Device and system having smart directional conferencing

Some implementations provide a method for identifying a speaker. The method determines position and orientation of a second device based on data from a first device that is for capturing the position and orientation of the second device. The second device includes several microphones for capturing sound. The second device has movable position and movable orientation. The method assigns an object as a representation of a known user. The object has a moveable position. The method receives a position of the object. The position of the object corresponds to a position of the known user. The method processes the captured sound to identify a sound originating from the direction of the object. The direction of the object is relative to the position and the orientation of the second device. The method identifies the sound originating from the direction of the object as belonging to the known user.

FIELD

Various features relate to a device and a system having smart directional conferencing.

BACKGROUND

A microphone array can spatially differentiate different sound sources, including those from users based on the direction of arrival (DOA) of the audio signals (e.g., voice) from the users. However, this method cannot identify the identity of the sound source. That is, the above method can locate the direction of sound sources, but it cannot identify the exact identity of the sound source. For example, if the sound sources are people speaking, the microphone array can determine that people are speaking, and the number of people speaking. However, who is speaking, or what the name of the person speaking is cannot be determined.

SUMMARY

Various features, apparatus and methods described herein provide a device and a system having smart directional conferencing.

A first example provides an apparatus for identifying a speaker. The apparatus includes a first device for capturing a position and an orientation of a second device. The second device includes several microphones for capturing sound. The second device has a movable position and a movable orientation. The apparatus also includes at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to determine the position and orientation of the second device based on data from the first device. The at least one processor is configured to assign an object as a representation of a known user. The object has a moveable position. The at least one processor is configured to receive a position of the object. The position of the object corresponds to a position of the known user. The at least one processor is configured to process the captured sound to identify a sound originating from the direction of the object. The direction of the object is relative to the position and the orientation of the second device. The at least one processor is configured to identify a sound originating from the direction of the object as belonging to the known user.

According to one aspect, the first device is a touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the second device includes a first inductive component and a second inductive component. In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen is capturing the position and the orientation of the second device by capturing where the first and second inductive components are coupled to the touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the first inductive component has a different size than the second inductive component. In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen is integrated in a surface table. In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen is integrated in a tablet.

According to an aspect, the first device is an image capturing screen. In some implementations, the second device includes at least one visual marker. The image capturing screen for capturing the position and the orientation of the second device by capturing the position and orientation of the at least one visual marker of the second device.

According to another aspect, the object is a graphical user interface element in a graphical user interface presented on a screen. In some implementations, the screen is a touch sensitive screen and the graphical user interface element is moveable within the graphical user interface via an interaction with the touch sensitive screen displaying the graphical user interface.

According to yet another aspect, a movement in the position of the object represents a movement in the position of the known user. In some implementations, the object is a physical object that is moveable. In some implementations, the object is a device having a touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the object is another microphone array coupled to the system.

According to one aspect, the first device is a mobile device. In some implementations, the mobile device is a handset, a tablet, a phone, a smart phone, a portable electronic device, an electronic notepad, and/or a personal digital assistant (PDA).

A second example provides a method for identifying a speaker. The method determines a position and an orientation of a second device based on data from a first device. The first device is for capturing the position and orientation of the second device. The second device includes several microphones for capturing sound. The second device has a movable position and a movable orientation. The method assigns an object as a representation of a known user. The object has a moveable position. The method receives a position of the object. The position of the object corresponds to a position of the known user. The method processes the captured sound to identify a sound originating from the direction of the object. The direction of the object is relative to the position and the orientation of the second device. The method identifies a sound originating from the direction of the object as belonging to the known user.

According to one aspect, the first device is a touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the second device includes a first inductive component and a second inductive component. In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen is capturing the position and the orientation of the second device by capturing where the first and second inductive components are coupled to the touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the first inductive component has a different size than the second inductive component. In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen is integrated in a surface table. In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen is integrated in a tablet.

According to an aspect, the first device is an image capturing screen. In some implementations, the second device includes at least one visual marker. The image capturing screen for capturing the position and the orientation of the second device by capturing the position and orientation of the at least one visual marker of the second device.

According to another aspect, the object is a graphical user interface element in a graphical user interface presented on a screen. In some implementations, the screen is a touch sensitive screen and the graphical user interface element is moveable within the graphical user interface via an interaction with the touch sensitive screen displaying the graphical user interface.

According to yet another aspect, a movement in the position of the object represents a movement in the position of the known user. In some implementations, the object is a physical object that is moveable. In some implementations, the object is a device having a touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the object is another microphone array coupled to the system.

According to one aspect, the first device is a mobile device. In some implementations, the mobile device is a handset, a tablet, a phone, a smart phone, a portable electronic device, an electronic notepad, and/or a personal digital assistant (PDA).

A third example provides an apparatus for identifying a speaker. The apparatus includes a means for determining position and orientation of a second device based on data from a first device. The first device is for capturing the position and orientation of the second device. The second device includes several microphones for capturing sound. The second device has a movable position and a movable orientation. The apparatus includes a means for assigning an object as a representation of a known user. The object has a moveable position. The apparatus includes a means for receiving a position of the object. The position of the object corresponds to a position of the known user. The apparatus includes a means for processing the captured sound to identify a sound originating from the direction of the object. The direction of the object is relative to the position and the orientation of the second device. The apparatus includes a means for identifying a sound originating from the direction of the object as belonging to the known user.

According to one aspect, the first device is a touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the second device includes a first inductive component and a second inductive component. In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen is capturing the position and the orientation of the second device by capturing where the first and second inductive components are coupled to the touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the first inductive component has a different size than the second inductive component. In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen is integrated in a surface table. In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen is integrated in a tablet.

According to an aspect, the first device is an image capturing screen. In some implementations, the second device includes at least one visual marker. The image capturing screen for capturing the position and the orientation of the second device by capturing the position and orientation of the at least one visual marker of the second device.

According to another aspect, the object is a graphical user interface element in a graphical user interface presented on a screen. In some implementations, the screen is a touch sensitive screen and the graphical user interface element is moveable within the graphical user interface via an interaction with the touch sensitive screen displaying the graphical user interface.

According to yet another aspect, a movement in the position of the object represents a movement in the position of the known user. In some implementations, the object is a physical object that is moveable. In some implementations, the object is a device having a touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the object is another microphone array coupled to the system.

According to one aspect, the first device is a mobile device. In some implementations, the mobile device is a handset, a tablet, a phone, a smart phone, a portable electronic device, an electronic notepad, and/or a personal digital assistant (PDA).

A fourth example provides a computer readable storage medium that includes one or more instructions for identifying a speaker, which when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: determine position and orientation of a second device based on data from a first device, the first device for capturing the position and orientation of the second device, the second device includes several microphones for capturing sound, wherein the second device has a movable position and a movable orientation; assign an object as a representation of a known user, the object having a moveable position; receive a position of the object, the position of the object corresponding to a position of the known user; process the captured sound to identify a sound originating from the direction of the object, wherein the direction of the object is relative to the position and the orientation of the second device; and identify a sound originating from the direction of the object as belonging to the known user.

According to one aspect, the first device is a touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the second device includes a first inductive component and a second inductive component. In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen is capturing the position and the orientation of the second device by capturing where the first and second inductive components are coupled to the touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the first inductive component has a different size than the second inductive component. In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen is integrated in a surface table. In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen is integrated in a tablet.

According to an aspect, the first device is an image capturing screen. In some implementations, the second device includes at least one visual marker. The image capturing screen for capturing the position and the orientation of the second device by capturing the position and orientation of the at least one visual marker of the second device.

According to another aspect, the object is a graphical user interface element in a graphical user interface presented on a screen. In some implementations, the screen is a touch sensitive screen and the graphical user interface element is moveable within the graphical user interface via an interaction with the touch sensitive screen displaying the graphical user interface.

According to yet another aspect, a movement in the position of the object represents a movement in the position of the known user. In some implementations, the object is a physical object that is moveable. In some implementations, the object is a device having a touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the object is another microphone array coupled to the system.

According to one aspect, the first device is a mobile device. In some implementations, the mobile device is a handset, a tablet, a phone, a smart phone, a portable electronic device, an electronic notepad, and/or a personal digital assistant (PDA).

A fifth example provides a method for collaborating on a shared document. The method generates an identification tag for the shared document. The identification tag is associated with a particular user. The identification tag is generated based on a position of an object relative to a sound capturing device. The object represents the particular user. The method presents the shared document to several users. The shared document includes text associated with the identification tag for the particular user. The text is based on sound from the particular user. The sound is captured by the sound capturing device. The method receives a set of inputs from a set of users, to modify the shared document. Each input from the set of users is from a single input device. The method modifies the shared document based on the received set of inputs from the set of users. The method presents the modified shared document to at least one user.

