Portable Acoustic Camera Using MEMS Microphone Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic cameras are not portable, easy to use, or cost-effective, particularly in using MEMS microphones for sound source separation and visualization, and they struggle with reducing reflection waves.
Innovation Solution
A portable acoustic camera design featuring MEMS microphones arranged on a print circuit board, integrated with an image photographing unit and a handle, allowing for easy handling and positioning, and a manufacturing method that reduces production time and costs by using plastic resin for the front and rear bodies and coupling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement microphones are used in acoustic cameras, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical microphone structures with MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microphones that integrate acoustic sensing and electronic processing in a single compact unit. This substitution simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement precision, as MEMS microphones inherently provide better signal-to-noise ratio and require fewer external components for optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated housing structure. The front body contains both the MEMS microphone array and image photographing unit, while the rear body provides unified support and positioning. This merging reduces the number of separate assemblies needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic cameras are designed for high measurement precision, then sound source separation capability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the acoustic sensing array, image capture unit, and processing electronics into a single compact housing. The front body integrates both microphone elements and lens components, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall weight. This unified design maintains the precision required for sound source separation while achieving portability for field measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes MEMS microphones that operate at optimized parameters for both precision and compactness. The microphones are positioned at specific distances from the housing front surface to optimize acoustic sensitivity while minimizing overall device depth. This parameter optimization enables high measurement precision in a compact, portable form factor.
3Stability of the object's composition
If acoustic cameras use complex fixing mechanisms for stable positioning, then measurement stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a retractable handle that can be extended when positioning stability is needed and retracted during transport. The handle includes a locking mechanism that engages at specific positions to provide stable support on tables or flat surfaces. This dynamic structure allows the camera to transition between portable and stable modes, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring measurement stability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the housing into a front body and rear body that can be assembled separately, with the handle as an independent component. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and disassembly, enabling users to quickly configure or adjust the camera setup without complex fixed mechanisms. The modular design maintains positioning stability while significantly improving ease of operation and portability.
4Ease of manufacture
If acoustic cameras are designed with integrated components, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the MEMS microphone array, image photographing unit, and structural housing into a single integrated front body assembly. This integration allows for streamlined manufacturing processes where components can be pre-assembled and tested before final integration with the rear body. The unified design reduces the number of separate parts to be managed, simplifying supply chain logistics and assembly operations despite the inherent complexity of integrating different sensor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the front body housing to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it protects and positions the MEMS microphones, mounts the image photographing unit, and provides the front interface for acoustic sensing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, simplifying the overall device architecture and reducing manufacturing complexity despite the integrated design.
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 solution enhances the portability, usability, and cost-effectiveness of sound source searching sensors, improves reflection wave removal, and transforms the acoustic camera into a popular measurement tool across various fields.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic sensors of MEMS microphones 20 are arranged to face forward
Implementation Method 2
MEMS microphones 20 of which acoustic sensors are exposed to the front body 10
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The present invention discloses a portable sound source searching sensor comprising: a front body 10 in which acoustic sensors of MEMS microphones 20 are arranged to face forward; MEMS microphones 20 of which acoustic sensors are exposed to the front body 10 in a fixed state to the substrate 30; a substrate 30 on which the microphones 20 are mounted; an image photographing unit 40 of which a photographing lens 41 is exposed through a lens hole of the front body 10; and a rear body 50 for surrounding a rear side of the substrate 30 and a rear side of the image photographing unit in a state that the substrate 30 is positioned at a rear side of the front body 10.