ORDERING AN AVATAR IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

A noise filtering method is implemented by a terminal equipped with a microphone and with an audio output, the terminal connected to a communication network and used by a user equipped with a headset connected to the terminal. The method includes picking up, using the microphone, a first noise coming from a source, generating or not generating a second noise resulting from application of a filter to the first noise, rendering or not rendering the second noise to the user via the audio output and via the headset, and sending information relating to the first noise to at least another terminal connected to the network, this information used by at least the other terminal to filter the first noise.

Claims

1. A noise filtering method implemented by a first terminal equipped with a microphone and with an audio output, said first terminal being connected to a communication network and used by a user equipped with a headset connected to said first terminal, said method comprising: picking up a first noise coming from a source using said microphone, selectively generating a second noise resulting from application of a filter to the first noise, selectively rendering the second noise to the user via the audio output and via said headset, and sending information relating to the first noise to at least one second terminal connected to the network, this information being able to be used by at least the second terminal to filter the first noise.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first terminal picking up the first noise is preceded by a step of receiving information relating to the first noise from a third terminal connected to the communication network, the received information being used by the first terminal to filter the first noise.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second noise is generated in part on the basis of at least one filtering parameter specific to the first terminal.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the selective generation of the second noise is followed by an evaluation of the filtering, this evaluation being used to improve said selective generation of the second noise.

5. The method of claim 1, further including sharing, with at least said second and/or a third terminal, information relating to at least the first noise, said sharing being asynchronous with said picking up of the first noise.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein generation of a new noise and/or evaluation and/or parameterization of the filtering are carried out by a server, and wherein the generation of a new noise, the evaluation and the parameterization of the filtering are carried out on the basis of information relating to noise sent by terminals connected to the network.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the information relating to the first noise comprises any of the following data: an audio signature of the first noise, data quantifying the first noise, contextual data relating to a source of the first noise and/or the periodicity of emission of the first noise, identification data of the at least first terminal that picked up the first noise, a spatiotemporal position of the at least first terminal that picked up the first noise, data relating to the selective generation of the second noise by at least the first terminal, evaluation data relating to the selective generation of the second noise by at least the first terminal, and data relating to at least the user of said first terminal.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said sending of information relating to said first noise to said at least second terminal is implemented only if said second terminal picks up said first noise.

9. A terminal equipped with a microphone and with an audio output, said terminal being connected to a communication network and used by a user equipped with a headset connected to said terminal, said terminal configured to: pick up, using said microphone, a first noise coming from a source, selectively generate a second noise resulting from application of a filter to the first noise, selectively render the second noise to the user via the audio output and via said headset, and send information relating to the first noise to at least one other terminal connected to the network, this information being able to be used by at least the other terminal to filter the first noise.

10. A non-transitory, computer readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to implement the method of claim 1.

11. A computer comprising a processor and a memory, the memory having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the computer to implement the method of claim 1

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] Other features and advantages will become apparent on reading particular embodiments of the disclosed technology, which are given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0083] FIG. 1 shows one example of an architecture in which the noise filtering method is implemented.

[0084] FIG. 2 illustrates the steps of the method according to one embodiment.

[0085] FIG. 3 illustrates the steps of the method according to another embodiment.

[0086] FIG. 4 illustrates the steps of the method according to another embodiment.

[0087] FIG. 5 illustrates the steps of the method according to another embodiment.

[0088] FIG. 6 shows one example of a noise filtering terminal, in one embodiment of the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Description of One Example of an Architecture in which the Noise Filtering Method is Implemented

[0089] A description is given, with reference to FIG. 1, of one example of an architecture in which the noise filtering method is implemented. This architecture comprises: [0090] a source S (for example an alarm or a cash register) emitting a noise B.sub.1, [0091] a terminal T.sub.1 placed at a distance d.sub.1 from the source S, [0092] a terminal T.sub.2 placed at a distance d.sub.2 from the source S, [0093] a user U.sub.1 using the terminal T.sub.1, [0094] a communication network R.

