Sound Source Angular Position Detection Using Distance and Signal Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound system technologies lack the ability to determine the angular position of sound sources, which limits full control over sound propagation and results in varying sound quality due to incomplete location detection methods.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates the distance and location of a sound source relative to a detection centre or sensor, and determines its angular position using pre-established database information, combining distance and signal response data to enhance sound quality by accurately determining the direction of sound components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distance measurement methods are used to determine sound source location, then the system can identify the position of sound sources, but the angular position information is lost and sound quality control is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location detection process into two distinct components: distance measurement (using time difference of arrival) and angular position measurement (using signal level difference). By separating these functions and applying appropriate methods for each, the system recovers the angular position information that would otherwise be lost in conventional distance-only measurement approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional distance measurement to two-dimensional location determination by adding the angular position dimension. This is achieved by incorporating signal level difference measurements alongside time difference of arrival data, enabling the system to determine both radial distance and angular position of sound sources.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are employed for location determination, then the relative location can be determined, but the system lacks full control over sound propagation area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the determined angular position and distance information to adjust sound system parameters. The location data feeds into sound quality enhancement processes that adapt the audio output based on the sound source's position, enabling dynamic control over sound propagation characteristics throughout the listening area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously - both the spatial coordinates (distance and angle) and the sound system response parameters. By monitoring changes in arrival time and signal level, the system dynamically adjusts audio processing parameters to maintain optimal sound quality across different source positions and listening locations.
3Measurement precision
If conventional location methods are used, then distance can be calculated reliably, but sound quality varies due to incomplete location data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges distance measurement information (from time difference of arrival) with angular position information (from signal level difference) to create a complete spatial characterization of sound sources. This combination of multiple measurement types enables consistent sound quality enhancement by providing comprehensive location data that accounts for both distance and direction of sound sources.
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 method provides full control over the sound propagation area by accurately determining the angular position of sound sources, thereby enhancing sound quality and ensuring consistent sound delivery across different locations.
Implementation Method 1
the arrival time of a sound originating from a sound source -of which the distance is to be measured- to a sensor provided in the system (typically a microphone) and the reference time created once the sound is originated from the sound source, then such sound arrival time obtained is multiplied with the speed of sound so as to give the distance
Implementation Method 2
determining the angular position of a sound source by making use of previously gathered distance or location information, the data in the database, and of detected signal response data
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject method relates to calculating the distance of a sound source in a sound system to a detection centre or to at least one sensor, or the location of such sound source relative to the detection centre or to at least one sensor, and to determining the angular position of the sound source by making use of such calculated distance or location information and the detected signal response provided in a pre-established database. Said database comprises detected signal response data acquired from previously conducted testing for a given sound source, the distance information used in said testing process, and the angular position data of the sound source matching with such data. By using this method, the angular positions of sound sources composing a sound system are accurately determined. This method provides a basis for processes to be executed for enhancing the sound quality of a sound system, and by determining the angular position of the sound source according to the present invention, the actual directions of sound system components are detected so that a full control is provided for the sound system over the sound propagation area.