Joint optimization of LCMV beamforming and acoustic echo cancellation

Full-duplex hands-free acoustic human/machine interfaces often require the combination of acoustic echo cancellation and speech enhancement in order to suppress acoustic echoes, local interference, and noise. In order to optimally exploit positive synergies between acoustic echo cancellation and speech enhancement, we present in this contribution a combined least-squares (LS) optimization criterion for the integration of acoustic echo cancellation and adaptive linearly-constrained minimum variance (LCMV) beamforming. Based on this optimization criterion, we derive a computationally efficient system based on the generalized sidelobe canceller (GSC), which effectively deals with scenarioes with time-varying acoustic echo paths and simultaneous presence of double-talk of acoustic echoes, local interference, and desired speakers.