Directional Voice Sensing via Coherent Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio microphones suffer from poor directionality due to the wavelength of baseband acoustic signals, making it difficult to accurately detect and isolate voices in a field of view.
Innovation Solution
The use of coherent optical detection with an array of coherent optical emitters and balanced coherent optical vibration sensors, which analyze waveforms to identify voices and adjust microphone output for directional voice sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If baseband acoustic signals are used for voice detection, then the device can detect voices, but the directionality is poor due to the wavelength of the acoustic signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (laser beam) to detect acoustic vibrations. Instead of using the acoustic signal directly for directional detection, the system uses light as a mediator to sense the vibrations caused by acoustic waves on surfaces, enabling precise directional measurement without being limited by acoustic wavelength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic detection system with an optical detection system. By using laser vibrometry to detect surface vibrations caused by acoustic waves, the system achieves superior directionality and voice isolation accuracy, overcoming the fundamental limitations of baseband acoustic signal wavelength
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voices are present in the field of view, then the sensor can detect all voices, but it becomes difficult to isolate and identify specific voices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by using multiple optical sensors positioned at different locations and angles. Each sensor captures vibration information from specific spatial zones, allowing the system to separate and identify individual voices among multiple speakers through spatial segmentation of the acoustic field
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different optical sensors target specific local regions in the field of view. Each sensor is optimized to detect vibrations from particular spatial zones, enabling the system to distinguish between multiple voices by analyzing the spatial distribution of vibration sources
3Area of stationary object
If the wavelength of acoustic signals is used for detection, then the detection range is broad, but the directionality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical beams as intermediaries to bridge the gap between broad detection coverage and precise directional measurement. Multiple optical sensors detect vibrations across a wide field of view, and through signal processing, the system achieves accurate directional identification without being constrained by acoustic wavelength limitations
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 improved directionality in voice detection, allowing for the isolation of specific voices amidst background noise and multiple speakers, enhancing the accuracy and clarity of voice sensing.
Implementation Method 1
an optical beam splitter configured to direct a first portion of the beam of light into a field of view
Implementation Method 2
The balanced coherent optical optical vibration sensor may include an optical frequency shifter
Implementation Method 3
a local oscillator configured to interfere a reflected portion of the beam of light with the second portion of the beam of light
Implementation Method 4
a balanced optical detector positioned to receive balanced optical outputs from the local oscillator and generate a waveform indicative of a vibration of an object
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a microphone, an array of coherent optical emitters, an array of balanced coherent optical vibration sensors, and a processor. Each balanced coherent optical vibration sensor in the array of balanced coherent optical vibration sensors is paired with a coherent optical emitter in the array of coherent optical emitters. The processor is configured to analyze a set of waveforms acquired by the array of balanced coherent optical vibration sensors; identify, using the analysis of the set of waveforms, a set of one or more voices in a field of view; and adjust an output of the microphone to accentuate a particular voice in the set of one or more voices.