According to one aspect, the input device is a touch sensitive screen that presents the shared document to the several users. In some implementations, the set of inputs includes a set of gestures on the touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the modified shared document is presented on the touch sensitive screen.

According to an aspect, the presented modified shared document includes a first indicator identifying a first portion of the modified shared document that was modified by a first user from the set of users.

A sixth example provides an apparatus for collaborating on a shared document. The apparatus includes a means for generating an identification tag for the shared document. The identification tag is associated with a particular user. The identification tag is generated based on a position of an object relative to a sound capturing device. The object represents the particular user. The apparatus includes a means for presenting the shared document to several users. The shared document includes text associated with the identification tag for the particular user. The text is based on sound from the particular user. The sound is captured by the sound capturing device. The apparatus includes a means for receiving a set of inputs from a set of users, to modify the shared document. Each input from the set of users is from a single input device. The apparatus includes a means for modifying the shared document based on the received set of inputs from the set of users. The apparatus includes a means for presenting the modified shared document to at least one user.

According to one aspect, the input device is a touch sensitive screen that presents the shared document to the several users. In some implementations, the set of inputs includes a set of gestures on the touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the modified shared document is presented on the touch sensitive screen.

According to an aspect, the presented modified shared document includes a first indicator identifying a first portion of the modified shared document that was modified by a first user from the set of users.

A seventh example provides a computer readable storage medium that includes one or more instructions for collaborating on a shared document, which when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: generate an identification tag for the shared document, the identification tag associated with a particular user, the identification tag generated based on a position of an object relative to a sound capturing device, the object representing the particular user; present the shared document to several users, the shared document includes text associated with the identification tag for the particular user, the text based on sound from the particular user, the sound captured by the sound capturing device; receive a set of inputs from a set of users, to modify the shared document, wherein each input from the set of users is from a single input device; modify the shared document based on the received set of inputs from the set of users; and present the modified shared document to at least one user.

According to one aspect, the input device is a touch sensitive screen that presents the shared document to the several users. In some implementations, the set of inputs includes a set of gestures on the touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the modified shared document is presented on the touch sensitive screen.

According to an aspect, the presented modified shared document includes a first indicator identifying a first portion of the modified shared document that was modified by a first user from the set of users.

An eighth example provides a device for collaborating on a shared document. The device includes a screen for displaying a graphical user interface. The device also includes at least one processor coupled to the screen. The at least one processor is configured to generate an identification tag for the shared document. The identification tag is associated with a particular user. The identification tag is generated based on a position of an object relative to a sound capturing device. The object represents the particular user. The at least one processor is further configured to present the shared document to several users. The shared document includes text associated with the identification tag for the particular user. The text is based on sound from the particular user. The sound is captured by the sound capturing device. The at least one processor is further configured to receive a set of inputs from a set of users, to modify the shared document. Each input from the set of users is from a single input device. The at least one processor is further configured to modify the shared document based on the received set of inputs from the set of users. The at least one processor is further configured to present the modified shared document to at least one user.

According to one aspect, the input device is a touch sensitive screen that presents the shared document to the several users. In some implementations, the set of inputs includes a set of gestures on the touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the modified shared document is presented on the touch sensitive screen.

According to an aspect, the presented modified shared document includes a first indicator identifying a first portion of the modified shared document that was modified by a first user from the set of users.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure pertain to a method for identifying a speaker. The method determines a position and an orientation of a second device based on data from a first device. The first device is for capturing the position and orientation of the second device. The second device includes several microphones for capturing sound. The second device has a movable position and a movable orientation. The method assigns an object as a representation of a known user. The object has a moveable position. The method receives a position of the object. The position of the object corresponds to a position of the known user. The method processes the captured sound to identify a sound originating from the direction of the object. The direction of the object is relative to the position and the orientation of the second device. The method identifies a sound originating from the direction of the object as belonging to the known user.

In some implementations, the second device includes a first inductive component (e.g., first inductor) and a second inductive component (e.g., second inductor). The first and second inductive component may be positioned at the base of the second device (e.g., bottom of a microphone array). In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen captures the position and the orientation of the second device by capturing where the first and second inductive components are coupled to the touch sensitive screen.

Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure pertain to a method for collaborating on a shared document. The method generates an identification tag for the shared document. The identification tag is associated with a particular user. The identification tag is generated based on a position of an object relative to a sound capturing device. The object represents the particular user. The method presents the shared document to several users. The shared document includes text associated with the identification tag for the particular user. The text is based on sound from the particular user. The sound is captured by the sound capturing device. The method receives a set of inputs from a set of users, to modify the shared document. Each input from the set of users is from a single input device. The method modifies the shared document based on the received set of inputs from the set of users. The method presents the modified shared document to at least one user.

In some implementations, the input device is a touch sensitive screen that presents the shared document to the several users. In some implementations, the set of inputs includes a set of gestures on the touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the modified shared document is presented on the touch sensitive screen.

In some implementations, the presented modified shared document includes a first indicator identifying a first portion of the modified shared document that was modified by a first user from the set of users.

Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure pertain to an apparatus for collaborating on a shared document. The apparatus includes a means for generating an identification tag for the shared document. The identification tag is associated with a particular user. The identification tag is generated based on a position of an object relative to a sound capturing device. The object represents the particular user. The apparatus includes a means for presenting the shared document to several users. The shared document includes text associated with the identification tag for the particular user. The text is based on sound from the particular user. The sound is captured by the sound capturing device. The apparatus includes a means for receiving a set of inputs from a set of users, to modify the shared document. Each input from the set of users is from a single input device. The apparatus includes a means for modifying the shared document based on the received set of inputs from the set of users. The apparatus includes a means for presenting the modified shared document to at least one user.

In some implementations, the input device is a touch sensitive screen that presents the shared document to the several users. In some implementations, the set of inputs includes a set of gestures on the touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the modified shared document is presented on the touch sensitive screen.

In some implementations, the presented modified shared document includes a first indicator identifying a first portion of the modified shared document that was modified by a first user from the set of users.

Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure pertain to a computer readable storage medium that includes one or more instructions for collaborating on a shared document, which when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to generate an identification tag for the shared document. The identification tag is associated with a particular user. The identification tag is generated based on a position of an object relative to a sound capturing device. The object represents the particular user. The one or more instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, further causes the at least one processor to present the shared document to several of users. The shared document includes text associated with the identification tag for the particular user. The text is based on sound from the particular user. The sound captured by the sound capturing device. The one or more instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, further causes the at least one processor to receive a set of inputs from a set of users, to modify the shared document. Each input from the set of users is from a single input device. The one or more instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, further causes the at least one processor to modify the shared document based on the received set of inputs from the set of users. The one or more instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, further causes the at least one processor to present the modified shared document to at least one user.

In some implementations, the input device is a touch sensitive screen that presents the shared document to the several users. In some implementations, the set of inputs includes a set of gestures on the touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the modified shared document is presented on the touch sensitive screen.

In some implementations, the presented modified shared document includes a first indicator identifying a first portion of the modified shared document that was modified by a first user from the set of users.

Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure pertain to a device for collaborating on a shared document. The device includes a screen for displaying a graphical user interface. The device also includes at least one processor coupled to the screen. The at least one processor is configured to generate an identification tag for the shared document. The identification tag is associated with a particular user. The identification tag is generated based on a position of an object relative to a sound capturing device. The object represents the particular user. The at least one processor is further configured to present the shared document to several users. The shared document includes text associated with the identification tag for the particular user. The text is based on sound from the particular user. The sound is captured by the sound capturing device. The at least one processor is further configured to receive a set of inputs from a set of users, to modify the shared document. Each input from the set of users is from a single input device. The at least one processor is further configured to modify the shared document based on the received set of inputs from the set of users. The at least one processor is further configured to present the modified shared document to at least one user.

In some implementations, the input device is a touch sensitive screen that presents the shared document to the several users. In some implementations, the set of inputs includes a set of gestures on the touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the modified shared document is presented on the touch sensitive screen.

In some implementations, the presented modified shared document includes a first indicator identifying a first portion of the modified shared document that was modified by a first user from the set of users.

FIG. 1illustrates an example of a system that enables accurate documentation of a meeting in some embodiments. As shown inFIG. 1, the system includes a microphone array100and a device101.

In some implementations, the microphone array100may include at least one processor, a memory, several microphones, at least one transceiver, several inductive elements, a compass, at least one communication interface, and at least one identification marker. The microphones of the microphone array100may be arranged in a manner to capture audio from different directions. For example, the microphones may be arranged linearly, in a circle or other arrangements. The microphone array100may communicate with the device101by using a communication interface and at least one transceiver. In some implementations, the transceiver provides a wireless communication link (for receiving and transmitting data) between the microphone array100and the device101. Different implementations may use different communication protocols to communicate between the microphone array100and the device101. Examples of communication protocols include near-field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), and Airplay.

