Abstract:
Apparatus having corresponding methods and computer-readable media comprises: a speaker configured to provide a masking sound to an individual; a biometric sensor configured to collect biometric data from the individual; and a controller configured to modify the masking sound based on the biometric data.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to the field of audio processing. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to sound masking. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This background section is provided for the purpose of generally describing the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor(s), to the extent the work is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. 
         [0003]    As real estate utilization increases and offices become more densely packed, speech noise is becoming an increasingly challenging problem. Overheard intelligible speech decreases productivity, speech privacy, and comfort. 
         [0004]    Sound masking—the introduction of constant background noise in order to reduce speech intelligibility, increase speech privacy, and increase acoustical comfort—is increasingly being incorporated into offices as a solution. Sound masking generally relies on broadband sound such as filtered pink noise played by speakers that may be located for example in the ceiling plenum. 
         [0005]    One problem that still remains in designing an optimal sound masking system relates to setting the proper masking levels. Sound masking levels are generally set during installation and can be adjusted at a later time. Typically, the levels are set equally on all speakers, and are adjusted one time to obtain a uniform level of masking at head level. The problem with this approach is that office noise fluctuates over time and by location, and different masking levels are required for different areas. An acoustical consultant installing a sound masking system outside of normal working hours is unlikely to properly address this problem and the masking levels will therefore be sub-optimal. 
         [0006]    Existing solutions include fairly simple masking systems that simply play a set level of masking sound, use a timer to change the levels in a predictive fashion, or use microphones in the ceiling to adapt the masking sound based on ambient noise levels. But these system fail to adapt the masking sounds to the changing needs of the users. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features an apparatus comprising: a speaker configured to provide a masking sound to an individual; a biometric sensor configured to collect biometric data from the individual; and a controller configured to modify the masking sound based on the biometric data. 
         [0008]    Embodiments of the apparatus may include one or more of the following features. 
         [0009]    Some embodiments comprise a headset, wherein the headset comprises the speaker. Some embodiments comprise a headset, wherein the headset comprises the biometric sensor. Some embodiments comprise a headset, wherein the headset comprises the controller. In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to modify the masking sound based on a difference between the biometric data and reference data. In some embodiments, the individual is a first individual; the biometric sensor is a first biometric sensor; the biometric data is first biometric data; the speaker is further configured to provide the masking sound to a second individual; the apparatus further comprises a second biometric sensor configured to collect second biometric data from the second individual; and the controller is further configured to modify the masking sound based on the first biometric data and the second biometric data. In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to modify the masking sound based on the first biometric data, the second biometric data, and reference data. 
         [0010]    In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features a method comprising: providing a masking sound to an individual; collecting biometric data from the individual; and modifying the masking sound based on the biometric data. 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the method may include one or more of the following features. Some embodiments comprise providing the masking sound to the individual through a headset. Some embodiments comprise collecting the biometric data from the individual through a headset. Some embodiments comprise modifying the masking sound, based on the biometric data, within a headset. Some embodiments comprise modifying the masking sound based on a difference between the biometric data and reference data. In some embodiments, the individual is a first individual; the biometric data is first biometric data; and the method further comprises providing the masking sound to a second individual; collecting second biometric data from the second individual; and modifying the masking sound based on the first biometric data and the second biometric data. Some embodiments comprise modifying the masking sound based on the first biometric data, the second biometric data, and reference data. 
         [0012]    In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features computer-readable media embodying instructions executable by a computer to perform functions comprising: providing a masking sound to a speaker, wherein the speaker is configured to provide the masking sound to an individual; receiving biometric data collected from the individual; and modifying the masking sound based on the biometric data. 
         [0013]    Embodiments of the computer-readable media may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise modifying the masking sound based on a difference between the biometric data and reference data. In some embodiments, the individual is a first individual; the biometric data is first biometric data; the speaker is further configured to provide the masking sound to a second individual; and the functions further comprise receiving second biometric data collected from the second individual, and modifying the masking sound based on the first biometric data and the second biometric data. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise: modifying the masking sound based on the first biometric data, the second biometric data, and reference data. 
