Sound Detection Device Using Surface Waveguide and Signal Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased arrays are not suitable for improving the signal-to-noise ratio in omnidirectional sound reception, as they are designed to enhance sensitivity in specific directions rather than uniformly across all directions, limiting their effectiveness in omnidirectional sound detection.
Innovation Solution
A sound detection device with an array of sound detectors on a substrate, where processing circuitry applies relative time delays or phase shifts to compensate for sound propagation along the surface, forming a sum of signals that improves the signal-to-noise ratio without direction-dependent sensitivity, utilizing an acoustic waveguide with a structure that confines sound propagation and reduces leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phased arrays are used to increase directivity and signal-to-noise ratio for sound from selected directions, then sensitivity to sound from the selected direction is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio of omnidirectional sound reception is not increased and direction-dependent sensitivity is created
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the sound detection function into two independent parts: a phased array for directional sound detection and an omnidirectional sound detector for omnidirectional reception. This segmentation allows each detector to perform its specialized function optimally without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between directional sensitivity and omnidirectional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a processing circuit as an intermediary that receives signals from both the phased array and the omnidirectional sound detector, applies appropriate time delays to compensate for propagation paths, and combines the signals. This mediator enables the system to achieve both directional enhancement and omnidirectional reception by properly integrating the outputs of the two detectors
2Speed
If phased arrays use relative time or phase delays to enhance sensitivity in specific directions, then directivity is improved, but omnidirectional sound reception effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different processing characteristics to different parts of the detection system: the phased array uses specific time delays optimized for directional detection from particular angles, while the omnidirectional sound detector uses uniform sensitivity in all directions. This local optimization allows each component to excel at its specific function while working together as a unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the directional detection capability of the phased array with the omnidirectional detection capability of the separate omnidirectional sound detector by combining their signals in the processing circuit. The combined output achieves both directional sensitivity enhancement and omnidirectional reception effectiveness simultaneously
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 enhances the signal-to-noise ratio by concentrating sound energy and reducing leakage, allowing for improved omnidirectional sound detection without increasing direction sensitivity, enabling effective sound detection in various propagation modes, including acoustic waveguides and surface waves.
Implementation Method 1
a processing circuit coupled to the sound detectors, the processing circuit being configured to sum signals from the sound detectors with relative time delays or phase shifts that compensate for propagation delay of sound along the array
Implementation Method 2
A sound detection device with an array of sound detectors on a substrate, where processing circuitry applies relative time delays or phase shifts to compensate for sound propagation along the surface, forming a sum of signals that improves the signal-to-noise ratio without direction-dependent sensitivity, utilizing an acoustic waveguide with a structure that confines sound propagation and reduces leakage
Implementation Method 3
Herein the detection device is configured to detect sound in a sound propagation mode that is bound to the surface of the substrate on or in which the sound detectors are located
Data Source
AI summary
The sound detection device comprises a substrate, an array of sound detectors in or on a surface of the substrate, a processing circuit coupled to the sound detectors, the processing circuit being configured to sum signals from the sound detectors with relative time delays or phase shifts that compensate for propagation delay of sound along the array in a sound propagation mode that is bound to said surface. In an embodiment the sound in said sound propagation mode is bound to the surface using an acoustic waveguide, wherein the surface of the substrate forms a part of the acoustic waveguide, the sound detection device comprising a wall facing the array of sound detectors, with a space between the surface of the substrate and the wall, the sound detection device comprising an opening that provides incoming sound from outside the device access to said space, for excitation of the wave in the bound propagation mode in the acoustic waveguide by sound from outside the device.