[0095] The terminal T.sub.1 is a communicating terminal, such as for example a smartphone or tablet, and is equipped with: [0096] a microphone M.sub.1, [0097] an audio output SA.sub.1, [0098] a computing unit UC.sub.1, [0099] a communication module MC.sub.1 enabling it to connect to the network R.

[0100] The user U.sub.1 is equipped with an audio headset C.sub.1 connected to the audio output SA.sub.1 of the terminal T.sub.1. Here, the term audio headset covers (open-back or closed-back) headband headphones, earpieces, in-ear headphones or any other listening device known to those skilled in the art.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the terminal T.sub.1 is connected, via its audio output, to a non-personal listening device, such as a speaker or a sound panel.

[0102] According to some embodiments, the terminal T.sub.1 and the audio headset C.sub.1 are joined together and constitute a single terminal T.sub.1, for example a connected headset or an augmented reality headset.

[0103] The terminal T.sub.2 is connected to the network R and is placed at a distance d.sub.2 from the source S.

[0104] According to the embodiments, the terminal T.sub.2 is a communicating terminal similar to the terminal T.sub.1 or any other communicating terminal, for example a server or a portable computer.

[0105] The communication network R to which the terminals T.sub.1 and T.sub.2 are connected constitutes a collaborative noise filtering network.

[0106] According to the embodiments, the network R takes the form of a peer-to-peer network in which each terminal alternately takes on a role of client and a role of server.

[0107] According to other embodiments, the network R takes the form of a centralized or semi-centralized network with specialized terminals specifically having a role of server, and others only a role of client.

[0108] The techniques used for pairing between terminals or for registering with one or more dedicated servers (not shown) of this network vary according to the embodiments. Such techniques are implemented for example following registration of the terminal within the network R or automatically on the basis of the geographical proximity between terminals or when a terminal enters a given geographical region.

[0109] According to the embodiments, the terminals associated with the communication network R, in particular the first and second terminals T.sub.1, T.sub.2, may exchange information such as: [0110] (user and/or terminal) identity data, [0111] geolocation data, [0112] technical data specific to the terminal, [0113] any other data processed by one of the communicating terminals associated with said communication network R, [0114] etc.

[0115] These data may be exchanged using various techniques, such as, for example, as soon as a new terminal connects to the communication network R or at regular time intervals.

Description of the Main Actions Implemented in the Noise Filtering Method

[0116] FIG. 2 shows the steps implemented by the noise filtering method in one particular embodiment of the disclosed technology, the method being implemented in an architecture similar to that described in FIG. 1.

[0117] In E201, the terminal T.sub.1 picks up, via its microphone M.sub.1, a first noise B.sub.1 emitted by the source S. This noise is picked up after the sound wave of said noise has traveled the distance d.sub.1 between the source S and the terminal T.sub.1, that is to say

[00001]$\frac{d_1}{\mathrm{speed}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{sound}}$

second(s).

[0118] In E202, the terminal T.sub.1 generates, or does not generate, a second noise BF.sub.1 resulting from application of a filter to the noise B.sub.1.

[0119] The generation of this second noise forms part of the implementation of active noise control (ANC) techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0120] Whether or not this second noise is generated depends on at least one characteristic of the noise and on at least one filtering parameter specific to the first terminal.

[0121] According to the conceivable embodiments, the characteristics of the noise are: [0122] one or more objective characteristics of the first noise (intensity, wavelength, audio signature, etc.) and/or [0123] one or more contextual characteristics (time of emission, nature of the emission source, significance/meaning, etc.) and/or [0124] one or more subjective characteristics indicated on the terminal in relation to this noise or type of noise (subjective degree of nuisance, particular significance for the user, etc.), [0125] etc.

[0126] According to one particular embodiment, these characteristics may be collected on the basis of data that are already recorded in the first terminal or data received by third-party terminals. This embodiment is illustrated in particular in FIG. 3.

