Acoustic system with shared acoustic channel and shared sound port

Abstract

According to one aspect, an acoustic system includes a plurality of acoustic sensor devices including at least a first acoustic sensor device and a second acoustic sensor device. The acoustic system also includes a plurality of acoustic channels including at least a first acoustic channel configured to provide a first coupling between the first acoustic sensor device and the ambient medium and a second acoustic channel configured to provide a second coupling between the second acoustic sensor device and the ambient medium. The first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel may include a shared channel portion including at least a portion of the first acoustic channel that is common to at least a portion of the second acoustic channel.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 467,205, filed on May 17, 2023, entitled “Acoustic Systems with Shared Acoustic Channels and Shared Sound Ports”, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to acoustic sensor devices, such as microphones. Background Technology

[0004] An omnidirectional acoustic sensor device (e.g., an omnidirectional microphone) measures the pressure of incoming sound. A transducer or diaphragm that moves in response to the incoming sound is sealed within a package. This transducer divides the package into two air volumes, a front volume and a rear volume. The microphone package has an acoustic port that couples one of the air volumes to the external surrounding environment (e.g., ambient air). When sound strikes the microphone, the sound is coupled through the acoustic port to one of the air volumes and changes the pressure. This creates a pressure difference between the front and rear volumes, thereby generating a force on the transducer and driving its movement. In this configuration, the omnidirectional microphone responds identically to sound propagating in all directions.

[0005] Directional acoustic sensor devices (e.g., directional microphones) use two sound ports, with each opposite side of the transducer exposed to the surrounding environment. They are designed to be highly sensitive to sound propagating in one direction and less sensitive to sound propagating in the other. Directivity allows the microphone to separate sound sources.

[0006] A directional microphone responds to the pressure difference between two sound ports as sound waves propagate through the surrounding environment. A transducer or diaphragm is disposed within a package such that it divides the package into two air volumes, a front volume and a rear volume. A first sound port formed within the package couples the front air volume to the external environment at a first location. A second sound port formed within the package couples the rear air volume to the external environment at a second location spaced apart from the first location. As sound waves propagate through the microphone, they create a first local pressure at the location of the first sound port and a second local pressure at the location of the second sound port. The difference between the first and second pressures exerts a force on the diaphragm, causing it to vibrate. The vibration of the diaphragm is then converted into an electrical signal by one of a variety of transduction mechanisms, such as capacitive, piezoelectric, optical, or piezoresistive readout.

[0007] In some systems, multiple acoustic sensor devices, such as multiple microphones, are used to sense the surrounding environment. Such a multi-microphone system can be configured to process the output of multiple microphones, for example, to determine the direction of different sound sources in the surrounding environment and amplify sound from a specific direction while canceling or attenuating sound from other directions. A typical multi-microphone system includes multiple acoustic channels and multiple acoustic ports that couple the corresponding transducers of the microphones to the surrounding environment. Thus, for example, a typical system including an omnidirectional microphone and a directional microphone requires one acoustic channel and one acoustic port to couple the transducer of the omnidirectional microphone to the surrounding environment, and a separate set of two acoustic channels and two acoustic ports to couple the corresponding sides of the transducer of the directional microphone to the surrounding environment. Therefore, such a typical microphone system typically requires three independent acoustic channels and three independent acoustic ports. As another example, a typical system including two directional microphones requires a set of two acoustic channels and two acoustic ports to couple the corresponding sides of the transducer of the first directional microphone to the surrounding environment, and a separate set of two acoustic channels and two acoustic ports to couple the two sides of the transducer of the second directional microphone to the surrounding environment. In this example, a typical microphone system would typically require four independent acoustic channels and four independent audio ports.

[0008] Systems with a greater number of microphones (such as three microphones) typically require a proportionally greater number of acoustic channels and audio ports. The separate acoustic channels and audio ports for each microphone in such systems usually lead to an increase in the size of the microphone system. Furthermore, when such multi-microphone systems are integrated into end-point devices, a greater number of audio ports need to be provided in the final product device. Generally, from an industrial design perspective, a large number of audio ports in an end-point device is considered undesirable. Therefore, while multi-microphone systems can provide greater directionality and better sound quality, these performance improvements come at the cost of increased area and packaging limitations, which can sometimes limit the usability of multi-microphone systems. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect, an acoustic system includes a plurality of acoustic sensor devices, including at least a first acoustic sensor device and a second acoustic sensor device. The acoustic system also includes a plurality of acoustic channels, including a first acoustic channel configured to provide a first coupling and a second acoustic channel configured to provide a second coupling, the first coupling being between the first acoustic sensor device and an ambient medium, and the second coupling being between the second acoustic sensor device and the ambient medium. The first and second acoustic channels may include a shared channel portion, the shared channel portion including at least a portion of the first acoustic channel and being common to at least a portion of the second acoustic channel.

[0010] With respect to any of the foregoing aspects, the acoustic system may alternatively or additionally include or relate to any suitable combination of one or more of the following aspects or features. The acoustic system may further include a shared sound port coupled to the first and second acoustic channels via a shared channel portion. The first and second acoustic sensor devices are arranged on the acoustic system to have sensitivity directions orthogonal to each other. The acoustic system may further include a third acoustic sensor device and a third acoustic channel configured to provide a third coupling between the third acoustic sensor device and the ambient medium. At least a portion of the third acoustic channel is common to a corresponding portion or more of one or both of the first and second acoustic channels. The shared channel portion includes at least a portion of the first acoustic channel, at least a portion of the second acoustic channel, and at least a portion of the third acoustic channel. The acoustic system may further include a shared sound port coupled to the first, second, and third acoustic channels via a shared channel portion. The acoustic system may further include multiple shared sound ports, including at least i) a first shared sound port coupled to a first acoustic channel and a second acoustic channel, and ii) a second shared port coupled to one of the first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel and a third acoustic channel. Each of the first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel may include a linear channel. At least one of the first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel may include a non-linear channel. The non-linear channel may include one or more of a V-shaped channel, a U-shaped channel, or an L-shaped channel. The multiple acoustic sensor devices include multiple directional microphones. The multiple acoustic sensor devices include at least one directional acoustic sensor device and at least one omnidirectional microphone. The multiple acoustic sensor devices include at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone. The multiple acoustic sensor devices include multiple microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphones. Attached Figure Description

[0011] For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals identify similar elements in the figures.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example acoustic sensing environment, based on an example depiction of an acoustic system having a shared acoustic channel and / or a shared sound port.

[0013] Figure 2 It is based on the example and can be found Figure 1 A block diagram of an example directional acoustic sensor device used in an acoustic system.

[0014] Figure 3 It is based on the example and can be found Figure 1 A block diagram of an example directional acoustic sensor device used in an acoustic system.

[0015] Figures 4A-4C Based on several examples, it can be compared with Figure 1 An example acoustic channel configuration used together with directional acoustic sensor devices in an acoustic system.

