Cabin Audio Relay Using Height-Based Noise Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile equipment operators face challenges in communicating effectively with external personnel due to high noise levels and limited visibility, leading to potential accidents and operational inefficiencies, especially in construction sites.
Innovation Solution
A communication system for mobile equipment cabins that includes a microphone array to capture sound from external sources, process it into electrical signals, and broadcast filtered sound waves using a cabin speaker, with processors to filter based on sound source height and noise suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual or auditory signals are used for communication, then communication can be established, but the high noise levels drown out signals making communication ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system consisting of a microphone array, processor, and speaker that mediates between external personnel and the operator. The microphone array captures external sounds, the processor filters and processes the audio signal, and the speaker delivers clear communication inside the cabin, effectively bypassing the noise barrier without requiring direct auditory signals to penetrate the noisy environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional acoustic communication with an electronic signal-based system. Instead of relying on sound waves to travel directly through the noisy environment, the system converts acoustic signals to electrical signals, processes them electronically, and converts them back to acoustic signals inside the cabin, substituting the mechanical/acoustic transmission path with an electronic one that is immune to external noise
2Reliability
If communication radios are provided for all personnel, then communication can be established, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal communication system where a single integrated unit (microphone array + processor + speaker) serves multiple functions: capturing external communications, filtering noise, and delivering clear audio to the operator. This single system replaces the need for multiple individual radios that would be required if each personnel member had their own communication device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple communication devices into a single integrated system. Instead of having separate radios for external personnel and the operator, the system combines the microphone array, signal processing, and speaker into one unified communication unit that facilitates bidirectional communication, thereby reducing the total number of devices required
3Reliability
If radios are used for communication, then communication can be established, but tuning to the same channel is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the channel tuning issue by introducing an intermediary processing system. The microphone array captures external audio, the processor handles the signal processing and noise filtering, and the speaker delivers the audio inside the cabin. This intermediary system automatically handles frequency matching and signal synchronization, eliminating the need for manual channel tuning operations
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
Enhances communication clarity and safety by filtering out noise and directing sound based on source height, enabling real-time coordination and improved operational efficiency between mobile equipment operators and external personnel.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone array configured to receive sound from an external source and convert the sound into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a cabin speaker configured to receive the filtered signal from the one or more processors, convert the filtered signal into sound waves
Data Source
AI summary
Traditionally, mobile equipment, especially machinery used in construction worksites, can face significant challenges when communicating with external personnel during operation due to the heavy noise environment or from the noise created by the mobile equipment itself. Accordingly, a system for communicating in a mobile equipment cabin with external personnel is disclosed with a microphone array that can receive sound from an external source and convert the sound into an electrical signal, which has one or more processors in communication with the microphone array and can filter the electrical signal from the microphone array based on a height of the source of the sound and create a filtered signal. Furthermore, the one or more processors are in communication with a cabin speaker to receive the filtered signal, convert it into sound waves, and broadcast them to the mobile equipment cabin.