Microphone device in annular array arrangement

Abstract

The utility model discloses a microphone device arranged in an annular array, which adopts the arrangement of first microphone sensors arranged in an annular array and second microphone sensors arranged at a certain height difference with the first microphone sensors, and realizes sound source positioning by utilizing information such as time difference and phase difference of sound received by different microphones. According to the invention, noise is removed by combining with a software algorithm, a user does not need to wear a traditional head-mounted microphone or a handheld microphone, the user can easily speak with light and natural sound at any position, and participants or an online recording system can hear clear speech sound. The problem that the sound transmission effect of a traditional microphone can be achieved only when a speaker wears equipment or has certain distance limitation or loud sound hoarseness is solved, and the microphone has the beneficial effect that the speaker can express the sound more naturally and more easily.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of microphone devices, specifically relating to a microphone device with a circular array arrangement. Background Technology

[0002] Conference room microphones are needed in various scenarios. They are generally connected to conference terminal equipment via data cables with audio interfaces such as USB and Type-C. They have advantages such as driverless installation, plug and play, stable signal transmission, no battery life concerns, high cost performance, and strong device compatibility. However, they are restricted by cables, lack mobility, and take up desktop space, making the desktop look cluttered. Another type is the wireless omnidirectional microphone, which uses Bluetooth, 2.4G and 5.8G wireless adapters to connect to conference terminal equipment. It has a built-in high-capacity lithium battery, a long signal reception distance, clear and delay-free voice transmission, is not restricted by wires, is flexible in movement, and is portable. Both of these traditional microphone devices have more or less inconveniences for speakers, including limitations in wearing and usage distance. For large conference rooms, there are currently ceiling microphones and array microphones. Existing array microphones typically consist of multiple microphone units and complex signal processing circuits, which are technically advanced and therefore relatively expensive. In addition, their installation and debugging require professional personnel, which also increases labor costs. For desktop array microphones in small conference rooms, the unit spacing may be around 5 to 10 centimeters; while for ceiling array microphones in large conference rooms, the unit spacing may be around 15 to 30 centimeters, and coordinated debugging between each unit is required, resulting in high operating costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a microphone device with a circular array arrangement, which solves the technical problems of existing array microphones that require the installation of multiple microphone units at fixed intervals and coordinated debugging, resulting in technical complexity and high installation costs.

[0004] To address the above technical problems, this utility model discloses a microphone device with a ring array arrangement, including a mounting frame, a main board, and a microphone unit. The mounting frame and the microphone unit are fixedly connected by a hollow connecting rod. The microphone unit includes a mesh cover and a support. The support includes an upper support and a lower support. The lower support has a first sensor cavity arranged in a ring array and a second sensor cavity located at the lowest point of a sphere with the ring containing the first sensor cavity as its equator. The microphone unit includes microphone sensors. The microphone sensors are connected and fixed by the same microphone flexible board and are independently placed in the first sensor cavity and the second sensor cavity. The microphone flexible board starts from one of the microphone sensors in the ring array arrangement and connects in series with the microphone sensors in the other first sensor cavities. It then extends downward to the microphone sensor in the second sensor cavity and passes through the hollow part of the connecting rod to connect with the main board. The main board includes an analog-to-digital converter chip that converts analog signals into digital signals and calculates sound sources at different positions and directions within the scene using software algorithms.

[0005] Preferably, the first sensor cavity arranged in a ring array consists of five cavities, with equal spacing between each pair of the first sensor cavities.

[0006] Preferably, the mesh cover is a spherical surface with uniformly distributed through holes. The mesh cover includes a top cover and a bottom cover. The support part includes an annular upper support and an annular lower support. The top cover and the upper support are fixedly connected by the cooperation of a first insert and a first slot. The bottom cover and the lower support are fixedly connected by the cooperation of a second insert and a second slot.

[0007] Preferably, the upper support has a first slot, and the net cover is provided with a first insert corresponding to the first slot. The first insert is inserted into the first slot and bent to achieve a fixed connection between the net cover and the upper support; the lower support has a second slot, and the lower net cover is provided with a second insert corresponding to the second slot. The second insert is inserted into the second slot and bent to achieve a fixed connection between the lower net cover and the lower support.

[0008] Preferably, the upper bracket and the lower bracket are fastened and fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​and slotted structure, and a decorative ring is provided outside the connection seam for covering and aesthetic purposes.

