Multi-Beam Active Noise Cancellation via Acoustic Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active noise cancellation techniques have limitations in effectively canceling noise, as they often require mechanical buffers and have trade-offs in efficiency and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple microphones and a speaker array to generate acoustic beams for canceling noise, where noise is estimated and counter-sound waves are produced to cancel ambient noise, allowing for improved noise reduction through phase inversion and spatial audio rendering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical structures are used to buffer noise, then physical protection is provided, but the effectiveness is limited and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical noise buffering structures with an active acoustic field-based noise cancellation system. Multiple speakers generate anti-noise sound waves that interfere destructively with ambient noise, eliminating the need for complex mechanical buffers while achieving superior noise reduction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic fields as an intermediary between the noise source and the user. By generating cancellation signals that create anti-noise waves in the acoustic field, the system neutralizes harmful noise without requiring direct physical contact or mechanical barriers
2Object-affected harmful factors
If single-channel noise cancellation is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but noise cancellation effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the noise cancellation task into multiple independent channels, each handling noise from different spatial directions. Multiple microphones capture noise from various positions, and multiple speakers generate corresponding cancellation signals for each channel, achieving comprehensive three-dimensional noise reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-channel to multi-channel noise cancellation by adding spatial dimensionality. By processing noise cancellation in multiple independent channels simultaneously, the system achieves more effective and comprehensive noise reduction across different directions and frequencies
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 system effectively reduces noise by generating anti-phase sound waves that cancel ambient noise, enhancing the user's listening experience and enabling better rest or work environments by minimizing noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
the array 108 generates: (a) at least a first acoustic beam through a region 112, so that at least first sound waves exist within an environment 114
Implementation Method 2
generate signals for cancelling at least some of the noise
Data Source
AI summary
From at least a first microphone, first microphone signals are received that represent first sound waves. From at least a second microphone, second microphone signals are received that represent second sound waves. In response to the first microphone signals, first noise in the first sound waves is estimated, and first cancellation signals are output for causing a speaker array to generate first additional sound waves via at least a first acoustic beam for cancelling at least some of the first noise. In response to the second microphone signals, second noise in the second sound waves is estimated, and second cancellation signals are output for causing the speaker array to generate second additional sound waves via at least a second acoustic beam for cancelling at least some of the second noise.