User manual | Distributed sound enhancement

US 20050286713A1
(19) United States
(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0286713 A1
(43) Pub. Date:
Gunn et al.
(54) DISTRIBUTED SOUND ENHANCEMENT
(75) Inventors: Raymond W. Gunn, Shelby Township,
Dec. 29, 2005
Related U.S. Application Data
(60)
MI (US); Michael A. Hayes,
Bloom?eld Hills, MI (US)
Provisional application No. 60/577,631, ?led on Jun.
7, 2004.
Publication Classi?cation
Correspondence Address:
BROOKS KUSHMAN RC.
1000 TOWN CENTER
TWENTY-SECOND FLOOR
(73) Assignee: Clarity Technologies, Inc., Auburn Hills,
U.S. c1. ...................................................... ..379/406.04
ABSTRACT
Sound quality is enhanced in a sound system including
handsets and headsets. Handset sound enhancing algorithms
are implemented in a handset. The handset automatically
determines Which, if any, of a plurality of headset sound
enhancing algorithms are active in a headset in communi
MI
(22) Filed:
Int. Cl? .................................................... .. H04M 9/00
(52)
(57)
SOUTHFIELD, MI 48075 (US)
(21) Appl. No.:
(51)
10/896,300
cation With the handset. The handset determines hoW to use
Jul. 21, 2004
the handset sound enhancing algorithms in a sound process
ing channel based on Which of the headset sound enhancing
algorithms are active in the headset.
DETECT
HEADSET?
130
DETECT DISTRIBUTED
HEADSET?
NO
SET DEFAULT
ALGORlTI-IIVIS
HEADSET
SUPPORT MODE’?
SUPERCEDE
HEADSET MODE?
V
USE ALGORITHM IN
HEADSET
l .
K140
USE ALGORITHM IN
HANDSET
Patent Application Publication Dec. 29, 2005 Sheet 1 0f 6
US 2005/0286713 A1
38
a“ _
t
E
38
Fig. 1
Patent Application Publication Dec. 29, 2005 Sheet 3 0f 6
DETEcT
HEADsET?
US 2005/0286713 A1
NO
13o
YES
_ K134
‘
.
’
DETEcT DISTRIBUTED
No
HEADSET?
?gggékggT
'
S.
132
YES
ANY
ENHANCEMENT MODES
REMAINING?
NO
END
136
NO
HEADSET
SUPPORT MODE?
138
YES
SUPERCEDE
HEADSET MODE? '
'
142
No
144
K
USE ALGORITHM IN
HEADSET
'
‘
v /'
USE ALGORITHM IN
~
Fig. 3
HANDsET
140
Patent Application Publication Dec. 29, 2005 Sheet 4 0f 6
US 2005/0286713 A1
HEADSET A
HANDSET
150
152
154
15s
Fig. 4a
HANDSET
HEADSET E
f 104
150
152
154
162
15%?
156\
.
164
Patent Application Publication Dec. 29, 2005 Sheet 5 0f 6
US 2005/0286713 A1
/20~
54
[-172
f 72
SIGNAL
GENERATOR
SEND-SIDE
PROCESSING v
K170
VOCODER
'
SEND-SIDE
PROCESSING
K78
if’
RECEIVE-SIDE”
F
RECEIVE-SIDE -
» “
PROCESSING
SIGNAL
EXTRACTOR
56
60
DECODERw?
176
PROCESSING
' 102
Fig. 5
Patent Application Publication Dec. 29, 2005 Sheet 6 0f 6
DIVIDE SOUND
ENHANCEMENT INTO
COOPERATING SOUND '
PROCESSING ALGORITHMS
CHARGE FOR USE OF SOUND
PROCESSING ALGORITHMS
IN’ HEADSETS
FREELY DISTRIBUTE SOUND
‘ PROCESSING ALGORITHMS
FOR USE IN HANDSETS
END
Fig. 6
US 2005/0286713 A1
Dec. 29, 2005
US 2005/0286713 A1
DISTRIBUTED SOUND ENHANCEMENT
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the bene?t of US. provi
sional application Ser. No. 60/577,631 ?led Jun. 7, 2004,
titled “Distributed Sound Enhancement,” Which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002]
1. Field of the Invention
typically including one or more microphones and/or speak
ers, and interface devices capable of communicating over
intercommunication systems.
[0010] The present invention includes a system for
enhancing sound quality. A handset implements a handset
suite of cooperating sound enhancement algorithms. Each
handset sound enhancement algorithm in the suite can be
either placed in-channel for sound processing or removed
from in-channel sound processing. Any of a plurality of
headsets can communicate With the handset. Each headset
implements a headset suite of cooperating sound enhance
ment algorithms. Different headsets are capable of imple
devices.
menting different suites of sound enhancement algorithms,
permitting different levels sound quality and cost in the
headset market. When communicating With a handset, each
headset noti?es the handset of its headset suite. The handset
[0004] 2. Background Art
selectively places each handset sound enhancement algo
[0003] The present invention relates to enhancing sound
along communication channels in multiple communication
[0005]
Telecommunication devices are increasing in num
ber, functionality, portability and options provided. Tele
phones may be interconnected by any combination of tra
ditional telephone Wires, Wireless radio signals, the Internet,
satellites, and the like. Devices such as computers, personal
digital assistants (PDAs), entertainment systems, and the
like, are increasingly taking on communication functions
traditionally assigned to telephones. For eXample, automo
tive vehicles incorporate telematics to provide communica
tion services to occupants including telephone calls, driver
assistance, emergency location, entertainment, and the like.
