Sound Sensor Array for Angular Position Based Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses, such as television receivers and audio devices, are limited in their ability to control various conditions in response to sound generated by a user, with existing sound-responsive systems only capable of controlling a single condition, like display posture, and lacking a method for easy operation through sound generation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus equipped with at least two sound sensors to determine the angular position of a sound source and calculate a relative angle, allowing for the control of multiple conditions based on sound input, including monitor power, menu selection, channel changes, and volume control, with visual and auditory feedback to guide user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sound-responsive system is implemented to control display posture, then the apparatus can respond to user sound input, but the system can only control a single condition rather than multiple conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sound sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting sound source angular position, determining relative angles between consecutive sounds, and controlling multiple apparatus conditions (power, menu, channel, volume) based on these acoustic parameters, transforming a single-function system into a multi-functional control interface
Solution Approach 2:
The control functionality is divided into distinct segments corresponding to different apparatus conditions (power control, menu control, channel control, volume control), each accessible through specific sound input patterns, allowing independent control of multiple functions through a unified sound-based interface
2Ease of operation
If wireless remote control is used to control various conditions, then multiple functions can be controlled, but the operation requires manual transmission of control signals rather than natural sound input
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical wireless remote control system is replaced with an acoustic field-based control system where sound waves substitute for manual button presses, converting mechanical input actions into natural acoustic input while maintaining control functionality through sound sensor detection and angular position calculation
3Measurement precision
If sound sensors are added to detect sound source position, then angular position determination is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sound sensors are merged into a unified detection system where the collective output of several sensors is processed together to determine sound source angular position, combining individual sensor measurements into a coordinated multi-sensor detection framework that achieves precise spatial localization
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 comprehensive control of electronic apparatus conditions through sound-generated commands, enhancing user interaction and operational ease by providing visual and auditory cues for accurate sound source positioning.
Implementation Method 1
at least two sound sensors for converting sounds into electric signals
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes sound sensors for converting sounds into electric signals. An angular position of a sound source of a first sound wave as seen from the apparatus is determined on the basis of moments of arrival of the first sound wave at the respective sound sensors which are represented by the electric signals. An angular position of a sound source of a second sound wave as seen from the apparatus is determined on the basis of moments of arrival of the second sound wave at the respective sound sensors which are represented by the electric signals. Calculation is given of a relative angle between the determined angular position of the sound source of the first sound wave and the determined angular position of the sound source of the second sound wave. A condition of the apparatus is controlled in response to the calculated relative angle.