Acoustic Imaging Array Fusion for Aligned Multi-Frequency Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic imaging devices face limitations in detecting and imaging a wide range of acoustic frequencies due to hardware and calculation algorithm disparities, requiring expert intervention and leading to time-consuming, costly inspections with potential misalignment and misdiagnosis issues when combined with other imaging technologies.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic imaging system comprising an acoustic sensor array, electromagnetic imaging tool, distance measuring tool, and processor that generates combined acoustic and electromagnetic image data, with automatic selection of sensor arrays and processing schemes based on distance and frequency analysis to align and visualize acoustic signals effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic sensor arrays are optimized for lower frequencies, then detection of audible frequencies (20 Hz to 20 kHz) is improved, but detection of higher frequencies (above 50 kHz) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single acoustic sensor array system that can detect and image across multiple frequency ranges (audible 20 Hz-20 kHz and ultrasonic up to 50 kHz+). The system achieves this through configurable sensor elements and adaptive processing that allows the same hardware to function effectively for both low and high frequency acoustic imaging, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics through adaptive sensor spacing and configurable array geometry that can be dynamically adjusted based on the frequency range being analyzed. The system transitions from fixed sensor configurations to dynamic reconfiguration, allowing sensor elements to be positioned optimally for the specific frequency band of interest, thereby maintaining detection accuracy across varying frequency requirements.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic sensor arrays are optimized for higher frequencies, then detection of ultrasonic frequencies (20 kHz to 50 kHz) is improved, but detection of lower frequencies (below 20 kHz) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by incorporating sensor elements and array configurations that can effectively detect both ultrasonic and audible frequencies within a single device, allowing the same hardware platform to serve multiple frequency detection purposes through adaptive processing and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of sensor spacing and array geometry to optimize detection for the specific frequency range being analyzed, enabling the system to transition between ultrasonic and audible frequency optimization modes as needed.
3Measurement precision
If manual selection of hardware and software is required for acoustic analysis, then expertise in selecting appropriate techniques is improved, but inspection time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through automated selection of sensor arrays and processing schemes based on distance and frequency analysis. The system autonomously determines the optimal configuration and analysis method without requiring expert intervention, thereby maintaining accurate acoustic imaging while significantly reducing inspection time and eliminating the need for specialized knowledge to operate the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the acoustic scene (distance measurement, frequency spectrum analysis) before selecting the appropriate sensor array configuration and processing method. This advance determination allows the system to be pre-configured optimally for the specific inspection task, avoiding time-consuming manual selection during the actual inspection process.
4Loss of information
If multiple imaging technologies are used in tandem, then comprehensive scene analysis is improved, but misalignment and parallax errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating acoustic imaging data with electromagnetic imaging data into a unified combined image display. The system combines these different imaging modalities in a coordinated manner, using the electromagnetic image as a reference framework to accurately overlay and align acoustic features, thereby achieving comprehensive scene analysis while maintaining precise spatial registration and eliminating parallax errors.
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 accurate and efficient acoustic imaging by automating the selection of appropriate sensor arrays and processing schemes, reducing misalignment errors and enhancing user-friendly visualization of acoustic data, thereby simplifying complex inspections.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic sensor array, each of the plurality of acoustic sensor elements being configured to receive acoustic signals from an acoustic scene and output acoustic data based on the received acoustic signals
Data Source
AI summary
Systems can include an acoustic sensor array configured to receive acoustic signals, an illuminator configured to emit electromagnetic radiation, an electromagnetic imaging tool configured to receive electromagnetic radiation, a distance measuring tool, and a processor. The processor can illuminate the target scene via the illuminator, receive electromagnetic image data from the electromagnetic imaging tool representative of the illuminated scene, receive acoustic data from the acoustic sensor array, and receive distance information from the distance measuring tool. The processor can be further configured to generate acoustic image data of the scene based on the received acoustic data and received distance information and generate a display image comprising combined acoustic image data and electromagnetic image data. The processor can determine depths of various acoustic signals within a scene and generate a representation of the scene the shows the determined depths, including floorplan and volumetric representations.