Directional Acoustic Sensor Distance Detection Using Time Difference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current directional acoustic sensors lack an effective method to accurately detect the distance from a sound source, particularly in environments with reflective surfaces, which affects their ability to recognize speech and detect sound direction accurately.

Innovation Solution

The directional acoustic sensor employs a plurality of resonators arranged in different directions to calculate the time difference between direct and reflected sound signals, using the equation d1=2*d2*Δt/v - Δt*v2 to determine the distance between the sound source and the sensor, where d1 is the distance to the sensor, d2 is the distance to the reflective surface, Δt is the time difference, and v is the speed of sound.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a directional acoustic sensor uses conventional methods to detect sound direction, then the sensor can identify sound sources, but the distance detection accuracy deteriorates in environments with reflective surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance detection accuracyVSAvoidreflective surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor divides the acoustic field into distinct components by using multiple resonators oriented in different directions. This segmentation allows the system to separate direct sound signals from reflected signals, enabling accurate distance measurement even in environments with reflective surfaces. The first resonator captures direct sound while the second resonator captures reflected sound, allowing the processor to distinguish between the two and calculate accurate distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple resonators and performs time difference calculation to determine distance. This intermediary processing layer mediates between the raw acoustic signals and the final distance measurement, enabling the system to compensate for reflective surfaces by calculating the time difference between direct and reflected signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor uses multiple resonators arranged in different directions, then the ability to detect sound direction improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound direction detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the directional acoustic sensor to perform multiple functions using a unified structure. The same set of resonators arranged in different directions serves both sound direction detection and distance measurement purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining enhanced adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the sensor's capability from single-function sound direction detection to dual-function detection by adding the distance measurement dimension. By arranging resonators in multiple spatial dimensions and using time difference of arrival calculations, the system gains the ability to measure distance without adding significant complexity to the fundamental sensor structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 allows for accurate detection of the sound source distance with minimal error, enhancing the sensor's ability to recognize speech and detect sound direction in various environments, including those with reflective surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a directional acoustic sensor that converts a mechanical motion caused by a pressure difference into an electrical signal and detects an acoustic signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a second signal that is received by the plurality of resonators from the sound source after being reflected on a wall surface around the sound source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11262234B2Directional acoustic sensor and method of detecting distance from sound source using the directional acoustic sensor

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A directional acoustic sensor may include a plurality of resonators arranged in different directions; and a processor configured to calculate a time difference between a first signal that is received by the plurality of resonators directly from a sound source (e.g., a speaker) and a second signal that is received by the plurality of resonators from the sound source after being reflected on a wall surface around the sound source, and determine a distance between the sound source and the directional acoustic sensor based on the time difference.