A portable handheld acoustic wave imager

By combining matrix acoustic probes and phased array radar principles, combined with acoustic interference and beamforming technology, the problem of poor imaging of existing acoustic wave imagers at long distances is solved, and efficient and accurate acoustic wave imaging is achieved. The stability and adaptability of the device are improved through the slope and sound insulation design of the microphone array panel.

CN118330655BActive Publication Date: 2025-01-10SHANGHAI RUIXE ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410506763.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-04-25
Publication Date
2025-01-10
Estimated Expiration
2044-04-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When existing acoustic imagers detect long-distance or large-volume objects, the imaging effect is not fine enough, and handheld equipment is difficult to stabilize during high-altitude operations, which affects construction efficiency.

Method used

Using matrix acoustic probe and acoustic transmitter combined with phased array radar principle, acoustic wave interference and beamforming technology can achieve large-scale fine imaging, and through the slope and sound insulation design of the microphone array panel, the accuracy and clarity of sound wave reception are improved. .

Benefits of technology

The fine imaging of long-distance large-volume objects is achieved, the detection efficiency and accuracy are improved, the jitter effect of the equipment is reduced, and the flexibility and adaptability of the equipment is enhanced through the integration of the detachable structure and multiple cameras.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of acoustic wave imaging equipment and discloses a portable handheld acoustic wave imager. A microphone array panel is arranged on one end of the imager, an acoustic wave transmitter is arranged at the center of the outer side of the microphone array panel, a circumferential array around the acoustic wave transmitter has sound pickup holes, and an outermost array has matrix sound emission holes. When imaging detection is performed at a long distance, the matrix acoustic wave probe is controlled by a control center, each matrix acoustic wave probe can emit acoustic waves at different time sequences and can simulate acoustic waves of different waveforms. When the matrix acoustic wave probe is in the working process, the acoustic wave transmitter is in a closed state, and the interference principle of waves is utilized to make the matrix acoustic wave probes interfere with each other to realize wave deflection and focusing. After the range is determined by the acoustic wave transmitter, the focused acoustic wave is utilized to perform accurate scanning, thereby ensuring accuracy and improving efficiency.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of acoustic wave imaging equipment, in particular to a handheld and portable acoustic wave imaging instrument. Background Art

[0002] Acoustic imaging is based on microphone array measurement technology. It determines the position of the sound source based on the phased array principle by measuring the signal phase difference of sound waves reaching each microphone in a certain space, measures the amplitude of the sound source, and displays the distribution of the sound source in space in the form of an image, that is, obtaining a spatial sound field distribution cloud map - an acoustic image, in which the color and brightness of the image represent the strength.

[0003] During outdoor surveys, when the acoustic imager needs to detect high-altitude equipment at a long distance, such as a high-voltage power grid or a tram pantograph, due to the distance problem, the distribution cloud map detected shows that the colored area on the specific object is actually larger. When workers perform repairs, it takes a long time to determine the specific location. If the imager is taken to high altitude for repair, the construction process is increased and the construction efficiency cannot be effectively improved. In addition, when scanning large objects, it is necessary to swing back and forth and change the direction of scanning to fully identify them. In this process, because the device is handheld and is affected by the vibration of sound waves, the device needs to be stabilized to avoid shaking.

[0004] Referring to phased array radar, through the principle of wave interference, when the antennas simultaneously emit electromagnetic waves of the same frequency, directional beams in a specific direction will be superimposed under the effect of interference. If a single antenna has a phase difference when transmitting, these radar waves of the same frequency and direction will cause the superimposed wave direction to deflect under the effect of interference. In this way, the beam direction can be changed for scanning without rotating the radar itself. Acoustic imagers can also use the interference of sound waves to perform large-scale scanning. At the same time, the phased array uses the specific timing of wave emission to achieve wave focusing and precise scanning. Both phased array radars and acoustic imagers emit and receive waves on the same surface, and have certain similarities. Summary of the invention

[0005] (I) Technical problems to be solved: In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a handheld and portable acoustic wave imager, which has the advantages of large-scale and fine imaging, and solves the problem of imaging of distant or large-volume objects by the imager.