[0127] According to the conceivable embodiments, the filtering parameters specific to the first terminal may correspond to: [0128] filtering noise greater than a certain number of decibels, [0129] filtering noise that has not been pre-identified, [0130] filtering ringing noise of all telephones other than that of the user, [0131] filtering all noise indicated as being a nuisance by the user, [0132] etc.

[0133] The filtering parameters specific to the terminal are kept as configuration data. According to the conceivable embodiments, these configuration data in relation to the filtering parameters are stored in the first terminal or in a server (not shown) connected to the communication network R.

[0134] If the first noise is identified as useful, that is to say it is associated with a zero degree of nuisance and the audio headset does not mask the first noise (for example in the case of open-back headphones or a sound barrier), no second noise is generated. Conversely, if the first noise is identified as useful and the audio headset blocks external noise (for example in the case of closed-back headphones or earplugs), then the second noise corresponds to an unfiltered retransmission of the first noise.

[0135] According to the conceivable embodiments, the generation of the second noise BF.sub.1 varies depending on the one or more filtering parameters configured in the first terminal and depending on the ability of the audio equipment to passively mask the first noise B.sub.1. Based on these elements, the second noise BF.sub.1 may cancel out the first noise B.sub.1, fade it by reducing its intensity, or substitute it for another noise/sound.

[0136] According to the conceivable embodiments, the generation or non-generation of a second noise is carried out directly by the computing unit UC.sub.1 of the first terminal or within a server (not shown) connected to the communication network R.

[0137] In E203, the terminal T.sub.1 renders the noise B.sub.1 or BF.sub.1 to the user via the audio output SA.sub.1 and via the audio headset C.sub.1.

[0138] In accordance with the principles of active noise control, the rendering of the second noise BF.sub.1 is contiguous with the pick-up of the first noise B.sub.1 by the microphone M.sub.1, such that the superposition or substitution of the two sounds is substantially imperceptible to the user U.sub.1.

[0139] If the generation or non-generation of a second noise has resulted in no second noise being generated, then this step is not implemented.

[0140] In E204, the terminal T.sub.1 sends, to the terminal T.sub.2, information I.sub.T1 (B.sub.1) relating to the first noise B.sub.1, so that this information is used by said terminal T.sub.2 to be able to filter the noise B.sub.1 as best possible.

[0141] According to the conceivable embodiments, the information relating to the noise B.sub.1 may cover various types of data, such as for example: [0142] the audio signature of the first noise B.sub.1, [0143] the audio signature of the second noise BF.sub.1, [0144] data quantifying the first noise B.sub.1, such as sound frequency, duration, intensity or any other sound quantifications known to those skilled in the art, [0145] contextual data relating to the source S and the periodicity of its emission, for example whether it is a connected terminal, a bell, an ambulance siren, these data, where applicable, possibly including identity, geographical position, network address (in the case of communicating equipments) or any other information relating to the source of the noise, [0146] data relating to the identity and/or nature of the terminal that picked up the first noise B.sub.1, [0147] the spatiotemporal position of the first terminal when sending E204 the information relating to the noise B.sub.1 that the first terminal picked up in E201, [0148] where applicable, data as implemented by the terminal T.sub.1 that generated the noise BF.sub.1, relating to: [0149] the configuration of the noise filtering parameters (for example the degree of nuisance of the noise B.sub.1 from the point of view of the user U.sub.1 of said terminal T.sub.1, the significance of the noise B.sub.1 from the point of view of the user (for example the ringing of their telephone, the beeps of their cash register, etc.)), [0150] filtering of a noise B.sub.1, [0151] evaluation of filtering of a noise B.sub.1, [0152] data relating to the user U.sub.1 of the terminal T.sub.1 that picked up and filtered the noise B.sub.1, this including for example the significance of the noise B.sub.1 from the point of view of this user, [0153] etc.

