Sound source location and quantification using arrays of vector probes

a vector probe and array technology, applied in direction finders using ultrasonic/sonic/infrasonic waves, instruments, reradiation, etc., can solve the problems of cumbersome and expensive probes, difficult to use a sufficient number of them to make simultaneous measurements at all points in the surrounding array, etc., to save time and effort, improve the accuracy of these methods

US20060098534A1Inactive Publication Date: 2006-05-11HICKLING ROBERT
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2006-05-11
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

Method and apparatus for locating and quantifying sound sources using an array of acoustic vector probes (200). Signals received at the probes are converted to digital form and fed into a digital signal processor (400) which computes the sound pressure and the sound-intensity vector at each probe. The set of sound-intensity vectors measured by the array provides a set of directions to a sound source (100) whose approximate spatial coordinates are determined using a least-squares triangulation formula. The sound-intensity vectors also determine sound-power flow from the source. In addition sound pressure measured by the probes can be phased to form a sensitivity beam (250) for scanning a source. Sound-intensity measurements made concurrently can be used to determine the spatial coordinates of the part being scanned and the sound power radiated by that part. Results are displayed on a computer screen or other device (500) permitting an operator to interact with and control the apparatus. Additional related features and methods are disclosed.
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Description

[0001] THIS APPLICATION IS A CONTINUATION-IN-PART OF U.S. PATENT APPLICATION ENTITLED “ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS” Ser. No. 10 / 396,541, FILED 2003, MAR. 25, AND ALSO OF A CONTINUATION—IN-PART ENTITLED “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACOUSTIC DETECTION OF BURIED OBJECTS” Ser. No. 10 / 658,076, FILED 2003 SEPT. 9, BOTH SUBMITTED BY ROBERT HICKLING, THE PRESENT INVENTOR.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to methods and means of remotely locating and quantifying sound sources, using arrays of recently-developed acoustic vector probes (AVPs). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Acoustic Vector Probes

[0003] Recently a patent application was filed for a new acoustic instrument, the acoustic vector probe (AVP).

[0004] 1. R. Hickling 2003, “Acoustic Measurement Method and Apparatus”, Patent Application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Ser. No. 10 / 396,541, Filing Date Mar. 25, 2003. The technical information contained in this application is hereby incorporated her...

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Embodiment Construction

[0048]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the apparatus for source location and quantification of the present invention. Block 100 represents a sound source. Block 200 represents an array of AVPs. Block 300 represents a multi-channel data-acquisition system for rapid analog to digital conversion of the signals from the array, and for data storage, prior to input to the digital signal processor represented by block 400. The processor computes the three components of the sound-intensity vector and the sound pressure at each AVP in the array and interprets the data, displaying the results on an output device 500 such as a monitor screen. The sound-intensity vector is used to detect, position and quantify sound sources. The sound-pressure measurements can be phased to form a sensitivity beam.

[0049] In FIG. 2 numeral 40 generally indicates an AVP formed in accordance with the invention. Probe 40 includes a fixture 42 being an annular member formed as a ring with a central opening 46....