[0006] (II) Technical solution: To achieve the above-mentioned purpose of large-scale fine imaging, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a handheld portable acoustic wave imager, comprising an imager end and an imager grip connected thereto, a microphone array panel with a sound pickup hole on one side of the imager end, a camera is provided in the middle of the outer side of the microphone array panel, a display panel is provided on the other side of the imager end, and also comprises an acoustic wave transmitter and a processing module, the acoustic wave transmitter is provided in the middle of the outer side of the microphone array panel, a microphone sensor for converting acoustic wave signals into electrical signals is provided in the sound pickup hole, the processing module is electrically connected to the microphone sensor, the display panel and the acoustic wave transmitter, and the processing module: the processing module uses the microphone array beamforming technology to obtain a sound source distribution signal from the acoustic signal of the microphone sensor, and fuses the obtained sound source signal with the image captured by the camera using a visualized color scale diagram, and then displays it on the display panel;

[0007] Sound wave transmitter: The processing module delays or synchronously outputs the sound signal collected by the microphone sensor to the sound wave transmitter for acoustic diffusion. The diffused acoustic signal is superimposed on the sound source signal from the fault site. The peaks and troughs of the sound signal in the straight line return interval are superimposed to produce noise cancellation. The sound source signal at the fault site disappears or weakens. The sound source signal collapses at the core of the sound source signal collected by the microphone array panel. The processing module feeds back the collapse to the display panel and marks the collapse. This collapse is the core of the sound source signal at the fault site.

[0008] Preferably, the microphone array panel is also arrayed with matrix sound holes, and the matrix sound holes are provided with matrix sound wave probes for converting electrical signals into sound wave signals, and the sound signals collected by the microphone sensors are delayed or synchronously output to the matrix sound wave probes for acoustic diffusion;

[0009] The matrix acoustic wave probe is controlled by a processing module. Each matrix acoustic wave probe can emit acoustic waves at different time sequences and can simulate acoustic waves of different waveforms. When a large-volume object is located at a long distance or fine imaging of the object is required, the matrix acoustic wave probe is in the working process while the acoustic wave transmitter is in a closed state.

[0010] Matrix acoustic wave probe: The processing module delays or synchronously outputs the acoustic signal collected by the microphone sensor to the matrix acoustic wave probe for acoustic diffusion. The diffused acoustic signal is superimposed on the sound source signal from the fault site. The peaks and troughs of the sound signal in the straight line return interval are superimposed to produce noise cancellation. The sound source signal at the fault site disappears or weakens. The sound source signal collapses at the core of the sound source signal collected by the microphone array panel. The processing module feeds back the collapse to the display panel and marks the collapse. This collapse is the precise core of the sound source signal at the fault site.

[0011] Preferably, the outermost circle of the microphone array panel and the outer side array of the microphone sensor are the matrix sound holes.

[0012] Preferably, the outer circle of the matrix sound holes is provided with a sound insulation layer made of rubber material, which can effectively absorb and reflect sound waves, reduce the propagation and interference of sound waves, and is isolated from the sound pickup holes by a sound insulation board on the inner side of the microphone array panel, which can effectively isolate the propagation of sound, reduce noise and interference, and reduce the possibility of sound waves directly entering the sound pickup holes from the transmitter.

[0013] Preferably, there is a detachable structure between the imager handle and the imager end, so that the imager end can be removed and installed on a corresponding handheld pan-tilt assembly. Due to the detachable structure between the handle and the imager end, the user can remove the imager end as needed and install it on a handheld pan-tilt assembly. The pan-tilt assembly is electrically connected to the control module. The pan-tilt assembly controls the microphone array panel to face the sound source signal according to the position of the sound source signal obtained by the control module, that is, when the sound source signal is in the middle of the display panel, so as to adapt to different usage scenarios and needs. The detachable structure allows the user to remove the imager end and put it into a smaller container or backpack for easy carrying and transportation. If the imager end needs maintenance or upgrading, the user can easily remove it and perform corresponding operations. The production and assembly process of the equipment becomes simpler, reducing the production cost. At the same time, if a part is damaged or outdated, the user can only replace the corresponding part instead of the entire device, thereby reducing the use cost.

