Mobile Unit Noise Estimation for Target Region Suppression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile unit control systems, such as those for robots, fail to effectively reduce noise in all directions and spaces, particularly when noise needs to be minimized for specific target areas or when ambient noise sources are present, and do not account for noise optimization from multiple sources.
Innovation Solution
A mobile unit control device and method that includes a noise estimation unit, actuator control unit, and sound output control unit to set and maintain a target noise level by attenuating noise through strategic movement planning, using sound input devices to measure noise levels, and employing noise models to optimize actuator operations and environmental interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the mobile unit slows down its operating speed to reduce noise, then the noise volume to the vicinity is reduced, but the productivity and task completion efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating noise control strategies for different spatial zones. The control device identifies specific target regions (e.g., areas with people, sensitive environments) and applies noise reduction measures selectively to those regions rather than uniformly across all spaces. This allows the mobile unit to maintain higher speeds in areas where noise is acceptable while slowing down or adjusting operations only in sensitive zones, thereby preserving productivity while reducing harmful noise effects where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the noise control strategy adaptive and changeable based on real-time conditions. The control device continuously monitors the environment, identifies target regions, and dynamically adjusts the mobile unit's operating parameters (speed, operation intensity) according to the specific spatial context. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize the balance between noise reduction and productivity by adjusting operations in real-time rather than maintaining a fixed slow speed throughout.
2Productivity
If the mobile unit operates at high speed to maintain productivity, then task completion efficiency is improved, but noise is generated in all directions including areas where it is not desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing directionally selective noise control. The control device identifies target regions where noise should be minimized and directs noise reduction measures specifically toward those areas. The mobile unit can operate at high speed in directions away from sensitive regions while reducing speed or adjusting operations when moving toward or near target regions. This spatially differentiated approach allows high productivity to be maintained overall while preventing noise propagation to specific areas where it is not desired.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the control device pre-identify target regions and plan noise control strategies before the mobile unit reaches those areas. The system uses sensors and environmental monitoring to detect the presence of people or sensitive zones in advance, then proactively adjusts operating parameters (reduces speed, modifies operation intensity) before entering the target region. This preliminary adjustment prevents noise from reaching sensitive areas while allowing the unit to maintain higher speeds in non-sensitive areas, thus preserving productivity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the mobile unit uses noise reduction measures in all directions, then noise is reduced uniformly, but the device complexity and control system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing region-specific noise control instead of uniform all-directional noise reduction. The control device identifies and segments the environment into target regions (where noise should be reduced) and non-target regions (where noise control is less critical). Noise reduction measures such as speed reduction or operation adjustment are applied selectively only when the mobile unit is approaching or operating near target regions. This localized approach maintains effective noise reduction in necessary areas while avoiding the excessive complexity of implementing uniform noise control in all directions at all times.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the mobile unit adjusts operations to avoid noise in target regions, then noise is minimized for specific areas, but the ease of operation and operational flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the noise control strategy adaptive and context-dependent rather than fixed. The control device continuously monitors environmental conditions, identifies target regions in real-time, and dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on the specific spatial context. The mobile unit can switch between noise-reduction mode (slower speed, adjusted operations) when approaching target regions and normal high-speed operation in non-sensitive areas. This dynamic, conditional approach preserves operational flexibility because the unit is not constrained by fixed noise reduction rules but can adapt its behavior to the actual environmental conditions, making the operation as easy as possible while still minimizing noise to target regions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Not to give a noise to a subject to which it is not desired to give the noise. According to the present disclosure, a mobile unit control device including a noise estimation unit (434) that estimates, based on a position of a sound source and a sound volume generated by the sound source, a noise in a target region in which the noise is suppressed, and a control unit (436) that controls, based on the estimated noise, an operation of a mobile unit to reduce the noise in the target region is provided. With this configuration, it is possible not to give a noise to a subject to which it is not desired to give the noise.