EP4057641A1

EP4057641A1 - Sound acquisition apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP4057641A1
Application number: EP21187431.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Cazzaniga Alessio
Original assignee: Smartleaf Srl
Current assignee: Smartleaf Srl
Priority date: 2021-03-10
Filing date: 2021-07-23
Publication date: 2022-09-14
Also published as: IT202100005591A1

Abstract

A sound acquisition apparatus (1) is described comprising: a microphone array (2) configured to capture sounds and transduce them into a first electrical signal, said microphone array (2) comprising at least one microphone (3); a support (4) connected to the microphone array (2) and configured to distance the microphone array (2) from the ground; a covering element (5) placed above the microphone array (2); a container (8) connected to the support (4) and containing a control unit in signal communication with the microphone array (2), wherein the control unit comprises an acquisition unit configured to acquire the first electrical signal; a power supply connected to the support (4).

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a sound acquisition apparatus. The sound acquisition apparatus according to the present invention is useful for the qualitative and quantitative monitoring of the types of fauna belonging to specific ecosystems, such as forests. In particular, the sound acquisition apparatus according to the present invention is intended to qualify the animal species present and to quantify the subjects thereof through the sounds emitted by the fauna.

Description of the technical background

Sound acquisition systems are known in the state of the art. Such systems comprise a microphone configured to capture sounds and transduce them into an electrical signal which can be recorded or amplified. The microphones can be of various types according to the polar pattern thereof, which describes, for each microphone, the directions from which they are able to capture sounds.

Problems of the background art

Fauna monitoring requires systems suitable for operating outdoors for a large number of hours, such as 48-72 hours or even longer.
Disadvantageously, the known systems are not suitable for applications which require the use thereof in places which are open and exposed to a number of atmospheric agents and various types of disturbances for a considerable number of hours.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a sound acquisition apparatus which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sound acquisition apparatus which allows to monitor the fauna within ecosystems such as forests.
The technical task mentioned and the objects stated are substantially achieved by a sound acquisition apparatus comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims.