[0014] Preferably, the microphone array panel is not parallel to the display screen, but is inclined at 10°-15°. By setting the inclination of the microphone array panel, the microphones in the array can receive sound waves in a more concentrated and directional manner. This directional reception effect helps to improve the accuracy and clarity of sound waves, thereby making imaging more precise. During the transmission of sound waves, they may be interfered by various factors in the environment, such as wind, noise, etc. By setting the inclination of the microphone array panel, the receiving angle of the microphone can be adjusted to reduce unnecessary interference and improve the purity of sound wave reception. Due to the inclination design of the microphone array panel, the sound waves are transmitted more accurately. During the process, the light will be more concentratedly irradiated onto the corresponding microphone, thereby improving the receiving sensitivity of the microphone. This design helps to capture weaker sound wave signals, thereby improving the imaging quality. By adjusting the inclination of the microphone array surface, different sound wave transmission paths and sense of distance can be simulated, thereby enhancing the spatial sense of sound wave imaging. This design helps to provide richer sound wave information and makes the imaging effect more three-dimensional and realistic. In the design of handheld sound wave imagers, the inclination of the microphone array surface can be used as a simple and effective parameter to adjust the sound wave reception effect. This design helps to simplify the structure and production process of the equipment, reduce costs and improve production efficiency.

[0015] Preferably, the pickup hole is provided with an inclined surface on the outward side to increase the aperture and the receiving area of ​​the sound wave, so that more sound wave energy can be effectively collected and transmitted to the internal microphone array, thereby improving the sensitivity of sound wave reception and obtaining a clearer and more accurate sound wave imaging effect. By increasing the aperture, the pickup hole can better adapt to the noise and other interference in the environment. A larger receiving area can better capture pure sound wave signals, reduce the influence of background noise and other interference, and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of imaging. The inclined surface design on the outside of the pickup hole can also have a certain directional effect, guiding the sound waves to enter the hole more concentratedly. This directionality helps to enhance the accuracy and clarity of sound wave reception and improve the imaging quality. The inclined surface design on the outside of the pickup hole is relatively simple, but can achieve significant effect improvement. This design helps to simplify the structure and production process of the device, reduce costs and improve production efficiency. By increasing the aperture, the working stability of the handheld sound wave imager in various environments is enhanced. The larger receiving area can better adapt to different sound wave propagation conditions and improve the reliability and stability of the device.

[0016] Preferably, the camera includes one or a combination of a visible light camera, an infrared camera, and a thermal imaging camera.

[0017] Preferably, the camera includes a visible light camera and an infrared camera, the infrared signal collected by the infrared camera has the same color scale as the area overlapping the collapse, and the weight percentage of the color scale brightness determined by the infrared signal is 20%-70%.

[0018] (III) Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a portable handheld acoustic wave imager, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. This handheld and portable acoustic wave imager uses a matrix acoustic wave probe. If there is a problem with the detection object, such as cracks in the equipment or gas leakage in the pipeline, the different propagation media of the sound waves will cause reflection and scattering, resulting in changes in the sound waveform, frequency and propagation time, and the sound waves received by the pickup hole will change. A colored circle will be formed on the image on the display device. The closer to the center of the defect, the more red the color tends to be. When detecting distant objects, the detection effect is weak because the propagation distance is too far, making the red circle display range on the display screen seem small, but the actual range is larger when close to the object, making it difficult to determine the specific location of the defect. When working at high altitude, it is troublesome for maintenance workers to carry imagers. In this case, the matrix sound wave probe or sound wave transmitter in the matrix sound hole set in the outermost circle of the microphone array panel can simulate the sound waves reflected by the defect and emit them. According to the principle of wave interference, sound waves with opposite directions and the same waveform will cancel each other out, so that the sound waves reflected at the defect are canceled out, and the sound pickup hole does not receive the sound waves reflected at the defect, causing a colorless area to appear in the colored range on the display device, which is the specific location of the defect. When working, the sound wave transmitter broadcasts a large range according to the sound source simulation signal from the control module, and superimposes it on the propagation path of the sound source signal at the fault location in the reverse direction. The direct sound source signal received by the microphone array panel is weakened, and the approximate location of the fault is determined based on the location where the sound source signal is weakened. A matrix acoustic wave probe is used to perform high-power directional scanning on this approximate location, and the sound source signal at the center of the fault is greatly reduced or offset with appropriate power. The matrix acoustic wave probe is controlled by the control center. Each matrix acoustic wave probe can emit sound waves at different time sequences and can simulate sound waves of different waveforms. The defect location may be overall small. When propagating over long distances, the sound waves emitted by the matrix acoustic wave probe need to be gathered. Using the principle of phased array radar, each sound wave is emitted with a phase difference. These sound waves with the same frequency and direction are Waves will cause the superimposed wave direction to deflect under the action of interference, changing the scanning direction of the beam, and by changing the timing of sound wave emission and emitting at a certain interval, the deflection effect can be achieved, and emitting sound waves in a parabolic emission sequence can achieve the gathering of sound waves and the focusing of the sound beam, and combining the first two methods can achieve deflection and focusing of the sound beam, so that during detection, the sound waves emitted by the matrix sound wave probe can be focused and deflected, and fine scanning can be achieved within the range that appears in the preliminary scan. Because if fine scanning is used directly, the work efficiency is low and the imaging process is long. This method ensures both scanning efficiency and scanning accuracy.

