Drone Microphone Array Control for Low-Power Target Sound Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aircraft face challenges in incorporating large-capacity batteries due to high power consumption for signal processing, which limits flight hours and the ability to detect target sounds effectively.
Innovation Solution
The unmanned aircraft includes a microphone with multiple elements and a processor that selectively processes signals from a subset of these elements based on detection results or aircraft state, reducing power consumption while maintaining target sound detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a large-capacity battery is incorporated to extend flight duration, then flight duration is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active microphone elements based on flight phase and noise conditions. During high-noise phases (e.g., motor operation), more elements are activated for better noise cancellation. During low-noise phases, fewer elements are activated to save power. This dynamic adaptation allows the use of a moderate-sized battery while achieving extended effective flight duration through optimized power management.
2Measurement precision
If signal processing is performed using all microphone elements to improve sound detection quality, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microphone array is segmented into multiple independent elements that can be selectively activated. Instead of processing signals from all elements simultaneously, the system divides them into active and inactive groups based on current operational requirements. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high sound detection quality when needed while significantly reducing power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by activating only the necessary subset of microphone elements required for adequate sound detection and noise cancellation in each flight phase. Rather than continuously using all elements (excessive action), the system uses just enough elements to achieve the required measurement precision, thereby optimizing the balance between sound detection quality and power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If the number of microphone elements used for processing is increased to improve target sound detection, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously monitors sound detection quality and noise levels, then adjusts the number of active microphone elements accordingly. When target sound detection quality deteriorates or noise interference increases, the system activates additional elements. When detection quality is sufficient, elements are deactivated to reduce power consumption. This closed-loop feedback control optimizes the trade-off between target sound detection precision and power consumption in real-time.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aircraft includes: a microphone including a plurality of elements; and a processor that processes signals output from target elements included in the plurality of elements. In the unmanned aircraft, the processor performs a detection process of detecting a target sound signal of a target sound from the signals output from the target elements included in the plurality of elements, and changes the target elements that output the signals to be processed by the processor to select at least one target element that outputs a signal to be processed by the processor from among the plurality of elements, in accordance with a result of the detection process.