[0006]
Telecommunication devices operate in a Wide
range of environments. These environments can degrade or
corrupt sound quality through distortion of the sound signal,
addition of unWanted noise, acoustic echo, and the like. In
addition, the transmission channel itself may distort the
sound signal due to bandWidth limitations, nonlinearities,
line echo, sampling, and the like.
rithm in-channel based on receiving noti?cation of the
headset suite for a headset in communication With the
handset.
[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, at least
one headset does not implement a suite of cooperating sound
enhancement algorithms. The handset, When in communi
cation With one of these headsets, is able to recogniZe that
the headset does not implement a suite of cooperating sound
enhancement algorithms and to then selectively place pre
determined handset sound enhancement algorithms in-chan
nel based on the recognition.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention,
each headset in at least a subset of the headsets can either
selectively place at least one of the headset sound enhance
ment algorithms in the headset suite of cooperating sound
enhancement algorithms in-channel, remove the at least one
sound enhancement algorithms from in-channel processing
and/or adjust at least one parameter in at least one headset
algorithm. This selection, removal and/or adjustment may be
[0007] Many telecommunication devices incorporate
based on a signal transmitted from the handset.
sound enhancement processing to correct or compensate for
[0013] A method for enhancing sound quality in a com
munication system is also provided. Handset sound enhanc
ing algorithms are implemented in a handset. Each handset
sound enhancing algorithm may be used in a sound pro
cessing channel. The handset automatically determines
Which, if any, of a plurality of headset sound enhancing
various sound degrading effects. Often, the optimal place to
locate sound enhancement processing is as close to the end
of the communication channel as possible. Some sound
processing is more optimally placed nearer to the source of
the sound or at the beginning of the communication channel.
Still other sound processing techniques are better placed
Within the communication channel itself.
[0008] The proliferation of telecommunication devices
has created a desire to miX and match various equipment.
For eXample, Wired and Wireless headsets are available for
use With many different types of telecommunications trans
ceivers. As telecommunication devices are made more com
pleX and poWerful there is an increasing tendency to incor
porate sound enhancement processing on each device. Thus
it is likely that sound enhancement efforts Will be duplicated
algorithms are active in a headset in communication With the
handset. The handset determines Which handset sound
enhancing algorithms to use in the sound processing channel
based on Which of the headset sound enhancing algorithms
are active in the headset. Thus, duplicative sound enhance
ment processing in both the handset and the headset is
avoided.
[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the
method further includes selectively enabling, disabling or
on interconnected telecommunication devices that form a
common communication channel.
modifying the parameters of at least one headset sound
enhancing algorithm in the headset based on a signal
received from the handset.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] A method of reducing duplicative sound enhance
ment processing in a communication channel implemented
[0009] The present invention avoids duplicating sound
in a handset and a headset in communication With the
enhancement processing by selectively determining in
handset is also provided. Sound enhancement processing is
Which device various sound enhancement algorithms Will be
used. These devices include sound transducing devices,
divided into a plurality of cooperating algorithms. At least a
subset of the cooperating algorithms are implemented in the
Dec. 29, 2005
US 2005/0286713 A1
headset. An indication of the implemented subset is trans
mitted from the headset to the handset. This allows the
handset to selectively determine a second subset of the
cooperating algorithms to use in processing the communi
connections, voice over IP, satellite communication, and the
like. Telecommunication devices connect to interconnection
system 22 through Wireline connections 24 and/or Wireless
cation channel so as to avoid repeating sound enhancement
connections 26. Telecommunication devices include tradi
tional Wireline set 28, Wireless set 30, telematics in vehicle
processing implemented in the headset.
32, personal computer 34, personal digital assistant 36,
[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, a
control signal is received in the headset from the handset. At
least one of the cooperating algorithms in the headset is
selectively disabled or adjusted based on the received con
trol signal.
entertainment systems such as MP3 players, hands-free kit
in vehicle 32, and the like. For simplicity, such devices Will
be referred to as handsets. Some telecommunication devices
connect to handsets via Wired or Wireless links for the
purpose of providing additional functionality such as hands
free operation, increased mobility, increased privacy, stereo
[0017] A method of marketing sound enhancement tech
nology is also provided. The sound enhancement technology
is divided into a plurality of cooperating sound processing
algorithms. Each sound processing algorithm is capable of
being selectively added or removed from a sound processing
channel. A charge is collected for the use in at least one
headset of at least a subset of the cooperating sound pro
cessing algorithms. The plurality of sound processing algo
rithms are freely offered for use in handsets. Each handset
receives information from a headset in communication With
the handset and selectively adds or removes each sound
processing algorithm from a sound processing channel
implemented Within the handset based on the received
information.
audio reproduction, improved microphones, improved
speakers, and the like. For simplicity, such devices Will be
referred to headsets 38.
[0026]
Headset 38 typically includes at least one micro
phone and at least one speaker. Multiple microphones may
be included for certain functionality, such as noise cancel
lation. Multiple speakers may be included to provide stereo
sound, provide acoustic transducers With different frequency
characteristics, and the like. In addition to traditional micro
phone and speaker combinations, headsets 38 may include
any telecommunications device receiving sound or produc
ing sound, such as personal digital assistants 36, personal
computers 34, entertainment systems such as MP3 players,
hands-free kit in vehicle 32, and the like.