[0020] 2. The handheld portable acoustic wave imager, through the use of matrix acoustic wave probe, when a large volume object or an object needs to be finely imaged, uses the principle of phased array radar, and the emission of each acoustic wave has a phase difference. These acoustic waves of the same frequency and direction will cause the deflection of the superimposed wave direction under the interference effect, and change the scanning direction of the beam. By changing the timing of acoustic wave emission and emitting at a certain interval, the deflection effect can be achieved. By using the deflection of the acoustic wave, it is possible to scan a larger direction at a fixed position. At the same time, with the handheld pan-tilt assembly, the handheld acoustic wave imager can also achieve a large range and stable scanning, solving the jitter problem of the handheld device. The parabolic emission timing can be used to emit acoustic waves to achieve the gathering of acoustic waves and the focusing of the acoustic beam. Combining the first two methods can achieve deflection and focusing of the acoustic beam, so that during detection, the acoustic waves emitted by the matrix acoustic wave probe can be focused and deflected. When precise imaging of some objects is required, compared with traditional equipment, more precise and clear imaging can be achieved, and multi-angle scanning can be achieved at the same time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the back side of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 A detailed schematic diagram of the matrix sound-emitting holes and sound pickup holes of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sound pickup hole of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sound wave cancellation of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the acoustic wave interference of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the acoustic wave interference deflection of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of acoustic wave interference focusing of the present invention;

[0029] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the acoustic wave interference focusing deflection of the present invention.

[0030] Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the color scale of acoustic collapse and infrared signal fusion.

[0031] In the figure: 1. microphone array panel; 2. imager grip; 10. imager end; 11. sound wave transmitter; 12. sound pickup hole; 13. matrix sound emission hole; 101. display screen; 111. external display device; 121. sound insulation board; 131. matrix sound wave probe; 132. sound insulation layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] See also Figure 1-2 The handheld portable acoustic wave imager comprises an imager end 10 and an imager grip 2 connected thereto, a microphone array panel 1 having a sound pickup hole 12 on one side of the imager end 10, a camera is provided in the middle of the outer side of the microphone array panel 1, a display panel is provided on the other side of the imager end 10, and further comprises an acoustic wave transmitter 11 and a processing module, the acoustic wave transmitter 11 is provided in the middle of the outer side of the microphone array panel 1, a microphone sensor for converting an acoustic wave signal into an electrical signal is provided in the sound pickup hole 12, the processing module is electrically connected to the microphone sensor, the display panel and the acoustic wave transmitter 11, and the processing module: the processing module obtains a sound source distribution signal from the acoustic signal of the microphone sensor using a microphone array beamforming technology, and displays the obtained sound source signal on the display panel after fusing it with the image collected by the camera using a visualized color scale diagram;

[0034] Acoustic wave transmitter 11: The processing module delays or synchronously outputs the acoustic signal collected by the microphone sensor to the acoustic wave transmitter 11 for acoustic diffusion. The diffused acoustic signal is superimposed with the sound source signal from the fault. The peaks and troughs of the sound signal in the straight line return interval are superimposed to produce noise cancellation, and the sound source signal at the fault disappears or weakens. Figure 5 , the sound source signal collapses at the core of the sound source signal collected by the microphone array panel 1, and the processing module feeds back the collapse to the display panel and marks the collapse. This collapse is the core of the sound source signal at the fault location.