In some implementations, the compass provides a way for the microphone array100to determine orientation information identifying an orientation of microphone array100relative to true north. The orientation information may be used internally or may be passed on to other devices (e.g., device101) in order to determine the position and/or orientation of the microphone array in some implementations. The inductive elements may also be used to determine the position and/or orientation of microphone array100. For example, the inductive elements may be used by a device (e.g., device101) to determine the position and orientation of microphone array100on a touch sensitive screen. The identification marker may also be used to determine the position and/or orientation of microphone array100. In some implementations, identification markers are visual markers that uniquely identify an object. Examples of identification markers include Quick Response (QR) codes, and pair of dots (e.g., green/red dots).

The above description is an overview of possible components/elements of a microphone array. A more detailed description of components/elements of a microphone array will be further described below with reference toFIG. 25.

As shown inFIG. 1, the device101includes a touch sensitive screen102. The touch sensitive screen102is for displaying a graphical user interface to a user. The graphical user interface may include graphical user interface elements, such as images, texts, icons, windows, videos, etc. . . . . The touch sensitive screen102is also for sensing and capturing user movements (e.g., movement of finger on the touch screen), which can be translated into actions in the graphical user interface. In some implementations, the device101and the touch sensitive screen102is integrated in a surface table.

In addition to the touch sensitive screen102, the device101may also include at least one processor, a memory, at least on transceiver, at least one communication interface, an image capturing device (e.g., camera, image capturing screen). In some implementations, the above components allow the device101to communicate with the microphone array100, local and remote computers, wireless devices (e.g., phones), portable computer devices (e.g., tablets). The components/elements of the device101will be further described below with reference toFIG. 26.

Having provided an overview of the various devices and components of a system for capturing and documenting sound, a detailed description of how these example devices are used in such an example system is described below.

FIG. 2illustrates a device101that includes a touch sensitive screen102. A microphone array100is positioned on top of the touch sensitive screen102.FIG. 2also illustrates four people/users200-206participating in a meeting/conference around the device101. In some implementations, the device101is integrated in a surface table.FIG. 2further illustrates four (4) graphical user interface elements208-214that are displayed on the touch sensitive screen102. These four graphical user interface elements208-214represent the four users that may be participating in the meeting/conference. Although, the graphical user interface elements208-214are shown as rectangles, the graphical user interface elements208-214can be other shapes or other images. For example, the graphical user interface elements208-214may be images of the users in some implementations. The graphical user interface elements208-214may also be a combination of images and text (e.g., names, bio).

FIG. 3illustrates a configuration of the touch sensitive screen102after users have interacted with the touch sensitive screen102. As shown inFIG. 3, users200-206are positioned about (e.g. around) the touch sensitive screen102and each user has selected a graphical user interface element. Specifically, user200has selected graphical user interface element208and has moved the graphical user interface element208from a first position310to a second position312on the touch sensitive screen102. Similarly, the user202has selected graphical user interface element210and has moved the graphical user interface element210from a first position314to a second position316on the touch sensitive screen102. The user204has selected the graphical user interface element212and has moved the graphical user interface element212from a first position318to a second position320on the touch sensitive screen102. Finally, the user206has selected the graphical user interface element214and has moved the graphical user interface element214from a first position322to a second position324on the touch sensitive screen102.

In some implementations, users may select and move the graphical user interface elements through a mouse interaction and/or by touching the appropriate graphical user interface element on the touch sensitive screen102and dragging it to a desired position.

In some implementations, the final positions of the graphical user interface elements208-214represent the general or specific position of the users200-206that each graphical user interface element represents. Using the positions of the graphical user interface elements208-214relative to the position of the microphone array100, the system (e.g., microphone array100) is able to not only determine the direction of the audio but the identity of the speaker. Instead of being some unknown speaker, the system will be able to identify the identity (e.g., name, user) of the speaker and properly document what is being said during the meeting.

In some implementations, none of the graphical user interface elements208-214may be displayed when a user arrive at the device. Instead, one or more graphical user interface element may be presented on the touch sensitive screen102when one or more user touches a portion of the touch sensitive screen. More specifically, in some implementations, one or more of the users200-206may indicate his/her presence to the system (e.g., microphone array100, device101) by touching a portion of the touch sensitive screen102. The particular portion of the touch sensitive screen102that is touched by a particular user (e.g., user200) may represent the general area or vicinity of that particular user (e.g., user200). Once the touch sensitive screen102is touched, the particular user may be presented with either a log in screen (e.g., to enter name or ID) or at least one pre-determined graphical user interface element (e.g., graphical user interface element214). After login and/or selecting one of the graphical user interface element, a particular graphical user interface element representing the particular user may be displayed on a portion of the touch sensitive screen102. The position of the particular graphical user interface element may represent the position/angle of the particular user relative to the microphone array100in some implementations.

During the meeting, one of the users may move. In one example, when that happens, the user may also move the graphical user interface element that represents that user.FIG. 4illustrates such a scenario. As shown inFIG. 4, the user206has moved from position400to position402. In the process, the user206also moves the graphical user interface element214from position324to position404on the touch sensitive screen102. By moving the graphical user interface element214to the proper location, the system (e.g., device101or microphone array100) is able to properly capture and identify the user.

In some implementation, the position of the graphical user interface element214may be automatically moved by the system (e.g., device101) when the user206move to a different position. Such automatic movement may happen when the user206changes position by at least a minimum angle relative to the microphone array100in some implementations. In such an instance, the user would not have to manually move the graphical user interface element that represents the user. For example, if the user206where to move, the system (e.g., microphone array, device101) may detect that the sound is coming from a slightly different angle/position than before. The system may determine the new position/angle and automatically adjust the position of the appropriate graphical user interface element in some implementations.

In view of the above,FIG. 4may also represent the automatic movement of the graphical user interface element214from position324to position404on the touch sensitive screen102in response to the user206moving from position400to position402in some implementations.

Another possible scenario that may occur during a meeting is that a new person/user may join the meeting.FIG. 5illustrates such an instance. As shown inFIG. 5, user500has joined the meeting and is located between user204and user206. In some implementations, the user500may indicate his/her presence to the system (e.g., microphone array100, device101) by touching a portion of the touch sensitive screen102. The portion of the touch sensitive screen102may represent the general area or vicinity of the user500. Once the touch sensitive screen102is touched, the user500may be presented with either a log in screen (e.g., to enter name or ID) or pre-determined graphical user interface element. After login and/or selecting one of the graphical user interface element, a graphical user interface element502representing the user500may be displayed on a portion of the touch sensitive screen102. The position of the graphical user interface element502may represent the position/angle of the user500relative to the microphone array100in some implementations.

The position of the microphone array100is known and/or can be determined through various methods. In some implementations, the touch sensitive screen102senses the microphone array100because the microphone array100is positioned directly on the touch sensitive screen102thereby applying a pressure on the touch sensitive screen102. In addition, the microphone array100may include inductive elements, which may allow the system to determine the position and/or orientation of the microphone array100on the touch sensitive screen102without a user having to manually calibrate the orientation of the microphone array. In such an instance, the position of the inductive elements may provide a basis for the position of the microphone array. In some implementation, the position and/or orientation of the microphone array may be determined by an image capturing screen (e.g., touch sensitive screen102that has image capturing capability).

In some implementations, the microphone array100is in wireless communication (e.g., using ZigBee) with the device101and the device101uses various techniques (e.g., triangulation) to determine the location of the microphone array100on the touch sensitive screen102of the device101. In some implementations, ultrasonic/infrared/sonic pulses are used to determine the position of the microphone array100. In other implementations, the microphone array100may include an NFC tag, which allows the device101to determine the position of the microphone array100.

In yet some implementations, the microphone array100may include an identification marker (e.g., QR code, various dots/shapes), which may be used by an image capturing device (e.g., camera, image capturing screen) to identify the position and location of the microphone array100. The image capturing device may be in communication with the device101in some implementations. In some implementations, a compass may be used to determine the orientation of the microphone array. Different implementations may one or a combination of the above components/elements to determine the position and/or orientation of the microphone array100. Various methods and approaches for determining the position and/or orientation of a microphone array will be further described below with reference toFIGS. 13-17.

Having described the various components of a system for capturing and documenting sound/voice, a flow diagram of how such a method may be implemented will now be described.

An overview of a method for capturing sound and identifying the identity of speakers will first be described below. One or more devices described in this disclosure may perform this method. After describing the overview method, a more detailed method for capturing sound and identifying the identity of speakers will then be described.