[0018] The above objects and other objects, features, and
advantages of the present invention are readily apparent
from the following detailed description of the best mode for
carrying out the invention When taken in connection With the
accompanying draWings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a telecom
munication system capable of implementing the present
invention;
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a handset and
[0027] Headsets 38 are typically designed to operate With
a Wide variety of handset devices. Wired headsets 38 typi
cally include a standardiZed connector for plugging into, for
eXample, Wireless phone 30. Increasingly popular are hand
sets that include Wireless link 40 for connection With head
sets 38. The Wireless link 40 may utiliZe infrared light, as
speci?ed in standards such as IrDA, or may utiliZe radio
frequency radiation, as speci?ed in standards such as Blue
tooth, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, and the like.
[0028] Headsets 38 increasingly include functionality to
improve sound quality. This functionality may include
a headset according to an embodiment of the present inven
sound enhancement processing such as acoustic echo can
tion;
celing, noise cancellation, frequency eXtension, dynamic
[0021] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating selecting
sound enhancement algorithms for processing according to
like. Since headsets 38 are designed to Work With various
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022]
FIGS. 4a and 4b are block diagrams illustrating
audibility enhancement, acoustic shock protection, and the
handsets, and since these handsets may also implement
sound enhancement processing, duplication of sound pro
cessing functionality may occur. This duplication can result
channel flow for different headsets according to an embodi
in overprocessing, a condition that often leads to poorer
ment of the present invention;
perceived sound quality than if no enhancement processing
had been performed. Therefore, in order to gain the fullest
effects of headset and handset interchangeability, control
over Which devices Will apply various enhancement algo
rithms is needed. This control may include adjusting param
eters betWeen corresponding algorithms in the handset and
[0023] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating end-to-end
communication implementing sound enhancement accord
ing to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating sound
enhancement technology distribution according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
headset.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0025]
Referring noW to FIG. 1, a block diagram illus
Referring noW to FIG. 2, a block diagram illus
trating a handset and a headset according to an embodiment
of the present invention is shoWn. A system for enhancing
sound quality, shoWn generally by 50, includes a handset,
shoWn generally by 52, and a headset, shoWn generally by
trating a telecommunication system capable of implement
ing the present invention is shoWn. A telecommunication
38. Handset 52 typically includes at least one microphone 54
for converting sound into electrical signals and at least one
system, shoWn generally by 20, including interconnection
speaker 56 for converting electrical signals into sound.
system 22. Interconnection system 22 can include one or
LikeWise, headset 38 typically includes at least one micro
phone 58 and at least one speaker 60. HoWever, as Will be
more of Wired telephone connections, Wireless telephone
Dec. 29, 2005
US 2005/0286713 A1
recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, either device
beloW, algorithms Within suite 80 may be selectively placed
may include more than one microphone, more than one
into or removed from channels 64, 66. This sWitching may
speaker, no microphones or no speakers. For example, if
be accomplished by various ?oW control commands in
system 50 is an entertainment system, such as an MP3
softWare or by analog or digital sWitches in hardWare, as is
knoWn in the art. SWitching includes the possibility of
selecting betWeen algorithms Within suite 80 for accom
plishing the same task. For example, suite 80 may imple
ment different noise cancellation algorithms for single
player, headset 38 may have tWo speakers and no micro
phones and handset 52 may have neither microphones nor
speakers. As another example, headset 38 may have multiple
microphones for improved noise cancellation.
[0030] Handset 52 typically includes system interface 62
for connecting handset 52 With interconnection system 22
through Wireline connection 24 or Wireless connection 26.
The present invention Will Work With standard telecommu
nication systems 22 for carrying voice and data as Well as
With systems 22 designed to carry only data or only voice
signals. Handset 52 also includes Wireless interface 63 for
Wirelessly communicating With headset 38 over Wireless
link 40. As Will be recogniZed by one of ordinary skill in the
art, Wireless interface 63 may be replaced or augmented With
a port for Wired connection to headset 38.
[0031] Handset 52 implements a collection of sound
enhancement algorithms. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2, sound enhancement is implemented on both send
channel 64, initiated at microphone 54, and receive channel
66, terminated at speaker 56. For send channel 64, sound
signals are ?rst converted to electrical signals by micro
phone 54. Send-side conditioning 68, Which may include
?lters, ampli?ers, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a
time-to-frequency converter (such as an FFT algorithm) and
the like, prepare the microphone signal for send-side pro
cessing. Send side processing may include acoustic echo
cancellation (ABC) 70, Which processes the outgoing and
incoming signals to reduce acoustic echoes caused by the
microphone input, dual microphone inputs and array micro
phone inputs. SWitching also includes setting parameter
values Within one or more algorithms of suite 80. Parameter
values Which may be set include time-domain ?lter coef?
cients, frequency-domain equalization coefficients, noise
cancellation decay factors, Weighting factors in signal sum
mers, sampling rates, number of frequency bins, ranges of
frequency bins, time WindoW lengths, envelope shape coef
?cients, bit rates, and the like.
[0034] Handset 64 includes Wireless interface 63 capable
of transmitting receive-side channel 66 to headset 38, receiv
ing send-side channel 64 from headset 38, or both over link
40. Typically, receive-side channel 66 is sent either to
speaker 56 in handset 52 or over link 40 to speaker 60 on
headset 38. Also, typically, send-side channel 64 receives
signals either from microphone 54 on handset 52 or from
microphone 58 on headset 38 over link 40. This selection is
illustrated by logical receive-side sWitch 82 and logical
send-side sWitch 84, respectively. HoWever, it is possible to
con?gure handset 52 for driving speaker 56 on handset 52
and speaker 60 on headset 38 simultaneously. It is also
possible to con?gure handset 52 for receiving sound signals
environment in Which handset 52 is operating. Additional
send-side processing 72 may include automatic level tuning
from both microphone 54 on handset 52 and microphone 58
on headset 38 such as, for example, to provide multiple
microphones for noise cancellation. In such systems, it may
be desirable to locate sWitches 82, 84 such that ABC 70 and
FEX 76 do not affect signals communicated betWeen hand
(ALT), noise cancellation (NC), compression, spectral shap
set 52 and headset 38.
ing, encoding, and the like.
