Adaptive microphone array
US5473701A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 5, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2430/21
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method of apparatus of enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio of a microphone array. The array includes a plurality of microphones and has a directivity pattern which is adjustable based on one or more parameters. The parameters are evaluated so as to realize an angular orientation of a directivity pattern null. This angular orientation of the directivity pattern null reduces microphone array output signal level. Parameter evaluation is performed under a constraint that the null be located within a predetermined region of space. Advantageously, the predetermined region of space is a region from which undesired acoustic energy is expected to impinge upon the array, and the angular orientation of a directivity pattern null substantially aligns with the angular orientation of undesired acoustic energy. Output signals of the array microphones are modified based on one or more evaluated parameters. An array output signal is formed based on modified and unmodified microphone output signals. The evaluation of parameters, the modification of output signals, and the formation of an array output signal may be performed a plurality of times to obtain an ada…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.