[0035] Furthermore, the microphone array panel 1 is also arrayed with matrix sound holes 13, and the matrix sound holes 13 are provided with a matrix sound wave probe 131 for converting electrical signals into sound wave signals. The sound signals collected by the microphone sensor are delayed or synchronously output to the matrix sound wave probe 131 for acoustic diffusion;

[0036] The matrix acoustic wave probe 131 is controlled by the processing module. Each matrix acoustic wave probe 131 can emit acoustic waves at different time sequences and can simulate acoustic waves of different waveforms. When a large-volume object is located at a long distance or fine imaging of the object is required, the matrix acoustic wave probe 131 is in the working process while the acoustic wave transmitter 11 is in the closed state.

[0037] Matrix acoustic wave probe 131: The processing module delays or synchronously outputs the acoustic signal collected by the microphone sensor to the matrix acoustic wave probe 131 for acoustic diffusion. The diffused acoustic signal is superimposed with the sound source signal from the fault location. The peaks and troughs of the sound signal in the straight line return interval are superimposed to produce noise cancellation, and the sound source signal at the fault location disappears or weakens. Figure 5 , the sound source signal collapses at the core of the sound source signal collected by the microphone array panel 1, and the processing module feeds back the collapse to the display panel and marks the collapse. This collapse is the precise core of the sound source signal at the fault location.

[0038] Furthermore, the outermost circle of the microphone array panel 1 and the outer side array of the microphone sensor are the matrix sound holes 13 .

[0039] Furthermore, if there is a problem with the inspection object, for example, there is a crack in the equipment or a gas leak in the pipeline, the different propagation media of the sound wave will cause reflection and scattering, resulting in changes in the sound waveform, frequency and propagation time, so that the sound wave received by the pickup hole 12 changes, and a colored circle will be formed on the display device on the image. The closer to the center of the defect, the more red the color tends to be. When detecting distant objects, because the propagation distance is too far, the detection effect is weak, making the red circle display range on the display screen seem small, but the actual range is larger when close to the object, and it is difficult to determine the specific location of the defect. When performing some high-altitude operations, it is troublesome for maintenance workers to carry imagers. The matrix sound wave probe 131 in the matrix sound hole 13 set in the outermost circle of the microphone array panel 1 can simulate the sound waves reflected by the defect and emit them. According to the interference of the wave According to the principle of interference, sound waves with opposite directions and the same waveform will cancel each other out, so that the sound waves reflected at the defect are canceled out, and a colorless area appears in the colored range on the display device, which is the specific location of the defect. While the matrix sound wave probe 131 is in the working process, the sound wave transmitter 11 is also in a working state, and the transmission frequency and timing are different. The matrix sound wave probe 131 is controlled by the control center. Each matrix sound wave probe 131 can transmit sound waves at different timings and can simulate sound waves with different waveforms. The defect position may be smaller as a whole. When propagating over long distances, it is necessary to gather the sound waves emitted by the matrix sound wave probe 131. Using the principle of phased array radar, the emission of each sound wave has a phase difference. These sound waves with the same frequency and direction will cause the deflection of the superimposed wave direction under the interference effect, and change the beam direction scanning. See Figure 6 By changing the timing of the sound wave emission and emitting it at a certain interval, the deflection effect can be achieved, see Figure 7 , and the parabolic emission sequence can achieve the gathering of sound waves and the focusing of the sound beam, see Figure 8 , and combining the first two methods can achieve Fig. 9 The deflected and focused acoustic beam shown enables the acoustic waves emitted by the matrix acoustic wave probe 131 to be focused and deflected during detection.

[0040] See also Figure 3 The outer circle of the matrix sound-emitting hole 13 is provided with a sound insulation layer 132 made of rubber material, which can effectively absorb and reflect sound waves, reduce the propagation and interference of sound waves, and is isolated from the pickup hole 12 by a sound insulation board 121 on the inner side of the microphone array panel 1, which can effectively isolate the propagation of sound, reduce noise and interference, and reduce the possibility of sound waves directly entering the pickup hole from the transmitter.

[0041] The display device is specifically a display screen 101 arranged on a side of the imager end 10 away from the microphone array panel 1. The display screen 101 is arranged at the imager end 10, so that the user can easily observe the information on the display screen 101 when operating the device, thereby improving the convenience and intuitiveness of the operation, and realizing additional display by wirelessly connecting the Bluetooth module in the imager end 10 to the external display device 111. This method simplifies the connection process, so that the device can be easily connected to the external display device, and realizes the selection of multiple display modes. Due to the use of the connection method of the external display device 111, the user can choose different display devices according to their needs, such as large-screen displays, tablet computers, etc., which greatly improves the extensibility and adaptability of the device. This design makes full use of the space of the device, making the device more compact and easy to carry and use.

