Microphone array structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a microphone array structure. The microphone array structure comprises a shell, wherein a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is arranged in the shell; the PCB comprises a central microphone unit and at least three groups of microphone arrays which are circumferentially distributed around the central microphone unit, and each group of microphone array comprises at least three microphone units; wherein the microphone units in each group of microphone arrays are arranged in an independent circular manner by taking the central microphone unit as the center. Therefore, the central microphone unit and each microphone unit can respectively process different sound signal frequency bands, thereby achieving the purpose of obtaining higher sound quality and longer pickup distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical communication technology, and in particular to a microphone array structure. Background Technology

[0002] A microphone is a common audio device; it is an energy conversion device that converts sound signals into electrical signals. There are many types of microphones, each serving a different purpose.

[0003] Ordinary desktop microphones can only capture sound close to the microphone, and their pickup range is usually small. They are not suitable for multi-person meetings or large spaces. Ambient noise, desktop vibration, or noise from electrical equipment may affect the pickup effect. You need to be close to the microphone to ensure clear pickup, and they are prone to interference when multiple people are speaking at the same time. In addition, you need to manage the connection data cables and power cords.

[0004] For handheld recording and playback devices, the pickup position and direction will change with the user's movements, the pickup effect may be unstable and easily affected by external noise. Especially in dynamic environments, it is difficult to effectively suppress background noise. Holding the device for a long time can easily lead to fatigue, and the user needs to maintain the stability of the device continuously. It is only suitable for short-term use.

[0005] The pain points of wireless microphone solutions are that in some environments, they may be affected by wireless interference or signal attenuation, which can affect sound quality. They also require regular charging or battery replacement, have limited usage time, and wireless transmission may lead to a decrease in sound quality, especially in demanding situations.

[0006] The aforementioned sound pickup solutions are affected by factors such as size and spatial placement, and usually have only a small sound pickup range, limited noise reduction effect, and are difficult to apply to diverse usage scenarios, such as local amplification and area sound pickup. Utility Model Content

[0007] This invention provides a microphone array structure to solve the problems of limited microphone pickup range and noise reduction effect in the prior art.

[0008] The technical solution of this utility model is a microphone array structure, including a housing with an internal PCB board; the PCB board includes a central microphone unit and at least three sets of microphone arrays distributed circumferentially around the central microphone unit, each set of microphone arrays including at least three microphone units;

[0009] In each microphone array, the microphone units are arranged in an independent circular pattern with the central microphone unit as the center.

[0010] Furthermore, the PCB board includes a circular PCB board and at least three sector-shaped PCB boards distributed circumferentially around the circular PCB board, with any two adjacent sector-shaped PCB boards spaced apart.

[0011] The circular PCB board is provided with a central microphone unit and at least two microphone arrays; all the fan-shaped PCB boards are provided with at least two microphone arrays.

[0012] Furthermore, the microphone units of any of the microphone arrays are evenly spaced, and the spacing between the microphone units gradually increases as they move away from the central microphone unit;

[0013] Among them, the spacing between the microphone units in the outermost microphone array reaches its maximum value.

[0014] Furthermore, the microphone array structure has a cone-shaped pickup area, and a pickup angle is formed between the axis of the pickup area and the side of the pickup area, with the pickup angle ranging from 20° to 60°.

[0015] Furthermore, the circular PCB board has a plurality of first LEDs arranged circumferentially on one side of the microphone unit. A first light guide is provided on one side of the light emission direction of the first LEDs, and the first light guide covers the light emission path of all the first LEDs.

[0016] Furthermore, a plurality of second LEDs are radially arranged in the middle of the side of the fan-shaped PCB board where the microphone unit is located, and a second light guide is matched on the side of the light emission direction of the second LEDs, and the second light guide covers the light emission path of all the second LEDs.

[0017] Furthermore, each of the fan-shaped PCB boards is connected to an infrared receiver, and the infrared receiver is electrically connected to the central microphone unit and the microphone unit respectively.

[0018] Furthermore, the housing has multiple pickup holes on one side corresponding to the microphone unit, and all the pickup holes have dustproof components on the side facing the PCB board.

[0019] Furthermore, a hanging bracket is provided on the other side of the housing opposite to the microphone unit, the hanging bracket being used to connect to the ceiling or wall.

[0020] Furthermore, the housing also includes a motherboard, which has at least one interface module, and the interfaces in the interface module all penetrate the housing and are exposed to the outside.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0022] This invention achieves higher sound quality and a longer pickup distance by setting the arrangement of the central microphone unit and the microphone array, so that the central microphone unit and each microphone unit can process different sound signal frequency bands respectively. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains; the terminology used herein in the specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish different objects and not to describe a particular order.