[0016] Figure 5A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an example acoustic system with a shared acoustic channel, based on the example.

[0017] Figure 5B It is based on the example. Figure 5A A 3D view of an example acoustic system.

[0018] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an example acoustic system with a shared acoustic channel and a shared sound port, based on another example.

[0019] Figure 6B It is based on the example. Figure 6A A 3D view of an example acoustic system.

[0020] Figure 7 A diagram illustrating the measurement response of two acoustic sensor devices configured with shared acoustic channels and shared sound ports, based on an example, is provided.

[0021] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an example acoustic system with a shared acoustic channel and a shared sound port, based on another example.

[0022] Figure 8B It is based on the example. Figure 8A A 3D view of an example acoustic system.

[0023] Figure 9A and 9B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an example acoustic system with a shared acoustic channel and a shared sound port, based on another example.

[0024] Figure 9C It is based on the example. Figure 9A and 9B A 3D view of an example acoustic system.

[0025] Figure 10A -C is a view of an example acoustic system with a shared acoustic channel and a shared sound port, based on another example.

[0026] Figure 11A -D is a view of an example acoustic system with a shared acoustic channel and a shared sound port, based on another example.

[0027] Embodiments of the disclosed device may take various forms. Specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below, and it should be understood that this disclosure is intended to be illustrative. This disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments described and shown herein. Detailed Implementation

[0028] An acoustic system comprising multiple acoustic sensor devices (such as microphones) is disclosed, having a shared acoustic channel and / or sound port. The multiple acoustic sensor devices that can be included in the acoustic system may include any suitable combination of one or more directional acoustic sensor devices (such as one or more directional microphones) and one or more omnidirectional acoustic sensor devices (such as one or more omnidirectional microphones). For example, the acoustic system may include directional acoustic sensor devices integrated with omnidirectional acoustic sensor devices. As another example, the acoustic system may include two directional acoustic sensor devices integrated together, for example, such that the two acoustic sensor devices have sensitivity directions orthogonal to each other. As yet another example, three directional acoustic sensor devices may be integrated together, for example, such that all three acoustic sensor devices have sensitivity directions orthogonal to each other. In other examples, other suitable acoustic sensor device configurations may be utilized. Typically, a directional acoustic sensor device includes two sound ports configured to couple a corresponding side of a transducer to the surrounding environment. On the other hand, omnidirectional acoustic sensor devices typically include a single acoustic port configured to couple one side of the transducer to the surrounding environment, while the other side of the transducer may be exposed inside the acoustic sensor device and at least substantially sealed off from the surrounding environment in an air volume.

[0029] The acoustic system may also include multiple acoustic channels configured to provide coupling between the plurality of acoustic sensor devices and the surrounding environment. In aspects of this disclosure, one or more acoustic channels may share one or more shared channel portions. For example, the acoustic system may include a shared channel portion that allows one or more acoustic channels to intersect. Because the acoustic system may include intersecting acoustic channels, multiple acoustic sensor devices can be integrated together with a reduced total physical space or footprint compared to a system that uses a separate acoustic channel for each acoustic sensor device. In some examples, one or more shared channel portions in the acoustic system may allow the use of one or more shared sound ports in the acoustic system. For example, multiple acoustic channels can be exposed to the surrounding environment using shared sound via a channel portion shared between the multiple acoustic channels. Therefore, compared to systems that do not include any shared acoustic channels or any shared sound ports, the total number of sound ports that need to be provided in the final product device to integrate multiple acoustic sensor devices into the final product device can be reduced. As an example only, an acoustic system including one directional acoustic sensor device and one omnidirectional acoustic sensor device can be integrated into a final product device that provides only two acoustic ports, compared to the three acoustic ports required by a system that does not include any shared acoustic channels and shared sound ports. As another example, an acoustic system including two directional acoustic sensor devices can be integrated into a final product device that provides only three acoustic ports, compared to the four acoustic ports required by a system that does not include any shared acoustic channels and shared sound ports. As yet another example, an acoustic system including three directional acoustic sensor devices can be integrated into a final product device with only four acoustic ports, compared to the six acoustic ports required by a system that does not include any shared acoustic channels and shared sound ports. At least in some examples, the reduction in total physical space occupied and / or the reduction in the total number of acoustic ports can lead to a reduction in the cost of the acoustic system and / or the final product device. For example, a reduction in the total number of acoustic ports required in the final product device typically results in a corresponding reduction in the amount of mesh, adhesives, etc., required in the final product device, which in turn can lead to a reduction in the production cost of the final product device.

[0030] The disclosed acoustic sensor device system can be used in a wide variety of microphone applications and contexts, including, for example, various consumer devices such as smartphones, laptops, and earphones that include or are otherwise equipped with microphones. The configuration of the disclosed acoustic sensor device system can be used in any device in which there is an interest in listening to sounds originating from a particular direction with higher sensitivity than sounds originating from other directions.

[0031] Although typically described in conjunction with a microphone, the disclosed acoustic systems and devices can be used in other applications and contexts. For example, the disclosed acoustic sensor device system can be used with accelerometers, gyroscopes, inertial sensors, pressure sensors, gas sensors, etc. The disclosed acoustic systems and devices are described in the context of acoustic excitation. However, alternative or additional stimuli can excite the disclosed sensor devices in other contexts.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a block diagram depicting an example acoustic sensing environment, where an acoustic system with a shared acoustic channel and / or shared sound port can be utilized. A final product device 102 equipped with the acoustic system 103 can be placed in an surrounding environment 101 (e.g., ambient air). The final product device 102 can be an electronic device, such as a smartphone, personal computer, headset, TV, robot, etc. The final product device 102 can be further equipped with a computing device 106. For example, the computing device 106 can be the processor of the final product device. Although the computing device 106 is... Figure 1 The acoustic sensor device 104 is shown as part of the final product device 102 externally coupled to the acoustic sensor device 104, but in some examples, the computing device 106 may be external to the final product device 102. For example, the computing device 106 may be a processor of a computer or other electronic device that can be externally connected to the final product device 102. In yet another example, the computing device 106 may be internal to the acoustic sensor device 104 and / or at least a portion of the functionality of the computing device 106 described herein may be performed internally to the acoustic sensor device 104.

[0033] The acoustic system 103 includes a plurality of acoustic sensor devices (e.g., microphones) 104, including a first microphone 104a and a second microphone 104b integrated into at least the final product device 102. The first microphone 104a includes a sensing element 110a. The second microphone 104b includes a sensing element 110b. For example, each of the sensing elements 110a and 110b may include a diaphragm of a MEMS transducer. The first microphone 104a may be a directional microphone, including two sound ports 112 configured to couple opposite sides of the sensing element 110a to the surrounding environment. On the other hand, the second microphone 104b may be an omnidirectional microphone, including a single sound port 113 configured to couple one side of the sensing element 110b to the surrounding environment, while the other side of the sensing element 110b is exposed to an internal air volume that is at least substantially sealed and isolated from the surrounding environment. In other examples, other suitable microphone configurations may be utilized. For example, the second microphone 104b may include a directional microphone having two sound ports 113. In some such examples, the first directional microphone 104a and the second directional microphone 104b may be incorporated into the final product 102 with the first directional microphone 104a and the second directional microphone 104b having sensitivity configurations (sometimes referred to as “XY” configurations) that are orthogonal to each other.

