RF Beam Interrogation for Sound Propagation Path Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in accurately determining sound propagation paths within audio environments, particularly for noise cancellation and detecting specific sounds, due to limitations in detecting high-frequency sounds and adapting quickly to changing noise levels.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method using a radiofrequency beam with a wavelength below 10mm to interrogate acoustic reporters, analyze sound signals, and determine sound source positions, enabling the calculation of sound propagation paths and the generation of anti-sound signals for noise cancellation or sound enhancement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional acoustic measurement methods are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the measurement precision for high-frequency sound propagation paths is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision for determining sound propagation pathsVSAvoidcomplexity of acoustic measurement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces acoustic reporters as intermediary objects that reflect radiofrequency beams. These reporters act as mediators between the radiofrequency transmitter and the sound propagation path analysis system, enabling precise measurement of high-frequency sound propagation without requiring complex direct measurement equipment. The acoustic reporters convert acoustic information into detectable radiofrequency signal variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical acoustic measurement systems with a radiofrequency-based system. Instead of using traditional microphones and acoustic sensors that physically detect sound waves, the system uses radiofrequency beams (electromagnetic waves) that interact with acoustic reporters to infer sound propagation paths through signal analysis, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while improving precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the system uses longer wavelength radiofrequency beams, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect high-frequency sound propagation paths deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capability for high-frequency soundsVSAvoidcomplexity of radiofrequency beam system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the radiofrequency beam to be below 10mm (short wavelength) to improve the detection capability for high-frequency sound propagation paths. This parameter change enables the system to resolve finer acoustic details and accurately determine sound propagation paths, directly addressing the detection precision requirement while accepting the associated increase in system complexity for achieving this improved measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system continuously monitors all acoustic reporters, then the adaptability to changing noise environments is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changing noise levelsVSAvoidenergy consumption of monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic monitoring of acoustic reporters rather than continuous monitoring. The system periodically transmits radiofrequency beams to acoustic reporters and analyzes reflected signals to determine sound propagation paths. This periodic action maintains adaptability to changing noise environments by updating propagation path information at regular intervals, while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively cancels high-frequency noise and enhances specific sound signals by accurately determining sound propagation paths and adapting to changing noise environments, providing improved noise cancellation and sound detection capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

using a radiofrequency beam having a wavelength below approximately 10mm to interrogate one or more acoustic reporters in an audio environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

using the positions of the one or more sound sources to determine one or more sound propagation paths within the audio environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP3961246A1An apparatus, method and computer program for analysing audio environments

Publication Date: 2022.03.02 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

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AI summary

An aspect of the disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising means for: using a radiofrequency beam having a wavelength below approximately 10mm to interrogate one or more acoustic reporters in an audio environment; analysing one or more sound signals reported by the one or more acoustic reporters to determine positions of one or more sound sources providing the one or more sound signals; and using the positions of the one or more sound sources to determine one or more sound propagation paths within the audio environment. Further aspects relate to a method and a computer program.