Advantages of the invention

In particular, the sound acquisition apparatus according to the present invention solves the technical problem in that it is envisaged to be installed in open spaces and comprises a microphone array configured to capture sounds and transduce them into a first electrical signal, in which the microphone array comprises at least one microphone; a support connected to the microphone array and configured to distance the microphone array from the ground; a covering element located above the microphone array; a container connected to the support and containing a control unit in signal communication with the microphone array, in which the control unit comprises an acquisition unit configured to acquire the first electrical signal; a power supply connected to the support.
Advantageously, such an apparatus allows for fauna monitoring within ecosystems such as forests.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a possible practical embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a sound acquisition apparatus according to the present invention;
Figures 2a and 2b show two embodiments of an enlargement of a detail of Figure 1;
Figures 3a and 3b show two views of an embodiment of a detail of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Even if not explicitly highlighted, the individual features described with reference to the specific embodiments shall be understood as accessory and/or interchangeable with other features, described with reference to other embodiments.
With reference to the accompanying figures, the present invention relates to a sound acquisition apparatus 1.
Preferably, the sound acquisition apparatus 1 finds specific application for monitoring ecosystem fauna. In accordance, the present invention is also related to a use of the sound acquisition apparatus 1 for monitoring ecosystem fauna. Such an apparatus is configured to be installed, for example, in a forest.
The sound acquisition apparatus 1 according to the present invention comprises a microphone array 2 configured to capture sounds and transduce them into a first electrical signal. In particular, the microphone array 2 comprises at least one microphone 3. Preferably, the microphone array 2 comprises at least two microphones 3. In accordance, each microphone 3 is configured to capture sounds and transduce them into a respective electrical signal.
In the continuation of the present disclosure, reference will thus be made to the first electrical signal as a composite signal given by the set of individual signals transduced by each microphone 3.
The first electrical signal is further composed of a plurality of components representative of the plurality of sounds captured by each microphone 3. In this sense, the first electrical signal is intended to be representative of a set of sounds captured by the individual microphones 3, in order to represent the sound panorama of the environment surrounding the sound acquisition apparatus 1.
Preferably, the microphone array 2 comprises a number of microphones 3 between four and eight. More details regarding the microphones 3 will be provided later in the present disclosure.
The sound acquisition apparatus 1 comprises a support 4 connected to the microphone array 2 and configured to distance the microphone array 2 from the ground in order to avoid any perturbations.
Preferably, the support 4 comprises a rod 7 extending for a predetermined length between a first end 71 placed on the ground and a second end 72. Preferably, the predetermined distance is between 2 and 10 metres.
The sound acquisition apparatus 1 comprises a covering element 5 placed above the microphone array 2. The covering element 5 has the function of protecting the microphone array 2 for example from wind, rain or other atmospheric agents.
The sound acquisition apparatus 1 comprises a container 8 connected to the support 4 and containing a control unit (not shown in the accompanying figures). The container 8 is placed at the second end 72.
The control unit is in signal communication with the microphone array 2.
The control unit comprises an acquisition unit (not shown in the accompanying Figures) configured to acquire the first electrical signal.
Optionally, the control unit comprises a recording unit (not shown in the accompanying Figures) configured to record the first electrical signal.
The sound acquisition apparatus 1 comprises a power supply (not shown in the accompanying Figures) connected to the support 4.
Preferably, the support 4 comprises a compartment 6 inserted in the support 4. Preferably, the power supply comprises a battery placed in the compartment 6. Preferably the battery is a lithium battery.
Optionally, the power supply also comprises a wind generator.
According to a preferred embodiment, the covering element 5 comprises a photovoltaic panel 51 facing the sky. Preferably, the photovoltaic panel 51 is placed at the second end 72 of the support 4. In particular, the microphone array 2 is interposed between the photovoltaic panel 51 and the container 8 so as to be able to capture the sounds coming from the surrounding environment. In accordance, preferably the photovoltaic panel 51 is connected to the support 4 by means of support elements 9 which extend away from the support 4. Such support elements 9 distance the photovoltaic panel 51 from the microphone array 2, along a vertical direction, and at the same time support the photovoltaic panel 51.
Preferably, the control unit is configured to be placed in signal communication with a network connected to the internet. Such a network is for example a 4G/5G mobile network or a WiFi network.
Preferably, the sound acquisition apparatus 1 comprises a user interface placed in signal communication with the control unit. Advantageously, it is possible to remotely access the data acquired by means of the microphone array 2.
Preferably, the control unit is configured to activate/deactivate the acquisition and/or recording unit. This may in particular be performed by a user by means of the user interface or the control unit may be set to enable/disable the acquisition and/or recording unit at predefined times for a predetermined duration of time. Advantageously, it is possible to preset predetermined timeframes in which acquiring and/or recording the sounds, and saving energy, is desired.
With particular reference to Figure 2a, according to an embodiment, the microphones 3 are arranged according to the ORTF technique. In accordance, the microphone array 2 comprises a number of microphones 3 equal to four, six or eight cardioid-type microphones 3, where such microphones 3 are arranged two by two according to an ORTF technique.
With particular reference to Figure 2b, according to a different embodiment, the microphones 3 are arranged according to an ambisonic technique. In accordance, the microphone array 2 may comprise two, three or four microphones 3, or even more. In accordance with such an embodiment, preferably, the microphone array 2 comprises four microphones 3 arranged at the vertices of a tetrahedron. In particular, the microphones 3 are an omnidirectional type microphone arranged in the centre and three two-way type microphones 3 arranged in the three directions of space.
With particular reference to Figures 3a and 3b, in accordance with an embodiment, the microphone array 2 comprises an outer casing 10, within which the one or more microphones 3 are enclosed. In particular, the casing 10 comprises two microphones 3 distanced from each other and placed at two opposite ends of a support (not shown in the accompanying Figures). Such a casing 10 has two portions 11, placed on opposite sides of the casing 10, shaped similarly to the human ear.
Preferably, the microphones 3 are electret microphones. Advantageously, such microphones 3 are more sensitive to stimuli and do not need an external power supply to generate electrical polarization.
Alternatively, the microphones 3 are condenser microphones provided with an external power supply for electrical polarization.
Optionally, the sound acquisition apparatus 1 comprises measuring means (not shown in the accompanying Figures) configured to measure certain parameters of the environment surrounding the microphone array 2. Such measurement means comprise for example one or more sensors and/or transducers placed in signal communication with the control unit and configured to detect a first measurement signal and transmit said first measurement signal to the control unit. For example, such sensors and/or transducers comprise a hygrometer and/or a thermocouple. Advantageously, it is possible to detect data related to the temperature or atmospheric conditions near the microphone array 2.
Preferably, the sound acquisition apparatus 1 comprises an anti-theft device (not shown in the accompanying Figures) in signal communication with the control unit. In particular, the anti-theft device is configured to generate and send a tampering signal to the control unit. In accordance, the control unit is configured to transmit said tampering signal to the user interface so that a user can view said tampering signal by means of the user interface.
Preferably, the control unit comprises a unit of the FPAA field-programmable analog array type and/or the FPGA field-programmable gate array type.
Such an FPAA and/or FPGA type unit is a reconfigurable unit and is configured to be programmed according to the function it must perform. Advantageously, at the end of the life of the sound acquisition apparatus 1, it is possible to recover and then reuse such a component, avoiding waste.
The sound acquisition apparatus 1 further comprises a processing unit (not illustrated in the accompanying Figures) configured to receive the first electrical signal. In accordance, the processing unit is preferably in signal communication with the acquisition unit. Optionally, if the control unit comprises the above-mentioned recording unit, the processing unit is in signal communication with the recording unit.
The processing unit is comprised in the control unit or alternatively is a separate element.
The processing unit is placed in signal communication with a memory archive in which a plurality of reference sounds are digitally stored. Such a memory archive may be implemented on a remote server. In particular, the processing unit is configured to receive the first electrical signal and to compare the first electrical signal with each of the reference sounds.
The processing unit is also configured to classify the first electrical signal if a match is found between the first electrical signal, or a component of the first electrical signal, and one of the pre-saved reference sounds.
Advantageously, it is possible to distinguish the sounds captured by the microphone array 2 and, depending on the intensity, also perform a quantitative evaluation thereof.
In addition, a further application envisages that if the control unit comprises a recording unit, the first signal is recorded and then processed, filtered and cleaned to give rise to a second signal. Such a second signal will then be sent to a database to collect sounds, which is made accessible for listening to the recorded sounds. In this sense, it is possible to create for example a library of sounds of nature.