[0032]
Handset receive-side channel 66 converts an ana
log electrical signal to sound using speaker 56. Receive-side
conditioning 74 generates the analog signal using elements
Which may include ?lters, ampli?ers, a digital-to-analog
[0035] Headset 38 includes Wireless interface 90 for com
municating With Wireless interface 63 on handset 52. Head
set 38 may also be connected to handset 52 With a Wired
IFFT algorithm) and the like. Receive side processing may
connection. In the embodiment of headset 38 illustrated in
FIG. 2, Wireless interface 90 supports both send-side chan
nel 64 and receive-side channel 66 Within headset 38.
Headset send-side channel 64 includes send-side condition
include frequency expander 76
ing electronics 92 receiving input from microphone 58.
converter (DAC), a frequency-to-time converter (such as an
for generating fre
quency components lost or attenuated by transmission
through limited bandWidth interconnection system 22. Addi
tional receive-side processing 78 may include acoustic
Headset ABC 94 reduces echoes produced by the environ
ment in Which headset 38 is operating. Additional headset
send-side processing 96 may include automatic level tuning
shock protection (ASP), dynamic audibility enhancement
(ALT), noise cancellation (NC), compression, spectral shap
(DAE), noise cancellation (NC), automatic level tuning
ing, encoding, and the like. Headset receive-side channel 66
drives headset speaker 60 from headset receive-side condi
(ALT), decompression, spectral shaping, decoding, and the
like.
[0033] Together, send-side algorithms 70, 72 and receive
side algorithms 76, 78 comprise a set or suite of handset
sound enhancement algorithms, shoWn generally by 80, that
cooperate to improve the quality of sound generated by
speaker 56 and/or received from microphone 54. Preferably,
handset suite 80 is implemented by a digital signal processor
Within handset 52. HoWever, as Will be recogniZed by one of
ordinary skill in the art, algorithms Within suite 80 may be
implemented by one or more of softWare executing on a
processor, discrete analog components, discrete digital com
ponents, programmable logic devices, custom integrated
circuits, and the like. As Will be described in greater detail
tioning 98. Headset FEX 100 provides frequency expansion.
Additional headset receive-side processing 102 may include
acoustic shock protection (ASP), dynamic audibility
enhancement (DAE), noise cancellation (NC), automatic
level tuning (ALT), decompression, spectral shaping, decod
ing, and the like. Collectively, sound enhancement algo
rithms 94, 96, 100, 102 make up a headset suite of algo
rithms, shoWn generally by 104, Which cooperate to enhance
one or both of send-side channel 64 and receive-side channel
66 in headset 38.
[0036] Various headsets 38 may be interfaced With handset
52. Each headset 38 may have different components making
up its headset suite 104. Also, different algorithms may be
Dec. 29, 2005
US 2005/0286713 A1
used for corresponding elements in handset suite 80 and
headset suite 104 and amongst various headsets 38. For
example, headset 38 may implement a different noise can
cellation algorithm than is implemented in handset 52. It is
also possible that some headsets 38 for use With handset 52
may not include any elements of headset suite 104. The
?exibility of placing different sound processing in headsets
38 and handsets 52 results in a potential performance cost.
In particular, the use of headset 38 together With handset 52
may duplicate various sound enhancement operations. This
duplication of operations can have a sever impact on the
services by service class, search for services by service
attributes, and service broWsing by handset 52.
[0041] In addition to controlling algorithms in handset
suite 80, handset Wireless interface 63 may also control
operation of algorithms in headset suite 104. Wireless inter
face 90 generates control signals 112 for selectively con
trolling algorithms in headset suite 104. After receiving
information from headset 38 about the contents of headset
suit 104, handset Wireless interface 63 generates commands
over link 40 instructing headset Wireless interface 90 as to
performance of the system as a Whole. For example, sound
quality drops When either or both of channels 64, 66 are over
processed, resulting in a perceived signal that is Worse than
if no sound enhancement processing had occurred at all.
Which algorithms in headset suite 104 to activate. This
[0037] To overcome the possibility of overprocessing
While ?exibly alloWing various types of headsets 38 to be
used With handset 52, the present invention selectively
about the environment, and the like. Handset 52 may also
processes channels 64, 66 Within handset 52 based on
headset suite 104. In the embodiment shoWn, Wireless
control may be used, for example, to deactivate algorithms
in headset suite 104 if handset 52 determines handset suite
80 can provide superior sound processing due to better
algorithms, increased processing poWer, better information
take over some or all sound enhancement processing due to
changes in conditions Within headset 38 such as, for
example, to conserve poWer in headset 38 based on loW
battery indication signal 114. Control may also be used to
interface 90 on headset 38 noti?es Wireless interface 63 on
handset 52 over link 40 as to the makeup of headset suite
adjust parameters of one or more algorithms in headset suite
104. Wireless interface 63 then generates control signals 110
processing of the same type or mode in both handset 52 and
headset 38.
Which selectively include or exclude elements of handset
suite 80 for processing channels 64 and 66 Within handset
52.
[0038] Various schemes for notifying handset 52 about
headset suite 104 are possible. For example, each of a
limited number of con?gurations for headset suite 104 can
be assigned an identi?er Which is transmitted over link 40.