[0042] The imager handle 2 and the imager end 10 are provided with a detachable structure, and the imager end 10 can be detached and installed on a corresponding handheld gimbal assembly. Due to the detachable structure between the handle 2 and the imager end 10, the user can detach the imager end 10 as needed and install it on a handheld gimbal assembly. The gimbal assembly is electrically connected to the control module, and the gimbal assembly controls the microphone array panel 1 to face the sound source signal according to the position of the sound source signal obtained by the control module, that is, when the sound source signal is in the middle of the display panel. This design makes the device more flexible and can adapt to different usage scenarios and needs. The detachable structure allows the user to detach the imager end 10 can be disassembled and placed in a smaller container or backpack for easy carrying and transportation. If the imager end 10 needs maintenance or upgrading, the user can easily disassemble it and perform corresponding operations. Due to the detachable structure design, the production and assembly process of the equipment becomes simpler, reducing the production cost. At the same time, if a part is damaged or outdated, the user can only replace the corresponding part instead of the entire device, thereby reducing the use cost. Due to the detachable structure between the grip 2 and the imager end 10, the user can fix the imager end 10 in an appropriate position when using the handheld pan / tilt assembly to prevent it from loosening or falling off, thereby improving the safety of use.

[0043] The microphone array panel 1 is not parallel to the display screen 101, and is tilted by 10°-15°. By setting the tilt of the microphone array panel 1, the microphones in the array can receive sound waves in a more concentrated and directional manner. This directional reception effect helps to improve the accuracy and clarity of sound waves, thereby making imaging more precise. During the transmission of sound waves, they may be interfered by various factors in the environment, such as wind, noise, etc. By setting the tilt of the microphone array panel 1, the receiving angle of the microphone can be adjusted to reduce unnecessary interference and improve the purity of sound wave reception. Due to the tilt design of the microphone array panel 1, the sound waves are transmitted more accurately. During the process, the corresponding microphone will be more concentratedly irradiated, thereby improving the receiving sensitivity of the microphone. This design helps to capture weaker sound wave signals, thereby improving the imaging quality. By adjusting the inclination of the microphone array surface 1, different sound wave transmission paths and sense of distance can be simulated, thereby enhancing the spatial sense of sound wave imaging. This design helps to provide richer sound wave information and makes the imaging effect more three-dimensional and realistic. In the design of a handheld sound wave imager, the inclination of the microphone array surface 1 can be used as a simple and effective parameter to adjust the sound wave reception effect. This design helps to simplify the structure and production process of the equipment, reduce costs and improve production efficiency.

[0044] See also Figure 4 The pickup hole 12 is provided with an inclined surface on the outward side to increase the aperture and the receiving area of ​​the sound wave. In this way, more sound wave energy can be effectively collected and transmitted to the internal microphone array, thereby improving the sensitivity of sound wave reception and obtaining a clearer and more accurate sound wave imaging effect. By increasing the aperture, the pickup hole can better adapt to the noise and other interference in the environment. A larger receiving area can better capture pure sound wave signals, reduce the influence of background noise and other interference, and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of imaging. The inclined surface design on the outside of the pickup hole can also have a certain directional effect, guiding the sound waves to enter the hole more concentratedly. This directivity helps to enhance the accuracy and clarity of sound wave reception and improve the imaging quality. The inclined surface design on the outside of the pickup hole is relatively simple, but can achieve significant effect improvement. This design helps to simplify the structure and production process of the equipment, reduce costs and improve production efficiency. By increasing the aperture, the working stability of the handheld sound wave imager in various environments is enhanced. The larger receiving area can better adapt to different sound wave propagation conditions and improve the reliability and stability of the equipment.

[0045] The camera includes one or a combination of a visible light camera, an infrared camera, and a thermal imaging camera. The infrared camera and the thermal imaging camera can further detect the infrared or thermal imaging fault point of the fault point, and fuse it with the image of the visible light camera to mark the fault point in the image.