[0009] Preferably, a first screw hole is provided in the middle of the lower shell of the motherboard part, and the first screw hole is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting rod; a second screw hole is provided in the center of the outer side of the mesh cover, and the second screw hole is fixedly connected to the other end of the connecting rod.

[0010] Preferably, the motherboard includes an upper motherboard shell, a functional motherboard, and a lower motherboard shell. The upper motherboard shell and the lower motherboard shell are fixedly connected by fastening screws. The lower motherboard shell has a cavity for placing the functional motherboard and a cavity wall surrounding the functional motherboard. Vertical strip-shaped second through holes are evenly arranged on the cavity wall.

[0011] Preferably, the motherboard upper shell has a third through hole corresponding to the components of the functional motherboard for the components to pass through the motherboard upper shell, and the motherboard upper shell has a groove along the circumference on the outer side of the cavity.

[0012] Preferably, the edge of the lower shell of the motherboard is provided with a light-transmitting ring, which is fixedly connected to the lower shell of the motherboard by a fixing post.

[0013] Preferably, the mounting bracket is provided with buckles around its perimeter, and the outer side of the motherboard shell of the motherboard part is provided with grooves corresponding to the buckles one by one. The grooves have inlets for inserting the buckles. After the buckles are inserted from the inlets, they rotate into the interior of the grooves and are blocked and fixed by the limiting part of the grooves to achieve a fixed connection between the motherboard part and the mounting bracket.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects obtained by this utility model are:

[0015] This utility model discloses a microphone device with a circular array arrangement. It employs a first microphone sensor arranged in a circular array and a second microphone sensor arranged at a certain height difference from the first microphone sensor. By utilizing the time difference and phase difference of sound received by different microphones, sound source localization is achieved. Combined with software algorithms, noise removal is performed. Without wearing traditional headset microphones or handheld microphones, speakers can easily speak in a relatively soft and natural voice from any position. Attendees or online recording systems can hear the speech clearly. This solves the problems of traditional microphones, which require speakers to wear equipment, have certain distance limitations, or require shouting to achieve sound propagation. It also solves the technical problems of existing ceiling array microphones, such as complex technology and high installation, use, and debugging costs. It has the beneficial effects of allowing speakers to express themselves more naturally and easily, and is simple to install and use without the need for collaborative debugging. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the microphone device with a circular array arrangement according to this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the microphone section of the microphone device with a circular array arrangement according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the microphone device with a circular array arrangement according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the microphone device with a circular array arrangement according to this utility model.

[0020] Reference numerals: 1-Fixing bracket; 11-Connecting part; 12-Supporting part; 121-First through hole; 122-Snap fastener; 2-Main board part; 21-Main board upper shell; 211-Third through hole; 212-Groove; 22-Functional main board; 23-Main board lower shell; 231-Cavity wall; 2311-Second through hole; 232-Light transmission ring; 2321-Fixing post; 233-First screw hole; 3-Connecting rod; 4-Microphone part; 4 1-Mesh cover; 411-Mesh cover; 4111-First insert; 4112-Second screw hole; 412-Lower mesh cover; 4121-Second insert; 42-Bracket section; 421-Upper bracket; 4211-First slot; 422-Lower bracket; 4221-Second slot; 423-First sensor cavity; 424-Second sensor cavity; 43-Decorative ring; 44-Microphone sensor; 45-Microphone flexible circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. However, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] Please see the appendix Figures 1 to 3A microphone device with a ring array configuration includes a mounting frame 1, a main board 2, a connecting rod 3, and a microphone section 4. The mounting frame 1 includes a connecting part 11 fixed to the ceiling and a support part 12 surrounding and higher than the connecting part. The support part 12 has a first through hole 121 for ventilation. The main board 2 includes a main board upper shell 21, a functional main board 22, and a main board lower shell 23. The main board upper shell 21 and the main board lower shell 23 are fixedly connected by fastening screws. The main board lower shell 23 has a cavity for placing the functional main board and a cavity wall 231 surrounding the functional main board. The cavity wall 231 has vertical strip-shaped second through holes 2311 evenly arranged on it. The main board upper shell 21 has third through holes 211 corresponding one-to-one with the components of the functional main board 22 for the components to pass through. The main board upper shell 21 has a groove 2 along its circumference relative to the outer side of the cavity. 12. The support part 12 is provided with buckles 122 corresponding to the grooves 212 one by one. The grooves 212 have an inlet for inserting the buckles 122. After the buckles 122 are inserted into the inlet, they rotate into the interior of the grooves 212 and are blocked and fixed by the limiting part of the grooves 212 to achieve a fixed connection between the main board part 2 and the fixing frame 1. The buckles 122 have a structure with a protrusion in the middle and flat sides. The grooves 212 have corresponding recesses that engage with the structure of the buckles 122, making the rotation and fastening more secure. The edge of the lower shell 23 of the main board is provided with a light-transmitting ring 232. The light-transmitting ring 232 is fixedly connected to the lower shell 23 of the main board through a fixing post 2321. An indicator light is provided inside the main board part 2. When the microphone device is turned on, the indicator light is lit, and the light passing through the light-transmitting ring 232 indicates that the current state of the microphone device is turned on. The lower shell 23 of the motherboard has a first screw hole 233 in the middle. The first screw hole 233 is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting rod 3, and the other end of the connecting rod 3 is fixedly connected to the microphone part 4. The connecting rod 3 is a hollow column structure. The hollow interior of the connecting rod 3 is used to connect the functional motherboard 22 and the microphone part 4 through a signal line. The signal line passes through the hollow column of the connecting rod.