In another possible scheme, a model number describing
headset 38: is transmitted over link 40. Yet another scheme
involves assigning each algorithm class or mode a unique
code. This code is transmitted together With an identi?er for
the speci?c algorithm Within the mode. For example, noise
cancellation, acoustic shock protection and automatic level
tuning are all possible modes. Additional information may
accompany each code, such as version number, algorithm
parameters, sensed environmental parameters, sensed signal
parameters, and the like.
[0039] Various techniques for transmitting the noti?cation
information from headset 38 to handset 52 are also possible.
In-band signaling may be used. For example, one or more
loW poWer Watermark signals may be added to send-side
channel 64 by headset Wireless interface 90. These Water
mark signals are read and, possibly, removed by Wireless
104. This may be used, for example, to permit partial
[0042] Handset Wireless interface 63 may also communi
cate With telephone system interface 62 over parameter link
116. In this manner, Wireless interface 63 may provide an
indication as to Which algorithms in suite 80 and/or in suite
104 are being used for sound enhancement. This indication
can then be relayed through interconnection system 22 for
end-to-end setup of sound enhancement processing. Other
information, such as algorithm parameters, equipment iden
ti?ers, operating conditions, and the like, may also be sent
betWeen handsets 52 through interconnection system 22.
[0043] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 shoWs tWo
devices, handset 52 and headset 38. HoWever, the present
invention Will Work With various con?gurations. For
example, a hands-free kit that accepts a Wireless telephone
can communicate With a Wearable headset. The hands-free
kit could function as handset 52, headset 38 or both. If the
?rst case, the hands-free kit could interface a telephone that
does not implement the present invention or Work together
With a telephone implementing the present invention to
interactively improve sound quality. In the second case, the
hands-free kit could function as a headset by supplying or
connecting to one or more microphones and speakers. The
hands-free kit sends the telephone information about its
interface 63 in handset 52. Another possibility is out-of-band
signaling. This can include side bands or orthogonally
modulated signals transmitted over link 40, as is knoWn in
operate as handset 52, headset 38 or both, such as personal
the art.
digital assistants, personal computers, personal entertain
[0040] Another technique for transmitting noti?cation
sound processing capabilities. Similarly, other devices may
ment systems, automotive electronics, and the like.
information utiliZes the discovery process for establishing
[0044]
link 40 betWeen headset 38 and handset 52. For example, the
Bluetooth standard includes a Service Discovery Applica
ing selecting sound enhancement algorithms for processing
tion Pro?le de?ning a Service Discovery Protocol (SDP).
Handset 52 functions as a Bluetooth local device and
headset 38 as a Bluetooth remote device. In these roles,
handset 52 initiates a service discovery procedure. Headset
38 responds to service inquiries by supplying data from a
service records database, Which may be implemented in
Referring noW to FIG. 3, a How diagram illustrat
according to an embodiment of the present invention is
shoWn. As Will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the
art, the operations illustrated are not necessarily sequential
operations. The order of steps may be modi?ed Within the
spirit and scope of the present invention and the order shoWn
here is for logical presentation. Also, the method illustrated
may be implemented by any combination of hardWare,
nonvolatile memory Within headset Wireless interface 90.
softWare, ?rmWare, and the like, at one location or distrib
Bluetooth supports various scenarios including search for
uted. The present invention transcends any particular imple
Dec. 29, 2005
US 2005/0286713 A1
mentation and an embodiment is shown in sequential ?oW
and Headset A FEX 160. This con?guration results in noise
chart form for ease of illustration.
cancellation and frequency extension being processed only
at Headset A, avoiding duplicative processing.
[0045] A check is made to determine if a headset is
detected, as in block 130. If the headset connects to the
handset via a Wireline link, a jack sWitch may be used to
determine the presence of a headset. If the headset and the
handset are Wirelessly connectable, the presence of a Wire
less link to a headset provides the necessary indication. If no
With headset suit 104 belonging to a different headset,
Headset B. Headset B suite 104 includes Headset B ASP 162
and Headset B FEX 164. In this case, folloWing initialiZa
tion, receive-side channel 66 is con?gured to drive Headset
headset is detected, the method repeats checking. This
process may be implemented by polling, interrupt process
handset NC 154, Headset B ASP 162 and Headset B FEX
ing, or the like.
[0046]
A check is made to determine if the connected
headset supports distributed sound enhancement processing,
[0051]
FIG. 4b depicts the same handset suite 80 coupled
B speaker 60 With a signal processed by handset DAE 152,
164. Duplicative processing of acoustic shock prevention
and frequency extension is avoided by disabling these
components in handset suite 80.
as in block 132. The handset determines Whether or not a
[0052]
linked headset supports the present invention based on
signals received from the headset. If the headset does not
trating end-to-end communication implementing sound
support distributed sound enhancement processing, the
handset sets its algorithms to a predetermined default con
?guration, as in block 134. This default con?guration may
be based, for example, on the assumption that a linked
headset that does not support distributed sound enhancement
Referring noW to FIG. 5, a block diagram illus
enhancement according to an embodiment of the present
invention is shoWn. Experiments With both telephony
vocoders and automated voice recognition systems shoW
that such systems can be adversely affected by noise and that
sound processing can improve the performance of such
systems. HoWever, optimal sound processing algorithms,
processing performs no signi?cant sound enhancement pro
such as noise cancellation, for use With automated recogni
cessing.
tion systems and vocoders may differ from optimal algo
[0047] If the linked headset supports distributed sound
processing, a check is made to determine Which algorithm
classes or modes are supported. This check is represented by
the do-While loop implemented by block 136. Once all
modes are checked, sound enhancement initialiZation is
complete and coordinated sound processing may continue.
