US 12,354,619 B1
Tableconverse audio system: directional speech enhancement for restaurant tables
Henry Hardy Perritt, Jr., Charlottesville, VA (US)
Filed by Henry Hardy Perritt, Jr., Charlottesville, VA (US)
Filed on Apr. 30, 2025, as Appl. No. 19/195,652.
Int. Cl. G10L 21/0232 (2013.01); G06F 3/16 (2006.01); G10L 21/0216 (2013.01); G10L 21/028 (2013.01); H04R 1/02 (2006.01); H04R 1/28 (2006.01); H04R 1/40 (2006.01); H04R 3/12 (2006.01)
CPC G10L 21/0232 (2013.01) [G06F 3/162 (2013.01); G06F 3/165 (2013.01); G10L 21/028 (2013.01); H04R 1/025 (2013.01); H04R 1/2892 (2013.01); H04R 1/403 (2013.01); H04R 3/12 (2013.01); G10L 2021/02166 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A speech enhancement system for restaurant tables comprising:
a restaurant table comprising a table structure;
a plurality of directional microphones embedded in the table structure, configured to capture speech from seated diners;
a digital signal processing unit configured to:
isolate speech signals from ambient noise;
compare each seated diner's speech through a microphone input and to subtract matching waveforms in an output signal aimed at the seated diner;
use adaptive filters that continuously adjust to changing acoustics, such as if a seated user moves his head;
dynamically assign directional microphones to individual diners based on real-time detection of speaker position and speech detection confidence, and suppress audio from overlapping speaker zones to prevent conversational cross-talk in an open restaurant environment;
employ real-time machine learning to classify and enhance speech signals while maintaining a processing latency below 15 milliseconds;
a plurality of directional speakers positioned to deliver enhanced speech signals to specific listening positions;
a plurality of low power lasers aligned with the directional speakers and configured to project beams of light downward to assist in positioning diners within focused audio zones without requiring wearable devices; and
a user control interface allowing adjustment of audio enhancement parameters including volume, noise cancellation intensity, and ambient sound mix.
 
14. A method for enhancing speech intelligibility at restaurant tables comprising:
capturing speech signals via directional microphones embedded in a table structure;
processing the captured signals to isolate speech from ambient noise;
enhancing speech clarity through adaptive frequency response;
delivering processed speech signals via directional speakers to specific listening positions; using parametric audio technology to create focused sound beams; and
allowing user adjustment of enhancement parameters via a table-embedded or mobile interface to personalize audio settings.