[0034] although Figure 1 The acoustic system 103 shown includes two microphones 104, but in some examples, the acoustic system 103 may include more than two microphones 104. For example, the acoustic system 103 may include two directional microphones 104 (e.g., arranged in an "XY" configuration) and may further include an omnidirectional microphone 104. In another example, the acoustic system 103 may include three directional microphones 104, for example, arranged in a configuration where the three directional microphones 104 have corresponding sensitivities orthogonal to each other (sometimes referred to as an "XYZ" configuration). In yet another example, the acoustic system 103 may include three directional microphones 104 (e.g., arranged in an "XYZ" configuration) and may further include an omnidirectional microphone 104. In other examples, other suitable microphone configurations may be utilized. For example, the acoustic system 103 may include a suitable arrangement containing more than four microphones 104.

[0035] Acoustic system 103 includes a plurality of acoustic channels 114 configured to provide corresponding coupling between the sound ports of microphone 104 and the surrounding environment. For example, acoustic system 103 includes a first acoustic channel 114-1 configured to provide coupling between the sound port 112-1 of a first microphone 104a and the surrounding environment, and a second acoustic channel 114-2 configured to provide coupling between the sound port 112-2 of the first microphone 104a and the surrounding environment. Acoustic system 103 also includes a third acoustic channel 114-3 configured to provide coupling between the sound port 113 of a second microphone 104b and the surrounding environment. Acoustic system 103 may further include a plurality of sound ports 116 disposed on or otherwise embedded therein in the final product device 102 to couple the acoustic channels 114 to the surrounding environment. For example, the acoustic system 103 may include a first sound port 116a that may be located on or otherwise embedded in the edge 117 of the final product device 102, and a second sound port 116b that may be located on or otherwise embedded in the edge 117 of the final product device 102.

[0036] It is worth noting that, although the first audio port 116a and the second audio port 116b of the final product device 102 are in Figure 1 The first audio port 116a and the second audio port 116b are shown on the same edge 117 of the final product device 102, but the first audio port 116a and the second audio port 116b may alternatively be located on different edges of the final product device 102 or otherwise embedded therein. By way of example only, the first audio port 116a and the second audio port 116b may be located on opposite edges 117, 119 of the final product device 102 or otherwise embedded therein. In some examples, depending on the number and configuration of the microphones 104 included in the acoustic system 103, more than two audio ports 116 may be provided in the final product 102, located on one or more edges of the final product device 102 or otherwise embedded therein. In some examples, the acoustic system 103 may include more than one shared audio port 116.

[0037] In the example, acoustic system 103 includes one or more channel portions shared among a plurality of acoustic channels 114. For example, a shared channel portion among acoustic channels 114 may include channel portions in which two or more acoustic channels 114 intersect or otherwise contact each other. One or more shared channel portions may be shared among acoustic channels configured to provide coupling between different microphones 104 and the surrounding environment. For example, acoustic system 103 may include a shared channel portion 118 comprising a portion of a second acoustic channel 114-2 configured to provide coupling between the sound port 112-2 of a first microphone 104a and the surrounding environment, and a portion of a third acoustic channel 114-3 configured to provide coupling between the sound port 113 of a second microphone 104b and the surrounding environment. At least in some examples, because acoustic system 103 includes one or more shared portions 118 in which multiple acoustic channels 114 are allowed to intersect or otherwise connect, the total amount of physical space occupied by acoustic system 103 can be reduced. Furthermore, at least in some examples, because the acoustic system 103 includes one or more shared portions 118 in which multiple acoustic channels 114 intersect or are otherwise connected, one or more shared sound ports 116 can be used to expose multiple acoustic channels 114 to the surrounding environment. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, the shared channel section 118 allows a single shared audio port 116b to expose both the second acoustic channel 114-2 and the third acoustic channel 114-3 to the surrounding environment. Therefore, compared to systems that do not include any shared channel section and shared audio ports, the total number of audio ports 116 required to integrate multiple microphones 104 into the final product device can be reduced.

[0038] Sound waves 122 and 124 can be emitted from the first sound source 126 and the second sound source 128, respectively, and can propagate from there into the surrounding environment 101. As shown, sound wave 122 propagates radially and includes a direct path 130. Sound wave 124 propagates radially and includes a direct path 132 at an angle 134 to the direct path 130. Therefore, sound wave 122 propagates along path 130 parallel to edges 117 and 119, while sound wave 124 propagates along path 132 perpendicular to surfaces 117 and 119. Figure 1 The acoustic system 103 is configured such that the first microphone 104a can capture a portion of the surrounding environment 101 having sound waves 124 parallel to the edge 117 with increased sensitivity relative to a portion of the surrounding environment 101 having sound waves 122 perpendicular to the edge 117. For example, the first microphone 104a can capture sound waves 124 with a sensitivity at least 15 dB or 20 dB higher than sound waves 122 at certain audible frequencies. Furthermore, according to... Figure 1In the configuration of the acoustic system 103 shown, the second microphone 104b can capture sound waves propagating in the surrounding environment 101 omnidirectionally. Therefore, the second microphone 104b can capture sound waves 122 and 124 with at least substantially equal sensitivity. In another example, where the second microphone 104b is a directional microphone and an additional sound port 116 is provided in the final product 102, which can be arranged in the final product device 102 such that the second microphone 104b can capture a portion of the surrounding environment 101 having sound waves 122 perpendicular to the edge 117 with increased sensitivity relative to the portion of the surrounding environment 101 having sound waves 124 parallel to the edge 117. For example, in such a system, the second microphone 104b can capture sound waves 122 with a sensitivity at certain audible frequencies at least 15 dB or 20 dB higher than that of sound waves 124.

[0039] Each of the microphones 104 may also include one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices 105. For example, one or more IC devices 105 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) devices. One or more IC devices 105 may be configured to read electrical signals generated based on the motion of the sensing element 110 of the respective microphone 104, and generate one or more sensor output signals based on the electrical signals. For example, one or more IC devices 105a may be included in a first microphone 104a to read electrical signals generated based on the motion of the sensing element 110a of the first microphone 104a, and generate one or more sensor output signals based on the electrical signals. Similarly, one or more IC devices 105b may be included in a second microphone 104b to read electrical signals generated based on the motion of the sensing element 110b of the second microphone 104b, and generate one or more sensor output signals based on the electrical signals.

