FORMING VIRTUAL MICROPHONE ARRAYS USING DUAL OMNIDIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE ARRAY (DOMA)

Smart overview of the Invention

A dual omnidirectional microphone array (DOMA) introduces an innovative approach to noise suppression in acoustic applications. Unlike traditional systems that focus on nulling out noise sources, this method creates two distinct virtual directional microphones. These microphones are designed to have similar noise responses while exhibiting differing speech responses, allowing for effective noise reduction without compromising speech clarity.

Technical Advancements in Noise Suppression

The DOMA leverages an adaptive filter algorithm and a Voice Activity Detector (VAD) to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of desired speech. By minimizing the impact of background noise, the system significantly improves speech intelligibility compared to conventional noise suppression technologies. The unique configuration ensures that the only null created is aimed at filtering out the user's own speech from one of the virtual microphones.

Comparison with Conventional Methods

Traditional adaptive noise suppression techniques often struggle with poor performance and speech distortion due to their reliance on multiple microphones for noise cancellation. These systems typically attempt to steer nulls toward dominant noise sources, which limits their effectiveness. In contrast, the DOMA's design allows for a more stable operation and flexibility in virtual microphone patterns, addressing common shortcomings found in existing solutions.

Device Components and Functionality

The DOMA consists of two physical omnidirectional microphones that generate distinct signals processed to form the virtual microphone array. Each virtual microphone is created by combining these signals in different ways, ensuring that they maintain their unique directional characteristics while effectively managing noise. This innovative design facilitates robust performance across various conditions, including changes in distance from the speaker and environmental factors.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The introduction of the DOMA represents a significant advancement in noise suppression technology. By focusing on creating virtual microphones with tailored responses to speech and noise, this system offers a promising alternative to traditional methods. As acoustic applications continue to evolve, the DOMA could pave the way for more effective communication devices that enhance user experience by minimizing unwanted noise while preserving speech integrity.