Sound Mask Signal Embedding for Dynamic Microphone Array Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio systems in multi-user rooms face challenges in scalability, adaptability, and integration of low-bandwidth data channels, requiring complex installations and redesigns due to static microphone arrays and sound masks that are not suitable for dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a pseudo-random phase-shifted sound mask signal based on OFDM principles to enable real-time dynamic microphone array adaptation, echo cancellation, and impulse response generation, allowing flexible microphone placement and communication of low-bandwidth data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a static microphone array is used, then the system is easier to install initially, but it cannot adapt to changing room conditions or additional microphones
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static microphone arrays to dynamic arrays that can be reconfigured in real-time. The patent implements adaptive beamforming and signal processing that automatically adjusts to microphone additions, removals, or repositioning without requiring system redesign or maintenance mode, thus achieving both ease of initial installation and adaptability to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration and automatic adaptation when microphones are added or repositioned. The patent describes algorithms that automatically determine microphone positions, update beamforming weights, and maintain optimal audio performance without human intervention, making the system serve itself rather than requiring professional audio engineers for adjustments
2Reliability
If custom solutions with professional support services are used, then audio and video performance requirements are met, but the system becomes costly and does not scale well
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified system that simultaneously handles audio pickup, sound masking, echo cancellation, and adaptive beamforming. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate custom solutions and professional support services for each function, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining high performance across all audio and video requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges previously separate audio processing functions (microphone array processing, sound masking, echo cancellation) into an integrated platform that operates holistically. The patent describes how combining these functions allows the system to achieve superior performance while scaling more effectively, as the integrated architecture shares common processing resources and control mechanisms
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sound masks with random non-correlated signal properties are used, then noise masking effectiveness is achieved, but the system cannot support data communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sound mask signal into distinct components: a random non-correlated component for noise masking and a structured component for data communication. By dividing the sound mask into functional segments, the system achieves both noise masking effectiveness and data communication capability simultaneously, as each segment serves its specific purpose without interfering with the other
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the sound mask as an intermediary carrier that simultaneously performs noise masking and data communication functions. The patent describes how modulating data onto the sound mask signal allows the same acoustic field to serve dual purposes: masking unwanted noises while conveying information, thus eliminating the trade-off between noise masking effectiveness and data communication capability
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for processing and enhancing utility of a sound mask noise signal, including generating, by a signal processor, the sound mask noise signal by modulating a noise signal with embedded additional information; outputting, by a plurality of audio speakers, sound signals comprising the sound mask noise signal with the embedded additional information; and receiving, by one or more microphones, the outputted sound signals comprising the sound mask noise signal, wherein an impulse response between each audio speaker and each microphone is measured in real time based on the embedded additional information.