Vehicle Sound Data Sharing for Noise Source Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current noise sampling concepts in traffic environments lack precision and efficiency in understanding and mapping noise sources, as they rely on individual vehicle measurements without effective data sharing and processing.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for sharing sound data between vehicles using built-in microphones, which record and process sound samples through a control module configured for filtering, analysis, and communication via a mobile communication system, enabling distributed processing and noise mapping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If individual vehicle measurements are used without data sharing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and noise analysis capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise source identification precisionVSAvoiddata sharing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the noise measurement task into segments performed by multiple individual vehicles, each equipped with microphones and processing capabilities. Each vehicle independently records and processes sound data, then shares results through communication interfaces. This segmentation allows distributed measurement without requiring a centralized complex system, improving measurement precision through multiple measurement points while keeping individual device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines measurement data from multiple vehicles through wireless communication and data sharing. The control modules exchange sound data and processed information, merging individual measurements into a collective noise analysis resource. This merging enhances measurement precision and noise source localization capability without requiring each individual vehicle to have complex standalone analysis systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If sound data is shared across multiple vehicles, then noise analysis capability is improved, but loss of time for data processing and communication increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise mapping precisionVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary processing of sound data at each vehicle's control module before sharing. The control module performs initial analysis, filtering, and feature extraction locally, preparing data in advance for efficient communication. This preliminary action reduces the time required for centralized processing and enables faster noise mapping while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous sound recording and processing by multiple vehicles simultaneously, with ongoing data exchange and analysis. Rather than batch processing, the system maintains continuous measurement and sharing operations, reducing overall processing time and enabling real-time or near-real-time noise mapping with improved precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If built-in microphones are used for sound recording, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to microphone characteristics and distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrophone system complexityVSAvoidsound data accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where vehicles share information about their microphone characteristics, calibration data, and measured environmental conditions. The control modules use this feedback to compensate for individual microphone distortions and variations, improving sound data accuracy while continuing to use simple built-in microphones rather than complex professional-grade equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes through signal processing techniques that adjust and normalize sound data from different microphones. The control module processes raw sound data by applying filters, gain adjustments, and calibration corrections, transforming data from microphones with varying characteristics into a unified, accurate noise measurement dataset without requiring expensive specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for enhanced noise source identification, localization, and noise reduction by sharing and processing sound data across vehicles, improving noise analysis and mapping precision.

Implementation Method 1

The apparatus comprises one or more microphones (16) configured to record sound data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrophone transduction:

Data Source

PatentUS11636840B2Vehicle, apparatus, method and computer program for sharing sound data
Publication Date: 2023.04.25 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • US11636840B2 patent drawing
  • US11636840B2 patent drawing
  • US11636840B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments relate to a vehicle, an apparatus, a method and a computer program for sharing sound data. The apparatus (10) for sharing sound data from a vehicle (100) comprises one or more interfaces (12) configured to communicate in a mobile communication system (300) and one or more microphones (16) configured to record sound data. The apparatus (10) further comprises a control module (14), which is configured to control the one or more interfaces (12) and the one or more microphones (12). The control module (14) is further configured to record sound samples using the one or more microphones (16), and to communicate information on the sound samples to another vehicle (200) using the one or more interfaces (12).