Multi-Resonator Sound Direction Sensing for High Angular Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound direction detection sensors using omnidirectional acoustic sensors are limited by the angular resolution, which decreases with increased distances and sampling frequencies, and require sufficient separation between sensors to detect time differences.
Innovation Solution
A sound direction detection sensor employing multiple resonator arrays with different orientations and resonant frequencies, utilizing a calculator to compare outputs and calculate sound direction based on root-mean-squares averaging and time/frequency domain data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If omnidirectional acoustic sensors are used to detect sound direction by time difference, then sound direction can be detected, but the angular resolution decreases as the distances and sampling frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the acoustic sensors from omnidirectional detection to resonant frequency detection. By using resonators with specific resonant frequencies, the system achieves direction detection through frequency response characteristics rather than time difference measurement, thereby improving angular resolution without requiring large sensor separations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/time-based detection method (measuring time difference of arrival between sensors) with a resonance-based acoustic method. The resonators respond to incident sound waves at their resonant frequencies, and the direction is determined by analyzing the frequency response patterns, substituting mechanical time-difference measurement with resonance frequency analysis.
2Measurement precision
If omnidirectional acoustic sensors are used to detect sound direction, then sound direction can be detected, but the device size increases due to required sensor separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from time difference to resonant frequency response. By using resonators tuned to specific frequencies, the system can determine sound direction from the frequency response characteristics of closely-spaced sensors, enabling miniaturization while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency domain analysis as an additional dimension for direction detection. Instead of relying solely on spatial separation and time difference in the time domain, the system uses the frequency response characteristics of resonators to extract direction information, effectively adding a frequency dimension to the detection process.
3Measurement precision
If multiple resonator arrays with different orientations are used, then angular resolution is improved and device is miniaturized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the acoustic sensing function into multiple resonator arrays, each with different orientations and resonant frequencies. Each resonator array segment detects specific frequency components from different directions, and the overall direction is determined by combining the responses from all segments, achieving high angular resolution through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator arrays are designed to perform multiple functions: each array detects sound from specific directions and responds to specific frequency ranges. By making each resonator array multi-functional (detecting both direction and frequency), the system reduces the total number of components needed while achieving high angular resolution.
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 sensor achieves superior angular resolution and miniaturization, capable of detecting sound direction with high accuracy even in noisy environments and allowing for broadband measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first resonator array 110 including a plurality of resonators having different resonance frequencies and a second resonator array 120 including a plurality of resonators having different resonance frequencies
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~4
AI summary
Provided is a sound direction detection sensor capable of detecting a direction from which sound is coming by using a multi-resonator array. The disclosed sound direction detection sensor includes two resonator arrays, each including a plurality of resonators having different resonance frequencies. The two resonator arrays have different directivities. Each resonator array serves as an audio sensor, and the sound direction detection sensor detects a direction from which sound is incident, regardless of a distance between audio sensors.