3D Spatial Audio Engine for Multi-Conference Call Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Participants in conference calls face difficulties in distinguishing between multiple concurrent audio signals, as existing systems typically provide monaural audio, making it challenging to identify speakers in overlapping discussions, and current solutions that prioritize loud speakers limit the conference to one or two participants.
Innovation Solution
A user interface is displayed to visually and aurally differentiate audio signals from multiple concurrent conferences by assigning distinct aural positions to each conference, allowing participants to easily identify speakers and switch between calls using aural position identifiers and a 3D spatial audio engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If monaural audio is used for conference calls, then device compatibility is maintained, but participants cannot distinguish between multiple concurrent audio signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from monaural (single-channel) audio to stereo (two-channel) audio, adding a spatial dimension to audio signal differentiation. By assigning different aural positions (left/right channels) to different conference calls, participants can intuitively distinguish between multiple concurrent calls without requiring complex device modifications.
2Reliability
If only the voice signals of the most active speaker are provided, then audio clarity is improved, but the conference is limited to one or two speakers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio signal processing by creating separate audio channels for different spatial positions. Each speaker can be assigned to a specific aural position, allowing multiple speakers to be heard simultaneously with clear differentiation. This segmentation enables the system to handle multiple concurrent speakers while maintaining audio clarity through spatial separation.
3Productivity
If a participant listens to multiple concurrent conference calls using the same communications device, then participation in multiple calls is enabled, but audio signals cannot be intuitively distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses stereo audio positioning to create intuitive spatial differentiation between multiple conference calls. By assigning distinct aural positions to different calls, participants can easily identify which audio signals belong to which conference, enabling comfortable multi-conference participation without signal confusion.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling audio signals associated with a plurality of conferences. A user interface is displayed that depicts a first defined area and a second defined area. The first defined area is associated with a first conference and the second defined area is associated with a second conference. A first plurality of participant identifiers is displayed in association with the first defined area, and each of the plurality of participant identifiers corresponds to a different participant of a plurality of participants in the first conference. Aural position identifiers are determined for each participant associated with the first conference, and an aural position identifier is selected for the second conference. Audio signals are provided at aural positions identified by the aural position identifiers, enabling the user to correlate the voices of different participants with corresponding locations on the user interface, and to listen to multiple conferences simultaneously.