[0048] For each enhancement mode, a check is made to
determine if the headset supports the mode, as in block 138.
Typically, the headset supports a mode if the headset signals
an algorithm implementing the mode is executable on the
headset. If the headset does not support the mode, a corre
sponding handset algorithm is used, as in block 140.
rithms for use With human listeners. Furthermore, What is
optimal prior to transmission over interconnection channel
22, Which may perform its oWn processing, may differ from
What is optimal after such transmission. Transmission over
interconnection system 22 is improved by using information
about send-side processing 72, 96 in determining one or both
of receive-side processing 78 and receive-side processing
102.
[0053] In an embodiment, handset 52 includes vocoder
170 encoding signals generated from one or both of handset
microphone 54 and headset microphone 58. Signal generator
172 generates a signal indicative of handset send-side pro
cessing 72 and, if used, headset send-side processing 96. The
output of signal generator 172 may be, for example, a
[0049] If the headset supports the considered mode, a
check is made to determine if the handset should supercede
processed audio signal including one or more loW poWer
the headset mode, as in block 142. The handset may decide
Watermark signals indicating the processing performed,
to use a handset algorithm even if a corresponding headset
indicated by intercommunication signal 174. Signal genera
algorithm exists in the linked handset. This may occur, for
tor 172 may also use out-of-band signaling and/or signaling
used in initiating a connection over interconnection system
22. With reference as Well to FIG. 2, signal generator 172
may be implemented as part of telephone system interface
62, Wireless interface 63 or as a separate component. Signal
example, if the handset determines that the handset algo
rithm is superior, that the handset possesses greater process
ing poWer, that the handset algorithm is better matched to
other sound enhancement algorithms selected for use, that
the headset is loW on poWer, that the handset has better input
signals for processing, or the like. If the handset mode
generator 172 may receive information about one or both of
algorithm is used, as in block 140. If not, the corresponding
headset algorithm is used, as in block 144.
handset send-side processing 72 and headset send-side pro
cessing 96 from Wireless interface 63. It is also possible to
locate some or all of the functionality of signal generator 172
and vocoder 170 in headset 38.
[0050] Referring noW to FIGS. 4a and 4b, block diagrams
illustrating channel ?oW for different headsets according to
[0054] In the embodiment shoWn in FIG. 5, intercommu
nication signal 174 is received by decoder 176 and signal
an embodiment of the present invention are shoWn. FIG. 4a
extractor 178 in a receiving handset 52. Decoder 176
depicts handset suite 80 including algorithms for handset
decodes intercommunication signal 174. Signal extractor
178 extracts information about send-side processing 72, 96
from intercommunication signal 174. Signal extractor 178
supercedes the headset mode, the corresponding handset
acoustic shock prevention (ASP) 150, handset dynamic
audibility enhancement (DAE) 152, handset noise cancella
tion (NC) 152 and handset frequency extension
156.
FIG. 4a also depicts Headset A suite 104 including algo
rithms for Headset A ASP 158 and Headset A FEX 160.
FolloWing initialiZation, receive-side channel 66 is con?g
ured to drive Headset A speaker 60 With a signal processed
by handset ASP 150, handset DAE 152, Headset ANC 158
uses information about send-side processing 72, 96 to deter
mine handset receive-side processing 78 and, if applicable,
headset receive-side processing 102. Signal extractor 178
generates control signal 180 indication the operation of
handset receive-side processing 78. Signal extractor 178
generates control signal 182, sent over link 40, indicating the
Dec. 29, 2005
US 2005/0286713 A1
operation of headset receive-side processing 102. Decoder
176 and signal extractor 178 may be implemented in tele
functionality, such as noise cancellation, acoustic shock
prevention, echo cancellation, and the like. Sound enhance
phone system interface 62, Wireless interface 63, or as
separate components. In other implementations, some or all
of the functionality of decoder 176 and signal extractor 178
may be implemented in headset 38.
ment may also be partitioned based on implementation, such
[0055] In an exemplary application, send-side processing
72, 96 performs one or more algorithms for noise removal
tuned to optimiZe the performance of vocoder 170, multi
band compression, time domain compression, spectral shap
ing for frequency band equalization, and/or other optimal
pre-vocoder processing. A recipe designator transmitted
as those algorithms implemented analogly or in particular
processors. Still another set of partitions may be based on
cost or performance thresholds. For example, a base headset
may have no built-in processing. The next level up may
include only echo cancellation. The next level up might add
noise cancellation and frequency extension. The next level
up might add acoustic shock protection. Once partitioning is
decided, sound enhancement processing suites can be devel
oped.
through interconnection system 22 characteriZes pre-vo
coder processing applied to the audio signal. Signal extrac
tor 178 detects the transmitted pre-vocoder processing
[0061] A charge Will be included for the use of sound
processing algorithms in headsets, as in block 192. Headsets
38 including sound enhancement suites 104 according to the
recipe designator and generates one or both of control
present invention Will provide superior sound quality and
signals 180, 182.
[0056] Receive-side processing 78, 102 undertakes spe
?exibility to users. Users Will recogniZe these bene?ts and
absorb the cost of implementing the present invention.
ci?c modi?cations to produce a post-vocoder (and post
transmission) processing recipe that Will be more optimal for
a human listener. For example, receive-side processing 78,
[0062] Sound processing algorithms for use in handsets
Will be freely distributed, as in block 194. If freely available,
handset manufacturers Will incorporate the present invention
into handsets 52 since handset suite 80 Will improve the
102 can supply a small amount of additional noise removal,
but Without adding a great amount of additional noise
reduction Which Would be objectionable to a human listener.
