Active Noise Control Zone Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional passive noise control methods are ineffective and costly for reducing low-frequency noise, while existing active noise control systems often require prior knowledge of noise sources and patterns.
Innovation Solution
An active noise control system that uses a controller to determine a noise control pattern based on noise inputs from multiple sensing locations within a predefined zone, extracting disjoint reference acoustic patterns to generate a noise control signal that reduces specific noise patterns without affecting others, without requiring information about the noise sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If passive noise control technology is used, then noise attenuation is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and ineffective at low frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical noise control systems (absorptive materials, partitions, enclosures) with an active electronic control system that uses microphones, controllers, and speakers to generate anti-noise signals. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky passive structures while maintaining noise attenuation effectiveness, particularly at low frequencies where passive systems fail.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional passive control measures are used, then noise reduction is attempted, but the measures are rather expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive passive noise control components (heavy absorptive materials, complex enclosures, large barriers) with more cost-effective electronic components (microphones, controllers, speakers). This active control approach achieves comparable or superior noise reduction at lower cost, particularly for low-frequency noise where passive systems are both bulky and expensive.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing active noise control systems are used, then noise reduction is achieved, but prior knowledge of noise sources is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting active noise control system that automatically adapts to different noise sources and environments without requiring manual configuration or prior knowledge. The controller continuously monitors noise inputs from multiple microphones and autonomously adjusts the anti-noise signal generation, eliminating the need for complex setup procedures or expert intervention while maintaining effective noise reduction.
4Measurement precision
If multiple microphones and speakers are arranged for each seat, then noise control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal noise control system where multiple microphones and speakers serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same array of sensors and actuators is used for both noise detection and noise cancellation, and the system can serve multiple seats or zones with a single integrated setup. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each seat, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
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 energy and amplitude within a defined zone, creating a quiet area by selectively canceling unwanted noise patterns while preserving desired acoustic patterns, regardless of the noise sources' attributes or locations.
Implementation Method 1
Active Noise Control (ANC) is a technology using noise to reduce noise. It is based on the principle of superposition of sound waves. Generally, sound is a wave, which is traveling in space. If another, second sound wave having the same amplitude but opposite phase to the first sound wave can be created, the first wave can be totally cancelled.
Data Source
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AI summary
Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and methods of noise control. For example, a device may include a controller to control noise within a predefined noise-control zone, the controller is to receive a plurality of noise inputs representing acoustic noise at a plurality of predefined noise sensing locations, which are defined with respect to the predefined noise-control zone, to receive a plurality of residual-noise inputs representing acoustic residual-noise at a plurality of predefined residual-noise sensing locations, which are located within the predefined noise-control zone, to determine a noise control pattern, based on the plurality of noise inputs and the plurality of residual-noise inputs, and to output the noise control pattern to at least one acoustic transducer.