Optical Transducer Array Verification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The setup and verification of sound reinforcement systems in large venues are time-consuming and prone to human error due to the complexity of connecting amplifiers and audio transducers, especially in dynamic environments like touring concerts.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses optical emitters on each transducer to create a map of the transducer array, allowing an imaging system to automatically verify connectivity between amplifiers and transducers by applying a baseline stimulation and comparing images to determine the location and connection of each transducer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If technicians manually verify connectivity by applying audio signals and searching for transducer responses, then connectivity can be confirmed, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical verification processes with an automated optical imaging system. Instead of technicians physically tracing connections and manually testing each amplifier-transducer pair, the system uses cameras to capture optical signals from transducers and automatically processes images to verify connectivity, eliminating human labor from the verification process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies (images) of the physical transducer array and connectivity relationships. By capturing optical signals from each transducer and generating image representations, the system creates a digital map that can be automatically analyzed to verify connections without physically manipulating the actual hardware components
2Loss of information
If technicians iteratively activate amplifiers and document connectivity, then accurate connection mapping can be achieved, but the verification cycle requires significant portion of setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification by automatically capturing images of transducer responses and processing them to determine connectivity relationships. The imaging system and image processing algorithms work autonomously to verify connections and generate documentation without requiring technician intervention for each step of the verification process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a baseline image of the entire transducer array before systematic verification begins. This preliminary mapping allows the system to quickly reference known transducer locations and characteristics during subsequent amplifier activation tests, eliminating the need for technicians to manually search and document each connection from scratch
3Area of stationary object
If a large number of transducers are distributed throughout a large venue, then effective sound coverage is achieved, but system verification becomes more complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the verification process into discrete, manageable segments by individually activating each amplifier and capturing its specific transducer responses through separate images. This segmentation allows the complex system to be verified in controlled steps, with each amplifier-transducer relationship independently confirmed and documented
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an optical dimension to the verification process by using light-based signaling and imaging to detect transducer responses. This dimensional shift from electrical signal tracing to optical field measurement simplifies the verification of distributed transducers across large spatial areas, as cameras can simultaneously capture multiple transducer positions in three-dimensional space
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 significantly reduces the time required for system verification from hours to tens of seconds, enhancing efficiency and accuracy by eliminating human error.
Implementation Method 1
each transducer in the transducer array includes an optical emitter that produces a light signal in response to the first stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
An array of audio transducers includes an optical emitter, for example, and without limitation, a light emitting diode (LED), associated with each transducer. Simultaneous stimulation of all transducers illuminates all LED's. An imager then creates a map of the transducer array. Stimulation of a single transducer, illuminating the associated LED, creates an optical signature that imaging software uses to determine the position of the transducer within the array. The system then verifies the correspondence between each transducer and the associated driver amplifier by sequential stimulation of each transducer within the array. The system may vary the frequency of the stimulation applied to transducers that include filtering networks, known as crossovers, to validate performance. Further, the system may compute the angles between transducer assemblies that may be deployed in non-planar configurations, thus ensuring that the installation is constructed to specifications.