Acoustic Localization Without Wireless Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic localization methods require a large number of nodes and rely on wireless synchronization, which complicates hardware, increases costs, and reduces system reliability.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for acoustic localization that detects multiple acoustic signals, generates time of flight and angle of arrival parameters, and uses these parameters to calculate a timing parameter for estimating the location of an object without requiring wireless synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless synchronization is used for acoustic localization, then timing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the wireless synchronization requirement from the acoustic localization system. By using only acoustic signals (sound waves) for both ranging and synchronization, the system eliminates the need for separate wireless communication hardware and protocols, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining timing accuracy through acoustic time-of-flight measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both the timing reference for synchronization and the ranging information for location calculation. The same acoustic transducers (speakers and microphones) are used for both synchronization and localization measurements, eliminating the need for separate wireless synchronization hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of nodes are used for acoustic localization, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the localization problem into two independent components: timing synchronization and spatial positioning. By using acoustic signals for both purposes simultaneously, the system achieves accurate localization with fewer nodes compared to traditional methods that require separate synchronization and positioning infrastructures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter used for synchronization from electromagnetic (wireless) to acoustic signals. This parameter change allows the same physical infrastructure (acoustic transducers) to serve dual purposes, reducing the number of nodes required while maintaining both synchronization accuracy and localization precision.
3Measurement precision
If wireless synchronization infrastructure is deployed, then timing parameter accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture and setup time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic localization system is self-sufficient by using its own acoustic signals for both synchronization and ranging operations. The system does not require external wireless synchronization infrastructure, allowing for easier manufacturing and faster setup since only acoustic transducers are needed without additional synchronization hardware or complex infrastructure deployment.
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
This approach simplifies hardware, reduces setup time, lowers costs, and enhances system reliability by enabling localization with a low number of nodes and without the need for wireless synchronization.
Implementation Method 1
detecting two or more acoustic signals originating from two or more acoustic sources
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples of the disclosure relate to localization that can be implemented with a low number of nodes. In examples of the disclosure an apparatus for acoustic localization comprises means for detecting two or more acoustic signals originating from two or more acoustic sources. The apparatus also comprises means for generating a first category of parameters for the two or more detected acoustic signals and generating a second category parameters for the two or more detected acoustic signals. At least, the first category of parameters and the second category of parameters are used to generate a timing parameter for the two or more detected acoustic signals. At least the timing parameter and the first category of parameters are used to determine an estimate of a location of an object associated with the two or more detected acoustic signals.