Drop-Ceiling Array Microphone Assembly for Directional Noise Rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microphones for conferencing environments are obtrusive, difficult to install, and struggle with optimal sound detection and noise rejection, particularly when audio sources move or are obstructed.
Innovation Solution
An array microphone system configured to fit into a drop ceiling, featuring a concentric, nested microphone arrangement with MEMS technology for improved directional sensitivity and noise rejection, allowing easy installation and adjustment for optimal sound detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microphones are placed on a table or lectern near the audio source, then sound capture is improved, but the microphones become obtrusive and detect undesirable noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal placement (tabletop) to vertical placement (ceiling-mounted), changing the spatial dimension of microphone positioning. This allows the microphone array to be positioned above the audio source rather than beside it, capturing sound from a different angular perspective while avoiding tabletop noises.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an array of multiple microphones that replicates the sensing function across multiple elements. By distributing multiple microphone sensors across the ceiling tile surface, the system achieves improved sound capture and noise rejection through spatial diversity without requiring a single large obtrusive microphone.
2Length of moving object
If shotgun microphones are used for directional sound detection, then distance from audio source is improved, but adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an array of multiple microphones that can be electronically configured to create different pickup patterns and directional characteristics. This dynamic electronic adjustment replaces the static mechanical orientation of shotgun microphones, allowing flexible adaptation to different audio source positions without physical repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical orientation system of shotgun microphones (physical pointing and angling) with an electronic signal processing system. The array configuration and beamforming algorithms provide directional control through software rather than mechanical adjustment, eliminating the need for trial-and-error positioning.
3Ease of operation
If microphones are mounted to ceiling for unobtrusive installation, then aesthetics are improved, but installation complexity and proximity to noise sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the microphone array functionality directly into the ceiling tile structure, creating a multi-functional component that serves both as a building element and an audio capture device. This universal design eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware and complex installation procedures while maintaining aesthetic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the ceiling tile into functional zones with microphone elements distributed across the tile surface. This segmentation allows strategic positioning of microphones to optimize distance from noise sources like loudspeakers and HVAC systems while maintaining overall ceiling coverage and aesthetic appearance.
4Measurement precision
If ceiling microphones are positioned closer to loudspeakers and HVAC systems, then audio source detection is improved, but sensitivity to air motion and white noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes multiple microphone sensors across the ceiling tile surface, creating spatial redundancy. This array configuration allows the system to capture audio from multiple positions simultaneously, improving audio source detection while the spatial distribution reduces sensitivity to localized air motion and white noise through diversity averaging.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a microphone assembly comprising an array microphone and a housing configured to support the array microphone and sized and shaped to be mountable in a drop ceiling in place of at least one of a plurality of ceiling tiles included in the drop ceiling. A front face of the housing includes a sound-permeable screen having a size and shape that is substantially similar to the at least one of the plurality of ceiling tiles. Embodiments also include an array microphone system comprising a plurality of microphones arranged, on a substrate, in a number of concentric, nested rings of varying sizes around a central point of the substrate. Each ring comprises a subset of the plurality of microphones positioned at predetermined intervals along a circumference of the ring.