[0154] If the terminal T.sub.1 is closer to the source S of the noise B.sub.1 than the terminal T.sub.2, such that d.sub.1<d.sub.2, and the information relating to the noise B.sub.1 is transmitted to the terminal T.sub.2 before the noise B.sub.1 is picked up by the terminal T.sub.2, then this information is used directly by the terminal T.sub.2 to improve the filtering of the noise B.sub.1 in advance of this noise being picked up by the terminal T.sub.2. By way of example, the terminal T.sub.2, knowing the sound signature of an upcoming nuisance noise, may generate a filtered noise BF.sub.1 before said noise is picked up by said terminal T.sub.2.

[0155] Otherwise, this information is used indirectly by the terminal T.sub.2 to improve the noise filtering, for example in the case of iterations of the noise B.sub.1 or by contributing to establishing a detailed map of the noise sources around the terminal T.sub.2.

[0156] According to the conceivable embodiments, the terminal T.sub.1 may send information relating to the noise B.sub.1 to other terminals connected to the communication network R.

[0157] According to the conceivable embodiments, the information relating to the first noise B.sub.1 is sent by the terminal T.sub.1 to at least the terminal T.sub.2, only if the terminal T.sub.2 is able to pick up the noise B.sub.1. Thus, for example, if the terminal T.sub.1 identifies that the terminal T.sub.2 is too far away for the noise B.sub.1 to be able to be picked up by the latter terminal or by its user, the terminal T.sub.1 does not send the information relating to the noise B.sub.1 to the terminal T.sub.2. Otherwise, the terminal T.sub.1 sends this information to the terminal T.sub.2.

Description of the Steps of the Noise Filtering Method According to Another Embodiment

[0158] FIG. 3 shows the steps implemented by the noise filtering method according to another embodiment.

[0159] The method takes place in an architecture similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1. Such an architecture additionally comprises a communicating terminal T.sub.0 placed at a distance do from the source S.

[0160] The terminal T.sub.0 is also connected to the communication network R.

[0161] According to the conceivable embodiments, the terminal T.sub.0 is a communicating terminal similar to the terminal T.sub.1 or any other communicating terminal, for example a connected microphone or a server.

[0162] In E300, the terminal T.sub.1 receives information I.sub.T0 (B.sub.1) relating to the first noise B.sub.1 from the terminal T.sub.0, where the terminal T.sub.0 is positioned so as to pick up the noise B.sub.1 before the terminal T.sub.1.

[0163] According to other embodiments, the terminal T.sub.0 does not pick up the first noise B.sub.1, but receives information relating to this noise from another terminal, not shown in FIG. 3, and sends this information to the terminal T.sub.1 before the latter terminal picks up the noise B.sub.1.

[0164] According to other embodiments, the terminal T.sub.0 may be a server connected to a database such as a register of information relating to a noise or to a multitude of different noises, the server being configured to send all or some of this information to the terminal T.sub.1.

[0165] According to other embodiments, the terminal T.sub.0 may be coordinated with the source of the noise, for example by being physically associated with the source or by controlling it, and send, to the terminal T.sub.1, information relating to the noise in advance of the noise B.sub.1 being emitted.

[0166] The information relating to the noise B.sub.1 may cover various types of data, and is similar to the description given thereof in FIG. 2. In this regard, it will not be described again.

[0167] Step E301 is similar to step E201 and will not be described again.

