Directional Vibrators for Low-Complexity Sound Source Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound source separation technologies face challenges in accurately separating sounds from multiple sources located in different directions, particularly in noisy environments, and often require complex computational processing.

Innovation Solution

A sound source separation apparatus utilizing a plurality of directional vibrators arranged on a plane, with a control circuit to determine the directions of sound sources based on output signal strengths and select specific vibrators for separation, allowing for efficient sound source identification without extensive computational processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple microphones are used for sound source separation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound source separation accuracyVSAvoidcomputational processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the computational signal processing system (software-based sound source separation) with a mechanical/physical system consisting of directional vibrators that inherently separate sounds through their directional sensitivity characteristics. Each vibrator physically responds to sounds from specific directions, eliminating the need for complex computational algorithms to separate sound sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating principle from computational parameter analysis (time-frequency domain conversion, statistical analysis) to physical parameter differentiation (directional sensitivity, vibration response). By utilizing vibrators with different directional characteristics, the system separates sounds based on physical parameters rather than computational analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If deep neural network training is used for sound source separation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound source separation accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the energy-intensive deep neural network computational system with a passive mechanical system of directional vibrators. The vibrators naturally respond to sound directions without requiring active computational processing or training, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining separation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple directional vibrators are used for sound source separation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound source separation accuracyVSAvoidhardware configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sound detection function into multiple independent directional vibrators, each responsible for detecting sounds from specific directions. This segmentation allows the system to physically separate different sound sources based on their directional origins, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to integrated computational approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The apparatus effectively separates sounds from multiple sources by selecting directional vibrators with high sensitivity to specific directions, minimizing interference and enabling accurate sound source tracking and separation in hardware, suitable for miniaturized electronic products.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of directional vibrators arranged on a plane between the sound inlet and the sound outlet... one or more of the plurality of directional vibrators is configured to selectively react based on a direction of the sound received

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3664468B1Sound source separation apparatus and sound source separation method

Publication Date: 2025.07.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

Provided are a sound source separation apparatus and a sound source separation method. The sound source separation apparatus includes a plurality of directional vibrators configured such that one or more of the plurality of directional vibrators react to a sound based on a direction of the sound. The sound source separation apparatus is configured to determine directions of a first sound source and a second sound source that are different from each other, based on strengths of output signals of the plurality of directional vibrators, and select a first directional vibrator and a second directional vibrator that are different from each other from among the plurality of directional vibrators to separately obtain a sound coming from the first sound source and a sound coming from the second sound source.