Patent ID: 6748086
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: H04M,H04R

Abstract:
A cabin communication system for improving clarity of a voice spoken within an interior cabin, said cabin communication system comprising:a microphone array, said microphone array including a first microphone, positioned at a first location within the cabin, for receiving the spoken voice primarily in a first direction and for converting the spoken voice into a first audio signal, and a second microphone, positioned at a second location within the cabin, for receiving the spoken voice primarily in the first direction and for converting the spoken voice into a second audio signal; a sound source that inputs sound into the cabin such that the input sound approaches said microphone array primarily in a second direction different from the first direction; a processor for combining said first and second audio signals to provide a resultant audio signal, wherein the combining of said first and second audio signals defines a beampattern of said microphone array that includes a plurality of lobes and a plurality of nulls such that the spoken voice is primarily received by said microphone array along the first direction at a first one of said plurality of lobes and such that the input sound is primarily received by said microphone array along the second direction at a first one of said plurality of nulls, whereby any component in said resultant audio signal indicative of the input sound is substantially minimal; and a loudspeaker for converting said resultant audio signal into an output reproduced voice within the cabin.