Self-Descriptive Microphone Array with Onboard Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microphone arrays require onboard processing capabilities, which are expensive and difficult to update, and often produce sub-optimal results due to unique microphone properties and changing operational parameters, necessitating software tailored to specific arrays.
Innovation Solution
A self-descriptive microphone array with integral non-volatile memory that automatically reports its operational characteristics to an external computing device, allowing for automatic configuration and optimization of audio processing software, thereby eliminating the need for onboard processing hardware and software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If onboard processing hardware and software are included within the microphone array, then audio processing capabilities are improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the audio processing hardware and software from the microphone array itself and relocates it to an external computer system. The microphone array retains only the essential function of capturing audio signals, while all complex processing operations (beamforming, noise suppression, echo cancellation) are performed externally by the computer's CPU or GPU, thereby dramatically reducing array complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the universal computing capabilities of external computers to perform multiple audio processing functions. A single external computer can handle beamforming, noise suppression, echo cancellation, and other processing tasks that would otherwise require dedicated specialized hardware within each microphone array, achieving multi-functionality without increasing array complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If onboard processing hardware is included within the microphone array, then audio processing is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive onboard processing hardware from the microphone array and relocates it to the external computer system. This extraction eliminates the need for manufacturers to integrate costly digital signal processors, FPGAs, or specialized audio processing chips into each microphone array, thereby dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while preserving full audio processing capabilities through the external computer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the existing computing resources of external computers (CPU, GPU) that are already present in most modern systems. Instead of requiring each microphone array to have its own dedicated processing hardware, the system copies and leverages the universal computing capabilities already available in the user's computer, eliminating the need for expensive duplicate hardware in each array.
3Measurement precision
If software is tailored to specific microphone array configurations, then audio processing accuracy is improved, but software updateability and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic, reconfigurable software that can adapt to different microphone array configurations through programmatic interfaces. The external computer's software can be updated, reconfigured, or replaced to match specific array geometries, microphone types, and processing requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve high processing accuracy for each specific configuration while maintaining full software updateability and adaptability, unlike fixed onboard processing solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter-based configuration files and software settings that can be modified to match specific microphone array characteristics (microphone positions, sensitivities, frequency responses). By changing software parameters rather than hardcoding processing algorithms for each configuration, the system achieves high accuracy for specific arrays while maintaining full updateability and adaptability to new configurations without requiring software recompilation or hardware changes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If generic software drivers are used with microphone arrays, then compatibility is improved, but audio processing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the software queries the microphone array for its specific configuration parameters (microphone positions, types, sensitivities) and uses this information to automatically optimize processing algorithms. The system provides feedback loops that allow the software to adapt its processing parameters based on the actual array characteristics, achieving near-custom-tuned performance with generic drivers through automated configuration and optimization routines.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-descriptive microphone array includes a microphone array memory, such as, for example a ROM, EEPROM, or other conventional memory, which contains a microphone array device description. This device description includes parametric information which defines operational characteristics and configuration of the microphone array. In further embodiments, the microphone array uses any of a variety of conventional wired or wireless computer interfaces, including serial, IEEE 1394, USB, Bluetooth™, etc., to connect to a computing device. Once connected, the microphone array provides its device description to the computing device. Sound processing software residing within the computing device is then automatically configured for optimally interacting with one or more analog or digital audio signals provided by the microphone array. In another embodiment, the microphone array performs integrated self calibration for automatically updating the device description. The self calibration is performed either upon connection to the computing device, or upon regular or user-specified intervals.