FIG. 6illustrates a flow diagram of an overview of a method for capturing voices and determining the identity of the speakers. As shown inFIG. 6, the method begins by determining (at605) the position and orientation of a second device based on data from a first device. The first device is for capturing a position and an orientation of the second device. The first device may be a device that includes a touch sensitive/image capturing screen in some implementations. The second device includes several microphones for capturing sound. In some implementations, the second device (e.g., microphone array) has a movable position and a movable orientation. The second device may include several inductive components. In some implementations, the position and orientation of the second device may be determined by determining where the inductive components of the second device couple a touch sensitive screen. The second device may also include visual indication markers that an image capturing screen may detect to determine the position and/or orientation of a microphone array. Examples of determining the position and/or orientation of the second device using inductive components and/or visual markers are further described inFIGS. 13-17.

The method then assigns (at610) an object as a representation of a known user. The object has a moveable position. The object may be a virtual object and/or a physical object. In some embodiments, the object may be a graphical user interface element in a graphical user interface of a touch sensitive screen. In some embodiments, the object may be another physical device (e.g., tablet, phone). Next, the method receives (at615) a position of the object. The position of the object corresponds and/or represents a position of the known user.

The method then processes (at620) the captured sound to identify a sound originating from the direction of the object. The direction of the object may be relative to the position and the orientation of the second device (e.g., microphone array). In some implementations, processing the captured sound may include searching and analyzing signals and/or data.

After processing (at620) the captured sound, the method identifies (at625) a sound originating from the direction of the object as belonging to the known user and ends. In some implementations, the method may loop back (e.g., loops back to605) to determine whether the position and/or orientation of the microphone array on the screen has changed.

Having provided an overview of a method for capturing sound and identifying the identity of users/speakers, a more detailed method for capturing sound and identifying the identity of users/speakers will now be described. One or more of the devices described in this disclosure may perform the more detailed method.

FIG. 7illustrates a flow diagram of a method for capturing and determining the identity of speakers during a meeting. In some implementations, the method ofFIG. 7may start after identifying the position and orientation of a sound capturing device (e.g., identifying the position and orientation of a microphone array on a touch sensitive/image capturing screen). The position and orientation of the sound capturing device (e.g., microphone array) may be determined by determining where inductive components of the sound capturing device couples the touch sensitive screen in some implementations. The position and orientation of the sound capturing device may be determined by determining where visual markers of the sound capturing device (e.g., microphone array) are located on the touch sensitive screen in some implementations.

As shown inFIG. 7, the method700assigns (at702) each object (e.g., from a set of objects) having a moveable position as a representation of a particular user. These objects identify the identity (e.g., name) of the speakers/participants in the meeting. These objects may be generated internally and/or may be received from an external source (e.g., via email) and then assigned. In some implementations, these objects may be generated prior to a meeting, while in other implementations, these objects are assigned in real-time during a meeting, as users enter and/or participate in the meeting (e.g., when user logs in and/or taps on touch sensitive screen).

Once the objects are assigned (at702), the method receives (at704) the position of each of the objects. The position of the objects may be an absolute position or it may be a relative position (e.g., position relative to a microphone array). In some implementations, the objects are assigned with a pre-determined positioned during the initial assignment of the objects. Once a new position of a particular object is received, the particular object is assigned the new position. Objects may be many different things. As shown inFIG. 3, an object may be a graphical user interface element (e.g., image, icon) that is displayed on a screen. In such instances, the position of the object is the position of graphical user interface element on the screen and/or relative to the microphone array100. In other instances, the object may be a physical object, item and/or device (e.g., another microphone array, tablet). Examples of these physical objects, items/devices will be further described inFIGS. 10-11.

Once the position of the objects have been received (at704) and assigned to the objects, the method listens (at706) for a sound. Sound may include audio, noise, music, and voice from a speaker. Next, the method determines (at708) whether to end. If so, the method ends. In some implementations, the method may end when a command is received indicating that the meeting has ended. If the method determines (at708) not to end, the method then determines (at710) whether there is sound. If there is no sound, the method proceeds to continue to listen (at706) for a sound. However, if the method determines (at710) there is sound, the method captures (at712) the sound using several microphones. In some implementations, all of the microphones are located on a single unitary device.

After capturing (at712) the sound, the method processes (at714) the sound to identify a sound that may have originated from one of the objects. For example, if the method knows that an object is located at an angle of 40 degrees from a microphone array, the method would process the captured sound to identify a sound originating from 40 degrees or coming from that direction (using signal processing/timing techniques and algorithms). The direction of the sound refers to the general direction of where the sound came from. The direction of the sound does not identify the identity of the speaker or person who made the sound. Next, the method associates (at716) the identified sound originating from a particular object as belonging to a user or person represented/associated with that particular object. When association occurs, then sound originating from the direction the object is directly attributable to the person associated with the object positioned in that direction.

Once the method associates (at716) the identified sound as belonging to a user/person, the method determines (at718) whether an object has been moved (e.g., whether a graphical user interface element has moved). If so, the method proceeds to704to receive the new position of the objects. If the method determines (at718) that positions of the objects have not been moved, then the method proceeds to706to listen for a sound. In some implementations, the method may also determine whether the position and/or orientation of the sound capturing device (e.g., microphone array100) have changed. Such a determination may be performed during any stage of the method shown inFIG. 7. A change in the position of the sound capturing device (e.g., microphone array) may result in a redetermination of the position of the objects in some implementations. For example, the method may recompute the position and/or orientation of the objects relative to the position and/or orientation of the sound capturing device (e.g., microphone array) when the position and/or orientation of the sound capturing device have changed.

It should be noted that some or all of the operations described above may be performed locally and/or remotely. In other words, in some implementations, some or all of the operations may be performed by the microphone array, a local device (e.g., local device in the table that integrates a touch sensitive image capturing screen), and/or one or more remote devices connected to the microphone array and/or local device.

FIGS. 8-9conceptually illustrate how the position and orientation of a microphone array may be used to identify the source and identity of sound in some implementations.

FIG. 8illustrates a microphone array100on a screen102of a device101. The device101may be integrated with a surface table in some implementations. The microphone array100is orientated in a particular direction/orientation (e.g., 0 degree). The screen102may be a touch sensitive screen and/or an image capturing screen. The microphone array100is located at a particular position (e.g., XMA, YMA) on the screen102.FIG. 8also illustrates several graphical user interface (GUI) elements (e.g., GUI elements208-214). Each GUI element represents/is associated with a user (e.g., users200-206). For example, GUI element214is associated with user206, and GUI element212is associated with user204. As shown inFIG. 8, the GUI element214is positioned negative 90 degrees (or 270 degrees) relative to the position and/or orientation of the microphone array100on the screen102. The GUI element212is positioned 135 degrees relative to the position and/or orientation of the microphone array100on the screen102.

In this example, a captured sound originating about or approximately negative 90 degrees from the microphone array100is associated with the user206. Similarly, a captured sound originating about 135 degrees from the microphone array100is associated with the user204. In some implementations, the degrees shown inFIG. 8are approximations or ranges of the relative position/orientation of the GUI element or user with respect to the microphone array. In such instances, approximately negative 90 degrees may represent negative 90 degrees±5 degrees for example. However, different implementations may use different degree tolerances.

One benefit of the above approach is that it avoids having to process the captured sound signal across all degrees. Instead of searching and analyzing every single sound signal from every single angle (e.g., all 360 degrees), the microphone array and/or device may be able to only analyze a subset of a captured sound signal. That is, the microphone array and/or device may be able to limit its search and analysis (e.g., processing) of sound signals to a more limited subset of the sound signals, which can save a lot of time. In the example ofFIG. 8, the microphone array100and/or device may limit its search and analysis of a captured sound to sound originating from about −90, negative 45, 60, and 135 degrees. Again, it should be noted that the degrees mentioned above may represent a range of degrees (e.g., negative 90 degrees±5). As such, the search and analysis of a captured sound may be performed for in a range of degrees, as opposed to a specific degree in some implementations.

During the course of a meeting, the microphone array may move, change position or orientation on the screen. In some implementations, when the position and/or orientation of the microphone array changes, adjustments may be made in order to properly process a subsequent captured sound.

FIG. 9illustrates an example of a microphone array that has been moved. As shown inFIG. 9, the microphone array100is positioned in a new position on the screen102and oriented in a new particular direction. As a result of the new position and new orientation, the GUI elements (e.g.,208-214) have a new relative orientation to the microphone array100. For example, the GUI element210is now positioned at an angle of about 30 degrees from the microphone array100(instead of the previous negative 45 degrees) and the GUI element214is positioned at angle of about negative 40 degrees (320 degrees) from the microphone array100(instead of the previous negative 90 degrees). As a result, a subsequent captured sound originating from about 30 degrees will now be associated with the user202, while a subsequent captured sound originating from about negative 40 degrees will now be associated with the user206. Similar adjustments will be made for the other GUI elements and users.