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the microphone array structure proposed in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a top view of the PCB board proposed in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This invention provides the microphone array structure's pickup area when installed indoors.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a microphone array structure proposed in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is another schematic diagram of the microphone array structure proposed in this utility model.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 10. Housing; 111. Sound pickup hole; 112. Top cover; 113. Base plate;

[0032] 20. PCB board; 211. Center microphone unit; 212. Microphone unit; 213. Circular PCB board; 214. Fan-shaped PCB board; 215. First LED light; 216. Second LED light; 217. Infrared receiver;

[0033] 30. Microphone array; 311. First microphone array; 312. Second microphone array; 313. Third microphone array; 314. Fourth microphone array;

[0034] 40. First light guide component;

[0035] 50. Second light guide component;

[0036] 60. Dustproof parts;

[0037] 70. Hanging bracket;

[0038] 80. Motherboard;

[0039] 90. Interface module. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Therefore, a feature pointed out in this specification is used to describe one feature of one embodiment of the present utility model, and does not imply that every embodiment of the present utility model must have the described feature. Furthermore, it should be noted that this specification describes many features. Although certain features may be combined to illustrate possible system designs, these features may also be used in other combinations not explicitly stated. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the described combinations are not intended to be limiting.

[0041] The principle and structure of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, this utility model proposes a microphone array structure, including a housing 10 with an internal PCB board 20; the PCB board 20 includes a central microphone unit 211, and at least three sets of microphone arrays 30 distributed circumferentially around the central microphone unit 211, each set of microphone arrays 30 including at least three microphone units 212.

[0043] In each group of microphone arrays 30, the microphone units 212 are arranged in an independent circular pattern with the central microphone unit 211 as the center.

[0044] It is understood that the microphone array structure also includes a main control unit (not shown, the same throughout), which is electrically connected to the central microphone unit 211 and the microphone unit 212; and the corresponding area pickup algorithm is pre-recorded in the main control unit. Furthermore, the microphone array structure proposed in this invention also includes storage units, backup batteries, etc., which are present in existing microphones, and will not be described in detail here.

[0045] In this way, the central microphone unit 211 and each microphone unit 212 can process different audio signal frequency bands respectively, and combined with the regional sound pickup algorithm, they can pick up human voices at a greater distance based on beamforming technology, and shield human voices and interference outside the sound pickup area, thereby achieving the purpose of obtaining higher sound quality and a greater sound pickup distance.

[0046] It should be noted that beamforming technology utilizes a central microphone unit 211 and multiple microphone units 212 arranged according to the microphone array structure proposed in this embodiment. The beamforming works by interacting through the minute time differences in sound wave arrival at each microphone, resulting in better directivity than a single microphone. This technology can precisely form a narrow, conical beam that receives sound only from a specific direction while suppressing environmental noise and interference. Then, a regional sound pickup algorithm controls the beam's direction, directing it towards the sound source to enhance audio acquisition.

[0047] In some embodiments, to enable the central microphone unit 211 and each microphone unit 212 to better handle different audio signal frequency bands, such as Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment proposes a structural arrangement of PCB board 20, specifically: the PCB board 20 includes a circular PCB board 213, and at least three fan-shaped PCB boards 214 distributed circumferentially around the circular PCB board 213, with any two adjacent fan-shaped PCB boards 214 spaced apart.

[0048] The circular PCB board 213 is provided with a central microphone unit 211 and at least two sets of microphone arrays 30; all the fan-shaped PCB boards 214 are provided with at least two sets of microphone arrays 30.

[0049] For ease of understanding, the PCB board 20 proposed in this embodiment consists of a central circular PCB board 213 and three fan-shaped PCB boards 214 evenly distributed around the circular PCB board 213. The circular PCB board 213 is provided with a central microphone unit 211 and two sets of microphone arrays 30, namely the first microphone array 311 and the second microphone array 312. The three fan-shaped PCB boards 214 are provided with two sets of microphone arrays 30, namely the third microphone array 313 and the fourth microphone array 314.

[0050] Furthermore, the first microphone array 311 is a circular arrangement of six microphone units 212, while the second microphone array 312, the third microphone array 313, and the fourth microphone array 314 are all circular arrangements of twelve microphone units 212.

[0051] It should be noted that there is a gap between the circular PCB board 213 and the fan-shaped PCB board 214, and they are not formed as a single piece. One reason is to save production costs, and the other is that if the outer fan-shaped PCB board 214 is removed, the middle circular PCB board 213 can also be used independently. For example, when a small microphone array 30 is customized according to user needs, only the middle circular PCB board 213 needs to be used.

[0052] In some embodiments, to ensure that the microphone array structure can achieve a longer pickup distance, such as Figure 2 As shown, the microphone units 212 of any of the microphone arrays 30 are evenly spaced, and the spacing between the microphone units 212 gradually increases as they move away from the central microphone unit 211.

