Audio Impulse Origin Estimation Using Simulated Response Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio impulse localization systems inaccurately estimate the origin of audio impulses in crowded environments due to confusion between reflections and the actual impulses, leading to difficulty in identifying emergency event locations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a microphone array with a device-related transfer function (DRTF) and a geometric computer model is used to simulate the impulse response path of audio impulses, differentiating the origin from reflections by assigning acoustic parameters to virtual surfaces based on real-world structures, and outputting simulation data for accurate estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional audio impulse localization systems are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision of audio impulse origin is poor in crowded environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual acoustic environment model that copies the physical characteristics of the real-world environment, including reflections, refractions, and acoustic propagation paths. This virtual model allows the system to simulate and analyze audio impulse propagation without physically altering the complex real-world environment, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the audio sensors and the origin estimation algorithm. This intermediary layer includes a virtual acoustic environment model that mediates the relationship between raw audio signals and localization results, enabling more accurate origin estimation by accounting for environmental factors like reflections and acoustic propagation characteristics.
2Reliability
If conventional audio impulse localization systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of emergency event location is reduced due to confusion between reflections and actual impulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio impulse signal into direct path components and reflection components by analyzing the temporal structure and acoustic characteristics. The virtual acoustic environment model separates these components based on their distinct propagation patterns, allowing the system to reliably identify actual impulses from reflections and improve emergency event location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the virtual acoustic environment model continuously refines its simulation based on actual audio signal characteristics. The system uses feedback from the simulated acoustic propagation to adjust and improve the origin estimation, thereby enhancing reliability while managing processing complexity through iterative refinement.
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 provides a more accurate estimation of audio impulse origins by simulating the impulse response path, allowing first responders to locate emergency events effectively in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
The virtual structures include virtual surfaces that are assigned acoustic parameters based at least on materials that make up real-world surfaces of the real-world structures. The impulse response path of the audio impulse is affected by interactions with different virtual surfaces in the geometric computer model based at least on the acoustic parameters of the different virtual surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating an origin of an audio impulse in a real-world environment performed by computing system is disclosed. Audio signals are received from a microphone array. The audio signals characterize an audio impulse generated in the real-world environment. Locations in the real-world environment of the plurality of microphones are received. A device related transfer function (DRTF) of the microphone array is recognized. A geometric computer model of the real-world environment is recognized. The geometric computer model includes virtual structures that model real-world structures in the real-world environment. The virtual structures include virtual surfaces that are assigned acoustic parameters. An impulse response path of the audio impulse throughout the geometric computer model of the real-world environment is simulated. Simulation data including an estimated origin of the audio impulse in the real-world environment is output based at least on the simulated impulse response path of the audio impulse.