Phase Array Directed Speaker for Pedestrian Warning

Solution Overview

Problem

Current audio warning systems for pedestrians, particularly in crosswalks, are ineffective due to soft and difficult-to-localize sounds, and often cause noise complaints, while also failing to address the increasing issue of distracted walking and collisions between buses and pedestrians.

Innovation Solution

A phase array directed speaker system that uses ultrasonic signals and time delays between speakers to generate a directed sound beam, which can be electronically steered and localized towards specific targets, such as pedestrians, to provide a louder and more effective warning while minimizing noise pollution for others.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional audio warning systems are used to warn pedestrians, then the warning can be heard by pedestrians, but the sound is too soft and difficult to localize

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound localization accuracyVSAvoidsound volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The audio warning system is segmented into multiple independent speakers arranged in an array. Each speaker can be controlled independently to emit sound waves with specific phases and amplitudes, enabling precise control over the overall sound field distribution and localization characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates localized sound fields by controlling the phase and amplitude of each speaker individually. This allows the sound energy to be concentrated in specific spatial regions where pedestrians are detected, providing loud and localized warnings only where needed rather than uniformly in all directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If the volume of audio warning systems is increased to be heard better, then pedestrians can hear the warning more clearly, but residents complain about noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound volumeVSAvoidnoise pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates localized sound fields by controlling the phase and amplitude of each speaker individually. This allows the sound energy to be concentrated in specific spatial regions where pedestrians are detected, providing loud and localized warnings only where needed rather than uniformly in all directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the sound field in real-time based on detected pedestrian locations. The controller continuously modifies the phase and amplitude of each speaker to track and follow pedestrians, ensuring warnings are directed only at relevant targets while minimizing noise in other areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional audio warning systems emit sound in all directions, then the warning can reach pedestrians anywhere, but the sound is difficult to localize for distracted pedestrians

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidsound localization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The audio warning system is segmented into multiple independent speakers arranged in an array. Each speaker can be controlled independently to emit sound waves with specific phases and amplitudes, enabling precise control over the overall sound field distribution and localization characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses ultrasonic vibrations from each speaker to create standing wave patterns in the air. These vibration patterns create distinctive acoustic signatures that are easier for pedestrians to localize, even when distracted, by providing clear directional cues through the vibration field

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 warns pedestrians of potential dangers by emitting a louder and more localized sound beam, reducing the risk of collisions and minimizing noise pollution for non-target areas, thus improving safety and reducing noise complaints.

Implementation Method 1

The phase array is configured to generate, using the input instructions and ultrasonic signals emitted by the speakers in the phase array, the directed sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic signal emission: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

at least one speaker in the phase array is to delay outputting an audio signal relative to at least one other speaker in the phase array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic beam forming: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS11317204B2Methods, systems, and computer readable media for a phase array directed speaker

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIV OF PENNSYLVANIA

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for a phase array directed speaker are disclosed. One system includes a phase array and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an area to send directed sound. The controller is also configured to generate input instructions for the phase array to send directed sound to the area. The input instructions indicate that at least one speaker in the phase array is to delay outputting an audio signal relative to at least one other speaker in the phase array. The phase array is configured to generate, using the input instructions and ultrasonic signals emitted by the speakers in the phase array, the directed sound.