Patent Application
20180146289
The present invention relates generally to a communication system and more particularly to managing the reception of a plurality of audio signals from different sources.
Communication systems, particularly those used in public safety environments such as fire rescue, law enforcement, and mission-critical environments, often utilize a portable and/or mobile vehicular radio that communicate using multiple audio sources. Depending on the type of communication system, audio sources may originate from different talkgroups, different individuals, and communications on different channels to name a few. Hence, a public safety user working within such a system often listens to multiple audio sources within each of these groups. When the radio unmutes, the user must decide whether to ignore or divert attention to the latest transmission. Either way, the user may momentarily be distracted from the current task at hand which might include driving a vehicle, operating a dispatch center, or other task where maintaining focus is of particular importance. It would be beneficial to manage incoming audio signals to minimize diverting the user's attention away from current tasks.
Accordingly, there is a need for managing incoming audio transmission signals in a communication system.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
Briefly, there is provided herein a communication system and method of managing audio signals within a communication environment. Multiple audio sources are able to play out audio signals at speaker locations and/or perceived locations within the communication environment so as not to divert the user's attention away from tasks at hand. In an embodiment, the communication system provides a mobile two-way radio having a plurality of speakers located within a vehicular environment and a portable two-way radio having a speaker located within the vehicle. A received audio signal comes into the system on at least two independent audio paths, the portable and the mobile. The system further comprises a controller of the mobile radio or the portable radio for identifying a sound source ID (also referred to as audio source ID) for the received audio signal. The sound source ID comprises at least one of: a talkgroup ID, An individual ID, and a channel ID. The received audio signal from the two paths is mixed to play out at a spatially separated unique location within the vehicle from other audio signals based on the sound source ID, each sound source ID having a unique location within the vehicle. Each sound source ID is associated with a sound source location within a grid pattern. The controller identifies each sound source ID and maps, for predetermined speaker location, if applicable, each identified sound source ID to a location in the grid pattern associated with the pre-assigned speaker. The controller further identifies each sound source ID and maps, for non-predetermined speaker locations, each identified sound source ID to a ‘perceived location’ in the grid pattern, the perceived location being between two or more of the plurality of speakers. The received audio signal is mixed and adjusted so as to be perceived to play out at a unique location within the grid. Hence, some incoming received audio is assigned to play out at predetermined speakers and some audio is dynamically adjusted and played out at perceived locations between the plurality of speakers within the grid creating overall spatially allocated separated received audio signals which are easily differentiated by a user or users within a vehicle.
Additionally, predetermined sound source IDs may further have predetermined ranking with respect to each other which establishes volume setting, muting, in addition to location. This further enhances the ability to differentiate audio signals within the grid of the embodiments.
An audio signal is received on two or more independent audio paths within the operating environment 120. In the embodiment, the audio signal is received at the portable radio 102 and at the mobile radio 110. In accordance with the embodiment, a controller, of either the portable radio 102 or mobile radio 110, identifies an audio source ID associated with the audio signal. In accordance with the embodiments, the audio source ID comprises at least one of a talkgroup ID, an individual ID, and a channel ID associated with the audio signal. In accordance with the embodiment, the received audio signal from the two or more independent audio paths (for example associated with portable radio 102 and mobile radio 110) are mixed so that the audio signal is spatially resolved to play out at a single unique perceived location based on the audio source ID. For example, the audio signal is mixed by the two or more speakers based on audio source ID.
Additionally, the operating environment 120 may also handle receiving an additional different audio signal. For example, another portable radio 122 having a speaker 128 used by a passenger, such as another police office or fire rescue personnel may join operating environment 120 forming a larger communication environment 126 within vehicle 106. In this case, the mobile radio 110 having a controller would be able to identify the portable radio 122 via scan known scan methods and identify the portable's the audio source ID. Having the additional different audio signal on an additional audio path results in the different additional audio signal being spatially resolved to play out at another unique perceived location based on its own audio source ID.
