Impact Noise Masking Controller Using Seed Sound Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise reduction technologies, such as sound absorbing or insulating materials and noise offsetting logic, are insufficient in effectively masking various impact noises in different environments, leading to increased costs and inadequate noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
A noise masking apparatus and method that includes a receiver to detect impact sounds and a controller to generate a seed sound source based on the impact noise. The controller modulates the seed sound source to create a masking sound, sets its reproduction times, and applies filters to optimize noise masking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sound absorbing or insulating material is added to block noise transmission path, then noise reduction effect is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical noise blocking methods (sound absorbing/insulating materials) with an acoustic signal processing method. The controller generates masking sounds based on detected impact noise characteristics, using audio signals to offset noise rather than physical materials to block transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces masking sounds as an intermediary element between the impact noise and the listener. The masking sound acts as a mediator that offsets the harmful noise effect through acoustic interference, rather than directly blocking the noise transmission path with physical materials.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If noise offsetting logic is applied to offset impact noise, then noise reduction effect is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the impact noise itself as the basis for generating the masking sound. The controller analyzes the detected impact noise characteristics and uses those same characteristics to generate the offsetting masking sound, making the system self-sufficient and reducing the need for external complex noise profiles or pre-programmed noise offsetting logic.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If masking sound is generated based on impact noise characteristics, then noise reduction effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the controller continuously detects impact noise, analyzes its characteristics, and adjusts the masking sound generation accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to varying noise conditions automatically, reducing the need for complex pre-programmed logic while maintaining high masking effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A noise masking apparatus and method are disclosed. The noise masking apparatus includes a receiver that receives an impact sound and a controller. The controller generates a seed sound source based on an impact noise when the received impact sound is determined as the impact noise, modulates the seed sound source to generate and reproduce a masking sound, sets a repeating reproduction time of the masking sound and a total reproduction time of the masking sound, and reproduces the masking sound during the repeating reproduction time and the total reproduction time.