Microphone Array Visual Sound Source Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microphone array systems for large venues are complex, costly, and labor-intensive, requiring manual movement of microphones to capture sound from arbitrary positions, leading to inefficiency and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A microphone array system that includes an imaging device, microphone array, sound source analyzer, and directivity calculator to visualize and amplify sound from specific positions within a target area, allowing for easy selection and reproduction of desired sound sources through a network-connected system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a plurality of microphones are arranged throughout the entire venue to pick up sound from arbitrary positions, then sound can be picked up from any position, but the system becomes large, complicated, and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound pickup coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microphone array is divided into multiple independent microphone units distributed throughout the venue, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to cover large areas while maintaining manageable complexity, as each unit operates autonomously and can be independently controlled or replaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each microphone unit in the array is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing sound from its local position, transmitting data wirelessly, and participating in directional sound formation through coordinated operation with other units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If microphones are moved to the questioner to pick up sound, then sound can be picked up from arbitrary positions, but labor and time are required to move the microphone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound pickup flexibilityVSAvoidoperational effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical system of manually moving microphones is replaced with an electronic control system that adjusts sound pickup direction through signal processing. The microphone array electronically steers its sensitivity pattern toward the desired sound source using phase and amplitude adjustments, eliminating the need for physical movement while maintaining flexibility in capturing sound from any position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The microphone array system dynamically adjusts its directional characteristics in real-time through electronic control, allowing it to adapt to different sound source positions without physical reconfiguration. This dynamic beamforming capability enables the system to track and focus on moving sound sources automatically, providing operational flexibility without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If microphones are moved by hand to pick up sound, then sound can be picked up from specific positions, but potential damage to the microphone may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound pickup positioningVSAvoidmicrophone durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Manual handling and movement of microphones is completely replaced by electronic positioning through directional beamforming. The system achieves precise sound source targeting through signal processing algorithms that adjust the phase and amplitude of each microphone element, eliminating mechanical movement and associated risks of damage while maintaining the ability to focus on specific positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of physically moving the microphone to the sound source, the system creates a virtual copy or representation of the sound field through digital signal processing. The beamforming algorithms synthesize a focused reception pattern that mimics the effect of having the microphone physically positioned at the sound source, thereby achieving positioning flexibility without mechanical displacement and associated damage risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10206030B2Microphone array system and microphone array control method

Publication Date: 2019.02.12 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A microphone array system includes a camera that images a picture for a target place, and a microphone array that picks up sound. A sound source position is calculated based on the picked up sound. An image is displayed on a display, the image including an imaged target place picture and a sound source position mark indicative of the sound source position. An instruction of a specified spot is received in the target place picture displayed on the display. Sound directivity is formed in a direction from the microphone array toward the specified spot based on the picked up sound, and sound data is generated by emphasizing sound in the direction in which the sound directivity is formed. The generated sound data is output to the speaker to reproduce the sound data.