[0040] One or more IC devices 105 may be configured to provide one or more sensor output signals to computing device 106. In some examples, computing device 106 may be configured to further process the sensor output signals received from multiple sensors 104. For example, computing device 106 may be configured to mathematically combine the sensor output signals to generate a combined sensor output signal with a desired directional pattern (e.g., a heart-shaped pattern, a hyper-cardioid pattern, a super-cardioid pattern, etc.). In some aspects, computing device 106 may be configured to additionally or alternatively perform other mathematical operations based on sensor output signals from multiple microphones 104. For example, computing device 106 may be configured to multiply a directional sensor output signal (e.g., received from a first microphone 104a) with an omnidirectional sensor output signal (e.g., received from a second microphone 104b) to determine sound intensity. In various examples, due to one or more shared channel portions 118 and / or one or more shared sound ports 116 in the acoustic system 103, such directional patterning and other sensor signal operations can be performed with an acoustic system 103 that occupies less physical space and / or uses a smaller total number of sound ports 116 compared to a system that does not include any shared acoustic channels or shared sound ports.

[0041] Turn now Figure 2 The diagram depicts a cross-sectional schematic of an acoustic sensor device 200 configured as a directional acoustic sensor device according to an example. For example, the acoustic sensor device 200 may be a microphone. The acoustic sensor device 200 may correspond to... Figure 1The acoustic sensor device 200 may include a microphone 104a. The acoustic sensor device 200 may include a transducer 204. For example, the transducer 204 may be a MEMS transducer. However, in other examples, the transducer 204 may include a suitable transducer other than a MEMS transducer. The transducer 204 may be attached to or otherwise supported by a PCB or other substrate 206 (generally referred to herein as "PCB 206"). The PCB 206 may include one or more layers. In examples where the PCB 206 includes multiple layers, the layers may be separated from each other by a dielectric material. One or more layers of the PCB 206 may include conductive traces that can route electrical signals within the PCB 206. The acoustic sensor device 200 may also include a cover or other housing 212 (generally referred to herein as "cover 212"). The cover 212 may be placed on the PCB 206 to enclose components of the acoustic sensor device 200 mounted on or otherwise attached to the PCB 206. The cover 212 may be made of, or otherwise contain, metal, plastic, ceramic, or other materials. The cover 212 and PCB 206 may form a package of the acoustic sensor device 200. In other examples, the package of the acoustic sensor device 200 may be formed in other suitable ways. The transducer 204 may include a diaphragm or other sensing element 210 above the cavity 242. The cavity 242 may be formed in the first MEMS transducer 204 by various precision machining practices, including, for example, deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). The diaphragm 210 includes a first side facing outward relative to the cavity 242 and a second side facing the cavity 242. In one example, the diaphragm 210 may include a cantilever diaphragm structure with one end fixed and the other end freely movable. In another example, the diaphragm 210 may include other suitable structures, such as a fixed-fixed structure fixed on more than two sides, or a diaphragm fixed or anchored on all peripheral sides.

[0042] The acoustic sensor device 200 may include a first acoustic port 216 formed in a cover 212 and a second acoustic port 218 formed in a PCB 206. A first air volume 260 may be formed in the package of the acoustic sensor device 200 between the PCB 206 and the cover 212 and may be configured to be exposed to the surrounding environment via the first acoustic port 216. A second air volume 262 may include a cavity 242 in the MEMS transducer 204 and may be configured to be exposed to the surrounding environment via the second acoustic port 218. Therefore, the diaphragm or other sensing element 210 may have two opposite sides exposed to the surrounding environment and may sense the pressure gradient between the opposite sides of the diaphragm 210 exposed to the surrounding environment. Because the diaphragm 210 of the MEMS transducer 204 has two opposite sides exposed to the surrounding environment, the first transducer 204 senses the pressure gradient between the opposite sides of the diaphragm 210 exposed to the surrounding environment, and the MEMS transducer 204 generates a directional polarity pattern. For example, the MEMS transducer 204 can generate a bipolar or digital octagonal pattern. It is worth noting that although the first audio port 216 is shown formed in the cover 212, in some examples, the first audio port 216 can alternatively be embedded in the PCB 206. In this case, the first audio port 216 can be placed at a suitable distance from the second audio port 218, such that the first audio port 216 still couples the surrounding environment with the first air volume 260.

[0043] The acoustic sensor device 200 may also include an ASIC 208. The ASIC 208 may correspond to... Figure 1 One or more IC devices 105a are included. ASIC 208 may be mounted on or otherwise attached to PCB 206. ASIC 208 may be covered by globtop 209. ASIC 208 may be electrically coupled to MEMS transducer 204. For example, MEMS transducer 204 and ASIC 208 may be electrically connected via wire bonding 214, directly connected to each other, or connected via traces on PCB 206. ASIC 208 may also be electrically connected to PCB 206 via wire bonding 211. In other examples, MEMS transducer 204 and ASIC 208 may be connected and / or electrically coupled using other suitable methods. For example, MEMS transducer 204 may be attached to PCB 206 using flip-chip technology.

[0044] ASIC 208 can be configured to read electrical signals generated by the MEMS transducer 204 based on the motion of the diaphragm 210, and generate a sensor output based on the electrical signals read from the first transducer 204. In this example, ASIC 208 can generate a directional (e.g., bipolar) sensor output signal based on the electrical signals read from the transducer 204. The sensor output generated by ASIC 208 can be provided to an external computing device (such as, for example, ...). Figure 1 The computing device 106 in the middle is used for further processing.

[0045] Turn now Figure 3 The diagram depicts a cross-sectional schematic of an acoustic sensor device 300 configured as an omnidirectional acoustic sensor device according to an example. For example, the acoustic sensor device 300 may be a microphone. The acoustic sensor device 300 may correspond to... Figure 1 The microphone 104b is included. The acoustic sensor device 300 is generally similar to... Figure 2 The acoustic sensor device 200 includes elements with similar designations, which will not be discussed in detail below for the sake of brevity. The acoustic sensor device 300 may include a transducer 304, which can be connected to... Figure 2 The transducer 204 is the same as or similar to that in the example. For example, transducer 304 could be a MEMS transducer. Figure 2 Unlike the acoustic sensor device 200, which includes two sound ports 216 and 218, the acoustic sensor device 300 includes only a single sound port 318. The cover 312 of the acoustic sensor device 300 does not include the sound port. Therefore, the air volume 360 ​​of the acoustic sensor device 300 is at least substantially sealed and isolated from the surrounding environment.

