Vehicle Sensor Module Microphone Layout for Siren Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous vehicle systems face challenges in accurately detecting and localizing external audio signals, such as emergency vehicle sirens, due to interference from wind and vehicle component vibrations, which can hinder timely navigation maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
The strategic arrangement of external audio receivers, including microphones positioned on a vehicle sensor module, minimizes noise interference by optimizing microphone placement and orientation to enhance sound detection and localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microphones are positioned externally on the vehicle to detect audio signals, then the ability to detect external sounds improves, but noise interference from wind and vehicle vibrations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct acoustic environments for different microphones. Specific microphones are positioned in locations with different noise characteristics (e.g., some shielded from wind, others from vehicle vibrations), and the system selectively uses microphones based on local noise conditions. This allows the system to optimize audio detection by choosing the best local acoustic environment for each detection task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses signal processing algorithms as intermediaries to separate desired audio signals from noise interference. The system processes raw microphone inputs through computational methods that identify and extract relevant sounds (like sirens) while filtering out wind and vibration noise, effectively using the intermediary processing layer to resolve the contradiction between external detection and noise exposure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are strategically arranged on the sensor module, then sound localization capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio detection function across multiple microphones positioned at different locations on the sensor module. Each microphone captures audio from specific directions, and the system combines these segmented inputs to achieve comprehensive sound localization. This segmentation allows accurate localization while keeping each individual microphone simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple simple microphone inputs into a unified audio detection system. By combining signals from several microphones with different orientations and positions, the system achieves enhanced sound localization capability without requiring each individual component to be complex. The merging of simple elements creates the sophisticated localization function.
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 configuration allows vehicles to accurately detect and respond to external sounds, enabling timely navigation maneuvers and enhancing vehicle safety by reducing noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
the microphones are configured to convert sounds to electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to vehicle sensor modules with external audio receivers. An example sensor module may include sensors and can be coupled to a vehicle's roof with a first microphone positioned proximate to the front of the sensor module. The sensor module can also include a second microphone extending into a first side of the sensor module such that the second microphone is configured to detect audio originating from an environment located relative to a first side of the vehicle and a third microphone extending into a second side of the sensor module such that the third microphone is configured to detect audio originating from the environment located relative to a second side of the vehicle, wherein the second side is opposite of the first side.