Sound Source Location via RF Time Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems fail to accurately locate the source of sounds indicative of potentially dangerous situations, such as gunshots or activated smoke alarms, due to timing synchronization issues between computing devices, which can lead to errors in determining the source location.
Innovation Solution
The system uses microphones and radio frequency communication to determine the location of a sound source by analyzing audio data and time differences between notifications received by multiple computing devices, allowing for precise triangulation or trilateration of the sound source using known signal speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timing synchronization between computing devices is not properly addressed, then the system can operate with simple device coordination, but the measurement precision of sound source location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a backend server as an intermediary that centralizes the timing synchronization logic. Instead of requiring direct synchronization between all computing devices, the backend server receives audio data with timestamps from multiple devices, performs the synchronization calculations centrally, and determines the sound source location. This mediator approach resolves the timing synchronization complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Reliability
If multiple computing devices are used for sound detection, then the reliability of sound source location improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the complex tasks of timing synchronization and location calculation from individual computing devices into a centralized backend server. Multiple computing devices continue to perform their simple function of detecting sound and transmitting data with timestamps, while the complex coordination and analysis functions are combined and executed by the backend server, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing the complexity at the device level.
3Measurement precision
If time difference analysis is performed to locate sound source, then the measurement precision of location improves, but the loss of time for processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having computing devices capture and timestamp audio data in real-time as it occurs, rather than waiting to process the data after collection. The timestamps are generated immediately when sound is detected, and the data is transmitted to the backend server with these pre-captured time markers. This preliminary timing action reduces processing delays while maintaining high location precision.
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 approach enables accurate and timely location of sound sources, facilitating appropriate protective measures and enhancing home security by reducing errors in source determination.
Implementation Method 1
a first computing device detects the sound using a microphone
Implementation Method 2
based on a time difference between a time that a notification from the first computing device regarding the sound arrives at the second computing device and the time of detecting the sound at the second computing device
Data Source
AI summary
A source of a sound is located by two or more computing devices (e.g., A/V recording and communication devices) using microphones and radio frequency communication among the computing devices. The location of the source is determined based on at least a time difference between a time that a notification from a first computing device regarding the sound arrives at a second computing device, and a time of detecting the sound at the second computing device. Additional data may be collected and/or other actions may be taken in response to locating the source of the sound.