Wireless Microphone Array for High-Fidelity Sound Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices fail to accurately reproduce the sounds of moving objects, limiting the appreciation of these sounds by audiences and participants in activities like car racing and other sports.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising multiple microphone units, each with a microphone, battery, and microprocessor, that capture and wirelessly transmit surround sound signals using RF transmitters or cellular phones, with central processing for broadcasting high-fidelity sound to remote locations, including television stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single microphone is used to communicate sound from a moving object, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sound fidelity and accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of microphonesVSAvoidsound fidelity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the sound capture function into multiple independent microphone units positioned at different locations on the moving object (e.g., four corners of a racecar). Each microphone captures sound from its specific position, and the combined data creates a comprehensive surround sound representation that accurately reproduces the acoustic environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from single-point sound capture to multi-dimensional spatial sound capture by positioning microphones at multiple locations around the moving object. This spatial distribution enables the reconstruction of three-dimensional sound fields, providing audiences with an immersive experience that reflects the actual acoustic environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple microphone units are deployed to capture surround sound, then the sound fidelity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound fidelityVSAvoidnumber of microphone units

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each microphone unit is designed as a self-contained module with universal functionality, including the microphone element, battery power source, and wireless transmission capability. This modular universal design allows the system to scale from four to five or more units without increasing individual unit complexity, as each unit performs the same functions independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex wired connections and mechanical signal transmission with wireless electronic communication. Each microphone unit transmits its signal wirelessly to a central receiving station, eliminating the need for physical cable management and reducing the mechanical complexity associated with connecting multiple microphones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If microphone units are placed at extremities of the moving object for optimal sound capture, then the sound representation accuracy is improved, but the ease of installation and operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound representation accuracyVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each microphone unit is equipped with self-contained power supply (battery) and wireless transmission capabilities, allowing the units to be independently installed at extremities without requiring connection to central power or signal systems. The units autonomously capture and transmit their signals, simplifying installation despite the distributed positioning requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables accurate reproduction and broadcasting of moving object sounds, enhancing audience experience and allowing for analysis of sound characteristics, while being portable across various activities.

Implementation Method 1

Each microphone unit captures sound and generates signals representative of that sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrophone transduction:

Implementation Method 2

The sound signals may be communicated to one or more transmission units for wirelessly transmitting such signals to locations remote from the moving object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio-frequency transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS7835530B2Systems and methods for determining sound of a moving object

Publication Date: 2010.11.16 AVIGNI CRISTIANO

AI summary

A system for the capturing and relay of sounds from a moving object is described. A plurality of microphone units are positioned at various locations on the moving object to capture sounds. Signals are generated based on captured sounds and transmitted from the moving object to a central receiving station. The central receiving station then takes the signals received and processes such signals for transmission to a communications network for broadcasting the sounds to an audience.