FIGS. 2-5illustrate objects that are based on graphical user interface elements on a screen. In some implementations, the objects are physical objects, items (e.g., another microphone array, tablet, phone).FIGS. 10-11illustrate instances where the objects are physical objects/items.

FIG. 10illustrates a configuration with several microphone arrays.FIG. 10is similar toFIG. 3, except that instead of graphical user interface elements, additional microphone arrays are used. As shown inFIG. 10, the system includes a microphone array1000and a device1001. The device1001may be similar to the device101ofFIG. 1. In some implementations, the device1001is integrated in a surface table. The device1001may also include a touch sensitive screen1002. The microphone array1000is in communication with the device1001via at least one communication link using at least one communication protocol (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and/or NFC). In addition, there are four microphone arrays1004-1010. Each microphone array1004-1010is associated to a particular user/person1012-1018. For example, the microphone array1004is associated with the user1012, the microphone array1006is associated with the user1014, and the microphone array1008is associated with the user1016and the microphone array1000is associated with the user1018. The microphone array1000is the central microphone array and the other microphone arrays1004-1010communicate with the microphone arrays500via at least one communication link using at least one communication protocol (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and/or NFC). Some or all of the microphone arrays1000and1004-1010may be the microphone array100ofFIG. 1in some implementations.

Various methods may be used to determine the position and/or orientation of the microphone arrays1000and1004-1010. In some implementations, the position and/or orientation of the microphone arrays1000and1004-1010is based on the position and/or orientations of the microphone arrays relative to the touch sensitive screen1002. In some implementations, the position and/or orientation of the microphone arrays1000and1004-1010is determined by using ultrasonic/infrared/sonic pulses. Moreover, any of the components and methods described above for the microphone array100may be used to determine the position and/or orientation of the microphone arrays1000and1004-1010.

FIG. 11Aillustrates another configuration that may be implemented using additional devices. As shown inFIG. 11A, a microphone array1100is in communication with several mobile devices1102-1108(e.g., handset, and/or tablet). Each of these mobile devices is associated with a respective user/person1110-1116. A mobile device may be a handset, a tablet, a phone, a smart phone, a portable electronic device, an electronic notepad, and/or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The mobile device may be able to communicate with other devices via a cellular network and/or other communication networks. An example of a mobile device (e.g., handset, and/or tablet) is shown inFIGS. 12A-12B, which is further described below.

As in the case ofFIG. 10, the position of the mobile devices1102-1108may be determined by using ultrasonic/infrared/sonic pulses. The mobile devices1102-1108may allow a user to “check in” and/or register with the microphone array1100. (e.g., check in using NFC by tapping the mobile device near the microphone array1100). However, different implementations may “check-in” and/or register with the microphone array1100differently. For example, a mobile device may use another communication protocol or communication link (e.g., Bluetooth, and/or WiFi) to communicate with the microphone array1100. Once the user/mobile device is “checked-in” or is registered, the mobile device may be tracked by the microphone array using ultrasonic/infrared/sonic pulses (or other known tags), which allows the microphone array1100to continuously know the position/location of the mobile device, which consequently means the microphone array1100knows the position/location of the user associated with the mobile device being tracked.

Each mobile device1102-1108may provide a graphical user interface on its respective screen that allows a user to specify the position/location of the user and/or device (e.g., tablet) relative to the microphone array1100. That is, a user may indicate on the mobile device's screen the user's position which is then transmitted (e.g., via Bluetooth, and/or WiFi) to the microphone array1100and/or another device (e.g., device1001). The graphical user interface on the screen of the mobile device (e.g., mobile devices1102-1108) may also provide/display text (e.g., transcribed captured voice). Such text may be provided/transmitted from the microphone array1100and/or another device in communication with the microphone array1100. Examples of such graphical user interfaces on a screen of a mobile device are further described inFIGS. 12A-12B.

The microphone array1100may be located on a table (not shown) or a touch sensitive screen (not shown in the example ofFIG. 11A) of a device integrated on a table. Similarly, the mobile devices1102-1108may be positioned on the table or a touch sensitive screen of a device integrated on a table.

FIG. 11Billustrates another configuration that may be implemented using a different device.FIG. 11Bis similar toFIG. 11Aexcept that microphone array1100is located on a touch sensitive screen1122of a device1120and the position of the users is specified on the graphical user interface of the touch sensitive screen1122of the device1120. As shown inFIG. 11B, the mobile devices1102-1108(e.g., handset, and/or tablet) are in communication (e.g., using Bluetooth, and/or WiFi) with the microphone array1100and/or device1120.

As further shown inFIG. 11B, users specify their positions relative to the microphone array1100by specifying the position/location of graphical user interface elements. As shown inFIG. 11B, there are four graphical user interface elements1130-1136displayed on the graphical user interface shown in the screen1122. Each graphical user interface element1130-1136is associated with a particular user and/or mobile device. The graphical user interface element may include a text or image (e.g., ID, name, picture) identifying the user that the user interface element is associated with. Different implementations may present the graphical user interface elements differently. In some implementations, a graphical user interface element is presented with the user taps the screen and/or logs in. In some implementations, the graphical user interface element may be presented when the user “check-in” and/or registers with the microphone array1100and/or device1120using one of the exemplary methods described above inFIG. 11A(e.g., checking in using NFC by tapping the microphone array1100and/or device1120). Since the mobile devices1102-1108are in communication with the microphone array1100and/or device1120, the mobile devices1102-1108may receive data from either or both the microphone array1100and device1120. Such data may be presented/displayed on the screen of the mobile devices1102-1108. Examples of data include transcribed text of captured voice in some implementations.

In some implementations, the device1120is a mobile device (e.g., tablet, handset). This may be possible when the screen size of the mobile device is sufficiently large enough for the microphone array1100to be positioned on the screen of the mobile device. In such instances, the mobile device may serve as a central mobile device (e.g., central tablet) on which the microphone array1100is positioned on.FIG. 11Cillustrates an example of a configuration that include a central mobile device (e.g., central tablet). As shown inFIG. 11C, the mobile devices1102-1108(e.g., handset, and/or tablet) are in communication (e.g., using Bluetooth, and/or WiFi) with the microphone array1100and/or central mobile device1140. The central mobile device1140includes a touch sensitive screen1142, on which the microphone array1100may be placed on. It should be noted that any of the mobile devices1102-1108may function as a central mobile device in some implementations.

The configuration ofFIG. 11Cis similar to the configuration ofFIG. 11B, except that device1120(which may be a surface table/surface tablet) ofFIG. 11Bhas been replaced with a mobile device1140(e.g., tablet, and/or smart phone), which functions as a central mobile device in communication with other mobile devices (e.g., mobile devices1102-1108). In some implementations, the operation of the configuration shown inFIG. 11Cis similar to the operation of the configurations shown and described inFIGS. 11A-11B. That is, for example, in some implementations, users may “check-in”, register and/or log in with the microphone array1100and/or the central mobile device1140using NFC or other communication protocols/links (e.g., Bluetooth, and/or WiFi).

FIG. 12Aillustrates a mobile device that a user may use to specify the user's position relative to a microphone array. The mobile device may be a tablet or a handset (e.g., smart phone). The mobile device1200ofFIG. 12Amay correspond to any of the mobile devices1102-1108ofFIGS. 11A-11Cin some implementations. As shown inFIG. 12A, the mobile device1200(e.g., handset, and/or tablet) includes a touch sensitive screen1202that has a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface includes a first graphical user interface element1204and a second graphical user interface element1204. The first graphical user interface element1204is a representation of a microphone array (e.g., microphone array1100ofFIG. 11A) and the second graphical user interface object1206is a representation of a user/device (e.g., user1114/mobile device1106). In some implementations, a user may specify its own position relative to a microphone array by positioning/moving the first graphical user interface element1204and/or the second graphical user interface element2006on the touch sensitive screen1202. Once the position is specified on the device1200, the device1200may transmit to a microphone array (microphone array1100) and/or another device (e.g., device1120) coupled to the microphone array, the position of the user/mobile device.

FIG. 12Billustrates that a graphical user interface of a screen of a mobile device may include addition data/information. As shown inFIG. 12B, the screen1202also include a region1208that includes text. In some implementations, the text is transcribed text of captured voice from a microphone array (e.g., microphone array1100). The data that includes the transcribed text may be transmitted by a microphone array (e.g., microphone array1100) and/or a device (e.g., device1120). The transcription of captured voice/sound will be further described below.

As described above, some implementations of capturing sound and identifying a speaker includes determining the position and orientation of a microphone array. Examples of determining the position and orientation of a microphone array are described below.

