Ultrasonic Audio Motion Detection for Collaboration Endpoints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collaboration endpoint equipment, such as cameras and microphones, remain activated for extended periods even when not in use, leading to energy wastage and reduced lifespan due to the inability to accurately detect the absence or presence of users during multimedia meetings.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a motion detection system using ultrasonic source audio signals, where a primary audio signal and reference audio signals are processed to predict motion, allowing the endpoint to switch between active and standby modes based on detected activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If endpoint equipment remains activated for extended periods to ensure detection of user presence, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and equipment lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic ultrasonic signals emitted by a speaker and captured by microphones to detect motion. Instead of continuous monitoring, the endpoint equipment sends out ultrasonic pulses at regular intervals and analyzes the reflected signals. This periodic action allows the system to maintain detection reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or optical motion detection systems with an acoustic-based detection system using ultrasonic waves. The speaker emits ultrasonic signals and microphones capture the reflected waves, allowing motion detection through acoustic means rather than mechanical sensors or continuous camera operation, thereby reducing energy usage.
2Reliability
If traditional motion detection methods are used, then user presence can be detected, but the system complexity increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The endpoint equipment uses its existing speaker and microphone components, which are already part of the multimedia meeting system, for dual purposes: audio processing during meetings and motion detection during idle periods. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated motion detection hardware, reducing system complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own built-in acoustic components (speaker and microphone) to perform motion detection without requiring external sensors or additional specialized equipment. The endpoint serves itself by utilizing its existing hardware resources for both communication and detection functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables collaboration endpoints to efficiently manage power usage by activating only when needed, extending equipment lifespan and reducing energy consumption while maintaining accurate detection of user presence.
Implementation Method 1
A motion detection system using ultrasonic source audio signals, where a primary audio signal and reference audio signals are processed to predict motion
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of a collaboration endpoint generates a primary audio signal for an ultrasonic source audio signal produced by a source audio speaker, a reference audio signal for the ultrasonic source audio signal, and, based on the reference audio signal, a predicted signal that is predictive of the primary audio signal. The controller produces a prediction error of the predicted signal by comparing the primary audio signal with the predicted signal and determines whether the prediction error is indicative of a motion of one or more persons near the collaboration endpoint.