Noise Reduction System Dynamic Microphone Speaker Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Noise reduction systems in closed spaces, such as aircraft, face challenges in effectively reducing noise due to adjustable seats and obstructed microphones/speakers, leading to inconsistent noise reduction effects as the seat position changes or when objects obstruct the devices.
Innovation Solution
A noise reduction system that dynamically adjusts the operation of microphones and speakers based on seat information, using a processor to generate control sounds and switch operations according to the reclining state of the seat, ensuring optimal noise cancellation by designating microphones as noise or error microphones and controlling their input/output accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat position is adjusted, then the control point position changes, but the noise reduction effect deteriorates due to mismatched microphone and speaker positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the microphone and speaker positions adjustable to match the changing control point position when the seat is reclined. The system dynamically reconfigures the acoustic field measurement and control sound output positions based on the detected seat angle, ensuring the noise reduction effect is maintained across different seat positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by adjusting the positions of microphones and speakers based on the seat recline angle. When the seat is reclined, the system changes the spatial parameters of the acoustic field measurement point and control sound output point to maintain optimal noise reduction performance.
2Ease of operation
If microphones or speakers are obstructed by objects or seat parts, then device placement flexibility improves, but noise reduction function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by detecting when microphones or speakers are obstructed and dynamically switching to alternative devices or adjusting operations. The system monitors the operational status of each device and adaptively reconfigures the noise reduction system to maintain functionality despite obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by equipping the noise reduction system with multiple microphones and speakers that can serve different functions. When one microphone or speaker is obstructed, the system can use another device to perform the same function, making the overall system more robust and less dependent on any single device's position.
3Reliability
If all microphones and speakers operate continuously, then noise reduction coverage is maximized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively operating only the necessary microphones and speakers based on the current seat position and obstruction status. Instead of running all devices continuously, the system activates only those needed for effective noise reduction at the current control point position, reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by adjusting which microphones and speakers are active based on real-time conditions. The system modifies the operational state of individual devices (on/off, gain levels) according to the seat angle and detection results, optimizing the balance between noise reduction effectiveness and energy consumption.
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
This approach enhances noise reduction effectiveness by maintaining optimal microphone and speaker operation even with seat position changes and obstructions, reducing power consumption and adverse effects on noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a control sound for reducing the noise collected by the microphone is outputted from the speaker
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of microphones are arranged around an adjustable (reclinable) seat and a control sound for reducing the noise collected by the microphone
Data Source
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AI summary
A noise reduction device (10) is connectable to a plurality of sound acquisition devices (7) and a plurality of control sound output devices (5) for reducing noises in a given space (10) where seats are arranged and a sound field can be formed. The device (10) includes a sound receiver (12), a control sound generating unit (13), a control sound transmitter (14), a detecting unit (17), and an operation control unit (16). The sound receiver (12) receives a sound signal from at least two of the plurality of sound acquisition devices. The control sound generating unit (13) generates a control sound signal for reducing noise with respect to the sound signal. The control sound transmitter (14) outputs the control sound signal to each of control sound output devices. The detecting unit (17) detects a change of state of the sound field. The detecting unit (17) acquires, for example, seat information for specifying the reclining state of a seat. The operation control unit (16) controls the generation of the control sound signal by the control sound generating unit (13) based on the change of state of the sound field including the seat information.