Different implementations may determine the position and orientation of a microphone array differently. As described above, some implementations determine the position and orientation of the microphone array by using one or more inductors (e.g., inductive components). In addition, some implementations may determine the position and orientation of the microphone array by using visual markers which can be captured by an image capturing screen. The image capturing screen may be part of a touch sensitive screen in some implementations. That is, in some implementations, a touch sensitive screen may also include image capturing functionality/capability. The use of inductors and/or visual markers will now be described below.

FIG. 13illustrates a microphone array (e.g., sound capturing device) that includes inductors (e.g., inductive components) that may be used to determine the position and orientation of the microphone array on a screen. As shown inFIG. 13, the microphone array1300includes a base portion1302and a microphone housing1304. The microphone housing1304may include several microphones for capturing sound. The base portion1302may include a first inductor1306and a second inductor1308. The inductors1306-1308may affect a touch sensitive screen surface (e.g., change an electrical field in a portion of the touch sensitive screen) when the microphone array1300is positioned on or near a touch sensitive screen surface, which allows a system/device to determine the position and location of the microphone array1300on the touch sensitive screen in some implementations. The microphone array1300may be any of the microphone array described in the present disclosure (e.g., microphone array100).

FIG. 14illustrates how the position and orientation of a microphone array on a touch sensitive screen may be determined. As shown inFIG. 14, each inductor (e.g., inductive component) may have a position (e.g., X-Y coordinate) on a touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, the position of each inductor (e.g., first inductor1306, second inductor1308) may be determined by what portion of the touch sensitive screen is affected by an electrical field due to each inductor in the microphone array. For example, the first inductor1306has a first inductor position (XL11, YL11) and the second inductor1308has a second inductor position (XL21, YL21). The first inductor1306is larger than the second inductor1308. In some implementations, the first inductor will produce/induce/generate a larger electric field than the second inductor. Thus, in some implementations, a device/system may be able to distinguish between the first and second inductors based on the strength of the electrical field that is detected/measured by the touch sensitive screen.

Once the positions of the inductors on the touch sensitive screen are known, the position of the microphone array may be determined as well. In some implementations, the position of the microphone array (e.g., microphone array1300) may correspond to the position of the first inductor, the second inductor or be based on the positions of the first and second inductors (e.g., average position of the first and second inductors).

To determine the orientation of the microphone array, some implementations may compute an orientation of the inductors in the microphone array. As shown inFIG. 14, the orientation of the inductors may be conceptually represented by an imaginary straight line that connects the position of the two inductors (e.g., imaginary straight line that connects the center portion of the two inductors). The direction of the imaginary straight line may be from the first inductor to the second inductor (e.g., larger inductor to smaller inductor), or vice versa. Thus, in some implementations, the orientation and/or direction of the microphone array corresponds to/is based on the orientation and/or direction of the inductors. For example, in some implementations, the orientation and/or direction of the microphone array corresponds to the orientation and/or direction of the imaginary straight line that connects the two inductors1306-1308. However, different implementations may assign and compute the orientation differently.

Another approach to determining the position and/or orientation of a microphone array is to use an image capturing functionality that some touch sensitive screen may have. That is, in some implementations, the touch sensitive screen may also be a touch sensitive image capturing screen. In such instances, the image capturing may be performed by an image capturing device/system (e.g., an infrared (IR) system) that is partially or fully integrated in the screen. In such an exemplary configuration, a light (e.g., IR light) may be projected from the screen and hits an object (e.g., microphone array) that may be on or near the screen. That light is then reflected back inside the screen and detected by integrated sensors inside the screen. The light signals from the integrated sensors may then be converted into electrical signals, which are then analyzed. In some instances, analyzing the electrical signals may include generating an image/picture of the object that is on or near the screen and performing image processing operations on the image (e.g., analyzing shape, position, color). Different implementations may use different image capturing approaches to detect/analyze an object that is located on or near the surface of a screen.

In view of the fact that some screens may be able to detect and capture images of an object on or near the surface of a screen, some implementations may be capable of detecting the position and/or orientation of a microphone array on a screen based on the shape of the microphone array and/or visual markers on the microphone array. It should be noted that at least some of the touch sensitive screens described in the present disclosure may include image capturing functionality/capability. For example, these image capturing screens may be part of a surface table, surface tablet, and/or mobile devices (e.g., tablet, handset, smart phone) in some implementations. Thus, at least some of the touch sensitive screens (e.g., touch sensitive screen102) described in the present disclosure may also be a touch sensitive image capturing screen.

In some implementations, the base portion of the microphone array (or other portions of the microphone array) may have a distinctive and/or unique shape which allows the image capturing screen to detect and identify the microphone array, as well as the position and/or orientation of the microphone array. In some implementations, the base portion of the microphone array may include one or more visual markers. These visual markers may be used to detect and identify the microphone array, as well as the position and/or orientation of the microphone array in some implementations.FIG. 15illustrates various different examples of visual markers.

In one example, the base portion1500of a microphone array (e.g., microphone array100, microphone array1300) may include a visual marker with a distinctive and/or unique shape, size and/or color. As shown inFIG. 15, the base portion1500includes a visual marker1502that has a triangular shape. The visual marker1502has a position (e.g., XL, YL) on the screen. The position of the microphone array may be based on the position of the visual marker1502on the screen in some implementations. The shape and/or orientation of the visual marker1502may be representative of the orientation of the microphone array in some implementations. For example, if the visual marker was in the shape of an arrow, then the direction in which the arrow is pointed would be the orientation of the microphone array as well in some implementations.

The visual marker1502may also have a particular color and/or reflective property that may be different than the color and/or reflective property of the base portion1500. The differences in the color and/or reflective property of the visual marker may allow the image capturing screen to better distinguish the visual marker1502from the base portion1500in some implementations.

In another example, the base portion1510may include several visual markers as shown in the second drawing ofFIG. 15. These visual markers may be located on a bottom surface of the base portion1510. Each visual marker may have its own shape, size, color, and reflective property in some implementations. For example, the base portion1510includes a first visual marker1512and a second visual marker1514. The first visual marker1512has a first position (e.g., XL1, YL1), a first shape, a first color and a first reflective property that is different than the color and reflective property of the base portion1510. The second visual marker1514has a second position (e.g., XL2, YL2), a second shape, a second color and a second reflective property that is different than the color and reflective property of the base portion1510. The position of the microphone array on the screen may be based on the position of one or more visual markers on or near the screen in some implementations.

The orientation of the microphone array may be determined/computed based on the orientation of the visual markers (e.g.,1512,1514) in the microphone array. As shown inFIG. 15, the orientation of the visual markers1512-1514may be conceptually represented by an imaginary straight line that connects the position of the two visual markers (e.g., imaginary straight line that connects the center portion of the two visual markers). The direction of the imaginary straight line may be from the first visual marker1512to the second visual marker1514, or vice versa. Thus, in this example, the orientation and/or direction of the microphone array corresponds to the orientation and/or direction of the imaginary straight line that connects the two visual markers1512-1514. However, different implementations may assign and compute the orientation differently.

In yet another example, the base portion1520may include a quick response (QR) code1522as shown in the third drawing ofFIG. 15. The QR code1522may be used to determine the position and/or orientation of the microphone array on or near the screen. That is, the position and/or orientation of the microphone array may be based on the position and/or orientation of the QR code1522in some implementations. In addition, the QR code1522may also be used to identify the particular type of microphone array on the screen in some implementations.

It should be noted that inductors (e.g., inductive components) may also be used a visual markers in some implementations. That is, the inductors may have a shape, color and/or reflective property that is distinct and unique enough for an image capturing screen to determine the position and/or orientation of the inductors, and consequently the position and/or orientation of the microphone array in some implementations. It should also be noted that the two approaches (e.g., using touch approach and/or image capture approach) for determining the position and/or orientation of the microphone array are not mutually exclusive. As such, a device that includes a touch sensitive image capture screen may use one or both approaches to determine the position and/or orientation of the microphone array. Such a device that has dual position and/orientation determining capabilities (e.g., can use the touch or image capture approach) would allow different types of microphone arrays to be used. For example, one user may have a microphone array with inductors, while another user may have a microphone array with a QR code. In such a scenario, the touch approach may be used on the microphone array that has the inductors, while the image capture approach may be used on the microphone array that has the QR code. However, different implementations may use different approaches. It should also be noted that the coordinate system described in the disclosure is one of many different coordinate systems that may be used to determine the position and/or orientation of an object and/or device.

Having described various approaches for determining the position and/or orientation of a microphone array on a screen, flow diagrams for methods for determining the position and/or orientation of a microphone array will now be described below.