[0023] The microphone part 4 includes a mesh cover part 41 and a support part 42. The mesh cover part 41 is a spherical surface with evenly distributed through holes. The mesh cover part 41 includes a top cover 411 and a bottom cover 412. The support part 42 includes an annular upper support 421 and an annular lower support 422. The upper support 421 has a first slot 4211. The mesh cover 411 is provided with a first insert 4111 corresponding to the first slot 4211. The first insert 4111 is inserted into the first slot 4211 and bent to form the mesh cover 4111. 11 is fixedly connected to the upper bracket 421. The outer center of the mesh cover 411 is provided with a second screw hole 4112, which is fixedly connected to the other end of the connecting rod 3. The lower bracket 422 has a second slot 4221. The lower mesh cover 412 is provided with a second insert 4121 corresponding to the second slot 4221. The second insert 4121 is inserted into the second slot 4221 and bent to achieve a fixed connection between the lower mesh cover 412 and the lower bracket 422. The upper bracket 421 and the lower bracket 422 are fixedly connected to the upper bracket 421. The bracket 422 is fastened and fixed by a snap-fit ​​and slot structure, and a decorative ring 43 is provided outside the connection seam for aesthetic purposes. The lower bracket 422 includes five first sensor cavities 423 arranged in a ring array. A second sensor cavity 424 is provided at the bottom of a sphere with the maximum outer circle of the lower bracket 422 as the equator. The first sensor cavities 423 and the second sensor cavities 424 are used to place microphone sensors 44 and then seal them with glue. The microphone sensors 44 are connected to each other by microphone flexible boards 45. After being connected and fixed by the same microphone flexible board 45, the microphone sensors 44 are independently placed in the first sensor cavities 423 and the second sensor cavities 424. The microphone flexible board 45 starts from one of the microphone sensors 44 in the ring array of the first sensor cavities 423 and connects in series with the microphone sensors 44 in the other first sensor cavities 423. It then extends downward to the microphone sensors 44 in the second sensor cavities 424 and passes through the hollow part of the connecting rod 3 to connect with the main board 2.

[0024] Please see the appendix Figure 4 When using the product, first fix the mounting bracket 1 to the ceiling in the middle of the scene, then press the main board part 2 of the ring array microphone into the groove of the mounting bracket 1 and then screw it in the direction shown in the figure to fasten and fix it.

[0025] The microphone sensor is the sound-collecting component that converts sound signals into analog electrical signals. This sensor has two or more wires, one typically a ground wire, and the other a signal wire for transmitting the analog audio signal. These wires connect to the audio input interface on the mainboard. The mainboard contains corresponding audio processing circuitry that first amplifies the input analog audio signal to increase its strength and compensate for signal attenuation during transmission. Then, it performs filtering to remove high-frequency noise and other unwanted interference signals, improving audio quality.

[0026] In another embodiment, the radio receiver integrates an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) function, directly converting audio signals into digital signals. The radio receiver connects to the mainboard via a digital interface (such as I²S, SPI, etc.). The I²S interface has dedicated clock lines, data lines, and left / right channel selection lines, enabling high-precision digital audio signal transmission. The SPI interface transmits digital audio data through the synchronization of clock and data signals. The digital signal processing chip on the mainboard receives these digital audio signals and performs further processing, such as noise reduction, echo cancellation, and audio encoding.

