Sound Detector Array for Target Localization in Noisy Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld gimbals equipped with cameras or smartphones struggle to capture images based on sounds from targets due to external noise interference, such as wind noise, affecting the microphone's accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A photographing control method and apparatus that utilizes multiple sound detectors to detect target sounds, determine the target's location, and control a mobile platform to position a sensor, such as a camera, accurately towards the target, while mitigating noise interference by using distance-velocity-time equations and Euler angle adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single microphone is used in a handheld gimbal, then the device structure is simple, but the sound detection accuracy deteriorates due to external noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sound detection function into multiple independent microphones (at least three) arranged in different spatial positions. Each microphone captures sound from its specific direction, and the system segments the sound field into multiple detection zones. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish target sound from background noise by comparing signals from different positions, thereby improving sound detection accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple microphones into a unified sound detection system that processes signals collectively. By merging the detection capabilities of multiple microphones and integrating their signals through beamforming or time difference of arrival calculations, the system achieves enhanced sound localization accuracy and noise rejection that would be impossible with a single microphone, while the combined structure remains compact enough for handheld gimbal applications.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sound detectors are used to improve target localization accuracy, then the sound detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different functional roles to different microphones based on their spatial positions. Each microphone is optimized for detecting sounds from specific directions or zones, creating local detection expertise. This local quality approach allows accurate target localization with a minimal number of microphones (at least three) rather than requiring a dense array, thereby improving target localization accuracy while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sound detection (single microphone) to three-dimensional sound field analysis by strategically positioning multiple microphones in spatial dimensions. This dimensional expansion enables the system to calculate target location using time difference of arrival and signal intensity differences across multiple spatial points, achieving accurate 3D localization with a compact arrangement of microphones that doesn't significantly increase device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the camera is manually positioned, then the operation flexibility is maintained, but the photographing efficiency deteriorates when tracking moving targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the sound detection system continuously monitors the acoustic environment, determines target location and movement, and automatically adjusts camera positioning in real-time. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to track moving targets automatically without manual intervention, dramatically improving photographing efficiency while maintaining operation flexibility through programmable control modes that can be adjusted based on user preferences or specific shooting scenarios.
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 effective image capture of targets based on sound cues, even in noisy environments, by precisely determining the target's location and orienting the sensor with improved signal-to-noise ratios and reduced orientation differences, enhancing the quality of captured images.
Implementation Method 1
determining a target location of the target according to the target sound detected using the plurality of sound detectors
Data Source
AI summary
A photographing control method includes detecting a target sound from a target using a plurality of sound detectors of a mobile platform carrying a sensor, determining a target location of the target according to the target sound detected using the plurality of sound detectors, and controlling the mobile platform based at least in part on the target location.