Audio Beam Forming for Far-Field Source Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in accurately detecting and processing far-field audio signals for effective speech recognition and processing in applications like home security and personal emergency response systems, as they require precise localization of audio sources within a monitored zone.
Innovation Solution
An audio beam forming and signal processing system that uses an image capture device and an audio sensor array, with a controller to identify objects of interest, determine their location, and form an audio beam using two or fewer audio source location parameters, allowing for improved detection and processing of audio signals by aligning the beam horizontally or vertically to the source, reducing the need for precise vertical or horizontal source location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional audio detection systems are used to detect far-field audio signals, then the system can operate with simple audio sensors, but the detection precision and signal quality deteriorate due to inability to accurately localize audio sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional omnidirectional audio detection to a dimensionally selective approach by forming directional audio beams in specific horizontal and vertical angles. This allows the system to focus detection resources on specific spatial dimensions where audio sources are located, improving localization precision without requiring complex omnidirectional processing
Solution Approach 2:
The audio sensor array is segmented into multiple independent sensor elements that can be individually controlled to form beams in different directions. This segmentation allows the system to divide the monitoring space into multiple sectors and selectively activate appropriate sensor groups, improving detection precision while managing system complexity through modular operation
2Area of stationary object
If audio sensor arrays form beams in multiple directions to cover the entire monitored zone, then the coverage area increases, but the processing complexity and computational load increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The audio beam forming system dynamically adjusts beam directions and sensor array configurations based on detected audio source locations. Rather than maintaining static beams in all directions simultaneously, the system dynamically redirects beams to track moving audio sources, maintaining comprehensive coverage while reducing processing complexity at any given moment
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning to identify audio source locations before forming focused detection beams. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-determine which directional beams are needed, avoiding the computational burden of simultaneously processing all possible directions and reducing overall processing complexity
3Measurement precision
If the system determines precise vertical and horizontal audio source locations, then the localization accuracy improves, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by determining only the necessary audio source location parameters (horizontal and vertical angles) required for effective beam forming, rather than calculating all possible spatial coordinates. This selective approach maintains sufficient localization accuracy for speech recognition while reducing computational time and resource requirements
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 system enhances speech recognition and processing by accurately targeting and tracking audio sources, improving signal quality and enabling commands to be executed effectively in various technical applications, such as home security and personal emergency response systems.
Implementation Method 1
The controller causes the audio sensor array to form an audio beam directed at the audio source based on the one or more audio source location parameters
Data Source
AI summary
An audio beam forming and signal processing system includes at least one image capture device, an array of audio sensors, and a controller. The at least one image capture device is configured to capture images of a monitored zone. The array of audio sensors is configured to detect audio signals from one or more audio sources within the monitored zone. The controller is configured to: analyze at least one image captured by the image capture device to identify an audio source within the monitored zone; determine two or fewer audio source location parameters indicative of the location of the audio source in the monitored zone; and cause the array of audio sensors to form an audio beam directed at the audio source based on the two or fewer audio source location parameters.