Transient Noise Detection in Conference Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transient noise generated by participants during audio or video conferences, such as keyboard typing or mouse clicking, is often picked up by microphones and broadcast to all participants, disrupting the conference and reducing user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize Voice Activity Detection (VAD) and signal analysis to identify and buffer transient noise, sending a signal representative of its presence, which can trigger a warning or mute the microphone to mitigate disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the microphone is placed close to the keyboard for convenient note-taking during calls, then the ease of operation is improved, but transient noise from typing is picked up and disturbs the conference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system that monitors the audio signal for transient noise characteristics. A detector identifies clicking sounds and a controller mutes the microphone when transient noise is detected, allowing the microphone to remain positioned close to the keyboard for convenient note-taking while preventing noise transmission to other conference participants.
2Measurement precision
If Voice Activity Detection (VAD) is used to monitor signal presence, then the ability to detect speech is improved, but transient noise from non-speech sources cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio monitoring function into two distinct components: VAD continues to detect speech activity while a separate transient noise detector specifically identifies clicking sounds. This segmentation allows each detector to specialize in its respective task, enabling the system to distinguish between speech and non-speech noise sources that VAD alone cannot differentiate.
Solution Approach 2:
The transient noise detector acts as an intermediary between the VAD system and the microphone control. It receives the audio signal, identifies transient noise characteristics that differ from speech patterns, and triggers muting when such noise is detected, thereby extending the system's adaptability to handle non-speech sound sources.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the microphone remains active throughout the call for continuous audio capture, then the completeness of audio recording is improved, but transient noise continuously disturbs other participants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of the audio signal for transient noise characteristics during the call. The controller continuously or periodically checks for clicking sounds and temporarily mutes the microphone only when transient noise is detected, rather than keeping it muted continuously. This periodic action maintains microphone availability for legitimate speech while periodically blocking noise transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the transient noise detector to control the microphone state. When the detector identifies transient noise in the audio signal, it provides feedback to the controller which then mutes the microphone. This feedback mechanism dynamically adjusts the microphone's active state based on real-time noise detection, reducing noise transmission while preserving audio capture capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (2000) and an apparatus (300) for indicating presence of a transient noise in a call are provided. The method (2000) comprises the steps of determining activity (2100) at an endpoint of the call by monitoring presence of a signal input from the endpoint into the call and monitoring (2200) presence of a potential source of transient noise at the endpoint. Further, based on the activity determination (2100) and the monitoring (2200) of the presence of a potential source of transient noise, a signal representative of the presence of a transient noise in the call is sent (2400). The present invention is advantageous in that it enables improvement of the quality of the call.