{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854101","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854101","title":"Methods and apparatuses for echo cancellation with beamforming microphone arrays","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-02-10T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04M","G10L","G10L","G10L","H04M","H04R","H04R","H04R","G10L","G10L","H04R","H04R","H04R","H04R","H04R","H04R"],"num_claims":11,"abstract":"This disclosure describes a method to manufacture a conferencing apparatus for echo cancelation with beamforming microphone arrays. This method provides a beamforming microphone array for developing a plurality of microphone signals, where each microphone of the beamforming microphone array is configured to sense acoustic waves from a direction vector substantially different from other microphones in the beamforming microphone array. Additionally provided is a memory configured for storing computing instructions. Operably coupled is a processor that executes computing instructions to:perform a beamforming operation to combine the plurality of microphone signals to a plurality of combined signals that includes a number of signals between one and a number of signals in the plurality of microphone signals, each of the plurality of combined signals corresponding to a different fixed beam; andperform an acoustic echo cancelation operation on the plurality of combined signals to generate a plurality of combined echo-canceled signals."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Methods and Apparatuses for Echo Cancellation with Beamforming Microphone Arrays patent introduces a novel approach to eliminate echo in audio conferencing and communication systems. The core innovation lies in using a beamforming microphone array to capture audio signals from multiple directions and then processing these signals to remove echo components. This technology addresses the pervasive problem of echo in teleconferences and meetings, where sound from a loudspeaker is picked up by a microphone and retransmitted, creating a distracting and unprofessional environment. The key technical approach involves a beamforming operation to combine the microphone signals into multiple combined signals, each corresponding to a different fixed beam, followed by an acoustic echo cancellation operation on these combined signals. This results in clear, echo-free audio. The business value lies in improved audio clarity, reduced listener fatigue, and enhanced communication efficiency. The market opportunity is significant, with applications in conferencing systems, voice recognition, virtual assistants, and other audio-related technologies. This technology offers a competitive advantage by providing a more robust and reliable echo cancellation solution compared to traditional methods, leading to increased productivity and user satisfaction.","layman_explanation":"The Methods and Apparatuses for Echo Cancellation with Beamforming Microphone Arrays patent tackles a common and frustrating problem: echo in audio and video conferences. Existing solutions often struggle to eliminate echo effectively, especially in dynamic environments where the acoustics are constantly changing. This can lead to communication breakdowns, reduced productivity, and a generally unpleasant experience.\n\nThis invention works by using a special arrangement of microphones, called a beamforming microphone array. Think of it like having multiple ears that can listen from different directions. These microphones capture sound from various angles, providing a more complete picture of the acoustic environment. The system then uses sophisticated algorithms to analyze these sound signals and identify the echo components. Once the echo is identified, it is removed, leaving only the clear, desired audio.\n\nThis technology matters because it can significantly improve the quality of audio and video conferences, leading to better communication and increased productivity. It also has applications in other areas, such as voice recognition systems and virtual assistants, where clear audio is essential. The market impact is substantial, as businesses increasingly rely on remote communication tools. The competitive advantages include superior echo cancellation performance and adaptability to different acoustic environments. This translates to a higher return on investment for businesses that adopt this technology.\n\nFuture applications of this technology could include integration with artificial intelligence to further enhance echo cancellation performance. The market adoption timeline is expected to be rapid, as businesses seek to improve their communication infrastructure. The investment implications are positive, as this technology offers a compelling value proposition for companies seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality audio.","technical_analysis":"The Methods and Apparatuses for Echo Cancellation with Beamforming Microphone Arrays patent details a system that leverages a beamforming microphone array to achieve superior echo cancellation. The technical architecture consists of several key components: a beamforming microphone array, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, a beamforming processor, and an echo cancellation processor. The beamforming microphone array captures acoustic waves from multiple directions, providing spatial diversity that enhances the system's ability to differentiate between desired signals and unwanted echoes. The A/D converter converts the analog microphone signals into digital signals for processing. The beamforming processor combines the digital signals to create multiple combined signals, each corresponding to a different fixed beam. This allows the system to focus on specific regions of interest and suppress noise and interference. The echo cancellation processor then utilizes adaptive filtering techniques to identify and remove the echo components from the combined signals. Implementation details involve the use of advanced adaptive filtering algorithms, such as normalized least mean squares (NLMS) or recursive least squares (RLS), to estimate the echo path and dynamically adjust to changes in the acoustic environment. Integration patterns include seamless integration with existing conferencing systems and voice communication platforms. Performance characteristics are evaluated based on metrics such as echo return loss enhancement (ERLE), noise reduction, and speech quality. Code-level implications involve the development of efficient algorithms for beamforming and echo cancellation, optimized for real-time processing on embedded systems. This patent represents a significant advancement in acoustic signal processing, offering a robust and reliable solution for echo cancellation in diverse acoustic environments.","business_analysis":"The Methods and Apparatuses for Echo Cancellation with Beamforming Microphone Arrays patent presents a significant market opportunity within the audio conferencing and communication industries. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality audio in remote collaboration, virtual meetings, and voice-enabled devices. The competitive advantages of this technology lie in its superior echo cancellation performance, adaptability to changing acoustic environments, and robust integration with existing systems. This translates to a strong revenue potential through licensing agreements, product integration, and service offerings. Potential business models include licensing the technology to conferencing system manufacturers, integrating the technology into voice recognition and virtual assistant platforms, and offering echo cancellation services to businesses and organizations. The strategic positioning of this technology is focused on providing a premium audio experience, enhancing communication efficiency, and reducing operational costs associated with poor audio quality. ROI projections indicate a significant return on investment, driven by increased productivity, reduced IT support costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction. This patent offers a compelling value proposition for investors and businesses seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality audio in the digital age.","faqs":null,"topics":["echo cancellation","beamforming","microphone array","audio conferencing","acoustic echo cancellation","methods","apparatuses","cancellation"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Echo Cancellation with Beamforming - Patent US-9854101","description":"Discover how this innovative echo cancellation system uses beamforming microphone arrays for crystal-clear audio. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["echo cancellation","beamforming","microphone array","audio conferencing","acoustic echo cancellation","patent","patent US-9854101"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854101","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854101","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Methods and apparatuses for echo cancellation with beamforming microphone arrays\" (US-9854101). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854101","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854101","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854101","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T00:26:32.861Z"}