Acoustic Processing Device for Mimo Acoustic Echo Cancellation

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This patent discloses an acoustic processing device designed for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) acoustic echo cancellation. The core invention involves a system that receives multiple loudspeaker and microphone signals and processes them using advanced algorithms to estimate and subtract both direct and residual echo components from each microphone signal. This approach leverages pre-defined and adaptive filter templates for more robust and accurate echo cancellation, especially in complex environments with highly correlated signals and time-varying acoustics.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Smart speakers with multiple microphones and loudspeakers for improved voice recognition and communication.
• Hands-free conferencing systems that require clear audio despite simultaneous playback and recording.
• Voice-controlled home assistants operating in echo-prone rooms.
• Telepresence robots or video conferencing solutions with integrated audio systems.
• Public address or intercom systems in large, acoustically challenging environments.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enhanced echo cancellation performance in difficult acoustic scenarios, such as those with multiple, highly correlated speakers and microphones.
• Maintains high sound reproduction quality without introducing artifacts by avoiding conventional signal decorrelation methods.
• Faster convergence and more reliable operation due to the use of pre-defined acoustic environment templates and adaptive filtering.
• Scalable to sophisticated multi-channel audio systems and adaptable to various room configurations.
• Can operate in real time and is suitable for integration into both hardware and software audio platforms.

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Patent Abstract

An acoustic processing device (300) for performing MIMO acoustic echo cancellation is disclosed. The acoustic processing device (300) comprises a first signal reception unit (303) adapted to receive a plurality of loudspeaker signals and a second signal reception unit (305) adapted to receive a plurality of microphone signals. Moreover, the acoustic processing device (300) comprises a processing circuitry (301) adapted to enable echo reduction, the processing circuitry (301) being configured to determine for each microphone signal an estimated echo signal, wherein the estimated echo signal comprises an estimated direct echo signal and an estimated residual echo signal. The processing circuitry (301) is further configured to determine a respective echo reduced microphone signal based on the respective microphone signal and the estimated echo signal.