Portable Microphone Array Layout for Beamforming With Fewer Mics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microphone arrays in portable devices often underperform due to suboptimal microphone configurations when used with advanced beamforming algorithms, leading to lower actual performance than the best possible outcome.
Innovation Solution
A microphone array design with microphones distributed on two adjacent end surfaces of a housing, where the distance between adjacent microphones is less than half the wavelength of the response frequency, forming a good layout for various beamforming algorithms, enhancing spatial capture performance with a minimal number of microphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional beamforming algorithms are used with well-known design rules, then frequency-independent beam widths and narrow beams are achieved, but a large number of microphones are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the spatial arrangement parameters of microphones (positions, distances, angles) to work specifically with advanced beamforming algorithms. The microphone array uses precise geometric configurations that enable new algorithms to achieve traditional beamforming performance with fewer elements.
2Extent of automation
If new beamforming algorithms are developed, then algorithmic performance is improved, but the actual performance with physical microphone arrays is lower than expected due to poor microphone configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform, optimized microphone positions rather than regular grids. Each microphone is placed at specific locations that maximize the effectiveness of advanced beamforming algorithms, with varying distances and angles tailored to the algorithm's requirements rather than uniform spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar or linear microphone arrangements to three-dimensional spatial configurations. The microphone array utilizes vertical and horizontal dimensions simultaneously, creating立体 (spatial) arrangements that provide better performance for advanced beamforming algorithms that exploit 3D spatial information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If microphones are arranged near the earphone for collecting sound signals in different directions, then spatial sound capture is enabled, but optimal microphone placement is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal microphone array design that can work with multiple advanced beamforming algorithms. The standardized optimized configuration serves as a multi-functional platform that adapts to different algorithm requirements while maintaining optimal performance across various speech processing tasks.
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
The design improves sound pickup and voice identification by effectively filtering ambient noise and focusing on sound sources, achieving better directivity and signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
multiple microphones are provided in the housing and the multiple microphones are distributed on two adjacent end surfaces, the distance between at least two adjacent microphones is less than half of the response frequency for beamforming
Data Source
AI summary
A microphone array and a portable device. The microphone array includes: a housing provided with microphones inside forming a first and a second microphone part; a first end surface provided with at least two first pickup holes communicated with the microphone of the first microphone part in one-to-one correspondence; and a second end surface provided with at least one second pickup hole communicated with the microphone of the second microphone part in one-to-one correspondence. The first end surface intersects the second end surface, and a preset angle is formed between the extension direction of the first end surface and that of the second end surface. The distance between at least two adjacent microphones is less than half of the wavelength of the response frequency for beamforming. The present disclosure achieves good spatial capture performance with the lowest practical number of microphones.