Open-Window Noise Cancellation Using Microphones and Speakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of reducing noise levels in workspaces while maintaining ventilation through open windows, particularly in moderate climates, where external noise can be disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A method and sound system utilizing microphones and speakers to cancel or reduce noise entering a room through an opening, such as a window, by generating output signals based on microphone input signals to match and counteract the incoming sound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If windows are opened for ventilation, then fresh air can enter the room, but external noise enters the room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful external noise into a beneficial signal by using microphones to capture the noise characteristics and generating anti-noise signals through speakers. The system transforms the noise problem into an opportunity to demonstrate active noise cancellation capability, where the external noise serves as the input signal for generating cancellation signals that counteract the noise while allowing ventilation to continue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of microphones, signal processors, and speakers that mediates between the ventilation requirement and noise reduction goal. This intermediary active noise cancellation system allows the opening to serve its ventilation function while the intermediary components actively counteract the noise, resolving the contradiction between maintaining the opening for air flow and blocking noise.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If noise cancellation is implemented, then external noise is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the noise cancellation system into distinct functional components: microphones for noise detection, signal processors for generating anti-noise signals, and speakers for noise cancellation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier implementation and maintenance, reducing the overall system complexity despite the advanced functionality provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The active noise cancellation system is self-service in nature, automatically detecting external noise through microphones and generating appropriate cancellation signals without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates based on the detected noise characteristics, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms and reducing operational complexity while maintaining effective noise reduction.
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
Effectively reduces external noise while allowing fresh air to enter the room, maintaining the functionality of the opening and reducing noise across various locations within the room.
Implementation Method 1
determining, based on at least the first microphone input signal, one or more output signals for the set of speakers for matching, such as cancellation and/or reduction, of sound entering the room through the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A sound system and a method for noise cancellation in a room is provided, the method comprising arranging a set of microphones at a distance from an opening in a wall of the room for provision of one or more microphone input signals including a first microphone input signal; arranging a set of speakers in a vicinity of the opening; determining, based on at least the first microphone input signal, one or more output signals for the set of speakers for matching of sound entering the room through the opening; generating the one or more output signals; and outputting sound signals based on the one or more output signals with the set of speakers.