise ratio and hinder effective speech recognition and real-time communication.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating multiple microphones into the PC environment, with at least one internal and one external microphone, to identify and subtract noise from PC components, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio and enhancing audio processing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are incorporated into the PC environment to identify and subtract noise, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved and audio processing accuracy is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio capture function into multiple microphones positioned at different locations within the PC environment. One microphone captures the audio signal of interest while another captures primarily the noise from PC components. This segmentation allows the system to separately identify and process the signal and noise components, improving the signal-to-noise ratio through digital subtraction of the noise channel from the signal channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives inputs from multiple microphones and performs digital signal processing to subtract noise from the audio signal. This intermediary processing layer acts as a mediator between the physical microphones and the final audio output, enabling noise reduction without requiring physical modification of the microphones themselves.
2Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are incorporated into the PC environment to identify and subtract noise, then audio processing accuracy is enhanced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users would need to manage microphone placement and acoustics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the multiple microphones and processing algorithm automatically adapt to the PC environment without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously identifies noise sources, adjusts processing parameters, and optimizes audio capture based on the specific acoustic conditions of each PC configuration, eliminating the need for users to manually manage microphone placement or acoustic settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary noise characterization and system calibration during PC assembly or initial setup, storing the noise profiles and optimal processing parameters for that specific configuration. This preliminary action enables the system to automatically compensate for PC-specific noise characteristics without requiring users to perform acoustic management tasks during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for improving the signal to noise ratio for audio input in a computing system are provided. Signal to noise ratio improvements are enabled for an input audio signal by incorporating a plurality of microphones into the PC environment, for example, to improve the processing of voice or speech input or other audio capture applications. In various embodiments, a plurality of microphones are spaced apart, e.g., attached to or within a PC housing, in such a way that noise from PC components can be “subtracted” or reduced from an input audio signal, which increases the signal to noise ratio and improves audio processing accuracy. The “subtraction” or reduction techniques applied by the present invention are unique to the PC environment wherein different noises having particular characteristics can be identified, including, but not limited to, rattle of device components, fan noise and disk noise.