Apparatus and method to classify sound to detect speech

摘要

Audio frames are classified as either speech, non-transient background noise, or transient noise events. Probabilities of speech or transient noise event, or other metrics may be calculated to indicate confidence in classification. Frames classified as speech or noise events are not used in updating models (e.g., spectral subtraction noise estimates, silence model, background energy estimates, signal-to-noise ratio) of non-transient background noise. Frame classification affects acceptance/rejection of recognition hypothesis. Classifications and other audio related information may be determined by circuitry in a headset, and sent (e.g., wirelessly) to a separate processor-based recognition device.

主权项

1. A method of operating a system comprising memory and a processor for executing instructions stored in the memory, the instructions comprising a sound classifier, the method comprising:
receiving an audio signal from an audio input device; generating a plurality of frames from the audio signal; analyzing, using the sound classifier, each of the plurality of frames of audio; classifying, using the sound classifier, a first number of the frames of audio as non-transient background noise; classifying, using the sound classifier, a second number of the frames of audio as transient noise events; updating, using the system, a background noise estimate using the audio corresponding to the frames classified as non-transient background noise and not using the audio corresponding to the frames classified as transient noise events; and providing, using the sound classifier, signals indicative of at least the classifications of the frames of audio to the system.