FIG. 16illustrates a flow diagram of a method for determining the position and orientation of a microphone array based on the position of inductors. The method ofFIG. 16may be performed by a microphone array, a device (e.g., device that includes touch sensitive image capture screen), and/or a system that includes a microphone array. In some implementations, the method1600ofFIG. 16is performed during step605ofFIG. 6. As shown inFIG. 16, the method begins by detecting (at1605) an object (e.g., microphone array) being placed on a touch sensitive screen. The object has a first inductor and a second inductor. The first inductor has a first size that is greater than the second size of the second inductor. In some implementations, the size of the inductors may correspond to the size/strength of the electric field that the inductors may generate/induce on a portion of a touch sensitive screen. For example, a larger size inductor may induce a larger electric field than a smaller size inductor. In some implementations, detecting (at1605) that an object has been placed on a touch sensitive screen may include detecting an electric field or a change in electric field on one or more portions of the touch sensitive screen.

Next, the method determines (at1610) the positions of the first inductor and the second inductors on the touch sensitive screen. In some implementations, this determination may include determining where the first and second inductors are coupled to the touch sensitive screen (e.g., where the first and second inductors touch the touch sensitive screen). The positions of the first and second inductors may correspond to the position/location on the touch sensitive screen that the first and second inductors touch in some implementations.

The method then computes (at1615) the orientation of the object based on the positions of the first and second inductors. Different implementations may use different methods for computing the orientation of an object. As described above,FIG. 14illustrates exemplary ways that the orientations and/or direction of an object may be computed based on the position of inductors. For example, the orientation of the object may correspond to the direction of an imaginary straight line from a first inductor to a second inductor.

Once the positions of the inductors are determined, the method may specify (at1620) the position and orientation of the object based on the position of the inductors (e.g., first inductor, second inductor). In some implementations, once the position and orientation of the object (e.g., microphone array) is specified, the position and orientation of the object may be used to identify a speaker during a conference. In some implementations, multiple iterations of the method ofFIG. 16are performed during a meeting. That is, in some implementations, the method may continuously determine the position and/or orientation of the object (e.g., microphone array) during the meeting (in the event that the object may be moved and/or rotated).

FIG. 17illustrates another flow diagram of a method for determining the position and orientation of a microphone array. The method ofFIG. 17may be performed by a microphone array, a device (e.g., device that includes touch sensitive image capture screen), and/or a system that includes a microphone array. In some implementations, the method1700ofFIG. 17is performed during step605ofFIG. 6. As shown inFIG. 17, the method begins by detecting (at1705) an object (e.g., microphone array) being placed on an image capturing screen. The object has at least one visual marker (e.g., first visual marker, second visual marker, QR code). In some implementations, the visual marker is an inductor. In some implementations, the visual marker is the shape of the microphone array or the shape of the base portion of the microphone array that touches the screen or that is on the screen. The visual marker may have a shape, size, color and reflective property.

Next, the method determines (at1710) the position of at least one visual marker on or near the screen. In some implementations, this determination may include determining where the visual marker(s) is located on or near the screen (e.g., where the first and second visual markers are located on the image capture screen).FIG. 15and its corresponding description provide examples of how to determine the position of one or more visual markers.

The method then computes (at1715) the orientation of the object based on the positions of at least one visual marker. Different implementations may use different methods for computing the orientation of an object. As described above,FIG. 15illustrates exemplary ways that the orientations and/or direction of an object may be computed. For example, the orientation of the object may correspond to the direction of an imaginary straight line from a first visual marker to a second visual marker.

Once the position of the visual marker is determined, the method may specify (at1720) the position and orientation of the object based on the position of the visual marker (e.g., first visual marker, second visual marker, QR code). In some implementations, once the position and orientation of the object (e.g., microphone array) is specified, the position and orientation of the object may be used to identify a speaker during a conference. In some implementations, multiple iterations of the method ofFIG. 17are performed during a meeting. That is, in some implementations, the method may continuously determine the position and/or orientation of the object (e.g., microphone array) during the meeting (in the event that the object may be moved and/or rotated).

It should be noted that some or all of the operations described above may be performed locally and/or remotely. In other words, in some implementations, some or all of the operations may be performed by the microphone array, a local device (e.g., local device in the table that integrates the touch sensitive image capture screen), and/or one or more remote devices connected to the microphone array and/or local device.

Having described systems and methods for determining the position and orientation of a microphone array, and for capturing sound and identifying a speaker, a system and method for a collaborative document system will now be described below.

In addition to recording sound and audio (e.g., voice) and being able to identify the identity of the speaker, some implementations may also transcribe the audio and provide collaborative documentation. When audio is transcribed, a written version (e.g., text) of the audio is provided to the participants of the meeting. In some implementations, the text/document may be provided in real-time on the screen of the device (that is integrated in the surface table) and/or the screen of the portable device (e.g., tablets). The text/document may be provided once on the screen of the table for everyone to see or it may be provided locally to each user in the meeting (e.g., provided on a portion of the screen that is near each user).

FIG. 18illustrates an example of a text/document of a transcribed audio that is provided locally to each user in the meeting. As shown inFIG. 18, the microphone array1800is in communication with the device1801. The device1801has a touch sensitive screen1802. The device1801may be integrated on a surface table. During a meeting, as people are talking, the system captures the voice via the microphone array1800and determines the identity of the speaker (as described above). The system (e.g., microphone array1800, device1801) then transcribes in real time the voice(s) that it captured and presents in real-time what is being said and by whom to each user/person. Thus, as shown inFIG. 18, a local display is provided on the touch sensitive screen1802. Each local display1804-1810is for a particular user. In the example provided, the local display1804is for user1812, the local display1806is for user1814, and the local display1808is for user1816. As shown inFIG. 18, each local display1804-1810is a particular portion of the touch sensitive screen1802. In some implementations, some or all local displays may be a display on a screen of a tablet and/or phone associated with a user.

FIG. 19illustrates a close-up view of a local display that is provided to a user. As shown inFIG. 19, the local display1900provides a text and/or document of what is being said and by whom in the meeting. More specifically, the local display1900may include a graphical user interface that includes a text and/or document of what is being said and by whom in the meeting. That is, a name of the person and what that person said is provided. In this example, the document is tagged with an identification tag that identifies the name of the person who spoke (e.g., John). Multiple identification tags may be use, with each tag being used for a particular user.

In some implementations, a user may perform different actions on the text and/or the document that is provided. For example, the user may modify, edit, highlight, annotate and/or comment on the text that is displayed and/or document that is provided.FIG. 20illustrates an example of an action that a user may perform on text that is displayed in a display area2000. As shown inFIG. 20, a cursor is moved on top of a portion of a text to highlight the text. In this case, the date “Oct. 15, 2012” has been highlighted. In some implementations, action (e.g., highlight) performed is only shown in the local display of the user that performed the action. In other implementations, action performed by the user is also performed and shown on the local display of other users as well. In some implementations, multiple users may edit the text, with each edit being color coded to indicate who performed the edit. In some implementations, the highlight is an indicator identifying a first portion of a modified shared document that has been modified by a first user from the set of users.

FIG. 21illustrates another example of an action that a user may perform on a text that is displayed. Specifically,FIG. 21illustrates a display area2100of a different user than the one shown inFIG. 20. As shown inFIG. 21, “Oct. 15, 2012” is also highlighted in the display area2100because another user has previously highlighted this text. In addition, another portion of the text has been highlighted.FIG. 21illustrates this highlight in a different color/shading to indicate that a different user has/is performing this action. In some implementations, the highlights are first and second indicators identifying first and second portions of a modified shared document that has been modified by first and second users from the set of users.

FIGS. 20-21illustrate a cursor being used to highlight the text. However, in some implementations, the text may be highlighted by a user touching the text on the touch sensitive screen. Thus, the touch sensitive screen may provide a single user input device that multiple users can use to perform document collaboration and editing.

In addition to highlighting text, users may perform other operations as well by interacting with the touch sensitive screen and/or performing operations through other input means (e.g., mouse, keyboard). Examples of other operations user may perform with a touch sensitive screen include (i) assigning action items (e.g., after a meeting) by flicking action items to specific users, (ii) sending text snippets to a person's clipboard (e.g., by flicking towards them text snippets), (iii) requesting for external proofreading (e.g., by flicking towards a user) and merging the proofread version to the main document (e.g., after document has been flicked back to use), (iv) doing word count or grammar check by flicking part of the text to an area of the user interface on the touch sensitive screen does word count, grammar check etc., (v) doing a search (e.g., online search) on a reference by flicking part of the text to an area of the graphical user interface on the touch sensitive screen where search is performed with results being returned on a reference screen, (vi) generating a synopsis by flicking part of the text to an area of the graphical user interface on the touch sensitive screen, and (vii) rotating one paragraph so people sitting at a different side of the table can read it, while the other parts of the text still get worked on by a user (e.g., the main editor).

