Teleconference Bridge Acoustic Collocation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional teleconferencing systems are limited by the 'one line, one location' paradigm, which restricts audio quality and cannot effectively manage multiple signal sources within the same acoustic space, leading to potential acoustic feedback issues.
Innovation Solution
The teleconference bridge determines acoustical collocation between endpoints and adapts by using multiple audio channels from each location, allowing for improved audio quality by optimizing signal mixing and excluding interfering signals, enabling the use of satellite microphones and desksets to enhance audio experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple signal sources are used at the same location, then audio quality is improved, but acoustic feedback issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the audio signal processing by creating separate audio channels for different endpoints at the same location. Each endpoint receives a customized mix of audio signals that excludes its own transmitted signal, preventing acoustic feedback while maintaining multiple signal sources for improved audio quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by customizing the audio signal mix for each individual endpoint based on its specific location and acoustic characteristics. Each endpoint receives a tailored audio stream that optimizes audio quality for that specific device while preventing feedback loops.
2Device complexity
If traditional one line one location paradigm is used, then system complexity is reduced, but audio quality and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The teleconference bridge is enhanced with multi-functionality to handle multiple audio channels from the same location, dynamically mix signals for different endpoints, and adapt to various acoustic configurations. This universal capability allows the system to manage complex multi-device scenarios while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamics by continuously adapting the audio signal mixing based on real-time detection of acoustic feedback and endpoint configurations. The bridge dynamically adjusts which signals are included or excluded for each endpoint, enabling the system to respond to changing conditions while maintaining audio quality.
3Measurement precision
If satellite microphones and desksets are added to enhance audio, then audio quality improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple signal sources (satellite microphones, desksets, and main speakerphone microphones) into a unified audio processing framework at the teleconference bridge. By combining these resources and intelligently mixing their outputs, the system achieves superior audio quality without requiring separate complex processing for each device.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed that breaks the “one line, one location” paradigm of teleconferencing in the prior art. The teleconference bridge in the illustrative embodiment is able to utilize more than one audio channel from each location, where there are multiple signal sources present in the room. As a result, the bridge is able to determine acoustically whether two are more endpoints are collocated with each another. During an initialization sequence, the bridge transmits special audio signals to one or more endpoints present in a particular sound field; those endpoints then play the signals out of their loudspeakers. Based on a characteristic (e.g., amount of correlation, signal strength, etc.) of the signals received at each microphone present in the same sound field, the bridge determines whether to include or exclude signals that are received from a first endpoint when preparing a signal for transmission to a second endpoint during a conference call.