[0053] Among them, the spacing between the microphone units 212 in the outermost microphone array 30 reaches its maximum value.

[0054] It should be noted that the spacing between the microphone units 212 in the first microphone array 311, the second microphone array 312, the third microphone array 313, and the fourth microphone array 314 is 16mm, 32mm, 64mm, and 128mm, respectively, to achieve the purpose of covering different audio frequency bands. Of course, the spacing between the microphone units 212 can be selected with other values ​​according to the actual situation, and is not limited to the above values, which are not limited here.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the housing 10 includes a top cover 112 and a bottom plate 113. The top cover 112 has a receiving cavity (not shown, the same throughout the text), which is used to install the PCB board 20 and the corresponding structure, and is not limited here; and the bottom plate 113 can match and cover the top cover 112 to seal the opening of the receiving cavity.

[0056] The top cover 112 is covered with multiple pickup holes 111 on one side corresponding to the microphone unit 212, and all the pickup holes 111 are provided with dustproof parts 60 on the side facing the PCB board 20.

[0057] It should be noted that the pickup ends of the central microphone unit 211 and each microphone unit 212 are all located at the pickup hole 111. The dustproof component 60 is preferably a dustproof cloth, which is used to prevent dust and dirt from entering the microphone array structure and also helps to reduce wind noise.

[0058] The base plate 113 has a hanging bracket 70 on the side opposite to the microphone unit 212 or the pickup hole 111. The hanging bracket 70 is used to connect to the ceiling or wall.

[0059] Thus, the microphone array structure proposed in this embodiment is generally installed on the ceiling by means of ceiling mounting, so that the excess space in the room can be effectively utilized.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the microphone array structure is typically installed on the ceiling via a suspended ceiling, the microphone array structure will form a cone-shaped pickup area downwards, and the angle between the axis of the pickup area and the side of the pickup area is the pickup angle, and the value of the pickup angle ranges from 20° to 60°.

[0061] It is understandable that a larger pickup angle results in a longer pickup distance. This embodiment proposes three pickup angles: 20°, 40°, and 60°, allowing for the coverage of different pickup areas. Of course, the pickup angle can be selected to other values ​​depending on the actual situation, and this is not limited here.

[0062] Of course, the pickup range is unrelated to the microphone array 30. The microphone array 30 proposed in this embodiment only provides the function of sound pickup. The pickup range needs to be implemented by a regional pickup algorithm, and the pickup angle value is set according to actual needs.

[0063] Therefore, when the preferred pickup angle of the microphone array structure proposed in this embodiment is 40°, the main control unit receives the sound data emitted by the central microphone unit 211 and all microphone units 212, and then performs noise reduction processing through the regional pickup algorithm. It will filter or block human voices or interference noise outside the pickup angle and only output human voices within the corresponding pickup angle.

[0064] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the circular PCB board 213 has a plurality of first LEDs 215 arranged circumferentially on one side of the microphone unit 212. A first light guide 40 is matched on one side of the light emission direction of the first LEDs 215, and the first light guide 40 covers all the light emission paths of the first LEDs 215.

[0065] The fan-shaped PCB board 214 has a plurality of second LEDs 216 radially arranged in the middle of one side of the microphone unit 212. A second light guide 50 is matched on one side of the light emission direction of the second LEDs 216, and the second light guide 50 covers all the light emission paths of the second LEDs 216.

[0066] It is understandable that the first LED light 215 can be set to correspond to the microphone unit 212 of the second microphone array 312, thereby forming a circular arrangement, and the circular arrangement formed by the first LED light 215 is located on the outermost layer of the microphone array 30 on the circular PCB board 213.

[0067] It should be noted that both the first LED 215 and the second LED 216 are electrically connected to the main control unit. Furthermore, the first LED 215 and the second LED 216 are used to display the working status of the microphone array structure, helping users quickly determine whether the microphone array structure is working properly. The light guide strip can conduct the light emitted by the corresponding LEDs and distribute it to a wider area, which helps to achieve a more uniform light distribution, reduce light waste, and improve light utilization.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, each of the fan-shaped PCB boards 214 is connected to an infrared receiver 217, and the infrared receiver 217 is electrically connected to the central microphone unit 211 and the microphone unit 212 respectively.

[0069] It should be noted that the infrared receiver 217 is also electrically connected to the main control unit. The infrared receiver 217 is used to receive control signals from a remote control or other smart devices, and then transmits these control signals to the main control unit to control the microphone array's pickup area, volume, light brightness, etc., which are not limited here.

[0070] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the housing 10 also includes a motherboard 80, which has at least one interface module 90. The interfaces in the interface module 90 all penetrate the housing 10 and are exposed to the outside.

[0071] It is understood that the main control unit proposed in this embodiment is preferably installed on the motherboard 80, and the main control unit is electrically connected to the interface module 90.

