Sidetone Audio Processing Using Shared Noise-Reduction Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sidetone processing in audio devices, such as headphones and headsets, suffers from latency, inadequate signal processing accuracy, and limited adaptability, leading to difficulties in adjusting speaking volume and maintaining conversational quality during voice calls.
Innovation Solution
An audio device with a signal processor module and a sidetone module, where the signal processor module processes audio input signals to generate filter parameters, which are then used by the sidetone module for sidetone processing, reducing the need for duplicate processing and minimizing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sidetone processing techniques are used, then sidetone feedback is provided, but latency increases and processing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sidetone processing function with the existing noise reduction processing pipeline. The sidetone module reuses the filter parameters and processed audio signals already generated for noise reduction, eliminating duplicate processing steps. This merging approach maintains high processing accuracy while reducing latency by avoiding redundant computational operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs noise reduction processing on the audio signal before it is needed for sidetone generation. By pre-processing the audio signal through the noise reduction pipeline and storing the filter parameters, the system prepares the signal in advance, so when sidetone processing is required, the work is already done or can be quickly completed using the pre-computed parameters.
2Productivity
If conventional sidetone processing techniques are used, then sidetone feedback is provided, but computational cost increases and battery power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sidetone processing with noise reduction processing into a single integrated pipeline. The same audio signal processing operations are used for both noise reduction and sidetone generation, eliminating the need for separate processing chains. This reduces computational cost significantly and lowers battery power consumption by avoiding redundant calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sidetone module utilizes the processing results and filter parameters already generated by the noise reduction module for its own operation. Instead of independently processing the audio signal, the sidetone module serves itself by reusing the work already performed by other parts of the system, thereby reducing overall computational requirements and energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sidetone processing techniques are used, then sidetone feedback is provided, but adaptability to different user environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal audio processing pipeline that serves multiple functions: noise reduction, echo cancellation, and sidetone generation. The same filter parameters and processing stages are used across different functions, allowing the system to adapt to various user environments and requirements without requiring separate processing chains for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the processing parameters and filter coefficients based on the acoustic environment and user needs. By using adaptive algorithms that continuously optimize the filter parameters for the current situation, the system achieves high adaptability to different user environments while maintaining a relatively simple processing architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio device is disclosed comprising a plurality of microphones; an output transducer configured to output a near-end audio output signal; and processor circuitry comprising a signal processor module configured to provide a far-end audio output signal and a sidetone module configured to provide a sidetone audio output signal. The signal processor module is configured to process a first audio input signal and a second audio input signal for provision of a plurality of filter parameters, wherein the sidetone module is configured to obtain first data indicative of the plurality of filter parameters and to process the first audio input signal and the second audio input signal for provision of the sidetone audio output signal using one or more filters based on the first data, and wherein the near-end audio output signal is based on the sidetone audio output signal and a far-end audio input signal.