Rotating Microphone Array for Acoustic Source Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for spatially locating acoustic sources in NVH testing and building acoustics are complex, costly, and require extensive hardware, limiting their accessibility and accuracy, especially in terms of contrast range, spatial resolution, and maximum representable frequency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rotatably mounted apparatus with a movable microphone and a stationary microphone, along with a sensor to capture sound waves and spatial coordinates, reduces data processing requirements and complexity, enabling efficient visualization of acoustic sources with improved image quality and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of microphones arranged on a disk-shaped surface are used, then spatial resolution and image quality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable microphone that rotates around the object to be measured, transforming the measurement system from static to dynamic. This allows a single microphone to occupy multiple spatial positions over time, effectively achieving the spatial coverage that would otherwise require numerous fixed microphones. The rotational movement enables the microphone to scan different angular positions while maintaining proximity to the object, thereby achieving high spatial resolution without requiring a large array of simultaneous microphones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal dimension to the measurement process by rotating the microphone around the object. Instead of capturing all spatial information simultaneously with multiple microphones, the system captures spatial information sequentially over time as the microphone rotates. This transforms a spatial problem (requiring many microphones at once) into a spatio-temporal problem (requiring one microphone over time), reducing hardware complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of microphones and powerful processing systems are used, then data acquisition accuracy is improved, but cost and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex acoustic camera systems. Instead of using numerous microphones connected to powerful parallel processing systems, the invention uses a single movable microphone that performs both measurement and positioning functions. The microphone is mounted on a rotating mechanism with integrated position sensing, extracting the core measurement capability while eliminating the need for complex multi-microphone arrays and associated processing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex acoustic camera systems with a simpler, more economical measurement setup. By using a single microphone with rotational positioning capability, the system achieves comparable measurement accuracy at significantly lower cost. The movable microphone system is more economical to manufacture and deploy than fixed multi-microphone arrays, making high-precision acoustic measurement accessible without requiring expensive specialized equipment.
3Reliability
If multiple stationary microphones are used, then reliability of sound source location is improved, but ease of operation and setup time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically positioned single microphone that rotates around the object, replacing multiple stationary microphones. The rotational mechanism is driven by a motor with position feedback, ensuring the microphone visits predetermined angular positions around the object. This dynamic approach maintains measurement reliability through systematic coverage of all relevant angles while simplifying setup, as only one microphone and its positioning mechanism need to be installed rather than multiple fixed microphones requiring precise spatial arrangement.
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 system significantly reduces hardware needs, enhances image quality, and simplifies setup and operation, making it more accessible and reliable for various industries while providing rapid computation of acoustic source mappings.
Implementation Method 1
The microphones can capture the sound waves emitted by acoustic sources
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising at least one first microphone (10) which is movably arranged, at least one second stationary microphone (11) and at least one sensor (16) is described. The microphones can capture the sound waves emitted by acoustic sources, and the sensor can capture spatial coordinates of the first microphone. A corresponding method and a system having the apparatus mentioned are also described.