Phased Array Acoustic Beamforming for Directional Voice Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sound communication in noisy environments are ineffective, as they rely on passive noise reduction and lack personal directional sound mechanisms without telephone connections, making voice interfaces in crowded spaces inoperable.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of phased arrays with variable phase shifters and micro speakers or receivers for directional sound transmission and reception, integrated into devices or wearable technology, which enables active noise cancellation and personal one-to-one communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive noise reduction methods are used, then the system structure remains simple, but voice recognition fails in noisy crowded environments
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic field is segmented into multiple directional beams using phased array technology. Multiple independent sound beams are created, each targeted at a specific user or direction, allowing voice recognition to function reliably in crowded environments by separating desired sounds from background noise through spatial segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the acoustic space are assigned different qualities through directional beamforming. Each beam provides localized sound transmission or cancellation tailored to specific directions, enabling reliable voice recognition in noisy environments by enhancing desired directional sounds while suppressing others.
2Measurement precision
If personal directional sound communication is implemented, then communication range and precision are improved, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides directional sound transmission, directional sound reception, and active noise cancellation. By integrating these functions into a single system, the patent achieves high directional precision without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same array structure serves multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The phased array acts as an intermediary between the sound source and the target, enabling precise directional control. Rather than requiring complex individual transmitters for each direction, the phased array mediates the sound propagation by controlling phase and amplitude across multiple elements, achieving high precision with a unified structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If active noise cancellation is implemented, then noise interference is reduced effectively, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The noise cancellation function is merged with the directional sound transmission function. The same phased array elements used for beamforming are also used for generating anti-noise signals. This merging allows the system to cancel noise in specific directions while maintaining energy efficiency, as the noise cancellation utilizes the existing array structure rather than requiring separate dedicated components.
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 solution allows for effective voice control in crowded environments by creating a noise-canceled space for multiple voice-controlled devices and enables personal directional sound communication between individuals or humans and computers, enhancing communication range and usability.
Implementation Method 1
phased arrays with variable phase shifters and micro speakers or receivers for directional sound transmission and reception, integrated into devices or wearable technology, which enables active noise cancellation
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a processor and a phased array, coupled to the processor, having an arrayed waveguide for acoustic waves to enable directional sound communication.