Sound Source Position Detection via Weighted Reference Signal Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound source position detection technologies face accuracy issues due to noise interference and signal intensity fluctuations, which degrade data synchronization and sound source position accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A sound source position detection device comprising a pair of signal measurement units, reference signal acquisition units, a weighting processing unit, a time synchronization correction calculation unit, an arrival time difference calculation unit, and a sound source position calculation unit, which measures signals, acquires reference signals, weights them to correct time synchronization, and calculates the sound source position based on arrival time differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If reference signals are used for time synchronization in noisy environments, then time synchronization can be achieved, but noise and signal intensity fluctuations degrade the accuracy of synchronization and sound source position detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime synchronization accuracyVSAvoidnoise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a weighting processing unit that acts as an intermediary between the reference signal acquisition and time synchronization correction. This unit applies weighting coefficients to the reference signals based on their signal intensity, allowing the system to selectively emphasize stronger, more reliable signals while suppressing weaker, noise-contaminated signals. This intermediary processing step resolves the contradiction by enabling synchronization using reference signals in noisy environments while mitigating the harmful effects of noise and signal fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the weighting parameter of reference signals based on their signal intensity. By adjusting the weighting coefficients according to signal strength, the system adapts to varying noise conditions and signal qualities. This parameter change approach allows the time synchronization correction to maintain high accuracy even when reference signals are subject to noise interference and intensity fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple measurement devices are used for sound source position detection, then detection accuracy can be improved, but synchronization errors between devices reduce the overall accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound source position accuracyVSAvoiddata synchronization reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the weighting processing unit continuously adjusts the weighting coefficients of reference signals based on their observed signal intensity. This feedback loop ensures that the time synchronization correction adapts to changing conditions, maintaining reliable synchronization between multiple measurement devices. The feedback approach resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to maintain high synchronization reliability even when using multiple devices that may experience varying signal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If reference signals with varying intensity are used for synchronization, then coverage area can be extended, but synchronization accuracy decreases due to signal fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverage areaVSAvoidsynchronization precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10845460B2Sound source position detection device, sound source position detection method, sound source position detection program, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 NEC CORP

AI summary

Signal measurement units each measure a signal output from a sound source, as a measured signal. Reference signal acquisition units each acquire a reference signal. A weighting processing unit creates weighted reference signals by weighting the reference signals. A time synchronization correction calculation unit calculates a time synchronization correction value based on the weighted reference signals. The time synchronization correction value is a correction value for synchronizing the two measured signals. An arrival time difference calculation unit calculates an arrival time difference based on the time synchronization correction value. The arrival time difference is a difference between elapsed times for the two measured signals acquired by respective ones of the pair of signal measurement units to arrive at the respective ones of the pair of signal measurement units. A sound source position calculation unit calculates a position of the sound source based on the arrival time difference.