Modular Array Microphone System for Flexible Conferencing Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional array microphones are limited by their fixed size, high cost, and difficulty in configuration, making them less versatile and more expensive than traditional microphones, and they often capture unwanted noise in conferencing environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular array microphone system that allows for scalable and flexible configuration, using interconnected modules with mechanical and electrical connectivity, enabling customizable shapes and sizes, and improved sound detection and noise rejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If array microphones are used to capture sound in conferencing environments, then sound capture capability is improved, but device size increases and placement flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The array microphone system is divided into multiple separate array microphone units, each with its own housing and microphone elements. These units can be distributed throughout the conferencing environment rather than requiring a single large microphone, thereby improving sound capture from multiple directions while maintaining compact individual device sizes suitable for various placement locations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple array microphones are deployed to improve sound capture, then audio coverage is enhanced, but configuration difficulty and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The array microphone units are equipped with processors that automatically perform beamforming operations without requiring manual configuration. The system self-adjusts to optimize sound capture from multiple sources, eliminating the need for complex setup procedures and making it easy to deploy multiple units throughout the environment.
3Volume of moving object
If traditional microphones are used to reduce device size, then placement flexibility is improved, but unwanted noise capture increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single traditional microphone that captures all sounds equally, the system employs multiple compact array microphone units distributed throughout the space. Each unit captures sound with directional sensitivity, and the combined system selectively processes signals to enhance desired speech while suppressing room noise and echoes, achieving both small size and noise rejection.
4Measurement precision
If custom-fit array microphones are designed for specific applications, then performance is optimized, but cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The array microphone units are designed as universal, standardized components that can be deployed in various conferencing environments without custom modification. The processors within each unit are programmed to handle multiple audio scenarios, allowing a single design to serve different applications (boardrooms, video conferencing, lecture halls) thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying production.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a modular array microphone system are disclosed, which may include one or more industrial design, mechanical connectivity, and/or acoustic features, components, or aspects.