Server-Based Noise Thresholding for Open Workspace Acoustics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise reduction solutions in open workspaces are inadequate as they fail to account for the overall environment, leading to continued noise-related stress, decreased productivity, and tension among employees, despite rules aimed at minimizing noise levels.
Innovation Solution
A server system that processes digital audio signals from microphones across multiple workspaces to compute average noise levels and threshold values, identifying and notifying users when their noise exceeds the ambient threshold, encouraging quieter behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If noise monitoring is performed only on individual devices, then local noise levels can be detected, but the overall workspace environment cannot be assessed accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple noise monitoring devices across different workspaces into a unified server-based system. The server aggregates audio signals from numerous microphones, computes overall noise levels, and correlates them with location data to provide comprehensive environmental assessment that individual devices cannot achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between individual noise monitoring devices and the ultimate users. It collects raw audio data from multiple sources, processes it centrally, and provides contextualized noise information that reflects the overall workspace environment rather than just local conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If physical noise reduction methods are used, then noise levels can be reduced, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to users about their noise levels by comparing their audio output against measured ambient noise levels. This feedback mechanism encourages users to adjust their behavior to maintain appropriate noise levels without requiring complex physical noise control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical noise reduction methods (such as soundproofing materials, acoustic panels, or active noise cancellation hardware) with an information-based approach using audio monitoring, processing, and user feedback systems to achieve noise control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If strict noise rules are enforced, then noise levels can be controlled, but user compliance decreases due to frustration and tension
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to self-regulate their noise levels by providing them with real-time feedback about their acoustic environment and the impact of their voice. Users can adjust their behavior based on this information without requiring external enforcement or monitoring of their compliance with noise rules.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A server (NS) for providing a quieter environment in an open work space comprising a plurality of work places WP11, ..., WPij,... WPnm respectively used by a plurality of users; comprises a processor configured for: - receiving (41), at the instant t, digital audio signals ANij(t), for i = 1 to n and j = 1 to m, corresponding to the ambient noises respectively captured by microphones at the work places WP11, ..., WPnm; - computing (42) average values Lij(t), for i = 1 to n and j = 1 to m, respectively representing the current noises at the work places WP11, ..., WPnm, at the instant t; - computing (43) a threshold value THij(t) that represents the current noise, at the instant t, in the neighbourhood of the work place WPij as a function of p values Lij(t) respectively representing the current noises at p work places that are neighbors of the work place WPij; - comparing (44) each digital audio signal ANij(t) with the threshold value THij(t) for i = to n and j = 1 to m; - then determining (45) what are the digital audio signals ANij(t) that are respectively greater than the threshold values THij(t) for i = 1 to n and j = 1 to m, for determining at least one work place that corresponds to a digital audio signal ANij(t) that is greater than the threshold value THij(t); and then notifying a warning to the user of the so determined work place.