[0168] In E302, similarly to step E202 described in FIG. 2, the terminal T.sub.1 generates, or does not generate, a second noise BF.sub.1 resulting from application of a filter to the noise B.sub.1. However, the information, received from the third terminal T.sub.0, relating to the noise B.sub.1 is also used to improve the filtering and the relevance of the filtering of the noise BF.sub.1 that is generated or not generated. [0169] Example 1: The terminal T.sub.1 receives, from a communicating cash register, information relating to the noise emitted when an item is scanned, along with information relating to the identity of the user of the cash register. In this way, if the identity of the user of the terminal T.sub.1 corresponds to that of the user of the cash register, the noise emitted thereby is filtered in a certain way (for example by attenuation or by substitution), whereas, if the identity of the user of the terminal T.sub.1 does not correspond to that of the user of the cash register, the terminal T.sub.1 filters the noise in another way (by attenuating it or by masking it/canceling it out completely). [0170] Example 2: An ambulance driver U.sub.1, equipped with a terminal T.sub.1, is driving their emergency vehicle when they receive, from the on-board computer T.sub.0, information corresponding to the audio signature of a siren B.sub.1 of the ambulance, along with the GPS (Global Positioning System) position of said ambulance. In the step of generating the noise BF.sub.1, the terminal T.sub.1 compares its geolocation data with those of the source S and establishes that the user U.sub.1 and the source are moving with one and the same vector and that the user U.sub.1 is on board the ambulance. As a result, the terminal T.sub.1, in E302, generates a noise BF.sub.1 that masks the noise of the siren. Conversely, if the user U.sub.1 does not have geolocation data that are similar over time to those of the source S, for example if this user is walking on a sidewalk near the ambulance, then the terminal T.sub.1, in E302, generates a noise BF.sub.1 that attenuates the noise B.sub.1 of the siren so that the user U.sub.1 is able nevertheless to be alerted about the proximity of an emergency vehicle, such as the ambulance in this example. [0171] Example 3: Information relating to a noise identified as being periodic, such as the noise of a bell for example, enables the terminal T.sub.1 to anticipate the emission of the noise by the source S, which terminal is activated only during the noise emission phases and goes into standby outside of these.

[0172] Step E303 is similar to step E203 and will not be described again.

[0173] In E304, similarly to step E204 of FIG. 2, the first terminal T.sub.1 sends, to the terminal T.sub.2, information I.sub.T1 (B.sub.1) relating to the first noise B.sub.1, so that this information is used by the terminal T.sub.2 to be able to filter the noise B.sub.1 as best possible.

[0174] According to other conceivable embodiments, the first terminal T.sub.1 additionally sends, to the terminal T.sub.2: [0175] the information I.sub.T0(B.sub.1) received from the third terminal T.sub.0, [0176] and, where applicable, information relating to the first noise, received from any other terminal connected to the communication network R.

Description of the Steps of the Noise Filtering Method According to Another Embodiment

[0177] FIG. 4 shows the steps implemented by the noise filtering method according to another embodiment, the method taking place in an architecture similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0178] Steps E401, E402, E403 and E404 are similar to steps E201, E202, E203 and E204 of FIG. 2, respectively. In this regard, they will not be described again.

[0179] In E405, the terminal T.sub.1 evaluates the generation or non-generation of a second noise BF.sub.1 resulting from application of a filter to the first noise B.sub.1, in order to improve the next generations of second noises BF.sub.1, along with the configuration of the parameters for generating second noises.

[0180] According to the conceivable embodiments, the evaluation of the filtering consists in directly interrogating the user U.sub.1 via a form/request to evaluate the filtering of the noise B.sub.1. This form may be filled in on the terminal T.sub.1 if this is equipped with a dedicated user interface (touch screen, keyboard and screen, voice control, etc.) or from any other communicating terminal.

[0181] According to other conceivable embodiments, the evaluation of the filtering is automated and is based on analysis of behavioral data of the user captured elsewhere, for example via biometric data or data regarding the movement of the user's head. These data are captured by the first terminal T.sub.1 or by a dedicated terminal known to those skilled in the art.

[0182] According to other conceivable embodiments, the evaluation of the filtering is automated and is based on analysis of the signal representative of the second noise BF.sub.1 and on detection, in this signal, of parasitic signals indicating inadequate processing or based on any other processing of the signal implemented in the means for reinforcing active noise control techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0183] According to the conceivable embodiments, the evaluation of the filtering may consist in automatically modifying certain configuration parameters relating to the selection of one or more filters and to the generation of the filtered noise.