         [0014]    The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  shows elements of a sound masking system according to one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  shows elements of a bracelet according to one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  shows a process for the sound masking system of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  shows elements of a sound masking system according to an embodiment that employs a headset. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  shows elements of a headset according to one embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  shows a process for the sound masking system of  FIG. 5  according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0021]    The leading digit(s) of each reference numeral used in this specification indicates the number of the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Embodiments of the present disclosure provide biometrics-based dynamic sound masking.  FIG. 1  shows elements of a sound masking system  100  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiment elements of the sound masking system  100  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the sound masking system  100  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the sound masking system  100  may serve one individual or a group of individuals. The sound masking system  100  may include one or more wearable electronic devices  102 A,B for each individual, a speaker  106  and a controller  104 . The speaker  106  may provide masking sounds  108  under the control of the controller  104 . 
         [0024]    In the described embodiment the wearable electronic devices  102  are implemented as bracelets. However in other embodiments the wearable electronic devices  102  may be implemented in other forms, for example such as smart watches, headsets, pendants, brooches, garments, or the like. The bracelets  102  may include biometric sensors configured to collect biometric data from the individual(s). 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, biometrics are collected by wearable devices. In some embodiments, some or all of the biometrics may be collected by other body-borne devices. These body-borne devices may include ingestibles, injectables, insertables, and the like, in some embodiments, some or all of the biometrics may be collected by non-body-borne devices. These non-body-borne devices may include computers, microphones, cameras, furniture, keyboards, computer mice, and the like. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  shows elements of a bracelet  200  according to one embodiment. The bracelet  200  may be used as the bracelets  102 A,B of  FIG. 1 . Although in the described embodiment elements of the bracelet  200  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the bracelet  200  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the bracelet  200  may include one or more of a biometric sensor  202 , a transceiver  212 , a controller  208 , a memory  210 , one or more user-operable controls  220 , and a power supply  226 . The bracelet  200  may include other elements as well. The elements of the bracelet  200  may receive power from the power supply  226  over one or more power rails  230 . Various elements of the bracelet  200  may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits. 
         [0028]    The controller  208  may execute applications stored in the memory  210 . The controller  208  may include digital signal processors, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and the like. The controller  208  may communicate with other elements of the bracelet  200  over one or more communication busses  228 . The transceiver  212  may employ any communication protocol, including wired and wireless communication protocols. The wireless protocols may include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), cellular, near-field communications (NFC), and the like. The transceiver  212  may employ multiple communication protocols. The user-operable controls  220  may include buttons, slide switches, capacitive sensors, touch screens, and the like. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  shows a process  300  for the sound masking system  100  of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments the elements of process  300  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the elements of process  300  can be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also some elements of process  300  may not be performed, and may not be executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of the elements of process  300  can be performed automatically, that is, without human intervention. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , at  302 , the speaker  106  may provide the masking sound  108  to one or more individuals. The masking sound  108  may include any masking sound. For example, the masking sound  108  may include pink noise, brown noise, filtered noise, nature sounds, music, and the like. 
         [0031]    At  304 , the biometric sensors  202  may collect biometric data from the individual(s). The biometric sensors  202  may collect any biometric data. For example, the biometric data may include direct biometrics, indirect biometrics, and the like. Direct biometrics may include measures such as heart rate, respiratory rate, brain activity, galvanic skin response, facial expressions, voice analysis (tonal, speech analytics, double talk), and the like. Indirect biometrics may include measures such as typing rate, keyboard pressure (tactile input), and the like. 
         [0032]    At  306 , the bracelet  200  may transmit the biometric data to the controller  104 . That is, the transceiver  212  may transmit a signal representing the biometric data. At  308 , the controller  104  may receive the biometric data. 
         [0033]    At  310 , the controller  104  may modify the masking sound  108  based on the biometric data. For example, the controller  104  may modify one or more aspects of the masking sound  108 . The aspects may include frequencies, temporal aspects, amplitudes, spectral envelopes, and the like. Modification of the masking sound may also include addition or removal of components of the masking sound  108 . 
