Virtual Microphone Zone Gain Control for 3D Audio Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio conference systems struggle to dynamically manage audio gain structures for sound sources in 3D spaces, particularly in complex environments with variable room dimensions, dynamic seating, and unknown speaker and microphone locations, leading to inconsistent audio quality and noise levels.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes virtual microphones in a 3D space to track and monitor all sound sources within and between inclusion and exclusion zones, adjusting gain structures in real-time based on sound source location and signal level, independent of physical array geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional discrete microphones are used to limit sound source pickup to specific locations, then audio pickup is isolated to desired talkers, but system installation complexity increases and room coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete microphones into a unified microphone array system with centralized processing. The array integrates multiple sensing elements that work together to provide both focused pickup and broad coverage through coordinated signal processing, eliminating the need for separate systems for each pickup location.
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides focused directional pickup for specific talkers, broad omnidirectional room coverage, and dynamic adaptability to different spatial configurations. This multi-functional capability replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate microphone systems.
2Area of stationary object
If beamformer microphone arrays are used to define priority zones, then coverage for specific regions is improved, but transition areas between zones cause abrupt audio response changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts gain structures in real-time based on the positions of sound sources relative to inclusion and exclusion zones. When sound sources transition between zones, the gain changes smoothly rather than abruptly, maintaining stable audio response. The system continuously monitors and adapts to changing spatial conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the gain parameter dynamically based on sound source location and zone configuration. By adjusting gain values continuously as sound sources move between zones, the system maintains smooth audio transitions while preserving the priority zone structure. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between defined zones and smooth transitions.
3Measurement precision
If microphones are placed close to participants to maximize vocal pickup, then desired audio pickup is improved, but pickup of speakers and undesired sound sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different processing characteristics to different spatial regions. Inclusion zones are configured with gain structures that prioritize desired vocal pickup, while exclusion zones are configured to attenuate undesired sound sources like speakers and noise. This local differentiation allows the system to maximize vocal pickup in priority areas while minimizing harmful sound pickup in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the virtual microphones distributed throughout the room to continuously monitor sound source locations and adjust the gain structure accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing conditions, maintaining optimal vocal pickup while dynamically suppressing undesired sound sources based on their real-time positions.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple microphones of various form factors are mounted in ceiling, tables, and walls for large spaces, then room coverage is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the room coverage function into multiple virtual microphones distributed throughout the space. Each virtual microphone handles a specific spatial region, and together they provide comprehensive room coverage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve broad coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through distributed, modular processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for intelligent and optimized zone gain management of sound sources within priority (inclusion) zones and adjacent to the priority (inclusion) zone boundaries of the 3D space by using sound source location and signal level information of sound sources from both inside the inclusion zone and outside the inclusion zone in the exclusion zone for the purpose of optimizing the audio gain structure of desired sound sources located in priority (inclusion) zones and minimizing the gain structure of undesired sound sources in low priority (exclusion) zones. The system utilizes all virtual microphones in the 3D space by preferably assigning all available virtual microphones to either an inclusion zone or exclusion zone configuration for the purpose of tracking and monitoring all sound sources in the space regardless of their position in the 3D space.