Other possibilities are that receive-side processing might
completely or partially undo the multi-band compression,
time domain compression, spectral shaping, and/or other
pre-vocoder processing applied to optimiZe performance of
vocoder 170.
[0057] The present invention permits one or both of opti
miZe the signal for vocoding and transmission on the send
side as Well as optimiZing the received signal for human
comfort on the receive side. Additional bene?t may be
achieved in duplex interconnection channels 22 by commu
nicating receive-side processing 78, 102 to the receive side
for affecting send-side processing 72, 96, permitting appro
priate corrective and/or enhancement processing.
[0058]
Referring noW to FIG. 6, a How diagram illustrat
ing sound enhancement technology distribution according to
performance of handset 52 Whether or not handset 52 is
connected to headset 38. In addition, the inclusion of hand
set suite 80 Will provide increased ?exibility for use of
handset 52 With a Wider variety of headsets 38.
[0063] While embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated and described, it is not intended that these
embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the
invention. Rather, the Words used in the speci?cation are
Words of description rather than limitation, and it is under
stood that various changes may be made Without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
What is claimed is:
1. A system for enhancing sound quality comprising:
a handset implementing a handset suite of cooperating
sound enhancement algorithms, each handset sound
enhancement algorithm in the suite of handset sound
enhancement algorithms operative to be either placed
an embodiment of the present invention is shoWn. Once
in-channel for sound processing or removed from in
again, the operations illustrated are not necessarily sequen
tial operations. The order of steps may be modi?ed Within
the spirit and scope of the present invention and the order
shoWn here is for logical presentation. The present invention
transcends any particular implementation and an embodi
channel sound processing; and
ment is shoWn in sequential ?oW chart form for ease of
illustration.
[0059]
Bene?ts of the present invention are most fully
realiZed if both handset manufacturers and headset manu
facturers agree on implementation details such as suite
contents, format and methodology of information exchanged
betWeen handsets 52 and headsets 38, and the like. Handset
a plurality of headsets, each headset of the plurality of
headsets capable of operating in communication With
the handset, each headset implementing a headset suite
of cooperating sound enhancement algorithms that is
different from a second suite of cooperating sound
enhancement algorithms implemented in a different
headset, each headset operative to notify the handset of
its headset suite of cooperating sound enhancement
algorithms;
the handset operative to selectively place each handset
set 38 to support each handset manufacturer, cost and
complexity Will be reduced if common implementation
details are adopted.
sound enhancement algorithm in-channel based on
receiving noti?cation of the headset suite for each of
the plurality of headsets in communication With the
handset.
2. A system for enhancing sound quality as in claim 1
Wherein the plurality of headsets further comprises at least
[0060] One initial step is to divide sound enhancement
into cooperating sound processing algorithms, as in block
190. Sound enhancement may be partitioned based on
When in communication With the at least one headset, is
further operative to recogniZe that the at least one headset
manufacturers dominate the market, often setting standards
independently or as subsets of the entire industry. While it is
possible to implement different standards Within each head
one headset that does not implement a suite of cooperating
sound enhancement algorithms and Wherein the handset,
Dec. 29, 2005
US 2005/0286713 A1
the recognition.
ing the operation of at least one handset sound enhancing
algorithm based on a signal received from the headset.
12. The method for enhancing sound quality in a com
munication system as in claim 11 Wherein the signal
3. A system for enhancing sound quality as in claim 1
Wherein, for at least a subset of the plurality of headsets,
each headset is operative to either selectively place at least
one of the headset sound enhancement algorithms in the
received from the headset indicates at least one operating
condition of the headset.
13. The method for enhancing sound quality in a com
munication system as in claim 9 Wherein the handset is a ?rst
headset suite of cooperating sound enhancement algorithms
handset, the method further comprising transmitting an
indication of the determined ?rst handset sound enhancing
does not implement a suite of cooperating sound enhance
ment algorithms and to selectively place predetermined
handset sound enhancement algorithms in-channel based on
in-channel or to selectively remove the at least one headset
sound enhancement algorithms from in-channel processing.
4. A system for enhancing sound quality as in claim 3
Wherein the handset is further operative to transmit a signal
to each headset in the subset of the plurality of headsets in
communication With the handset for controlling selectively
algorithms to a second handset.
14. The method for enhancing sound quality in a com
munication system as in claim 13 further comprising auto
matically determining in the second handset Which second
placing or removing the at least one headset sound enhanc
handset sound enhancing algorithms to use in the sound
processing channel based on the indication of the deter
ing algorithm.
mined ?rst handset sound enhancing algorithms transmitted
5. A system for enhancing sound quality as in claim 1
Wherein the handset is further operative to adjust the opera
to the second handset.
tion of the handset suite based on a signal received from the
processing in a communication channel implemented in a
handset and a headset in communication With the handset,
headset describing an operating condition of the headset.
6. A system for enhancing sound quality as in claim 1
Wherein the handset is a ?rst handset, the system further
comprising a second handset in communication With the ?rst
handset, the ?rst handset further operative to transmit infor
mation to the second handset indicative of each handset
sound enhancement algorithm placed in-channel.
15. Amethod of reducing duplicative sound enhancement
the method comprising:
dividing sound enhancement processing into a plurality of
cooperating algorithms;
implementing at least a subset of the plurality of cooper
ating algorithms in the headset; and
7. A system for enhancing sound quality as in claim 6
Wherein the second handset is operative to determine opera
tion of receive-side sound enhancement processing based on
the information transmitted from the ?rst handset.
8. A system for enhancing sound quality as in claim 6
Wherein the second handset is operative to determine opera
tion of send-side sound enhancement processing based on
the information transmitted from the ?rst handset.
