Vehicle Abnormal Noise Detection Using Microphone Array Directionality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional abnormal noise determination apparatuses struggle to accurately identify abnormal noise during vehicle travel as they do not consider the direction of noise generation, leading to subjective and inaccurate assessments.
Innovation Solution
An abnormal noise determination apparatus equipped with a microphone array and an electronic control unit that acquires and analyzes noise data, including strength and direction, to differentiate between abnormal and traveling noise, using a combination of microphone data and machine learning for precise identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If abnormal noise determination is performed based only on sound pressure level without considering direction, then the determination process is simple, but the accuracy of abnormal noise identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sound pressure level measurement to three-dimensional noise characterization by incorporating directional information (azimuth and elevation angles) alongside sound pressure level. This dimensional expansion enables the system to distinguish abnormal noise from traveling noise more accurately by considering both intensity and spatial origin.
2Measurement precision
If microphone array processing is implemented to capture directional noise information, then the accuracy of noise source localization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of microphone array data by calculating sound pressure levels and directional angles (azimuth and elevation) in advance, before the actual abnormal noise determination. This preprocessing approach converts complex raw microphone signals into simplified parameters that are easier to process and compare during the determination phase, reducing the computational burden during real-time operation.
3Reliability
If both sound pressure level and generation direction are considered in noise determination, then the reliability of abnormal noise detection is improved, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the noise determination process into distinct components: sound pressure level analysis, azimuth angle determination, and elevation angle determination. Each component processes a specific aspect of the noise data independently, and the results are integrated in the determination unit. This segmentation allows for more reliable detection through comprehensive analysis while managing complexity through modular processing.
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 solution enables accurate determination of abnormal noise by considering both the strength and direction of noise, reducing subjectivity and improving the reliability of noise assessment during vehicle inspections.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone array disposed inside a vehicle and including a plurality of microphones
Data Source
AI summary
An abnormal noise determination apparatus including a microphone array disposed inside a vehicle and an electronic control unit including a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to perform acquiring an abnormal noise data on an abnormal noise generated by a sound source disposed in a predetermined position inside the vehicle, the abnormal noise data including an information on a strength and a generation direction of the abnormal noise collected by the microphone array in advance or assumed to be collected by the microphone array; acquiring a traveling noise data including an information on a strength and a generation direction of a traveling noise collected by the microphone array during traveling of the vehicle; and determining whether the abnormal noise is included in the traveling noise of the vehicle, based on the abnormal noise data acquired and the traveling noise data acquired.