[0046] The sound port 318 can be configured to expose one side of the diaphragm 310 of the acoustic sensor device 300 to the surrounding environment, while the other side of the diaphragm 310 can be exposed to a sealed air volume 306. In some cases, the air volume 360 ​​is substantially sealed and isolated from the surrounding environment, but the acoustic sensor device 300 may include a vent or other small opening (e.g., in the cover 312) to expose the air volume 360 ​​to the surrounding environment to balance DC or low-frequency pressure changes in the surrounding environment. Because the diaphragm 310 is exposed to the surrounding environment on only one side and to the sealed air volume 306 on the other side, the MEMS transducer 304 can sense the pressure of the single exposed side of the diaphragm 310 relative to a reference pressure in the sealed air volume 360. Therefore, the MEMS transducer 304 can generate an omnidirectional polarity pattern.

[0047] In the example, the diaphragm 310 of the acoustic sensor device 300 may have a similar shape to... Figure 2The diaphragm 210 of the acoustic sensor device 200 has the same structure. In another example, the diaphragm 310 of the acoustic sensor device 300 may have the same structure as... Figure 2 The acoustic sensor device 200 may have different structures for its diaphragm 210. For example, diaphragm 210 and diaphragm 310 may include different structures optimized for directional sensing operation and omnidirectional sensing operation, respectively. By way of example only, diaphragm 210 may include a cantilever diaphragm structure with one end fixed and the other end freely movable, while diaphragm 310 may include a fixed-fixed structure with both ends fixed or peripherally fixed. In other examples, diaphragm 210 and / or diaphragm 310 may include other suitable structures.

[0048] As referenced above Figure 1 In some examples, the acoustic system may include directional acoustic sensor devices (e.g., Figure 2 Acoustic sensor device 200) and omnidirectional acoustic sensor device (e.g., Figure 3 Acoustic sensor device 300). In the example, such an acoustic system may include a first sound port and a first acoustic channel configured to direct the diaphragm of the directional acoustic sensor device (e.g., Figure 2 The first side of the diaphragm 210 in the acoustic system is exposed to the surrounding environment. The acoustic system may also include a second shared sound port and a second shared acoustic channel, configured to expose the diaphragm of the directional acoustic sensor device (e.g., Figure 2 The second side of the diaphragm 210 in the middle and the diaphragm of the omnidirectional acoustic sensor device (e.g., Figure 3 One side of the diaphragm 310 is coupled to the surrounding environment, while the diaphragm (e.g., Figure 3 The second side of the diaphragm 310 is exposed to a sealed air volume.

[0049] Figures 4A-4C Based on several examples, it is possible to use acoustic systems (such as, Figure 1 The example acoustic channel configuration used in the acoustic system 103 is to provide appropriate coupling between the two sound ports of the directional acoustic sensor and the surrounding environment. Figures 4A-4C The acoustic channel configuration shown can be used to connect directional microphones (such as...) Figure 1 The microphone 104a in the middle is integrated into the final product device (such as...) Figure 1 In the final product 102). First refer to Figure 4A In this example, a linear acoustic channel configuration 400 can be utilized. As an example only, the linear acoustic channel configuration 400 can be used to integrate a directional microphone into the final product, which has microphones positioned on opposite edges of the final product device (such as...). Figure 1 The audio ports on the relative edges 117, 119 of the final product device 102. Now refer to Figure 4BIn another example, a "V-shaped" or "U-shaped" acoustic channel configuration 430 can be utilized. As an example only, the "V-shaped" or "U-shaped" acoustic channel configuration 430 can be used to integrate a directional microphone into the final product, which has a microphone positioned on the same edge of the final product device (such as...). Figure 1 The audio port on edge 117 of the final product device 102. Now refer to Figure 4C In another example, an "L-shaped" acoustic channel configuration 450 can be utilized. As an example only, the "L-shaped" acoustic channel configuration 450 can be used to integrate a directional microphone into the final product, which has an audio port positioned on the vertical edge of the final product device.

[0050] Figure 5A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an example acoustic system 500 with a shared acoustic channel, based on the example. Figure 5B It is based on the example. Figure 5A A 3D view of an example acoustic system 500. Figure 5A and 5B Including the corresponding components, in order to avoid blurring the diagram, they are not shown in some cases. Figure 5B The annotation is in the middle. In the example, acoustic system 500 corresponds to... Figure 1 Acoustic system 103. Acoustic system 500 includes a first acoustic sensor device 504a and a second acoustic sensor device 504b. Each of the first acoustic sensor device 504a and the second acoustic sensor device 504b may include a directional acoustic sensor device, such as a directional microphone. In the example, each of the first directional acoustic sensor device 504a and the second directional acoustic sensor device 504b may correspond to Figure 2 The acoustic system 500 includes a directional acoustic sensor device 200. The acoustic system 500 also includes a plurality of acoustic channels 514 configured to provide coupling between the sound port of the acoustic sensor device 504 and the surrounding environment. For example, the acoustic system 500 includes a first acoustic channel 514-1 and a second acoustic channel 514-2 configured to provide corresponding coupling between a corresponding sound port of a first acoustic sensor device 504a and the surrounding environment. The acoustic system 500 also includes a third acoustic channel 514-3 and a fourth acoustic channel 514-4 configured to provide corresponding coupling between a corresponding sound port of a second acoustic sensor device 504b and the surrounding environment.

[0051] The acoustic system 500 includes a shared channel portion 518 where the second acoustic channel 514-2 intersects with the fourth acoustic channel 514-4. Therefore, the shared channel portion 518 includes a portion of the second acoustic channel 514-2 and a portion of the fourth acoustic channel 514-4. Compared to systems that do not utilize shared acoustic channels, the shared channel portion 518 allows the first acoustic sensor device 504a and the second acoustic sensor device 504b to be integrated into the acoustic system 500 with a smaller footprint. For example, the acoustic sensor devices 504a and 504b can be placed closer together than in a system that does not utilize shared acoustic channels. In this example, the first acoustic sensor device 504a and the second acoustic sensor device 504b can be integrated together to have orthogonal sensitivity directions in an "XY" configuration, without having to place them side-by-side completely independently of each other.

[0052] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an example acoustic system 600 with a shared acoustic channel and a shared sound port, based on another example. Figure 6B It is based on the example. Figure 6A A 3D view of an example acoustic system 600. Figure 6A and 6B Including the corresponding components, in order to avoid blurring the diagram, they are not shown in some cases. Figure 6B The annotation is in the middle. In the example, acoustic system 600 corresponds to... Figure 1 Acoustic system 103. Acoustic system 600 includes a first acoustic sensor device 604a and a second acoustic sensor device 604b. Each of the first acoustic sensor device 604a and the second acoustic sensor device 604b may include a directional acoustic sensor device, such as a directional microphone. For example, each of the first directional acoustic sensor device 604a and the second directional acoustic sensor device 604b may correspond to Figure 2 200 directional acoustic sensor devices.