[0072] Among them, such as Figure 4-5As shown, the interface module 90 proposed in this embodiment is preferably two, and the two interface modules 90 are mounted opposite each other on both sides of the motherboard 80. One of the interface modules 90 includes: a PoE power supply interface for power supply and data transmission; a DC power supply interface for power supply; a USB-B interface for power supply and data transmission; a line-in interface for connecting other audio devices (such as another microphone array structure, etc.) to receive signals from external audio devices; and a line-out interface for connecting other audio devices to transmit audio signals. The other interface module 90 includes: a Phoenix terminal interface for audio signal input and output, and possible control signal interaction; and an RS232 interface for data communication and control with external devices.

[0073] The microphone array structure proposed in this utility model can be used in a variety of situations, and for ease of understanding, the following situations are specifically mentioned:

[0074] Firstly, in conference room settings, the microphone array is configured for conference mode. In this case, the microphone array can be installed in a suitable location on the conference room ceiling, ensuring that its pickup area covers the speaker at the near end. This isolates ambient noise, allowing distant listeners to focus on the speaker's content without being disturbed by ambient noise.

[0075] Secondly, in classroom settings, the microphone array structure uses a local amplification mode. In this case, the microphone array structure needs to be installed on the ceiling above the podium, ensuring that the microphone array structure's pickup area covers the podium. Then, the speakers are placed outside the pickup area. When the speaker is within the pickup area, the sound can be picked up and amplified by the microphone array structure, while the speakers outside the pickup angle are suppressed by the area pickup algorithm during amplification, thus shielding the echo outside the pickup area and achieving amplification within the pickup area.

[0076] Therefore, the microphone array structure proposed in this invention can be applied to various occasions such as conference rooms and classrooms, improving its flexibility and meeting different user needs. Furthermore, the microphone array structure can be cascaded with at least one other microphone array structure or other audio devices through the interface module 90, thereby covering a wider area and making it suitable for various occasions such as large conference rooms and theaters.

[0077] Obviously, the embodiments described above are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. The accompanying drawings show preferred embodiments of this utility model, but do not limit the patent scope of this utility model. This utility model can be implemented in many different forms; rather, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing specific embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any equivalent structures made using the content of this utility model specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A microphone array structure, comprising a housing (10) with an internal PCB board (20); characterized in that, The PCB board (20) includes a central microphone unit (211) and at least three microphone arrays (30) distributed circumferentially around the central microphone unit (211), each of the microphone arrays (30) including at least three microphone units (212); In each microphone array (30), the microphone units (212) are arranged in an independent circular pattern with the central microphone unit (211) as the center.

2. The microphone array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PCB board (20) includes a circular PCB board (213) and at least three sector PCB boards (214) distributed circumferentially around the circular PCB board (213), with any two adjacent sector PCB boards (214) spaced apart. The circular PCB board (213) is provided with a central microphone unit (211) and at least two sets of microphone arrays (30); all the fan-shaped PCB boards (214) are provided with at least two sets of microphone arrays (30).

3. The microphone array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microphone units (212) of any of the microphone arrays (30) are evenly spaced, and the spacing between the microphone units (212) gradually increases as they move away from the central microphone unit (211). Among them, the spacing between the microphone units (212) in the outermost microphone array (30) reaches its maximum value.

4. The microphone array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microphone array structure has a cone-shaped pickup area, and the axis of the pickup area and the side of the pickup area form a pickup angle, the value of which ranges from 20° to 60°.

5. The microphone array structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circular PCB board (213) has a microphone unit (212) on one side of which a plurality of first LEDs (215) are arranged circumferentially. A first light guide (40) is matched on one side of the light emission direction of the first LEDs (215), and the first light guide (40) covers the light emission path of all the first LEDs (215).

6. The microphone array structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fan-shaped PCB board (214) has a plurality of second LEDs (216) radially arranged in the middle of one side of the microphone unit (212). A second light guide (50) is matched on one side of the light emission direction of the second LEDs (216), and the second light guide (50) covers the light emission path of all the second LEDs (216).

7. The microphone array structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the fan-shaped PCB boards (214) is connected to an infrared receiver (217), which is electrically connected to the central microphone unit (211) and the microphone unit (212).

8. The microphone array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (10) is covered with a plurality of pickup holes (111) on one side corresponding to the microphone unit (212), and all the pickup holes (111) are provided with dustproof parts (60) on the side facing the PCB board (20).

9. The microphone array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (10) has a hanging bracket (70) on the side opposite to the microphone unit (212), which is used to connect to the ceiling or wall.

10. The microphone array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (10) also includes a motherboard (80), which is provided with at least one interface module (90). The interfaces in the interface module (90) all penetrate the housing (10) and are exposed to the outside.

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