Microphone Layout Calculation for Noise-Aware Voice Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining an optimal arrangement of acoustic devices for voice collection in an acoustic space is difficult without technical knowledge or expertise.

Innovation Solution

A method that calculates the arrangement of acoustic devices, such as microphones, based on input information about the acoustic space, sound sources, and noise sources, using a trained model to determine the optimal placement and characteristics of the devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If acoustic device arrangement is determined without technical knowledge or expertise, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and design accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of determining acoustic device arrangementVSAvoiddesign accuracy of acoustic device arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an acoustic simulation system as an intermediary tool between the user and the complex acoustic device arrangement problem. The system includes a simulation apparatus that models acoustic propagation, a voice activity detection apparatus that identifies speaking regions, and an arrangement determination apparatus that automatically positions acoustic devices. This intermediary system handles the technical complexity while providing user-friendly operation through automated calculation based on simple input parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment and expert knowledge with automated computational methods. Instead of requiring acoustic experts to manually determine optimal device positions through trial and error, the system uses computer-based acoustic simulations and algorithms to automatically calculate the optimal arrangement, substituting mechanical problem-solving with digital computation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If acoustic device arrangement is determined using expert knowledge, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign accuracy of acoustic device arrangementVSAvoidcomplexity of acoustic device arrangement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex acoustic device arrangement system into distinct functional modules: an acoustic simulation module that models sound propagation, a voice activity detection module that identifies speaking regions, an arrangement determination module that calculates optimal positions, and a display module that presents results. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of the problem independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high design accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy or simulation model of the acoustic space and acoustic devices before actual deployment. The simulation apparatus builds a digital replica of the acoustic environment, allowing users to visualize and evaluate device arrangements virtually before physical installation, thereby simplifying the actual deployment process while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If acoustic device arrangement is determined through trial and error, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of determining acoustic device arrangementVSAvoidtime required for acoustic device arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary acoustic simulations and calculations before finalizing the acoustic device arrangement. The system pre-calculates optimal device positions, simulation parameters, and acoustic characteristics based on the acoustic space geometry and expected usage scenarios. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming trial and error during deployment, as the optimal arrangement is determined in advance through automated simulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the acoustic simulation system continuously evaluates device arrangements and provides real-time feedback on acoustic performance. The voice activity detection apparatus monitors speaking regions and adjusts device positioning recommendations accordingly. This feedback loop enables rapid iteration and optimization without manual trial and error, significantly reducing the time required to achieve optimal arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260044652A1Method of managing arrangement of acoustic devices, information processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

A method of managing an arrangement of acoustic devices in an acoustic space receives information about the acoustic space, a position of at least one sound source in the acoustic space, and a position of at least one noise source in the acoustic space, calculates, for the acoustic space, the arrangement of the acoustic devices corresponding to the received position of the at least one sound source and the received position of the at least one noise source, wherein the acoustic devices include microphones, and outputs the calculated arrangement of the acoustic devices.