Resonator Acoustic Sensor Assembly for Compact Sound Direction Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing directional acoustic sensor systems face limitations in compact design and signal processing complexity due to restrictions on sensor spacing and frequency-dependent phase compensation, which affect their ability to accurately distinguish sound direction without complex operations.

Innovation Solution

An acoustic sensor assembly comprising a non-directional sensor and multiple directional sensors with different resonance frequencies, where a processor calculates an acoustic signal by combining output signals to achieve directivity, allowing for simple operation and accurate sound direction detection without complex signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If sensor spacing is reduced for compact design, then device size is reduced, but sound direction detection accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsound direction detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the sensors by utilizing resonators with different resonance frequencies. Each directional acoustic sensor contains resonators tuned to specific frequencies, allowing the system to operate effectively with reduced sensor spacing while maintaining detection accuracy through frequency-selective resonance responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical signal processing (phase compensation circuits, time-delay networks) with resonator-based frequency filtering. The resonators naturally provide frequency-dependent phase responses that eliminate the need for additional phase compensation hardware, enabling compact design without sacrificing directional detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If complex phase compensation is applied, then sound direction detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound direction detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex electronic phase compensation circuits with passive resonator elements. The resonators inherently provide the necessary phase responses through their mechanical resonance characteristics, eliminating the need for active phase compensation hardware and simplifying the overall signal processing architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The resonators perform self-compensation of phase errors through their natural resonance behavior. Each resonator automatically adjusts its phase response based on its resonance frequency, providing inherent phase correction without requiring external control circuits or complex signal processing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If frequency-dependent phase compensation is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The resonators automatically perform frequency-dependent phase compensation through their intrinsic resonance characteristics. The system requires no manual adjustment or complex processing algorithms - the resonators self-adjust their phase responses based on the input frequency, making the system easy to operate while maintaining high frequency detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enables efficient sound direction detection with a compact design, providing uniform sensitivity across frequencies and allowing for various directional patterns to be formed, enhancing spatial awareness without the need for complex phase compensation.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of resonators having different resonance frequencies from each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a directional acoustic sensor that detects sound by converting a mechanical movement due to a pressure difference into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11747192B2Acoustic sensor assembly and method of sensing sound using the same

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An acoustic sensor assembly includes a non-directional acoustic sensor having a first directional pattern, a plurality of directional acoustic sensors surrounding the non-directional acoustic sensor and including a plurality of resonators having different resonance frequencies from each other, each of the plurality of directional acoustic sensors having a second directional pattern, and a processor configured to obtain output signals from the non-directional acoustic sensor and the plurality of directional acoustic sensors. The processor is further configured to calculate an acoustic signal having directivity by selecting any one or any combination of the obtained output signals or selectively combining the obtained output signals, and obtain sound around the acoustic sensor assembly, using the calculated acoustic signal.