         [0034]    In embodiments involving more than one individual, the controller  104  may modify the masking sound  108  in a number of ways. The controller  104  may modify the masking sound  108  based on a combination of the biometric data collected from the individuals. For example, the combination may be an average of the biometric data across the individuals, a weighted average, or the like. The controller  104  may modify different components of the masking sound  108  for different individuals. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, the controller  104  may modify the masking sound  108  based on a difference between the biometric data and reference data so as to implement a closed-loop process. For example, the controller may modify the masking sound based on the difference between an individual&#39;s current heart rate and an ideal heart rate so as to minimize the difference over time. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the controller  208  in the bracelet  200  may perform some or all of the functions described as performed by the controller  104 . In some embodiments, some or all of the functions may be performed by another controller, which may be located remotely. 
         [0037]    At  302 , the process  300  may resume. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  shows elements of a sound masking system  400  according to an embodiment that employs a headset. Although in the described embodiment elements of the sound masking system  400  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the sound masking system  400  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the sound masking system  400  may include a headset  402 . The headset  402  is configured to provide masking sounds  408 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  shows elements of a headset  500  according to one embodiment. The headset  500  may be used as the headset  402  of  FIG. 4 . Although in the described embodiment elements of the headset  500  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the headset  500  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the headset  500  may include one or more of a biometric sensor  502 , a transceiver  512 , a controller  508 , a memory  510 , a microphone  514 , a speaker  516 , one or more user-operable controls  520 , and a power supply  526 . The headset  500  may include other elements as well. The elements of headset  500  may receive power from the power supply  526  over one or more power rails  530 . Various elements of the headset  500  may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits. 
         [0042]    The controller  508  may execute applications stored in the memory  510 . The controller  508  may include digital signal processors, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and the like. The controller  508  may communicate with other elements of the headset  500  over one or more communication busses  528 . The transceiver  512  may employ any communication protocol, including wired and wireless communication protocols. The wireless protocols may include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), cellular, near-field communications (NFC), and the like. The transceiver  512  may employ multiple communication protocols. The user-operable controls  520  may include buttons, slide switches, capacitive sensors, touch screens, and the like. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  shows a process  600  for the sound masking system  500  of  FIG. 5  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments the elements of process  600  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the elements of process  600  can be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also some elements of process  600  may not be performed, and may not be executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of the elements of process  600  can be performed automatically, that is, without human intervention. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , at  602 , the speaker  516  may provide the masking sound  408  to an individual wearing the headset  500 . The masking sound  408  may include any masking sound. For example, the masking sound  408  may include pink noise, brown noise, filtered noise, nature sounds, music, and the like. 
         [0045]    At  604 , the biometric sensors  502  may collect biometric data from the individual. The biometric sensors  502  may collect any biometric data. For example, the biometric data may include direct biometrics, indirect biometrics, and the like. Direct biometrics may include measures such as heart rate, respiratory rate, brain activity, galvanic skin response, facial expressions, voice analysis (tonal, speech analytics, double talk), and the like. Indirect biometrics may include measures such as typing rate, keyboard pressure (tactile input), and the like. 
         [0046]    At  606 , the headset  500  may pass the biometric data to the controller  508 . That is, the transceiver  512  may transmit the biometric data over the bus  528 . At  608 , the controller  508  may receive the biometric data. 
         [0047]    At  610 , the controller  508  may modify the masking sound  408  based on the biometric data. For example, the controller  508  may modify one or more aspects of the masking sound  408 . The aspects may include frequencies, temporal aspects, amplitudes, spectral envelopes, and the like. Modification of the masking sound may also include addition or removal of components of the masking sound  408 . 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, the controller  508  may modify the masking sound  408  based on a difference between the biometric data and reference data so as to implement a closed-loop process. For example, the controller may modify the masking sound based on the difference between the individual&#39;s current heart rate and an ideal heart rate so as to minimize the difference over time. 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, the controller  508  in the headset  500  may perform some or all of the functions described as performed by the controller  508 . In some embodiments, some or all of the functions may be performed by another controller, which may be located remotely. 
         [0050]    At  602 , the process  600  may resume. 
         [0051]    Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations thereof. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a computer-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor. The described processes can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computer program can be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, processors receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Generally, a computer includes one or more mass storage devices for storing data files. Such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks; optical disks, and solid-state disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). As used herein, the term “module” may refer to any of the above implementations. 
         [0052]    A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.