Audio Loop Prevention via UWB Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conferencing sessions are often marred by audio issues such as audio loops and howling noises due to the proximity of computing devices, which existing solutions fail to address effectively, preventing simultaneous use of multiple devices and adequate sound projection/reception for all participants.
Innovation Solution
The use of ultra-wideband (UWB) sensors to determine the distances between computing devices and manage audio loop potentials by enabling or disabling audio components, with microphone array beamforming to direct sound and reduce interference, allowing active clients to operate while inactive clients' components are disabled to prevent howling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple computing devices are placed in proximity for conferencing sessions, then collaboration effectiveness is improved, but audio loops and howling noises occur due to mutual interference between microphones and speakers
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors audio signal levels and device proximity to detect potential audio loop conditions. When a loop is detected or anticipated, the system provides feedback by automatically adjusting audio component states (muting microphones or speakers) to eliminate the harmful feedback loop while maintaining conferencing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a proximity detection mechanism and audio loop detection system as an intermediary between the microphones and speakers. This intermediary layer monitors the acoustic environment and device positions, and intelligently controls audio component activation to prevent harmful interactions while allowing multiple devices to coexist in the same space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If audio components are disabled on multiple devices to prevent audio loops, then audio interference is reduced, but sound coverage and reception quality deteriorate for all participants
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly disabling audio components across all devices, the system applies local quality control by selectively enabling or disabling microphones and speakers on specific devices based on their spatial positions and detected audio loop potentials. This allows optimal audio coverage while preventing interference in problematic zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio component configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adapts the state of audio components based on real-time conditions such as device proximity, acoustic environment, and detected audio loops. This dynamic adjustment ensures both interference prevention and adequate sound coverage throughout the conferencing session.
3Device complexity
If a single computing device hosts the conferencing session, then audio loop management is simplified, but adequate sound projection and reception for all participants cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio management function across multiple computing devices rather than centralizing it in a single host. Each device independently monitors its own audio loop potential and adjusts its audio components accordingly, while coordinating with other devices to maintain overall audio quality. This distributed approach simplifies individual device complexity while improving collective sound coverage.
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 approach enhances sound quality and reduces audio loop risks by optimizing audio component usage based on location, enabling effective collaboration with improved sound coverage and clarity for all participants in a conferencing session.
Implementation Method 1
determine a location of a first computing device of a plurality of computing devices relative to a location of a host computing device and a location of a second computing device using a sensor of the host computing device
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to computing device locations and computing devices having audio components thereon that change operational states. In some examples, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can include instructions that when executed cause a processor of an electronic device to determine a default host computing device of a plurality of computing devices, request a location of a first computing device of the plurality of computing devices using a sensor of the default host computing device, and request a location of a second computing device of the plurality of computing devices using the sensor. The instructions when executed can cause the processor to determine a first audio loop potential associated with the first computing device and a second audio loop potential associated with the second computing device, assign the first computing device as an active client and assign the second computing device as an inactive client.