Software Conferencing Audio Processing Without Hardware DSPs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conferencing systems face limitations in scalability and adaptability due to reliance on hardware-based digital signal processors (DSPs), which can be costly and prone to failure, and lack flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A software-based conferencing solution utilizing pre-existing in-room hardware and generic computing devices to implement digital signal processing, including a conferencing application that runs on platforms like Intel NUC, Mac Mini, or Lenovo ThinkSmart Hub, leveraging existing computing resources for audio processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware-based digital signal processors are used, then audio processing functionality is provided, but scalability and adaptability are limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-based digital signal processors with software-based audio processing running on generic computing devices. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized hardware while maintaining audio processing functionality, thereby improving scalability and adaptability without sacrificing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables generic computing devices to perform audio processing functions that were previously requiring specialized hardware. By making the computing device universal and multi-functional, the system can adapt to different conferencing needs without purchasing additional specialized hardware, thus improving scalability
2Reliability
If hardware-based digital signal processors are used, then audio processing is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the audio processing functionality with the existing generic computing device infrastructure. Instead of having separate hardware DSP units, the audio processing is combined with the computer's existing CPU, memory, and operating system, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the self-service capabilities of generic computing devices that already possess the necessary processing power, memory, and operating systems. These devices can independently handle audio processing tasks without requiring additional specialized hardware components, thus reducing system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized conferencing hardware is purchased for scalability, then functionality is extended, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes generic computing devices universal by enabling them to perform conferencing audio processing functions. This eliminates the need to purchase specialized conferencing hardware for each additional function or room, as existing computers can be utilized, thereby extending functionality without proportionally increasing hardware resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a software-based copy of the audio processing functionality that can be replicated across multiple generic computing devices. Instead of purchasing physical hardware for each location, the same software solution can be deployed on existing computers, effectively copying the functionality without duplicating hardware resources
Data Source
AI summary
A software-based conferencing platform is provided. The platform comprises a plurality of audio sources providing input audio signals, the audio sources including a virtual audio device driver configured to receive far-end input audio signals from a conferencing software module, and a network audio library configured to receive near-end input audio signals from one or more near-end audio devices. The platform further comprises a digital signal processing component configured to receive the input audio signals from the audio sources and generate audio output signals based the received signals, the digital signal processing component comprising an acoustic echo cancellation module configured to apply acoustic echo cancellation techniques to one or more of the near-end input audio signals.