[0027] In another embodiment, the microphone first converts the sound signal into an analog electrical signal, and then uses an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) chip to convert the analog signal into a digital signal. This ADC chip is connected to the mainboard via a digital interface, transmitting the digital audio signal to the mainboard for further processing. This approach combines the advantages of analog and digital technologies, enabling both preliminary amplification and filtering of the sound signal using analog circuitry, and more precise signal processing and transmission using digital technology.

[0028] In use, the circular array microphone device disclosed in this utility model has five microphones evenly distributed in a ring shape within the same plane, and a third microphone at a certain height distance from the other five. Software algorithms calculate sound sources at different positions and directions within the scene to determine which sound sources need to be picked up and which are noise. The sound sources to be picked up are then digitally processed to filter out environmental noise, allowing the entire microphone device to pick up a clean sound, which is then output to our speaker equipment for playback.

[0029] The speaker and microphone are designed with sound feedback technology to avoid sound transmission delay, so that the sound collected by the ring array microphone can be played in the speaker with no delay and almost in real time.

[0030] Audio re-acquisition refers to the technology of acquiring, processing, and analyzing played or transmitted audio signals, and it is widely used in audio monitoring, voice interaction optimization, and audio quality assessment. The following sections introduce common technical solutions from hardware, software, and algorithm perspectives:

[0031] Hardware Solution: Microphone array acquisition. Multiple microphones are arranged in an array to collect sound. The time difference and phase difference between the different microphones are used to achieve sound source localization and beamforming. Audio Interface Compatibility: Select an audio interface compatible with the acquisition device, such as a 3.5mm jack, USB interface, or XLR connector, to ensure stable audio signal transmission to the acquisition device, such as a computer or recording equipment. Signal Conditioning Circuit: Perform preprocessing such as amplification and filtering on the acquired audio signal. An operational amplifier is used to amplify weak audio signals, and a low-pass filter is used to remove high-frequency noise, improving signal quality.

[0032] Software Solutions: Operating System Audio Acquisition: Audio acquisition is performed using built-in audio acquisition APIs (such as WaveIn for Windows, ALSA for Linux, and Core Audio for macOS) in operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS. Developers can programmatically call these APIs to set parameters such as sampling rate, number of channels, and bit depth. Professional Audio Acquisition Software: Professional audio acquisition software such as Audacity and Adobe Audition is used. These software programs offer rich features, including real-time monitoring, multi-track recording, audio editing, and noise reduction, facilitating audio acquisition and processing. Embedded System Acquisition: Audio acquisition is implemented in embedded devices (such as smart speakers and surveillance cameras) using embedded operating systems (such as FreeRTOS and RT-Thread) and corresponding audio drivers. Acquisition functions can be customized according to device requirements.

[0033] Algorithm Scheme: Noise Reduction Algorithm: Employing Wiener filtering, wavelet denoising, and other algorithms to remove environmental and equipment noise from the acquired audio. For example, Wiener filtering uses the statistical characteristics of noise and signal to optimally estimate the noisy signal and suppress noise. Echo Cancellation Algorithm: In two-way audio communication scenarios, adaptive echo cancellation algorithms (such as NLMS and RLS) are used to estimate the echo path and eliminate echoes by comparing the reference signal with the acquired signal, ensuring clear speech. Audio Enhancement Algorithm: Utilizing deep learning algorithms (such as audio enhancement models based on convolutional neural networks) to recover the original clean audio from noisy or damaged audio, improving audio quality and enhancing sound intelligibility and clarity.

[0034] When used in large settings such as classrooms, conference rooms, and studios, this device allows speakers to speak easily and naturally from any location without wearing traditional headsets or handheld microphones. The audience or online recording systems can then hear the speech clearly. It removes some of the constraints of traditional speakers, eliminating the need for shouting and allowing speakers to express themselves more naturally and easily.