Additionally, the embodiments contemplate that the two or more independent audio paths may alternatively comprise an audio path associated with a portable radio having a speaker, and one or more audio paths associated with a dispatch center having a plurality of speakers.
In some embodiments, each sound source ID may further be assigned to a predetermined ranking with respect to each other to establish speaker playout location, volume setting and muting. For example, a higher priority sound source ID may be assigned to a Chief/Commander and played out at a higher volume at a speaker location which is located closer to the user, while a lesser priority sound source ID, associated with a different user, is either lowered in audio, muted entirely, or mixed to its own unique perceived location.
Rather than having the audio coming from all four speakers and even the radio speaker, the embodiments provide for selectively controlling the audio based on the audio source ID. The audio is mixed and played out at one unique location, and further depending on the audio source ID may have predetermined characteristics for location and loudness based on priority.
The audio source of Talkgroup 1 (TG1) may be predetermined, for example, to play out on Channel A traffic, wherein Channel A traffic is a fire rescue traffic channel. Thus, the highest ranked talkgroup is preconfigured to play out at a predetermined speaker which is closest to the user, in this case speaker 112, and which is further played out at maximum volume.
Talkgroup 2 (TG2) can be assigned to Channel B which could be, for example, a second ranked priority channel such as a police traffic channel. The second ranked priority channel traffic may be assigned to play out at speaker 114 of the array which is still in close proximity at the front of the vehicle.
Talkgroup 3 (TG3) may be assigned to channel C which could be, for example, a public works traffic channel. This third ranked priority channel traffic may be assigned to play out at speaker 118 of the array which is behind the user, located as the back left speaker.
Talkgroup 4 (TG4) may be assigned to channel D traffic which could be, for example, a weather channel. Depending on the user, weather broadcast may be channel with the least importance, relative to the first 3 talkgroups, and may be played out at speaker 116 which is furthest away from the user and played with the least amount of volume.
Other audio source Talkgroup IDs that may not have been pre-configured to a particular speaker, but still be received into the system. These non-preconfigured received audio signals can be spatially allocated to originate from a perceived unique location between the speakers 112, 114. 116, 118. For example, an audio signal coming into the environment on two independent audio paths, such as the portable radio 102 and the mobile radio 110 from
In accordance with some embodiments, the mixing of the audio signal from the at least two independent audio paths of, for example a mobile radio and a portable radio, may be achieved by taking each audio signal and adjusting the modulation in each speaker such that the combined sound emanating from each speaker results in each of the audio paths resolving to a unique location in space. The speakers used are selected based on the audio source ID, and even with no predetermined speaker assignment, may be selected from two or more of the plurality of speakers within the communication environment so as to dynamically generate a unique location, relative to other pre-assigned locations. In some embodiments depending on the mounting location, even the speaker of the portable communication device may be used as part of the speaker mixing collaboration. The TG ID grid array 200 and the Individual ID grid array 300 to be described next illustrate how an audio signal coming to two independent audio paths can be resolved to play out at a single unique location (or perceived location) to minimize ambiguity for a user working in a communications environment, such as a vehicle or dispatch center, with many incoming audio signals originating from different audio sources.
An audio source identified with Individual ID 1 (ID1) can be, for example, assigned to a highest ranked individual ID, such as a Fire Rescue Incident Commander, and therefore the speaker 112 of the plurality of audio speakers which is closest to the user 302 (for example when the user 302 is seated as a driver in a car) is selected. Additionally, a predetermined maximum volume may further be set for automatically playing out audio originating from the Incident Commander at maximum volume. Thus, in accordance with the embodiments, the audio signal is positioned to a unique location and volume level set within the vehicle based on the individual ID's ranking.
An audio source identified Individual ID 4 (ID4) may be assigned to an individual working as a second in command. The speaker 114 of the plurality of audio speakers which is the second closest speaker to the driver-user 302 may be selected along with a second predetermined maximum volume setting for playing out audio originating from the second in command.
An audio source identified Individual ID 9 (ID9) may be assigned to an individual working as a firefighter 9. Speaker 118, of the plurality of audio speakers, situated behind the driver-user may be selected along with a different predetermined volume setting for playing out audio originating from firefighter 9.