[0046] See also Fig.10 In another preferred embodiment, the camera includes a visible light camera and an infrared camera, and the infrared signal collected by the infrared camera has the same color scale as the area overlapping the collapse, and the weight percentage of its color scale brightness determined by the infrared signal is 20%-70%.

[0047] Depending on the different detection weather conditions, in a detection environment with large infrared background noise, use a lower infrared signal weight ratio. In an environment with low infrared background noise, such as at night, use a higher infrared signal weight ratio option.

[0048] Working principle: The user holds the device through the imager grip 2 and aims it at the target to be detected. According to the detection requirements, the internal signal generator generates an ultrasonic model in a specific frequency range. For example, for pressurized air leakage detection, it may be necessary to emit an ultrasonic signal with an adjustable bandwidth range of 2kHz to 60kHz, and convert the electrical signal into a sound wave through the large hole-shaped sound wave transmitter 11 in the center of the microphone array panel 1, and emit it to the target medium. When the emitted ultrasonic signal encounters different media, physical phenomena such as reflection, refraction and scattering will occur. These returned sound wave signals carry information about the internal structure and defects of the medium. The microphone sensor in the pickup hole 12 on the microphone array panel 1 is responsible for receiving the returned sound wave signal. , and convert it into electrical signals. The strength and characteristics of these electrical signals correspond to the strength and characteristics of the sound waves. The received electrical signals are amplified by the preamplifier to enhance their signal strength. This step is to better extract the information carried by the sound waves. The amplified analog signal is converted into a digital signal through an analog-to-digital converter to facilitate subsequent digital signal processing DSP. This process involves steps such as signal sampling and quantization, which require precise control to avoid information loss. DSP technology is used to extract useful information, such as the propagation time, amplitude, frequency, etc. of the sound waves. This information is directly related to the internal structure and defects of the object. Through appropriate algorithms and calculations, this information can be converted into images or waveforms and displayed on the display screen 10 1 or external display device 111, if there is a problem with the detection object, for example, there is a crack in the equipment or a gas leak in the pipeline, the sound wave shape, frequency and propagation time will change due to the different propagation media of the sound wave, and the sound wave received by the pickup hole 12 will change, and a colored circle will be formed on the display screen 101 or the external display device 111 on the image, and the closer to the center of the defect, the more the color tends to be red. When detecting a distant object, because the propagation distance is too far, the detection effect is weak, so that the display range of the red circle on the display screen seems small, but the actual range is larger when close to the object, and it is difficult to determine the specific location of the defect. When performing some high-altitude operations, maintenance workers carry imagers to the higher altitudes. To solve the problem of trouble, the matrix acoustic wave probe 131 in the matrix sound-emitting hole 13 arranged in the outermost circle of the microphone array panel 1 can be used to simulate the sound waves reflected by the defects and emit them. According to the principle of wave interference, sound waves with opposite directions but the same waveform will cancel each other out, so that the sound waves reflected at the defect will be canceled out, and a colorless area will appear in the colored range on the display device, which is the specific location of the defect. The defect location may be relatively small as a whole. When propagating over long distances, it is necessary to gather the sound waves emitted by the matrix acoustic wave probe 131. Using the principle of phased array radar, the emission of each sound wave has a phase difference. These sound waves with the same frequency and direction will cause the superimposed wave direction to deflect under the interference effect, changing the beam direction scanning. See Figure 6By changing the timing of the sound wave emission and emitting at a certain interval, the deflection effect can be achieved, see Figure 7 , and the parabolic emission sequence can achieve the gathering of sound waves and the focusing of the sound beam, see Figure 8 , and combining the first two methods can achieve Fig. 9 The deflected and focused sound beam shown allows the sound waves emitted by the matrix sound wave probe 131 to be focused and deflected during detection, and through the image processing module on the display device, detection is performed within the range displayed by the sound wave transmitter 11 during the preliminary detection through the focused sound beam of the matrix sound wave probe 131. When colorless appears within the colored range, the image processing module records it. When the scan is completed, multiple recorded images are superimposed, and the defect position and size can be accurately displayed, and the specific position is confirmed through the sound wave ranging function, which is convenient for maintenance personnel to quickly locate it.

[0049] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements.