[0053] The acoustic system 600 includes a plurality of acoustic channels 614 configured to provide coupling between the acoustic ports of the acoustic sensor device 604 and the surrounding environment. For example, the acoustic system 600 includes a first acoustic channel 614-1 and a second acoustic channel 614-2 configured to provide corresponding coupling between a corresponding acoustic port of a first acoustic sensor device 604a and the surrounding environment. The acoustic system 600 also includes a third acoustic channel 614-3 and a fourth acoustic channel 614-4 configured to provide corresponding coupling between a corresponding acoustic port of a second acoustic sensor device 604b and the surrounding environment. The acoustic system 600 may also include a plurality of acoustic ports 616 configured to expose the acoustic channels 614 to the surrounding environment, including a first acoustic port 616-1, a second acoustic port 616-2, and a third acoustic port 616-3.

[0054] Acoustic system 600 includes a shared channel portion 618 where the second acoustic channel 614-2 and the fourth acoustic channel 614-4 intersect. Therefore, the shared channel portion 618 includes a portion of the second acoustic channel 614-2 and a portion of the fourth acoustic channel 614-4. Because acoustic system 600 includes the shared channel portion 618 where the second acoustic channel 614-2 and the fourth acoustic channel 614-4 intersect, a single sound port can be used to expose the second acoustic channel 614-2 and the fourth acoustic channel 614-4 to the surrounding environment. For example, a third sound port 616-3 can be a shared sound port for exposing the second acoustic channel 614-2 and the fourth acoustic channel 614-4 to the surrounding environment. Therefore, the shared sound port 616-3 can be shared between the first acoustic sensor device 604a and the second acoustic sensor device 604b.

[0055] In the example, the first acoustic sensor device 604a and the second acoustic sensor device 604b in the acoustic system 600 can be integrated together to have orthogonal sensitivity directions in an "XY" configuration. The acoustic channels 614 can be arranged together in a "V-shaped" or "U-shaped" acoustic channel configuration, such as, for example... Figure 4BConfiguration 430. In the "XY" configuration, the first sound port 616-1 and the shared sound port 616-3 can be coplanar sound ports positioned along a first axis ("X-axis"), and the second sound port 616-2 and the shared sound port 616-3 can be coplanar sound ports positioned along a second axis ("Y-axis") perpendicular to the first axis. In this example configuration, sound waves propagating in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis can simultaneously (or at least substantially simultaneously) strike the first sound port 616-1 and the shared sound port 616-3, but strike the second sound port 616-2 at different times. Therefore, a pressure difference can be created between the second sound port 616-2 and the shared sound port 616-3, while no significant pressure difference is created between the first sound port 616-1 and the shared sound port 616-3. Therefore, sound waves propagating in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis can excite the second acoustic sensor device 604b, but not the first acoustic sensor device 604a. On the other hand, sound waves propagating in a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis can simultaneously (or at least substantially simultaneously) strike the second sound port 616-2 and the shared sound port 616-3, but strike the first sound port 613-1 at different times. Therefore, a pressure difference can be created between the first sound port 613-1 and the shared sound port 616-3, while no significant pressure difference is created between the second sound port 613-2 and the shared sound port 616-3. Thus, sound waves propagating in a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis will excite the first acoustic sensor device 604a, but not the second acoustic sensor device 604b. Therefore, for a given direction of sound wave propagation, only one of the acoustic sensor devices 604a and 604b can be excited. Therefore, in this example, the acoustic sensor devices 604a and 604b can maintain independent directionality as if they were completely separated from each other.

[0056] In various examples, because the acoustic system 600 includes a shared channel portion and shared audio ports, the first acoustic sensor device 604a and the second acoustic sensor device 604b can be integrated into a final product device that provides fewer audio ports compared to systems that do not utilize shared acoustic channels and shared audio ports. For example, the first acoustic sensor device 604a and the second acoustic sensor device 604b can be integrated into a final product device that provides only three audio ports compared to the four audio ports required in a system that does not utilize shared acoustic channels and shared audio ports.

[0057] refer to Figure 6BIt is worth noting that, in various examples, acoustic channel 614 can be arranged in various configurations within acoustic system 600. For example, acoustic channel 614 can be arranged such that a shared sound port 616-3, which couples both second acoustic channel 614-2 and fourth acoustic channel 614-4 to the surrounding environment, is located at one edge, while sound ports 616-1 and 616-2, which couple first acoustic channel 614-1 and third acoustic channel 614-3 to the surrounding environment, are located at another (e.g., opposite) edge. As another example, acoustic channel 614 can be arranged such that a shared sound port 616-3, which couples both second acoustic channel 614-2 and fourth acoustic channel 614-4 to the surrounding environment, is located at the same edge as sound ports 616-1 and 616-2, which couple first acoustic channel 614-1 and third acoustic channel 614-3 to the surrounding environment. In other examples, other suitable arrangements of acoustic channel 614 can be utilized.

[0058] Brief Reference Figure 7 Figure 700 illustrates the measured response or directivity index of two directional acoustic sensor devices configured with a shared acoustic channel and a shared sound port. As can be seen in Figure 700, the shared channel portion and shared sound port allow for the construction of acoustic systems with relatively consistent directivity across the audible frequency range.

[0059] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an example acoustic system 800 with a shared acoustic channel and a shared sound port, based on another example. Figure 8B It is based on the example. Figure 8A A 3D view of an example acoustic system 800. Figure 8A and 8B Including the corresponding components, in order to avoid blurring the diagram, they are not shown in some cases. Figure 8B The acoustic system 800 is similar to the one in the middle. Figure 6A and 6B The acoustic system 600 includes elements similarly numbered to those in the acoustic system 600, which will not be discussed in detail below for the sake of brevity. The acoustic system 800 may include a first acoustic sensor device 804a corresponding to a first acoustic sensor device 604a, and a second acoustic sensor device 804b corresponding to a second acoustic sensor device 604b. Each of the first acoustic sensor device 804a and the second acoustic sensor device 804b may include a directional acoustic sensor device, such as a directional microphone. For example, each of the first directional acoustic sensor device 804a and the second directional acoustic sensor device 804b may correspond to... Figure 2The acoustic system 800 includes a directional acoustic sensor device 200. In the example, a first acoustic sensor device 804a and a second acoustic sensor device 804b can be arranged to have orthogonal sensitivity directions in an "XY" configuration. The acoustic system 800 further includes a third acoustic sensor device 804c. The third acoustic sensor device 804c includes an omnidirectional acoustic sensor device, such as an omnidirectional microphone. For example, the omnidirectional acoustic sensor device 804c can correspond to... Figure 3 Acoustic sensor device 300. Acoustic system 800 includes a fifth acoustic channel 814-5 configured to provide coupling between a respective single sound port of the third acoustic sensor device 804c and the surrounding environment.

