Acoustic Camera Calibration Using Directional Sound and Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic cameras lack an effective, easy, and practical method for manual calibration after leaving the factory premises, making it difficult to ensure accurate alignment and orientation of the device in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A calibrating device with a directional sound source and light source, integrated with a visualizing device featuring a screen that provides guidance for aligning and focusing the measurement device, allowing for manual calibration by ensuring the sound and light sources are aligned and within desired ranges, indicated by feedback on the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional calibration methods are used, then calibration can be performed, but the process is complex and difficult to operate manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual marker as an intermediary element between the calibration target and the acoustic camera. This marker provides a simple visual reference that facilitates manual alignment without requiring complex calibration procedures. The marker acts as a mediator that translates complex acoustic calibration requirements into simple visual positioning tasks for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic calibration adjustment mechanisms with a visual alignment system. Instead of using adjustable components or complex calibration routines, the system uses a visually identifiable marker that guides the user to the correct positioning, substituting mechanical complexity with optical simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed without visual guidance, then the calibration process can be completed, but alignment precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a visual marker with distinct visual characteristics (such as color patterns or geometric shapes) that enable precise alignment. The marker's visual properties change or vary in a way that provides clear feedback to the user about alignment status, enhancing measurement precision through visual differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual marker serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the acoustic measurement system and the user's manual positioning. It provides a clear visual reference that improves alignment precision without requiring the user to understand complex acoustic calibration parameters.
3Ease of operation
If calibration requires specialized equipment, then calibration accuracy can be maintained, but ease of use decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the acoustic camera to perform self-calibration or user-friendly calibration using only the visual marker and the device's own sensors. The system automatically processes the visual information from the marker and adjusts its calibration accordingly, eliminating the need for specialized external calibration equipment while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces specialized calibration equipment with a simple visual marker that can be easily manufactured and distributed. The complex calibration functionality is substituted with a straightforward visual alignment process that uses the device's existing camera and processor to achieve accurate calibration without external specialized tools.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy and accurate calibration of acoustic cameras and similar devices, enabling users to manually set the location and alignment angle, ensuring proper calibration and reliable measurement results, which can be repeated as needed.
Implementation Method 1
a loudspeaker comprising a sound source, where the output sound is directionally alignable
Implementation Method 2
at least one light source, where the light is directionally alignable
Data Source
AI summary
An external calibrating device (10) for a measurement device, which may be an acoustic camera. The calibrating device (10) includes a sound source (11) and a light source (12), which are preferably pointed to the same direction. This direction can be a horizontal direction, where the sources (11, 12) locate on the same vertical side surface of the calibrating device (10). An IR LED can be used as the light source (12). The measurement device may instruct a user how to place and align the measurement device during the calibration process. Guidance is given by instructions, volume range information, and focusing lines on the screen. When the instructions are fulfilled, the user may acknowledge the finished calibration process.