Audio Surveillance Sensor Array Beamforming Direction Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio surveillance systems using omnidirectional microphones struggle to distinguish between sounds from different directions and locate objects of interest, making it difficult to track their movement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sensor array with a computer system forms multiple beams for selected directions relative to its line of sight, using beamforming techniques to identify and track objects of interest by processing electrical signals from omnidirectional microphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If omnidirectional microphones are used to detect sounds from multiple directions, then the coverage area is improved, but the ability to distinguish sound directions and locate objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single omnidirectional microphone into multiple omnidirectional microphones arranged in an array. Each microphone captures sounds from all directions, but the collective array enables directional analysis through signal processing, thus maintaining omnidirectional coverage while achieving direction discrimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beamforming signal processing as an intermediary mechanism that processes the raw audio signals from multiple omnidirectional microphones. This intermediary process creates virtual directional beams, enabling the system to distinguish sound directions without requiring directional microphones.
2Reliability
If omnidirectional microphones are used to monitor all directions, then the detection coverage is improved, but the ability to identify object locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring space into multiple directional beams by processing signals from the microphone array. Each beam corresponds to a specific direction, allowing the system to maintain comprehensive coverage while recovering location information through spatial signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the audio monitoring by arranging microphones in a two-dimensional array and applying beamforming techniques. This transforms the single omnidirectional detection into multi-directional detection, recovering location information that would otherwise be lost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional microphones are used to detect sounds, then the field of view is improved, but the ability to track object movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming where the beam directions and focal points can be adjusted in real-time based on detected sound sources. This allows the system to maintain broad field of view for detection while dynamically concentrating processing power on specific directions for accurate movement tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the detected sound directions to adjust the beamforming weights and focal points. The system continuously monitors sound sources and adapts the beam patterns to track moving objects, maintaining both wide coverage and precise tracking capability.
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 the accurate detection, location, and tracking of objects of interest by enhancing the directionality of sound wave detection, overcoming the limitations of omnidirectional microphones.
Implementation Method 1
A number of beams are formed. Each beam in the number of beams is formed for a selected direction in which the selected direction for the each beam is relative to a line of sight for the sensor array.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for detecting objects of interest using sounds. Sounds are monitored for using a sensor array. A number of beams are formed. Each beam in the number of beams is formed for a selected direction in which the selected direction for each beam is relative to a line of sight for the sensor array. A presence of a number of objects of interest is identified using the number of beams and the sounds detected by the sensor array.