Audio Collection System with Remote Aperture Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio collection systems lack immersive audio features, scalability, configurability, remote Internet connectivity, effective battery management, and adequate noise control, making them inadequate for broader applications, especially in environments with closed windows or large-scale crowd monitoring.

Innovation Solution

The proposed Audio Collection System comprises self-contained Audio Collection Devices (ACDs) with integrated power management and remote control capabilities, scalable to support single devices or large networks, and includes Audio Distribution Devices (ADDs) and Control Analysis Functions (CAF) for centralized management and real-time audio processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing audio collection systems are used, then basic sound capture is achieved, but immersive audio features and scalability are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmersive audio features and scalabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into independent Audio Collection Devices (ACDs) that can be deployed individually or in networks. Each ACD is a self-contained unit with its own microphone array, processor, and wireless transmitter, allowing scalable deployment without requiring a complex centralized system. This segmentation enables the system to grow from single-device to multi-device configurations while maintaining manageable complexity at each node.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ACDs are designed with universal functionality to perform multiple tasks including sound capture, audio analysis, wireless transmission, and immersive audio playback. The devices can operate independently or be networked together, and can be deployed in various environments (wildlife monitoring, security, entertainment) without requiring different hardware configurations, thus achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple microphones and recorders are used for sound capture, then audio coverage is improved, but synchronization and control become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio coverage areaVSAvoidsynchronization and control

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple ACDs are merged into a coordinated network that shares a common timebase and control system. The devices synchronize their operation through wireless communication protocols that maintain precise timing across all units, enabling coordinated sound capture across extended areas while maintaining ease of operation through centralized control. The merged system presents a unified interface for controlling all devices regardless of their physical distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If wireless transmitters are used for remote monitoring, then accessibility is improved, but detection of hidden transmitters becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote accessibilityVSAvoiddetection of hidden transmitters

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses wireless communication as an intermediary that enables remote access to audio data without requiring physical proximity to the collection devices. Users can monitor and control the system through wireless networks from any location, improving accessibility while the wireless nature of the transmission actually reduces the ability of adversaries to detect and locate hidden transmitters compared to wired systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If passive sound location techniques are used, then simplicity is maintained, but accuracy and responsiveness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidsound source location accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces passive mechanical sound location techniques with active electronic microphone arrays that electronically steer and process sound signals. The ACDs use digital signal processing and beamforming algorithms to accurately determine sound source locations and directions, achieving high measurement precision while maintaining relative simplicity through software-based processing rather than complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250124931A1Audio Collection System and Method for Sound Capture, Broadcast, Analysis, and Presentation

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 POIRIER DARRELL

AI summary

At least a system or a method is provided for remote delivery or collection of a device such as an audio collection device. For example, a device comprising an aperture collection and retrieval pin is provided. An apparatus is provided having an aperture receiver, an aperture drive gear and a drive motor. The drive motor is configured to drive the aperture drive gear to open or close the aperture receiver of the apparatus for retrieving or releasing the device comprising the aperture collection pin.