[0060] Acoustic system 800 includes a shared channel portion 818 where the second acoustic channel 814-2, the fourth acoustic channel 814-4, and the fifth acoustic channel 814-5 intersect. Therefore, the shared channel portion 818 includes a portion of the second acoustic channel 814-2, a portion of the fourth acoustic channel 814-4, and a portion of the fifth acoustic channel 814-5. Because acoustic system 800 includes the shared channel portion 818 where the second acoustic channel 814-2, the fourth acoustic channel 814-4, and the fifth acoustic channel 814-5 intersect, a single sound port can be used to expose the second acoustic channel 814-2, the fourth acoustic channel 814-4, and the fifth acoustic channel 814-5 to the surrounding environment. For example, sound port 816-3 can be a shared sound port for exposing the second acoustic channel 814-2, the fourth acoustic channel 814-4, and the fifth acoustic channel 814-5 to the surrounding environment. Therefore, the third audio port 816-3 can be shared among the first acoustic sensor device 804a, the second acoustic sensor device 804b, and the acoustic sensor device 804c.

[0061] Therefore, because the acoustic system 800 includes a shared channel portion and shared sound ports, the first acoustic sensor device 804a, the second acoustic sensor device 804b, and the acoustic sensor device 804c can be integrated into a final product device that provides fewer sound ports compared to a system that does not utilize acoustic channel sharing and sound port sharing. For example, compared to the five sound ports required in a system that does not utilize acoustic channel sharing and sound port sharing, the first acoustic sensor device 804a, the second acoustic sensor device 804b, and the acoustic sensor device 804c can be integrated into a final product device that provides only three sound ports.

[0062] refer to Figure 8BIt is worth noting that, in various examples, acoustic channels 814 can be arranged in various configurations within the acoustic system 800. For example, acoustic channels 814 can be arranged such that a shared sound port 816-3 coupling the second acoustic channels 814-2, the fourth acoustic channels 814-4, and the fifth acoustic channels 814-5 to the surrounding environment is located at one edge, while sound ports 816-1 and 816-2 coupling the first acoustic channels 814-1 and the third acoustic channels 814-3 to the surrounding environment are located at another (e.g., opposite) edge. As another example, acoustic channels 814 can be arranged such that a shared sound port 816-3 coupling the second acoustic channels 814-2, the fourth acoustic channels 814-4, and the fifth acoustic channels 814-5 to the surrounding environment is located at the same edge as sound ports 816-1 and 816-2 coupling the first acoustic channels 814-1 and the third acoustic channels 814-3 to the surrounding environment. In other examples, other suitable arrangements of acoustic channel 814 can be utilized.

[0063] Figure 9A and 9B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an example acoustic system 900 with a shared acoustic channel and a shared sound port, based on an example. Figure 9C It is based on the example. Figure 9A and 9B A 3D view of the example acoustic system 900. Figure 9A and 9B Including the corresponding components, in order to avoid blurring the diagram, they are not shown in some cases. Figure 9B The acoustic system 900 is similar to the one in the middle. Figure 6A and 6BAcoustic system 800, and including elements similarly numbered to those in acoustic system 800, will not be discussed in detail below for the sake of brevity. Similar to acoustic system 800, acoustic system 900 includes a first directional acoustic sensor device 904a, a second directional acoustic sensor device 904b, and an omnidirectional acoustic sensor device 904c. Acoustic system 900 also includes a plurality of acoustic channels 914 configured to provide coupling between the sound ports of the acoustic sensor devices 904 and the surrounding environment. Unlike acoustic system 800, in acoustic system 900, the acoustic sensor devices 904 and the acoustic channels are arranged such that acoustic system 900 includes two shared channel portions and two shared sound ports. The first shared channel portion 918-1 includes a portion of a first acoustic channel 914-1 configured to provide coupling between the first sound port of the first acoustic sensor device 904a and the surrounding environment, and a portion of a second acoustic channel 914-2 configured to provide coupling between the sound port of the third acoustic sensor device 904c and the surrounding environment. The first shared acoustic port 916-1 exposes both the first acoustic channel 914-1 and the second acoustic channel 914-2 to the surrounding environment. The second shared channel portion includes a portion of a third acoustic channel 914-3 configured to provide coupling between the second acoustic port of the first acoustic sensor device 904a and the surrounding environment, and a portion of an acoustic channel 914-4 configured to provide coupling between the first acoustic port of the second acoustic sensor device 904b and the surrounding environment. A fifth non-shared acoustic channel 914-5 and the third non-shared acoustic port 916-3 are provided to couple the second acoustic port of the second acoustic sensor device 904b to the surrounding environment.

[0064] Brief Reference Figure 10A -C, based on the example, example acoustic system 1000 overall and Figure 9A The acoustic sensor system 900 is identical to that of the acoustic sensor system 900. The acoustic system 1000 is generally the same as the acoustic sensor system 900, except that in the acoustic system 1000, acoustic sensor devices 904a, 90b, and 904c are replaced by microphones 1004a, 1000b, and 1004c. In the acoustic system 1000, microphones 1004a, 1000b, and 1004c and their corresponding acoustic channels are arranged in the same manner as in the acoustic system 900, such that the acoustic sensor system 1000 includes two shared channel sections and two shared sound ports.

[0065] Figure 11A-D illustrates several views of an example acoustic system 1100 having a shared acoustic channel and a shared sound port, according to an example. The acoustic system 1100 includes at least a first acoustic sensor device 1104a, a second acoustic sensor device 1104b, and a third acoustic sensor device 1104c. Each of the first acoustic sensor device 1104a, the second acoustic sensor device 1104b, and the third acoustic sensor device 1104c may include a directional acoustic sensor device, such as a directional microphone. For example, each of the first acoustic sensor device 1104a, the second acoustic sensor device 1104b, and the third acoustic sensor device 1104c may include a corresponding... Figure 2 The directional acoustic sensor device 200 is a directional acoustic sensor device. In the example, the first acoustic sensor device 1104a, the second acoustic sensor device 1104b, and the third acoustic sensor device 1104c can be arranged in the acoustic system 1100 to have corresponding sensitivity directions that are orthogonal to each other in an "XYZ" configuration.

[0066] The acoustic system 1100 may include a shared channel portion 1118, which includes a corresponding portion of a corresponding acoustic channel configured to provide coupling between a corresponding first sound port of the first acoustic sensor device 1104a, the second acoustic sensor device 1104b, and the third acoustic sensor device 1104c and the surrounding environment. The acoustic system 1100 may also include a first sound port 1116-1, a second sound port 1116-2, a third sound port 1116-3, and a fourth sound port 1116-4. The fourth sound port 1116-4 may be a shared sound port, which exposes the corresponding acoustic channels configured to provide coupling between the first sound ports of the first acoustic sensor devices 1104a, the second acoustic sensor device 1104b, and the third acoustic sensor device 1104c and the surrounding environment to the surrounding environment. The first audio port 1116-1, the second audio port 1116-2, and the third audio port 1116-3 can be non-shared audio ports, exposing the corresponding acoustic channels configured to provide coupling between the second audio ports of the first acoustic sensor device 1104a, the second acoustic sensor device 1104b, and the third acoustic sensor device 1104c and the surrounding environment to the surrounding environment.

