Acoustic Imaging Fusion for Wideband Source Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic imaging devices face limitations in detecting and imaging various frequency ranges due to hardware and calculation algorithm discrepancies, requiring expert knowledge and multiple equipment setups, leading to time- and cost-intensive inspections and misalignment issues when combining different imaging technologies.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic imaging system integrating an acoustic sensor array, electromagnetic imaging tool, distance measuring tool, and processor to generate combined acoustic and electromagnetic image data, with features like ambient light sensing and laser pointers for precise localization and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single acoustic sensor array is used, then device complexity is reduced, but frequency range coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic sensor array is divided into multiple sub-arrays, each optimized for specific frequency ranges. The system includes a first acoustic sensor array configured for audible frequencies and a second acoustic sensor array configured for ultrasonic frequencies. This segmentation allows each sub-array to be optimized for its target frequency range while the system as a whole provides broad frequency coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple acoustic sensor arrays with different frequency sensitivities into a single unified system. The processor is configured to receive acoustic data from both audible and ultrasonic sensor arrays, enabling the system to perform acoustic imaging across a wide frequency spectrum without requiring separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple acoustic sensor arrays with different frequency ranges are used, then frequency coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple acoustic sensor arrays (audible and ultrasonic) into a single integrated system. The processor is configured to receive acoustic data from both sensor arrays and generate a unified acoustic image by combining the data, thereby reducing the need for separate imaging devices while maintaining broad frequency coverage.
3Ease of operation
If manual selection of hardware and software is required, then user control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically selecting appropriate sensor arrays and processing algorithms based on the acoustic scene characteristics. The processor analyzes the acoustic data and autonomously determines which sensor arrays and calculation algorithms to use, eliminating the need for manual user configuration while maintaining optimal imaging performance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different imaging technologies are used in tandem, then imaging capability is improved, but localization accuracy deteriorates due to parallax error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines acoustic imaging data with electromagnetic imaging data (such as visible light or infrared images) into a unified system. The processor is configured to receive both acoustic data and electromagnetic image data, and by merging these data sources with coordinated positioning, the system achieves accurate localization that overcomes the parallax errors that would occur when using separate imaging devices.
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 intuitive and efficient acoustic imaging by providing synchronized acoustic and electromagnetic data visualization, reducing user complexity and improving localization accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic sensor array comprising a plurality of acoustic sensor elements, 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
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic imaging tool configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from a target scene and output electromagnetic image data representative of the received electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
the processor configured to generate acoustic image data of a scene by back-propagating acoustic signals received from the acoustic sensor array
Implementation Method 4
a laser pointer configured to emit laser light toward the scene at a location corresponding to a position of an acoustic signal of interest
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
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.