[0035] The above examples are merely specific embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and many similar modifications are possible. All variations that can be directly derived or conceived by those skilled in the art from the content disclosed in this utility model should be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A microphone device with a circular array arrangement, characterized in that, The device includes a mounting bracket (1), a main board (2), and a microphone section (4). The mounting bracket (1) and the microphone section (4) are fixedly connected by a hollow connecting rod (3). The microphone section (4) includes a mesh cover (41) and a support (42). The support (42) includes an upper support (421) and a lower support (422). The lower support (422) has a first sensor cavity (423) arranged in a ring array and a second sensor cavity (424) located at the lowest point of a sphere with the ring containing the first sensor cavity (423) as its equator. The microphone section (4) includes a microphone sensor (44). The microphone sensor (44) is fixedly connected by the same microphone flexible board (45). The microphone flexible board (45) is independently placed in the first sensor cavity (423) and the second sensor cavity (424). It starts from the microphone sensor (44) of one of the first sensor cavities (423) arranged in a ring array and connects in series with the microphone sensors (44) in the other first sensor cavities (423). It then extends downward to the microphone sensor (44) in the second sensor cavity (424) and passes through the hollow part of the connecting rod (3) to connect with the main board (2). The main board (2) includes an analog-to-digital converter chip, which converts analog signals into digital signals and calculates sound sources in different positions and directions in the scene through software algorithms.

2. The microphone device with a circular array arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sensor cavity (423) arranged in a ring array consists of five cavities, and the spacing between each pair of the first sensor cavity (423) is equal.

3. The microphone device with a circular array arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mesh cover part (41) is a spherical surface with uniformly distributed through holes. The mesh cover part (41) includes a mesh cover (411) and a lower mesh cover (412). The support part (42) includes an annular upper support (421) and an annular lower support (422). The mesh cover (411) and the upper support (421) are fixedly connected by the cooperation of a first insert (4111) and a first slot (4211). The lower mesh cover (412) and the lower support (422) are fixedly connected by the cooperation of a second insert (4121) and a second slot (4221).

4. The microphone device with a circular array arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper bracket (421) has a first slot (4211), and the net cover (411) is provided with a first insert (4111) corresponding to the first slot (4211). The first insert (4111) is inserted into the first slot (4211) and bent to achieve a fixed connection between the net cover (411) and the upper bracket (421). The lower bracket (422) has a second slot (4221), and the lower net cover (412) is provided with a second insert (4121) corresponding to the second slot (4221). The second insert (4121) is inserted into the second slot (4221) and bent to achieve a fixed connection between the lower net cover (412) and the lower bracket (422).

5. The microphone device with a circular array arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper bracket (421) and the lower bracket (422) are fastened and fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​and slotted structure, and a decorative ring (43) is set outside the connection seam for covering and aesthetic purposes.

6. The microphone device with a circular array arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that, The motherboard part (2) has a first screw hole (233) in the middle of the lower shell (23) of the motherboard, and the first screw hole (233) is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting rod (3); the outer center of the mesh cover (411) has a second screw hole (4112), and the second screw hole (4112) is fixedly connected to the other end of the connecting rod (3).

7. The microphone device with a circular array arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motherboard part (2) includes a motherboard upper shell (21), a functional motherboard (22) and a motherboard lower shell (23). The motherboard upper shell (21) and the motherboard lower shell (23) are fixedly connected by fastening screws. The motherboard lower shell (23) has a cavity for placing the functional motherboard (22) and a cavity wall (231) surrounding the functional motherboard (22). The cavity wall (231) is uniformly provided with vertical strip-shaped second through holes (2311).

8. The microphone device with a circular array arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that, The motherboard upper shell (21) has a third through hole (211) corresponding to the components of the functional motherboard (22) for the components to pass through the motherboard upper shell (21). The motherboard upper shell (21) has a groove (212) on the circumference relative to the outer side of the cavity.

9. The microphone device with a circular array arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that, The edge of the motherboard lower shell (23) is provided with a light-transmitting ring (232), and the light-transmitting ring (232) is fixedly connected to the motherboard lower shell (23) through a fixing post (2321).

10. The microphone device with a circular array arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (1) is provided with buckles (122) around its perimeter. The outer side of the main plate shell (21) of the main plate part (2) is provided with grooves (212) that correspond one-to-one with the buckles (122). The grooves (212) have an inlet for inserting the buckles (122). After the buckles (122) are inserted from the inlet, they rotate into the interior of the grooves (212) and are blocked and fixed by the limiting part of the grooves (212) to achieve a fixed connection between the main plate part (2) and the mounting bracket (1).

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