Combining the use of sophisticated room mapping laser scanner data models with acoustic sensors that report acoustic signals from many locations at the same time is an improvement that I thought of while discussing how to map room acoustics. There are existing systems that don't use computer room mapping and computer sensor geolocation but that use optical techniques to visualize room acoustic performance.

One application of the present system uses dozens of small sensor modules that read sound pressure and spectrum, reporting the data using led sensors, and viewed either directly or through a camera with a high scan rate.

What would be especially useful is to be able to have a direct data set of the generator waveform/spectrum as well as having access to processed waveform data from many discrete point in a room. If you are setting up for a concert, the sound sources can be balanced rapidly with existing equipment.

This additional improvement would allow designers to incorporate real world data, in models of how the space might be modified and how that modified space would perform. With this equipment, the first process is to made a digital model of the space, using the laser-scanner technology ( such as produced by Leica Geosystems) to measure the space and locate objects in the room). Then the sensors are activated, the sound source emits the test acoustic signal, the data is recorded both as a data packet, but also as a visual record.

From a design point of view, the proposed system provides both a mathematical model of the space, but since it knows the location of each sensor, the software can visualize the acoustic picture in a three dimensional way. as well as interacting with design software.

Once the model of the existing space is created ( perhaps using autocad) textures of the surfaces may be identified, then the designer can change dimensions or materials, and check performance using conventional modeling software.

The equipment can also display the patterns in real time, which can help in the tuning of a space as loudspeakers are aimed, baffels adjusted, mics placed, delays adjusted.

10-31-2009