Distributed Microphone Array Control Layout for Flexible Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control apparatuses with a single microphone array configuration result in a larger device size and reduced installation flexibility, limiting the effective utilization of microphone elements and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that bidirectionally communicates with a control unit using a preset time-sharing method, with devices installed on separate substrates and connected via a bus line, allowing for reduced size, increased flexibility in arrangement, and reduced electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple microphones are configured as a single microphone array on one substrate, then the device can be integrated, but the substrate size increases and installation flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the microphone array into multiple independent substrates, each carrying a portion of the microphone elements. These substrates are then connected via flexible cables to form a complete array system. This segmentation allows each substrate to be small and easily manufactured, while the overall system maintains full functionality through the distributed architecture.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple microphones are configured as a single microphone array on one substrate, then the device can be integrated, but the installation flexibility and arrangement freedom decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the microphone array into multiple independent substrates connected by flexible cables, the system can be installed in various configurations and positions. Each substrate can be separately mounted and positioned according to spatial requirements, enabling adaptable installation in different vehicle interiors or application scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cable connections between substrates allow the microphone array configuration to be dynamically adjusted during installation. The substrates can be arranged in different spatial patterns and orientations, providing versatility in adapting to various installation environments and acoustic requirements.
3Device complexity
If microphone elements are installed at fixed positions on a substrate, then the structure is simplified, but the degree of freedom of installation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed-position microphone elements on each small substrate are segmented into multiple groups across different substrates. The flexible cable connections between substrates provide the arrangement freedom, while each substrate maintains its simple fixed-position structure internally. This resolves the contradiction by moving the flexibility requirement from the substrate level to the system level.
4Volume of moving object
If a single large substrate is used for the microphone array, then the device is compact, but the cost increases due to the need for highly sensitive devices
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the microphone array into multiple substrates, the system can use less expensive microphone elements on each substrate while maintaining overall high performance through the distributed configuration. This avoids the need for extremely high-performance (and costly) single-element microphones that would be required for a compact single-substrate design.
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 configuration achieves a compact design, lowers costs, enhances installation freedom, and reduces electromagnetic interference, while maintaining effective performance and convenience in automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
the second power line is arranged to cover a periphery of a line group including the first power line, the signal line, and the control line
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus that bidirectionally communicates with a control unit based on a preset time-sharing method includes: a plurality of devices each installed on a different substrate; a communication controller daisy-chained to the control unit via a bus line through which bidirectional communication of communication data is performed, the communication data having a data structure having a band in which data to be communicated between the plurality of devices is superimposable; and a cable configured to connect at least one device of the plurality of devices to the communication controller.