Spatial Audio Signal Filtering for Hands-Free Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices require user interaction to switch between multiple audio and visual content sources, which can be cumbersome and impractical, especially in situations like driving, where manual interaction is unsafe or impossible.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a keyword or expression-controlled audio signal processing system that analyzes audio, text, and video inputs to automatically adjust the volume and spatial positioning of audio signals based on detected keywords or expressions, allowing seamless switching between content sources without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual user interaction is used to switch between audio sources, then switching control is simple and direct, but user safety and convenience deteriorate in situations like driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors multiple audio sources and performs switching operations based on detected keywords or expressions, eliminating the need for manual user interaction. The device serves itself by autonomously determining which audio source to prioritize and adjusting spatial audio parameters accordingly, thereby improving user safety while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously analyzes audio inputs for keywords and expressions, using this feedback to dynamically adjust audio source selection and spatial positioning. This closed-loop control enables automatic switching that responds to content relevance, resolving the contradiction by making the system both autonomous and context-aware
2Ease of operation
If automatic keyword-controlled switching is implemented, then user safety and convenience improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously processes audio signals for keyword detection, controls audio source switching, and manages spatial audio parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby implementing automatic hands-free operation while limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines keyword detection, audio source selection, and spatial audio control into a single integrated processing framework. By merging these functions into one cohesive system rather than separate modules, the patent achieves automatic switching capability while controlling overall device complexity
3Loss of information
If spatial audio positioning is used to prioritize audio sources, then audio source differentiation improves, but processing requirements and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies spatial audio processing selectively only to the prioritized audio source rather than processing all audio sources equally. This partial action approach maintains audio source differentiation for the relevant stream while reducing overall processing requirements and energy consumption compared to processing all streams with full spatial audio effects
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising: an analyser configured to analyse at least one input to determine one or more expression within the at least one input; and a controller configured to control at least one audio signal associated with the at least one input dependent on the determination of the one or more expression.