Room Structure Detection via Audio Reflection Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the internal structure of a building using portable devices require specialized equipment, limiting their applicability for navigation services within buildings without pre-existing floor plans.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that output audio signals, acquire reflection signals, estimate distance and angle information, and generate floor plans or 3D models using these signals to represent the room structure, enabling navigation services on generic portable devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specialized equipment is used to determine internal structure of building, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling generic portable devices with standard components (microphone, speaker, processor) to perform room structure determination functions that previously required specialized equipment. The system uses multi-functionality by having the portable device simultaneously serve as audio source, audio receiver, position tracker, and structure analyzer through integrated software processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex specialized measurement equipment with acoustic field-based measurement using sound waves. Instead of mechanical or electronic specialized sensors, the system uses audio signals transmitted through air to detect wall positions and room geometry, substituting physical measurement devices with acoustic probing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If pre-existing floor plan information is available, then navigation service is improved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation serviceVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the system automatically generate floor plan information on-demand before navigation is needed. The room structure determination is performed in advance when the user enters the building, creating usable navigation data without requiring pre-existing floor plans or manual surveying准备工作.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by autonomously determining room structure and generating navigation data without external assistance. The portable device independently performs audio signal transmission, reflection detection, position calculation, and floor plan generation, enabling navigation services in buildings without pre-existing information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If audio signal reflection method is used to determine room structure, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the reflected audio signals and using the detected reflection patterns to calculate wall positions and room geometry. The system processes the time-delayed reflected sounds to determine distances, with the feedback loop enabling automatic adaptation to different room acoustics and signal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by using only the necessary audio frequency range and signal processing techniques required for room structure determination, rather than comprehensive measurement across all physical quantities. This selective approach maintains measurement precision while simplifying the operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive 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

Enables users to determine and navigate within buildings using generated data, providing a visual or 3D representation of the room structure, even without pre-existing information, and supports navigation for visually impaired individuals.

Implementation Method 1

acquiring a first reflection signal of the audio signal at the first position; outputting the audio signal at a second position in the room; acquiring a second reflection signal of the audio signal at the second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9910937B2Method and device for generating data representing structure of room

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of generating data representing a structure of a room on a device, the method including: outputting an audio signal at a first position in the room; acquiring a first reflection signal of the audio signal at the first position; outputting the audio signal at a second position in the room; acquiring a second reflection signal of the audio signal at the second position; estimating distance information about the room by using the acquired first and second reflection signals; acquiring at least one angle information about the room; and generating a floor plan illustrating the structure of the room using the estimated distance information and the acquired angle information.