[0067] In the illustrated example, the acoustic system 1100 also includes a fourth acoustic sensor device 1104d. The fourth acoustic sensor device 1104d may include an omnidirectional acoustic sensor device, such as an omnidirectional microphone. For example, the fourth acoustic sensor device 1104d may correspond to... Figure 3The acoustic sensor device 300. In this example, the acoustic system 1100 may include an "XYZ + omnidirectional" configuration. In another example, the acoustic system 1100 may omit the fourth acoustic sensor device 1104d. The acoustic system 1100 may further include an additional acoustic channel configured to provide coupling between a single sound port of the fourth acoustic sensor device 1104d and the surrounding environment. A portion of this additional acoustic channel may be included in a shared channel portion 1118. Therefore, the fourth sound port 1116-4 may further expose this additional acoustic channel to the surrounding environment. Thus, the fourth sound port 1116-4 may be shared among the first acoustic sensor device 1104a, the second acoustic sensor device 1104b, the third acoustic sensor device 1104c, and the fourth acoustic sensor device 1104d. Therefore, because the acoustic system 1100 includes a shared channel portion and shared sound ports, the first acoustic sensor device 1104a, the second acoustic sensor device 1104b, the third acoustic sensor device 1104c, and the fourth acoustic sensor device 1104d can be integrated into a final product device that provides fewer sound ports compared to a system that does not utilize acoustic channel sharing and sound port sharing. For example, compared to the seven sound ports required in a system that does not utilize acoustic channel sharing and sound port sharing, the first acoustic sensor device 1104a, the second acoustic sensor device 1104b, the third acoustic sensor device 1104c, and the fourth acoustic sensor device 1104d can be integrated into a final product device that provides only four sound ports.

[0068] The above description provides examples of acoustic systems that include multiple acoustic sensor devices (such as multiple microphones) sharing acoustic channels and / or sound ports. Because acoustic systems can include shared acoustic channels and, in some examples, shared sound ports, multiple acoustic sensor devices can be integrated together with a reduced total physical space or footprint, and / or can be integrated into a final product device with a reduced total number of sound ports. At least in some examples, the reduction in the total number of sound ports in the final product device can make the system more attractive for use in a variety of end-product devices and can at least reduce the manufacturing cost of the final product device.

[0069] According to one aspect, an acoustic system includes a plurality of acoustic sensor devices, including at least a first acoustic sensor device and a second acoustic sensor device. The acoustic system also includes a plurality of acoustic channels, including a first acoustic channel configured to provide a first coupling and a second acoustic channel configured to provide a second coupling, the first coupling being between the first acoustic sensor device and an ambient medium, and the second coupling being between the second acoustic sensor device and the ambient medium. The first and second acoustic channels may include a shared channel portion, the shared channel portion including at least a portion of the first acoustic channel and being common to at least a portion of the second acoustic channel.

[0070] With respect to any of the foregoing aspects, the acoustic system may alternatively or additionally include or relate to any suitable combination of one or more of the following aspects or features. The acoustic system may further include a shared sound port coupled to the first and second acoustic channels via a shared channel portion. The first and second acoustic sensor devices are arranged on the acoustic system to have sensitivity directions orthogonal to each other. The acoustic system may further include a third acoustic sensor device and a third acoustic channel configured to provide a third coupling between the third acoustic sensor device and the ambient medium. At least a portion of the third acoustic channel is common to a corresponding portion or more of one or both of the first and second acoustic channels. The shared channel portion includes at least a portion of the first acoustic channel, at least a portion of the second acoustic channel, and at least a portion of the third acoustic channel. The acoustic system may further include a shared sound port coupled to the first, second, and third acoustic channels via a shared channel portion. The acoustic system may further include multiple shared sound ports, including at least i) a first shared sound port coupled to a first acoustic channel and a second acoustic channel, and ii) a second shared port coupled to one of the first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel and a third acoustic channel. Each of the first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel may include a linear channel. At least one of the first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel may include a non-linear channel. The non-linear channel may include one or more of a V-shaped channel, a U-shaped channel, or an L-shaped channel. The multiple acoustic sensor devices include multiple directional microphones. The multiple acoustic sensor devices include at least one directional acoustic sensor device and at least one omnidirectional microphone. The multiple acoustic sensor devices include at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone. The multiple acoustic sensor devices include multiple microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphones.

[0071] This disclosure has been described with reference to specific examples, which are intended to be illustrative only and not to limit the scope of this disclosure. Changes, additions, and / or deletions may be made to the examples without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0072] The above description is provided for clarity only and should not be interpreted as containing unnecessary limitations.

Claims

1. An acoustic system comprising: Multiple acoustic sensor devices, including at least a first acoustic sensor device and a second acoustic sensor device; as well as Multiple acoustic channels, including at least: A first acoustic channel is configured to provide a first coupling between the first acoustic sensor device and the ambient medium; as well as A second acoustic channel is configured to provide a second coupling between the second acoustic sensor device and the ambient medium; The first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel include a shared channel portion, which includes at least a portion of the first acoustic channel, and the at least a portion of the first acoustic channel is common to at least a portion of the second acoustic channel.

2. The acoustic system of claim 1, further comprising a shared audio port, the shared audio port being coupled to the first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel via the shared channel portion.

3. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein, The first acoustic sensor device and the second acoustic sensor device are arranged on the acoustic system to have sensitivity directions orthogonal to each other.

4. The acoustic system according to claim 1, further comprising: Third acoustic sensor device; as well as A third acoustic channel is configured to provide a third coupling between the third acoustic sensor device and the ambient medium; Wherein, at least a portion of the third acoustic channel is common to one or more portions of one or both of the first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel.

5. The acoustic system according to claim 4, wherein, The shared channel portion includes at least a portion of the first acoustic channel, at least a portion of the second acoustic channel, and at least a portion of the third acoustic channel.

6. The acoustic system of claim 4, further comprising a shared audio port, the shared audio port being coupled to the first acoustic channel, the second acoustic channel and the third acoustic channel via the shared channel portion.

7. The acoustic system of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of shared sound ports, the plurality of shared sound ports including at least: i) a first shared sound port coupled to the first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel, and ii) a second shared port coupled to one of the first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel and the third acoustic channel.

8. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel includes a linear channel.

9. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first acoustic channel and the second acoustic channel includes a non-linear channel.

10. The acoustic system according to claim 9, wherein, The non-linear channel is one of the following: V-shaped channel, U-shaped channel, and L-shaped channel.

11. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of acoustic sensor devices include a plurality of directional microphones.

12. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of acoustic sensor devices include at least one directional acoustic sensor device and at least one omnidirectional microphone.

13. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of acoustic sensor devices include at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone.

14. The acoustic system according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple acoustic sensor devices include multiple microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphones.

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