Utah Patent of the Month – January 2025
In the realm of audio and signal processing, innovation often hinges on the ability to isolate and enhance desired signals while minimizing interference. ClearOne’s groundbreaking invention, a wideband array utilizing advanced beamforming with interference cancellation, represents a significant leap forward in this domain. This technology is designed to operate across multiple independent frequencies and spatial locations, offering unparalleled precision and flexibility in signal processing.
At its core, the invention leverages a multi-subarray architecture, where each subarray is tailored to a specific frequency band. By adhering to spatial Nyquist sampling distances, each subarray ensures optimal signal capture without aliasing. The first subarray, for instance, is configured to sense acoustic signals within a defined frequency band [f1, f2], while subsequent subarrays handle adjacent bands, such as [f2, f3] and beyond, up to [fN, fedge]. Each subarray is equipped with a dedicated bandpass filter and beamformer, enabling independent processing of signals within its respective frequency range.
The beamformers are the heart of this invention, capable of generating steerable main lobes and null regions at precise spatial locations. This allows the system to focus on desired signals while actively canceling out interference from unwanted directions. For example, the first beamformer processes signals from the first subarray, creating a steerable main lobe and null regions within the [f1, f2] band. This process is replicated across all subarrays, with each beamformer operating independently to optimize signal clarity within its frequency range.
What sets this invention apart is its ability to combine the outputs of all subarrays into a single, coherent wideband spectrum. By summing the processed signals from each beamformer, the system produces a full-spectrum output that maintains high fidelity across all frequencies. This approach not only enhances signal quality but also provides robust interference cancellation, making it ideal for applications in telecommunications, conferencing systems, and acoustic monitoring.
The invention’s versatility extends to its implementation. Whether through time-domain or frequency-domain processing, the system can be adapted to various signal types, including acoustic, radio, and electromagnetic waves. Its modular design allows for scalability, enabling the integration of additional subarrays to cover broader frequency ranges or more complex spatial configurations.
ClearOne’s invention represents a paradigm shift in wideband beamforming, offering a powerful tool for industries that demand precise signal control and interference mitigation. By combining advanced sensor arrays, adaptive beamforming, and seamless signal integration, this technology paves the way for clearer communication, enhanced audio experiences, and more accurate signal detection in noisy environments.
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