Vibration Microphone Noise Gate for Portable Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable communication devices with multiple microphones face challenges in managing noise in high-noise environments, particularly in power consumption, size, weight, and audio drops, while maintaining effective audio signal capture.
Innovation Solution
The use of asymmetric acoustic sensors, including a high-power vibration microphone and multiple low-power acoustic microphones, controlled by a microprocessor to optimize noise suppression and power management, with the vibration microphone turned off in low noise conditions to conserve battery life and improve directional alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are used to improve audio signal capture, then audio quality is improved, but noise pickup increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio capture function into two separate microphone types: acoustic microphones for general audio capture and vibration microphones for noise rejection. This segmentation allows each microphone type to specialize in its optimal function, with acoustic microphones capturing speech and vibration microphones detecting noise levels, thereby improving overall audio quality while managing noise pickup effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a noise gate as an intermediary component that processes signals from multiple microphones. The noise gate analyzes noise levels detected by vibration microphones and selectively gates the audio signals from acoustic microphones, allowing speech to pass through while blocking noise, thus resolving the contradiction between capturing audio signals and rejecting noise
2Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are used to improve audio signal capture, then audio quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of microphone operation through a noise gate that continuously monitors noise levels and adjusts which microphones are active. In low-noise environments, only acoustic microphones operate to save power. In high-noise environments, vibration microphones are activated to detect noise levels and enable noise rejection processing, thereby maintaining audio quality while optimizing power consumption based on actual environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which microphones are active, signal processing intensity) based on detected noise levels. The noise gate monitors environmental noise and dynamically adjusts the operational state of microphones and signal processing algorithms, switching between power-saving mode and high-performance noise rejection mode to optimize the balance between audio quality and power consumption
3Weight of moving object
If smaller and lighter devices are used, then device size and weight are reduced, but battery capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of noise levels by the vibration microphones rather than continuous full-power operation of all microphones. The noise gate periodically assesses environmental noise and adjusts microphone operation accordingly, allowing the device to maintain lightweight design with smaller battery while still providing effective noise rejection when needed, thereby extending effective battery life through intelligent periodic activation rather than continuous operation
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 reduces total system power consumption, enhances noise rejection, and maintains effective audio capture in high-noise environments, ensuring longer battery life and improved audio quality.
Implementation Method 1
vibration microphone
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for controlling incoming acoustic signals at a portable accessory communication system provides improved management of noise levels. A plurality of acoustic microphone arrays (120), formed of pairs of acoustic microphones, and a single vibration microphone (130) are enabled by pressing a push-to-talk (PTT) button (108). An audio signal is input to the acoustic microphone arrays and a vibration signal is input to the single vibration microphone. The audio signal is detected and compared to the vibration signal to determine a high noise environment. The single vibration microphone (130) controls beam formation of the acoustic microphone arrays in high noise environments based on predetermined noise thresholds being exceeded and selecting an optimum acoustic microphone pair from the arrays to direct a null targeted at the noise source.