FIG. 22illustrates an example of one of the operations that a user may perform in some implementations. Specifically,FIG. 22illustrates a user1816assigning work for user1814by using the touch sensitive screen1802. As shown inFIG. 22, the user1816has flicked the text/document2200to the user1814. The user1814receives this text/document as document2202.

FIG. 23illustrates another example of one of the operations that a user may perform in some implementations. Specifically,FIG. 23illustrates a close up view of a portion of a touch sensitive screen (e.g., touch sensitive screen1802) that may allow a user to perform one or more different operations. As shown inFIG. 23, a touch sensitive screen portion2300includes a display of the text/document2200, a first portion2302, a second portion2304and a third portion2306. Each of these first, second, and third portions2302-2306represent action items/operations that may be performed when a document/text is sent to that particular area. The first portion2302corresponds to text operations (e.g., spell check, word count) that may be performed on the document. The second portion2304corresponds to a search operation that may be performed on the document/text. For example, a document and/or text that is sent to that area may result in a search (e.g., online search) being performed based on the document and/or text. The result of such a search may be displayed back to the user in another area of the touch sensitive screen in some implementations. As shown inFIG. 23, a user has sent a portion2308of a text/document to the second portion2304, which will results in a search being performed based on the content of the portion2308. The result of which may be displayed back to the user in an area of the touch sensitive screen or a separate screen (e.g., separate monitor, TV) in some implementations. The third portion2306corresponds to a synopsis operation being performed on a text/document that is sent. Different implementations may have different portions for performing different operations.

At the end of the meeting, the transcription ends and all notes and minutes that were documented can be saved and/or emailed to the participants of the meeting or anyone else. Thus, the above method provides a novel way for users to collaborate on a document. Specifically, the above method allows user to collaborate on a document by providing an easy way to identify the identity of the users.

FIG. 24illustrates a flow diagram of a method for collaborating on a shared document in some implementations. The shared document may be a document that is generated during a meeting. For example, the shared document may include transcribed text of voices captured by a microphone array during a meeting.

As shown inFIG. 24, the method generates (at2405) an identification tag for the shared document. The identification tag is associated with a particular user in some implementations. The identification tag is generated based on a position of an object relative to a sound capturing device (e.g., microphone array100). The sound capturing device may be a microphone array in some implementations. The object may represent the particular user.

Next, the method presents (at2410) the shared document to several users. The shared document includes text associated with the identification tag for the particular user. The text is based on sound from the particular user. The sound is captured by the sound capturing device (e.g., microphone array) in some implementations.FIG. 19illustrates an example of a shared document that may be presented to several users.

The method then receives (at2415) a set of inputs from a set of users, to modify the shared document. In some implementations, each input from the set of users is from a single input device (e.g., the input is from a touch sensitive screen). In some implementations, the set of inputs includes a set of gestures (e.g., flicking) on the touch sensitive screen.FIGS. 20-21illustrate examples of inputs that may be received from a set of users. Next, the method modifies (at2420) the shared document based on the received set of inputs from the set of users. Examples of modifications of the shared document include text editing and/or text highlighting.

After modifying (at2420) the shared document, the method presents (at2425) the modified shared document to at least one user and ends.FIGS. 20-21also illustrate the presentation of the modified shared document in some implementations.

It should be noted that some or all of the operations described above may be performed locally and/or remotely. In other words, in some implementations, some or all of the operations may be performed by the microphone array, a local device (e.g., local device in the table that integrates the touch sensitive screen), and/or one or more remote devices connected to the microphone array and/or local device. For example, the transcription, search, synopsis may be performed remotely in some implementations.

FIG. 25illustrates an example of a microphone array (e.g., sound capturing device) that some implementations may use. As shown inFIG. 25, the microphone array2500may include at least one processor/processing circuit2502, a memory2504, several microphones2506, several input devices2508, at least one transceiver2510, at least one user interface module2512, at least one inductor2513, and at least one communications interface module2514.

The microphones2506may be used to capture sound and/or voice. The input devices2508allow a user to input data and/or provide control of the microphone array. The transceiver2510allows the microphone array to transmit and receive wireless signals from other devices (e.g., phone, computer, tablet, microphone array). The microphone array2500may include multiple transceivers, which allows the microphone array2500to communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with different devices using different communications links and different communication protocols. In some implementations, the user interface module2512provides an interface between the microphones2506, input devices2508and the processor/processing circuit2502. The user interface module2512may include several user interface modules (e.g., a module for each component). In some implementations, the communications interface module2514provides an interface between the transceiver2510and the processor/processing circuit2502. The communications interface module2514may include several interface modules (e.g., a module for each transceiver). The microphone array2500may include other components as well, such as infrared transmitters/sensors, sonic transmitters/sensors, and ultrasonic transmitters/sensors, which may be used to determine and/or track the position/location of nearby objects (e.g., devices, mobile devices).

As shown inFIG. 25, the processor/processing circuit2502may include a transcribing module/circuit2515, a sound detecting module/circuit2516, position/orientation module/circuit2518, a sound processing module/circuit2520, and a document editing/operation module/circuit2522.

The transcribing module/circuit2515is for transcribing captured sound in some implementations. The sound detecting module/circuit2516is for detecting and capturing sound. In some implementations, the sound detecting module/circuit2516captures sound from the microphones2506. The position/orientation module/circuit2518is for determining the position and/or orientation of the microphone array2500in some implementations. The sound processing module/circuit2520is for processing sound captured by the microphones2506in some implementations. The processing of sound may include extracting individual sound from the captured sound. The processing of sound may also include identifying the identity of speakers in some implementations. The document editing/operation module/circuit2522is for performing various operations on documents. These documents may include transcribed text from the captured sound in some implementations. The document editing/operation module/circuit2522may include a transcription module/circuit for transcribing the capture sound/voice.

FIG. 26illustrates an example of a device (e.g., device101integrated on a surface table) that some implementations may use. The device may be a mobile device (e.g., handset, tablet) in some implementations. As shown inFIG. 26, the device2600may include at least one processor/processing circuit2602, a memory2604, a touch sensitive/image capturing screen2606, several input devices2608, at least one transceiver2610, at least one user interface module2612, and at least one communications interface module2614.

The touch sensitive/image capturing screen2606may be used to display a graphical user interface. The touch sensitive/image capturing screen2606may also be used to receive input from one or more users. The touch sensitive/image capturing screen2606may include functionality/capability to detect and/or capture one or more objects on or near the screen. The input devices2608allow a user to input data and/or provide control of the device. The transceiver2610allows the device to transmit and receive wireless signals from other devices (e.g., phone, computer, tablet, microphone array). The device may include multiple transceivers, which allows the device to communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with different devices using different communications links and different communication protocols. The device2600may include other components as well, such as infrared transmitters/sensors, sonic transmitters/sensors, and ultrasonic transmitters/sensors, which may be used to determine and/or track the position/location of nearby objects (e.g., microphone array, devices, mobile devices).

In some implementations, the user interface module2612provides an interface between the touch sensitive screen2606, input devices2608and the processor/processing circuit2602. The user interface module2612may include several user interface modules (e.g., a module for each component). In some implementations, the communications interface module2614provides an interface between the transceiver2610and the processor/processing circuit2602. The communications interface module2614may include several interface modules (e.g., a module for each transceiver).

As shown inFIG. 26, the processor/processing circuit2602may include a transcribing module/circuit2615, a sound detecting module/circuit2616, position/orientation module/circuit2618, a sound processing module/circuit2620, and a document editing/operation module/circuit2622.

The transcribing module/circuit2615is for transcribing captured sound in some implementations. The sound detecting module/circuit2616is for detecting and capturing sound. In some implementations, the sound detecting module/circuit2616captures sound from a microphone (input device). The position/orientation module/circuit2618is for determining the position and/or orientation of the microphone array2600in some implementations. The sound processing module/circuit2620is for processing sound captured by microphones in some implementations. The microphones may be microphones from a microphone array coupled to the device. The processing of sound may include extracting individual sound from the captured sound. The processing of sound may also include identifying the identity of speakers in some implementations. The document editing/operation module/circuit2622is for performing various operations on documents. These documents may include transcribed text from the captured sound in some implementations. The document editing/operation module/circuit2622may include a transcription module/circuit for transcribing the capture sound/voice.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The term “coupled” is used herein to refer to the direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then objects A and C may still be considered coupled to one another—even if they do not directly physically touch each other.

Moreover, a storage medium may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The terms “machine readable medium” or “machine readable storage medium” include, but is not limited to portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carrying instruction(s) and/or data.

The various features of the invention described herein can be implemented in different systems without departing from the invention. It should be noted that the foregoing aspects of the disclosure are merely examples and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. The description of the aspects of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. As such, the present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.