[0050] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A portable handheld acoustic wave imager, comprising an imager end (10) and an imager grip (2) connected thereto, a microphone array panel (1) having a sound pickup hole (12) on one side of the imager end (10), a camera being provided in the middle of the outer side of the microphone array panel (1), and a display panel being provided on the other side of the imager end (10), characterized in that: It also comprises a sound wave transmitter (11) and a processing module, wherein the sound wave transmitter (11) is arranged at the middle of the outer side surface of the microphone array panel (1), and the sound pickup hole (12) is provided with a microphone sensor for converting a sound wave signal into an electrical signal, and the processing module is electrically connected to the microphone sensor, the display panel and the sound wave transmitter (11), and the processing module obtains a sound source distribution signal from the sound signal of the microphone sensor using a microphone array beamforming technology, and fuses the obtained sound source signal with the image collected by the camera using a visual color scale diagram, and then displays it on the display panel; The processing module delays or synchronously outputs the acoustic signal collected by the microphone sensor to the sound wave transmitter (11) for acoustic diffusion, and the diffused acoustic signal is superimposed on the sound source signal from the fault location. The peaks and troughs of the sound signal in the interval of the straight line return are superimposed to produce noise cancellation, and the sound source signal at the fault location disappears or weakens. The sound source signal at the core of the sound source signal collected by the microphone array panel (1) collapses. The processing module feeds back the collapse to the display panel and marks the collapse. This collapse is the core of the sound source signal at the fault location. The microphone array panel (1) is also provided with a matrix sound-emitting hole (13), and a matrix sound wave probe (131) for converting an electrical signal into a sound wave signal is provided in the matrix sound-emitting hole (13). The sound signal collected by the microphone sensor is output to the matrix sound wave probe (131) with a time delay or synchronously for acoustic diffusion; The matrix acoustic wave probes (131) are controlled by a processing module; each matrix acoustic wave probe (131) can emit acoustic waves at different time sequences and can simulate acoustic waves of different waveforms; when a large-volume object at a long distance or when fine imaging of the object is required, the matrix acoustic wave probes (131) are in operation while the acoustic wave transmitter (11) is in a closed state; The processing module delays or synchronously outputs the acoustic signal collected by the microphone sensor to the matrix acoustic wave probe (131) for acoustic diffusion. The diffused acoustic signal is superimposed on the sound source signal from the fault location. The peaks and troughs of the sound signal in the straight line return interval are superimposed to produce noise cancellation. The sound source signal at the fault location disappears or weakens. The sound source signal collapses at the core of the sound source signal collected by the microphone array panel (1). The processing module feeds back the collapse to the display panel and marks the collapse. This collapse is the precise core of the sound source signal at the fault location.

2. A portable handheld acoustic wave imager according to claim 1, characterized in that: The matrix sound-emitting holes (13) are arranged on the outermost circle of the microphone array panel (1) and the outer array of the microphone sensor.

3. A portable handheld acoustic wave imager according to claim 2, characterized in that: The matrix sound-emitting holes (13) are provided with a sound insulation layer (132) made of rubber material on the outer ring, and the sound pickup holes (12) are provided with a sound insulation board (121) on the inner side of the microphone array panel (1) for isolation.

4. A portable handheld acoustic wave imager according to claim 1, characterized in that: A detachable structure is provided between the imager grip (2) and the imager end (10), and the imager end (10) can be detached and installed on a corresponding handheld gimbal assembly. The gimbal assembly is electrically connected to a control module, and the gimbal assembly controls the microphone array panel (1) to face the sound source signal according to the position of the sound source signal obtained by the control module, that is, the sound source signal is in the middle of the display panel.

5. The portable handheld acoustic wave imager according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microphone array panel (1) and the display screen (101) are not parallel to each other, and are inclined by 10°-15°.

6. The portable handheld acoustic wave imager according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sound pickup hole (12) is provided with an inclined surface on the outward side to increase the hole diameter.

7. The portable handheld acoustic wave imager according to claim 1, characterized in that: The camera includes one or a combination of a visible light camera, an infrared camera, and a thermal imaging camera.

8. The portable handheld acoustic wave imager according to claim 7, characterized in that: The camera includes a visible light camera and an infrared camera. The infrared signal collected by the infrared camera has the same color scale as the area where the collapse overlaps, and the weight percentage of the color scale brightness determined by the infrared signal is 20%-70%.

Citation Information

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