Shared Stereo Headphones With DSP Audio Ducking and Echo Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headphones cannot be shared between users without disrupting the stereo nature of the audio, leading to an incomplete listening experience and requiring users to listen at the same volume, which limits communication and enjoyment.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using digital signal processors (DSPs) to combine audio signals from a single or multiple sources, allowing users to share stereo audio while maintaining communication by ducking audio signals during speech and canceling echo, enabling independent volume control and selective audio source selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional headphones are shared between users by splitting left and right channels, then multiple users can listen to audio simultaneously, but the stereo nature of the audio is disrupted and each user only experiences half of the intended audio
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the audio distribution by assigning different audio sources to different users while maintaining full stereo content for each user. User 1 receives audio from source 1 in stereo, user 2 receives audio from source 2 in stereo, allowing each to experience complete stereo sound while sharing the listening session
Solution Approach 2:
The headphones are designed to handle multiple audio sources simultaneously through a multi-functional architecture that can mix and route different audio streams to different users, making the headphone system universal enough to support both individual and shared listening experiences with full stereo content
2Adaptability or versatility
If users wear headphones to share audio privately, then audio can be shared without disturbing others, but users cannot communicate verbally with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary communication channel that allows users to speak to each other while wearing headphones. The communication audio is mixed with the music audio at appropriate volume levels, enabling verbal communication without removing the headphones or disturbing others
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple audio streams (music from audio sources and communication between users) into a combined audio output that is delivered through the headphones, allowing simultaneous private music listening and inter-user communication without compromising either function
3Adaptability or versatility
If audio signals are combined for multiple users, then stereo sound can be shared, but echo and interference may occur between users
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust audio signals in real-time, detecting echo and interference patterns and applying appropriate processing to eliminate these harmful effects while maintaining the integrity of the shared stereo audio experience
Data Source
AI summary
A first digital signal processor (DSP) associated with a first user outputs audio to the first user via first headphones, and captures speech from the first user via a first microphone. Similarly, a second DSP associated with a second user outputs audio to the second user via second headphones, and captures speech from the second user via a second microphone. The first DSP is coupled to the second DSP in order to allow the first and second users to share music and communicate with one another. The first user may speak into the first microphone, and the first and second DSPs may then interoperate to output that speech to the second user without substantially disrupting audio output to the second user. Each of the first and second users may also select between first and second audio sources that may be coupled to the first and second DSPs, respectively.