Playback Audio Adaptation for Noise and Keyword Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems struggle to adapt their audio output and keyword detection thresholds dynamically to changes in environmental conditions, such as proximity of users and background noise, leading to suboptimal user experience and increased false positives.
Innovation Solution
Playback devices equipped with sensors and microphones detect environmental changes, adjusting volume and keyword detection thresholds based on proximity of users and sound classification to enhance user interaction and reduce false positives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If media playback systems use fixed audio output and keyword detection thresholds, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of audio output levels and keyword detection thresholds based on real-time environmental conditions. The system continuously monitors background noise levels and automatically adapts playback parameters, transforming static system behavior into dynamic adaptation without requiring complex manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The playback device performs self-adjustment of audio parameters and detection thresholds using onboard sensors and processing capabilities. The system monitors its own environment and autonomously optimizes performance without external intervention, reducing the need for user configuration while maintaining adaptability
2Measurement precision
If keyword detection threshold is lowered to improve command recognition in noisy environments, then detection accuracy improves, but false positives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different detection thresholds dynamically based on local environmental conditions. Rather than using a single global threshold, the system adjusts detection sensitivity locally according to background noise levels, maintaining high detection accuracy while minimizing false positives through context-aware threshold selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes detection parameters (thresholds) based on environmental parameters (noise levels). By continuously monitoring acoustic conditions and adjusting detection thresholds accordingly, the system maintains optimal detection accuracy across varying environments without triggering excessive false positives
3Measurement precision
If audio output volume is increased to ensure clarity in noisy environments, then listening experience improves, but disturbance to surrounding environment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes audio output parameters (volume, equalization) based on measured environmental noise levels. The system increases volume only when and where background noise requires it, maintaining audio clarity in noisy areas while avoiding unnecessary volume increases in quiet environments, thus minimizing environmental disturbance
4Ease of operation
If environmental sensing and dynamic adjustment features are added, then user experience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple functions within the playback device including environmental sensing, audio playback, and automatic parameter adjustment. By combining these functions into a single integrated system, the device delivers enhanced user experience through environmental adaptation without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A playback device comprises at least one speaker, at least one processor and data storage having instructions stored thereon that are executed by the at least one processor to cause the playback device to perform functions comprising: receiving input representing one or more environmental characteristics of a real-world environment; determining at least one change in the one or more environmental characteristics based on the input, wherein the one or more environmental characteristics are representative of at least one of a proximity of at least one person to the playback device and a detected sound. An output volume of the playback device and/or a keyword detection threshold are adjusted based on the determined change in the one or more environmental characteristics.