Microphone Position Validation Using Acoustic Time Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the position of a microphone in simulators, such as vehicle simulators, are inadequate as they rely on visual cues which are subject to individual interpretation and may require custom tripods that are obstructive and costly, leading to inconsistencies in sound tests due to variations in microphone placement.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses time delays between sound signals emitted by fixed-position speakers and recorded by a microphone to determine if it is positioned correctly, comparing actual time delays with reference time delays to provide an indication of match or mismatch, and optionally suggesting displacement for accurate placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pictures are provided to help install the microphone, then the installation process is simplified, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to individual interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual/mechanical positioning system (pictures and tripods) with an acoustic positioning system. The method uses time delay measurements of sound signals from multiple speakers to automatically determine microphone position, substituting mechanical alignment with acoustic field-based localization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-positioning of the microphone through automatic time delay measurement and comparison. The microphone itself participates in the measurement process by recording signals, and the system automatically determines whether positioning is correct without requiring external visual aids or complex mechanical fixtures.
2Reliability
If a custom fixed tripod is provided, then the microphone positioning is stabilized, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning structures (custom tripods) with an acoustic measurement and control system. Instead of using rigid mechanical fixtures to stabilize the microphone, the system uses time delay analysis of acoustic signals to verify positioning, eliminating the need for specialized mechanical support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual reference model of the acoustic environment with known speaker positions and signal characteristics. By comparing the actual measured time delays against this reference model, the system determines microphone positioning without requiring physical reference structures or complex mechanical fixtures.
3Ease of operation
If visual pictures are used for positioning, then the installation is easier, but the positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes visual positioning methods with acoustic measurement methods. The system uses time delay analysis of sound signals to precisely determine microphone position, replacing subjective visual interpretation with objective acoustic measurement that provides both ease of operation and high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing measured time delays against reference values and providing information about positioning accuracy. This feedback mechanism guides the user to achieve correct positioning without requiring complex visual interpretation, combining ease of operation with precision through iterative measurement and adjustment.
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
This method ensures precise and repeatable microphone placement, reducing dephasing and amplitude modifications in recorded signals by providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for ensuring the microphone is correctly positioned, thereby enhancing the reliability of sound tests.
Implementation Method 1
determining an actual time delay between the first sound signal and the second sound signal; comparing the actual time delay to the reference time delay
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising: receiving a reference time delay between a first reference signal emitted by a first speaker and a second reference signal emitted by a second speaker, each recorded by a microphone having a target position; using the microphone positioned at an actual position, recording a first sound signal emitted by the first speaker and a second sound signal emitted by the second speaker; determining an actual time delay between the first and second sound signals; comparing the actual time delay to the reference time delay; determining a match or a mismatch between the actual position and the target position for the given microphone; and outputting an indication of the match/mismatch.