An audio source identified Individual ID 12 (ID12) may be assigned to an individual working as a firefighter 12, and therefore the speaker 116 of the plurality of audio speakers which is the furthest speaker to the user may be selected along with a lowest predetermined volume setting for playing out audio originating from this firefighter, depending on the firefighter's role.
The above locations can be varied as new individual IDs enter generate audio signals into a user's vehicular environment. In accordance with the embodiments, the system advantageously allows incoming audio signals to be generated or perceive to be generated at single unique locations thereby minimizing distractions for the user-driver. Volume settings can also be varied depending on individual ID involved in an incident. For example there may systems where pre-configuration of volume is better suited to have louder volume generated from the back and of a vehicle and lower volume generated at the front of the vehicle.
Other audio source individual IDs for the remaining firefighters may have been pre-configured to a particular location within the array as shown, but even if not pre-configured, an audio signal originating from one of the audio source individual IDs: ID2, ID 3, ID 7, ID 8, ID 10, or ID 11 can be received and automatically spatially allocated. These non-preconfigured received audio signals can be spatially allocated to originate from a perceived unique location between the speakers 112, 114. 116, 118. For example, an audio signal coming into the environment on two independent audio paths, such as the portable radio 102 and the mobile radio 110 of
In accordance with some embodiments, the ID grid arrays 200 and 300 may be controlled via a controller, such as the mobile radio's controller, such that each sound source ID is associated to a sound source location within a grid pattern. Alternatively, since a communication system may not have predetermined speaker allocation for every incoming audio source ID, the controller can identify each sound source ID and map each identified sound source ID to a location in a grid pattern associated with one of the plurality of speakers. For example, upon receiving an audio signal from an audio source associated with Individual ID 11, the controller verifying that no pre-assignment having been made, may allocate that the audio signal coming in from two independent paths be mixed and played out at a perceived location located between speaker 116 and speaker 118.
Additionally, for some predetermined sound source IDs there can be predetermined rankings with respect to each other which establish volume setting, muting, in addition to location. For example, a higher priority sound source ID may be desirable to have played out at a higher volume at a speaker location which is located closer to a user, while a lesser priority sound source ID is either muted or played out at a speaker location which is located farther from the user.
Method 400 begins at 402 by receiving an audio signal on two or more independent audio paths within an operating environment. For example, the audio signal may be received at the portable radio 102 and the mobile radio 110. Identifying an audio source ID for the received audio signal takes place at 404. In accordance with the embodiments, the audio source ID may be at least one of: talkgroup ID, an individual ID, and/or a channel ID. At 406, a check is made as to whether the audio source ID has been pre-assigned for a speaker allocation.
If the audio source ID has been pre-assigned for a unique speaker allocation at 406, then mixing of the audio signal from the two or more independent audio paths is performed (portable and mobile) at 408 to spatially resolve playing out the audio signal at 410 at the single unique speaker location based on the pre-assigned speaker location associated with the audio source ID. An additional audio signal, if any can be received at 416. Method 400 then returns to 404 to repeat the steps of identifying through playing as appropriate.
If the audio source ID has not been pre-assigned for a unique speaker allocation at 406, then mixing of the audio signal from the two or more independent audio paths (portable and mobile) is spatially resolved to originate at a single unique perceived location at 412. The single unique perceived location is between speakers. Audio is played out from the unique perceived location at 414. An additional audio signal, if any can be received at 416. Method 400 then returns to 404 to repeat the steps of identifying through playing as appropriate.
In accordance with a further embodiment, if an additional audio signal is received at 416 with no pre-assigned speaker associated with its identified individual ID, talkgroup ID or channel ID at 406, then the controller spatially allocates the additional audio signal to play out from a perceived unique location amongst the plurality of speakers within the communication system.
In accordance with a further embodiment, if two different audio signal are received within the communication system, for example in a situation where the communication system comprises portable radio 102, mobile radio 110, and portable radio 122 in
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.
The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and/or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used.
Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.
