Intercom Microphone Array Layout for Noise-Suppressed Press Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bidirectional voice communication systems on printing material processing machines suffer from poor speech quality due to high noise levels and varying acoustic conditions at different stations, leading to echo and interference.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a microphone assembly with multiple microphone capsules arranged in a regular N-gon pattern, coupled with a circuit board equipped with electronic noise suppression components and algorithms, enhances speech reception by separating speech from background noise and minimizing echoes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple microphone capsules are used to improve speech reception, then speech intelligibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microphone assembly is segmented into multiple independent microphone capsules (at least three) arranged in a specific geometric pattern. Each capsule independently captures acoustic signals from different spatial directions, enabling the system to separate speech from background noise through spatial processing and beamforming algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone capsules are arranged in a three-dimensional spatial configuration (e.g., triangular pattern with specific spacing). This spatial dimensionality enables the system to perform directional sound capture and beamforming, distinguishing between speech sources and noise based on their spatial positions and time differences of arrival.
2Measurement precision
If electronic noise suppression components are added to the circuit board, then speech quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The noise suppression function is extracted as a separate electronic processing stage on the circuit board. The circuit board includes dedicated electronic components that process the raw microphone signals to remove background noise, separating the noise suppression function from the basic signal capture function of the microphones.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board processes microphone signals using feedback mechanisms where the captured audio is analyzed and processed to suppress identified noise components. The processed signal is then fed back for further refinement, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves speech quality by adapting to the acoustic environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If microphones are placed in different areas of the printing press, then communication coverage is improved, but acoustic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each microphone capsule in the array is designed with specific directional characteristics optimized for its local position in the array. The combination of local directional properties of individual capsules with the overall array geometry creates a system that can adapt to different acoustic environments and positions on the printing press while maintaining speech quality.
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
Significantly improves speech intelligibility and reduces noise interference, ensuring clear communication between operator stations by adapting to specific acoustic environments and reducing computational effort.
Implementation Method 1
The microphone capsules are arranged equidistantly or evenly distributed. The central microphone capsule, together with the surrounding microphone capsules, captures the speech communication of the operator
Implementation Method 2
An algorithm in the processor on the circuit board can determine the operator's point of view from the time difference between the speech signals received by the respective microphones. This allows the algorithm to suppress/attenuate signals originating from a different direction than the operator. These signals could be interference or, at the very least, signals that should not be amplified and transmitted. This is also known as 'beamforming.'
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a communication device for simultaneous bidirectional voice communication between at least two speaking stations (3) on a printing material processing machine, wherein the speaking stations (3) are connected to each other via a bus system (4). The invention is characterized in that each speaking station (3) has at least one loudspeaker (2) and a microphone device (1) with several microphone capsules (6) as well as a circuit board (8) with electronic components for improving speech intelligibility during voice communication between the speaking stations (3).