Acoustic Source Localization With Spatially Constrained Sensor Fusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic localization systems in confined spaces face challenges such as false alarms, missed detections, and imprecise localization due to multipath and reverberations, especially in indoor environments, where single-node systems struggle with ambiguous signal separation and multi-sensor systems require clear line-of-sight that is often unavailable.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple sensor nodes with awareness of their spatial surroundings to define permissible sensing areas and apply constraints, using geometric sensor areas and cooperative sensing parameters to limit localization tasks, and employs multi-source fusion mechanisms to refine solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor nodes are deployed to improve localization accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the localization task into multiple independent sensor nodes, each performing local acoustic signal processing and source localization. Each node operates autonomously to detect and localize acoustic sources in its sensing area, reducing the computational burden on a central system while improving overall localization accuracy through distributed measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines information from multiple sensor nodes through data fusion mechanisms. Each node's localization results are integrated to form a comprehensive view of acoustic source locations, merging individual measurements into a unified localization solution that improves precision while managing system complexity through coordinated operation
2Reliability
If geometric constraints and spatial limitations are applied to reduce false alarms, then reliability improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to restricted sensing areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different processing strategies to different spatial regions. Geometric constraints and spatial limitations are selectively applied based on the local environment and sensor configuration, allowing the system to optimize reliability in regions prone to false alarms while maintaining measurement precision in other areas through adaptive constraint application
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric constraints and spatial limitations are dynamically adjusted based on detected acoustic events and sensor node positions. The system adapts the sensing areas and constraint parameters in real-time, allowing flexibility to maintain measurement precision while reducing false alarms through context-aware constraint application
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 reduces false alarms and improves localization accuracy by optimizing sensor placement and fusion processes, providing precise location and trajectory information even in complex indoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic source localization... localization of gunshots, explosives or other impulsive acoustic signals
Implementation Method 2
Time difference of arrival may be analyzed to localize these acoustic sources
Data Source
AI summary
Acoustic signals from an acoustic event are captured via sensing nodes of sensor group(s) that comprise a group of sensing nodes at a location comprising spatial boundaries. Each of the sensing nodes comprise a sensor area. Each of the sensor group(s) is based on: range limits of each of the sensing nodes; shared sensing areas of the sensing nodes; and intersections between the sensor area for each of the sensing nodes and the spatial boundaries. Solutions(s) are generated by processing the acoustic signals. The solution(s) indicate the location of the acoustic event. A strength of solution compliance value for at least one of the solution(s) is determined. A refined solution is generated employing: sensor contributions of sensing nodes; and the strength of solution compliance value with the spatial boundaries and at least one of the solution(s). A report is created comprising the location of the acoustic event.