Claims

Sound acquisition apparatus (1) comprising:
- a microphone array (2) configured to capture sounds and transduce them into a first electrical signal, said microphone array (2) comprising at least one microphone (3);

- a support (4) connected to said microphone array (2) and configured to distance said microphone array (2) from the ground;

- a covering element (5) placed above said microphone array (2);

- a container (8) connected to the support (4) and containing a control unit in signal communication with the microphone array (2), said control unit comprising an acquisition unit configured to acquire said first electrical signal;

- a power supply connected to said support (4).
Sound acquisition apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the covering element (5) comprises a photovoltaic panel (51) facing the sky, the microphone array (2) being interposed between the photovoltaic panel (51) and the container (8).
Sound acquisition apparatus (1) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein said support (4) comprises a compartment (6) inserted in the support (4), said power supply comprising a battery placed in the compartment (6).
Sound acquisition apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an anti-theft device in signal communication with the control unit, said anti-theft device being configured to generate and send a tampering signal to the control unit.
Sound acquisition apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit comprises a reconfigurable unit of the FPAA field-programmable analog array type and/or the FPGA field-programmable gate array type.
Sound acquisition apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the microphone array (2) comprises two or more microphones (3), said microphones (3) being arranged two by two according to an ORTF technique.
Sound acquisition apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the microphone array (2) comprises two or more microphones (3), the microphones (3) being arranged according to an ambisonic technique.
Sound acquisition apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the microphones (3) are electret microphones.
Sound acquisition apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a processing unit placed in signal communication with the acquisition unit to receive the first electrical signal, said processing unit being further placed in signal communication with a memory archive in which a plurality of reference sounds are digitally stored, said processing unit being configured to compare the first electrical signal with each of the reference sounds to classify the first electrical signal.
Use of the sound acquisition apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, for monitoring ecosystem fauna.