[0184] According to the conceivable embodiments, the evaluation of the filtering implements various types of machine learning: incremental learning, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning or any other form of learning known to those skilled in the art.

[0185] According to the conceivable embodiments, the filtering is evaluated after each implementation of the noise filtering method or periodically, for example every week, every month or after a predefined number of implementations of the noise filtering method.

Description of the Steps of the Noise Filtering Method According to Another Embodiment

[0186] FIG. 5 shows the steps implemented by the noise filtering method according to another embodiment, the method taking place in an architecture similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 or implemented in FIG. 3.

[0187] Steps E501, E502, E503 and E504 are similar to steps E201, E202, E203 and E204 of FIG. 2, respectively. In this regard, they will not be described again.

[0188] In E506, the terminal T.sub.1 exchanges, that is to say sends and/or receives, information I(B.sub.1,B.sub.n) with the other terminals connected to the communication network R.

[0189] This information is of the same nature as the information relating to the noise B.sub.1 described in the description of FIG. 2, and integrates at least the information I(B.sub.1) relating to the noise B.sub.1.

[0190] According to other conceivable embodiments, the information I(B.sub.1,B.sub.n) encompasses all of the generated and/or received information relating to noise known to the terminal T.sub.1.

[0191] According to the conceivable embodiments, the information that is exchanged also includes data relating to the terminal sending these data, for example: [0192] the one or more identifiers of the terminal, in particular a serial number or a name known on the network, [0193] the nature of the terminal (smartphone, tablet, communicating microphone, computer, vehicle, etc.), technical data specific to its said nature (the list of noises it is able to generate, the sensitivity of its microphone, etc.), [0194] its geographical position, where applicable its speed or its altitude, [0195] its battery level, [0196] all configuration parameters relating to the generation of filtered noise, [0197] etc.

[0198] According to the conceivable embodiments, the information that is exchanged also includes data relating to the user of the terminal, for example: [0199] the identity data of the user, [0200] the role or the function of the user in a given organization, [0201] all personal filter selection and filtered noise generation configuration parameters, [0202] etc.

[0203] According to the conceivable embodiments, this step of exchanging information takes place when a terminal connects to the network R, at regular intervals or when terminals are placed close to one another or within a specific geographical region.

Description of the Noise Filtering Terminal, in One Embodiment

[0204] FIG. 6 shows the simplified structure of a noise filtering terminal TFB according to one particular embodiment of the disclosed technology implemented in an architecture as illustrated in FIG. 1. According to the disclosed technology, the abovementioned terminals T.sub.0, T.sub.1 and T.sub.2 correspond to the noise filtering terminal TFB.

[0205] Such a terminal comprises, according to the disclosed technology, a microphone M.sub.1 and an audio output SA.sub.1, a communication module MC for connecting to a communication network R and is used by a user equipped with a headset connected to said terminal TFB.

[0206] According to one particular embodiment of the disclosed technology, the actions carried out by the terminal TFB, in the context of implementing the noise filtering method of the disclosed technology, are implemented by instructions of a computer program PG. For this purpose, the terminal TFB has the conventional architecture of a computer and comprises in particular a memory MEM, a processing unit UTR, equipped for example with a processor PROC, and controlled by the computer program PG stored in memory MEM.

[0207] The computer program PG comprises instructions for implementing the steps of the noise filtering method, in particular the abovementioned actions: [0208] picking up a first noise B.sub.1 coming from a source S using said microphone M.sub.1, [0209] generating or not generating a second noise BF.sub.1 resulting from application of a filter to the first noise B.sub.1, [0210] rendering or not rendering the second noise BF.sub.1 to the user via the audio output SA.sub.1 and via said headset, [0211] sending information relating to the first noise B.sub.1 to at least one other terminal connected to the network R, in which this information is used by at least this other terminal to filter the first noise B.sub.1.

[0212] According to other embodiments, based on what is known as a cloud computing architecture, the processor PROC and the memory MEM may be associated with another terminal, different from the noise filtering terminal.