Single Adaptive Filter for Echo and Noise Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio signal processing methods require multiple adaptive filters to handle echo cancellation and noise reduction independently, leading to increased computational and memory resources, and difficulty in deciding which filter provides the best SNR, especially in environments with varying noise sources and limited processor capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a single adaptive filter with a beamformer to handle both echo cancellation and noise reduction, dynamically selecting a reference beam to combine with a playback reference for efficient processing and memory usage, capable of handling both referenced and unreferenced noise without additional control logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple adaptive filters are used to handle echo cancellation and noise reduction independently, then the effectiveness of each individual function is improved, but the computational resources and memory usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines echo cancellation and noise reduction functions into a single adaptive filter system. The beamformer dynamically selects between far-end reference and near-end reference signals, allowing one filter to perform both AEC and ANC functions that traditionally required separate filters, thereby reducing computational overhead and memory usage while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The single adaptive filter is designed to perform multiple functions - both acoustic echo cancellation and acoustic noise cancellation - by dynamically adapting its reference signal selection. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated separate filters for each function, optimizing resource utilization in mobile devices.
2Reliability
If multiple adaptive filters are used to handle echo cancellation and noise reduction independently, then the effectiveness of each individual function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the decision-making logic for reference signal selection into a unified beamformer structure. Instead of having separate control systems for AEC and ANC, the beamformer uses a single adaptive mechanism to select between far-end and near-end references based on signal characteristics, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its reference signal selection in real-time based on the acoustic environment. The beamformer continuously monitors signal characteristics and switches between far-end reference (for AEC) and near-end reference (for ANC) as needed, allowing a single filter to effectively handle varying noise conditions without requiring multiple static filter configurations.
3Reliability
If beamformers are used to improve AEC by capturing non-linearities, then the AEC performance is improved, but the computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the beamforming function directly into the single adaptive filter structure. The beamformer captures non-linearities and directional information, and this processed reference signal is fed directly into the adaptive filter for both AEC and ANC operations, eliminating the need for separate post-processing stages and reducing overall computational load.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for handling both echo cancellation and noise in a given space using a single adaptive filter. The proposed method utilizes just a single adaptive filter and without any control logic, the system is capable of handling both the AEC and the noise in a given space. The technology as proposed and claimed herein proposes using a single adaptive filter to cancel referenced noise AEC and unreferenced noise ANC in a given physical space using a beamformer. By adding the far end reference and a beam pointed dynamically on the noise source in the given physical space this can be achieved. This invention also reduces the processing load and memory.