Networked Parametric Speaker Array with Interferometric Self-Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current long-range acoustic devices (LRADs) are limited by their inability to mitigate environmental noise, lack network capability, and are not modular or scalable, restricting their applications and portability due to large size and high power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A network-capable parametric speaker array system that uses interferometry and machine learning for self-calibration and distributed coherence, enabling focused sound and audio recording, and allowing modular and scalable configurations of distributed speakers for enhanced audio performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a large parametric speaker array is used to achieve long-range acoustic hailing, then the sound propagation distance is improved, but the device size and power requirements increase, reducing portability
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides a large parametric speaker array into multiple smaller, independent speaker units that can be distributed and networked. Each unit operates autonomously but contributes to the overall long-range acoustic hailing capability when networked together, eliminating the need for a single large array while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple small speaker units are nested within a network infrastructure, where each unit contains its own processing and control capabilities. The network layer provides coordination and coherence across distributed units, enabling small components to achieve the functional equivalent of a large system.
2Reliability
If a fixed-location large system is used to ensure stable acoustic performance, then the audio quality is improved, but the ease of deployment and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-location installation to a dynamic distributed network of portable speaker units. The networked architecture allows units to be deployed, relocated, and reconfigured as needed while maintaining acoustic performance through automated coherence control and adaptive calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each speaker unit in the network performs autonomous self-calibration and environmental adaptation. The distributed coherence control system automatically adjusts phase and amplitude relationships between units, eliminating the need for manual calibration and reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining stable acoustic performance.
3Speed
If traditional LRAD systems are used for acoustic hailing, then the long-range capability is achieved, but the adaptability to different applications and environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed speaker units are designed with universal functionality, capable of operating independently or in networked configurations. Each unit can perform multiple functions including acoustic hailing, spatial audio, and environmental monitoring, adapting to different applications and environments through software configuration rather than hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability through dynamic parameter adjustment of each speaker unit, including frequency, amplitude, phase, and beamforming characteristics. The distributed coherence control enables real-time parameter optimization based on environmental conditions and application requirements, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple purposes.
4Reliability
If environmental noise mitigation is added to LRAD systems, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple speaker units into a networked array, where environmental noise mitigation is achieved through coherent signal processing across the distributed network. The combined processing power and spatial diversity of multiple units provide noise rejection capabilities without requiring complex processing in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed network implements feedback mechanisms where each speaker unit receives environmental and performance data from neighboring units. This enables adaptive noise mitigation through real-time adjustment of transmission parameters based on feedback from the acoustic environment and other networked speakers.
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 achieves improved audio performance by focusing sound at specific locations, mitigating environmental noise, and enabling networked distributed speakers to produce sound levels comparable to or exceeding those of larger systems while reducing size and power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
uses feedback and calibration, such as with an interferometer
Implementation Method 2
provides phase matching or other waveform shaping to achieve superposition and/or additive effects of the sound waves
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods utilize networked speaker arrays and audio waveform shaping using interferometric feedback of sound transmitted by the speaker arrays. In further aspects, the systems and method employ an intelligently controlled acoustic device that can focus sound at specific locations and record the acoustic environment/reflected sound to self-calibrate for improved performance. Moreover, the device is modular and scalable with the ability to network distributed speakers to enhance the audio performance.