Technical Column

Visualizing Noise with Acoustic Cameras — How Measurement Environments Affect Beamforming Accuracy —

2025年8月31日

Sound Source Localization with Acoustic Camera + Anechoic Chamber

Introduction: Why Noise Troubles Are So Hard to Solve

“You can hear the noise, but can’t find where it’s coming from.”
“The entire engine compartment seems to be buzzing.”
Such issues are common in product development and quality testing.

Acoustic cameras powered by HBK’s beamforming technology offer a solution—but only if measurement conditions are properly controlled.

Poor results like blurry source localization or excessive background noise often stem not from the camera itself, but from the measurement environment.

Environment Matters in Beamforming Measurements

Here’s how different test setups affect acoustic camera performance:

EnvironmentCharacteristics & Issues
Open Field (Outdoors)Exposed to wind and ambient noise, poor performance in low-frequency range
Factory or WarehouseStrong reflections interfere with localization accuracy
Tents or Temporary BoothsPartial sound control, but risk of structure-borne resonance

To get the most out of HBK’s beamforming, a low-reflection, low-noise space is essential.

Optimizing Beamforming with Anechoic Chambers

At Moritani, we partner with Sonora Technology to provide custom-built acoustic environments such as:

  • MFAC (Modular Fully-Anechoic Chamber)
  • EAAC (Electroacoustic Anechoic Chamber)

Key Features:

True Free-Field ConditionsMinimized reflections enable sharper beam focus
Floor Reflection ControlIdeal for low-frequency detection accuracy
Proven Compatibility with HBK ArraysLayouts tailored to microphone array geometry and DUT size

Practical Applications: Acoustic Camera + Anechoic Room

  • Localizing abnormal motor sounds in appliances
  • Analyzing beam pattern shifts in small engines under varying loads
  • Mapping sound radiation from speakers and fans
  • Differentiating normal vs abnormal noise in high-precision devices

By combining HBK’s acoustic camera with Sonora’s anechoic design, you achieve not just visibility, but measurable insight into noise sources.

Let’s Talk About Implementation

  • Considering beamforming for your noise analysis?
  • Want to compare on-site vs chamber-based measurements?
  • Need help choosing the right HBK system and room specs?
  • Looking to customize array layout or software settings?

[Contact Moritani Today]

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    Moritani Shokai
    (Machinery Department No. 2, Tokyo Head Office)

    +81-3-3278-6127

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    Introduction of the Manufacturer

    • ホッティンガーブリュエルケアー Hottinger Bruel & Kjaer

      HHBK is a merger of two companies: Brüel & Kjær of Denmark and HBM of Germany.
      Brüel & Kjær is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of acoustic and vibration measurement instruments, known as a total measurement chain supplier.

      Learn more about HBK

    • ソノーラテクノロジー Sonora Technology Co., Ltd.

      Sonora Technology is a leading Japanese manufacturer of industrial anechoic chambers and anechoic boxes.
      From design and manufacturing to installation and acoustic performance assurance, Sonora provides fully integrated solutions to build complete acoustic measurement environments from the ground up.

      Learn more about Sonora

    Contact / Request Brochure

    For inquiries or consultations regarding the total solutions provided by HBK × Sonora, please feel free to contact us using the Contact button.
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