9. A method for enhancing sound quality in a communi
cation system, the communication system including a hand
processing in a communication channel as in claim 15
set in communication With one of a plurality of headsets, the
further comprising:
transmitting an indication of the implemented subset from
the headset to the handset;
Whereby the handset can selectively determine a second
subset of the plurality of cooperating algorithms to use
in processing the communication channel so as to avoid
repeating sound enhancement processing implemented
in the headset.
16. Amethod of reducing duplicative sound enhancement
method comprising:
receiving a control signal in the headset sent from the
implementing a plurality of handset sound enhancing
algorithms in the handset, each handset sound enhanc
ing algorithm operative to be used in a sound process
ing channel;
handset; and
selectively disabling at least one of the cooperating algo
rithms in the headset based on the received control
signal.
automatically determining in the handset Which, if any, of
17. Amethod of reducing duplicative sound enhancement
a plurality of headset sound enhancing algorithms are
active in the headset in communication With the hand
set; and
processing in a communication channel as in claim 15
further comprising:
receiving a control signal in the headset sent from the
automatically determining in the handset Which handset
handset; and
sound enhancing algorithms to use in the sound pro
cessing channel based on the determination of Which of
selectively adjusting at least one parameter in at least one
the plurality of headset sound enhancing algorithms are
active in the headset;
of the cooperating algorithms in the headset based on
the received control signal.
18. Amethod of reducing duplicative sound enhancement
Whereby duplicative sound enhancement processing in
processing in a communication channel as in claim 15
both the handset and the headset is avoided.
10. The method for enhancing sound quality in a com
munication system as in claim 9 further comprising selec
tively enabling or disabling at least one headset sound
enhancing algorithm in the headset based on a signal
received from the handset.
11. The method for enhancing sound quality in a com
munication system as in claim 9 further comprising adjust
further comprising adjusting at least one parameter in the
handset based on the indication of the implemented subset
transmitted from the headset to the handset.
19. Amethod of reducing duplicative sound enhancement
processing in a communication channel as in claim 15
further comprising adjusting at least one parameter in the
handset based on the indication of an operating condition of
the headset transmitted from the headset to the handset.
Dec. 29, 2005
US 2005/0286713 A1
20. A method for enhancing sound quality in a commu
nication system, the communication system including a
plurality of interconnected handsets, the method comprising:
determining a ?rst set of sound enhancing algorithms in a
?rst handset, the ?rst set of sound enhancing algorithms
optimiZing transmission through an interconnection
channel;
transmitting an indication of the set of sound enhancing
algorithms through the interconnection channel to a
second handset; and
automatically determining in the second handset Which
second set of sound enhancing algorithms to use in the
second handset based on the indication transmitted
from the ?rst handset.
21. The method of claim 20 Wherein determining a ?rst set
of sound enhancing algorithms is based on Which of a
plurality of headsets is in communication With the ?rst
handset.
22. A method of marketing sound enhancement technol
ogy comprising:
dividing the sound enhancement technology into a plu
rality of cooperating sound processing algorithms, each
sound processing algorithm capable of being selec
tively added or removed from a sound processing
channel;
charging for the use in at least one headset of at least a
subset of the plurality of cooperating sound processing
algorithms; and
freely offering the plurality of sound processing algo
rithms for use in handsets, each handset operative to
receive information from a headset in communication
With the handset and to selectively add or remove each
algorithms to use in the sound processing channel
based on the signal received from the headset.
24. Amethod of reducing duplicative sound enhancement
processing in a communication channel, the method com
prising:
dividing sound enhancement processing into a plurality of
cooperating algorithms;
implementing at least a subset of the plurality of cooper
ating algorithms in a sound transducing device; and
transmitting an indication of the implemented subset from
the sound transducing device to an interface device, the
interface device operative to communicate With other
interface devices through an interconnection system,
the interface device operative to process sound signals;
Whereby the interface device can selectively determine a
second subset of the plurality of cooperating algorithms
to use in processing the sound signals so as to avoid
repeating sound enhancement processing implemented
in the sound transducing device.
25. Amethod of reducing duplicative sound enhancement
processing in a communication channel as in claim 24
further comprising:
receiving a control signal in the sound transducing device
sent from the interface device; and
selectively disabling at least one of the cooperating algo
rithms in the sound transducing device based on the
received control signal.
26. Amethod of reducing duplicative sound enhancement
processing in a communication channel as in claim 24
further comprising:
receiving a control signal in the sound transducing device
sent from the interface device; and
sound processing algorithm from a sound processing
selectively adjusting at least one parameter in at least one
channel implemented Within the handset based on the
received information.
23. A method for enhancing sound quality in a commu
nication system, the communication system including a
handset in communication With a headset, the method com
of the cooperating algorithms in the sound transducing
prising:
implementing a set of sound enhancing algorithms in the
handset, each sound enhancing algorithm in the set of
sound enhancing algorithms operative to be used in a
sound processing channel;
receiving in the handset a signal from the headset indi
cating an operating condition of the headset; and
automatically determining in the handset Which sound
enhancing algorithms in the set of sound enhancing
device based on the received control signal.
27. Amethod of reducing duplicative sound enhancement
processing in a communication channel as in claim 24
further comprising adjusting at least one parameter in the
interface device based on the indication of the implemented
subset transmitted from the sound transducing device to the
interface device.
28. Amethod of reducing duplicative sound enhancement
processing in a communication channel as in claim 24
further comprising adjusting at least one parameter in the
interface device based on the indication of an operating
condition of the sound transducing device transmitted from
the sound transducing device to the interface device.
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