Introduction to SoundFacts

SoundFacts is based upon a number of patented technologies.

The technology detects and describes non-harmonic pulses, clicks, rattles, mechanical faults in a new objective way .This enables the replacement of subjective tests with objective measures.

The core idea is based upon the idea of adding a new set of parameters in the usage of sound as an objective test media based on a new model of the human hearing system. In this process SoundFacts are focusing on fast changes ( transients )  – down to less than 1 ms - in the instantaneous energy of the signal. This leads to a detailed and unique identification of different sound profiles. Especially the method is good at catching sounds such as clicks, rattle, mechanical faults and pulses – just as the human ear is it.

The method is not using the averaged energy  in the sound but only the characteristic of the changes  (transients) to describe the sound - thus enabling a clear and well defined fingerprint of a specific cause and an clear designation between different situations (i.e. pass/reject or working well/needs repair). Using the technology it becomes possible to describe the subjective differences in sound perception with objective measures. Further the analysis can be performed automated, fast, and repeatable, environment independent and is easy transferable between different locations.

Some areas of usage

1. Detecting non-harmonic pulses, hiss, clicks, rattles, mechanical faults etc.

2. Objective metric substituting listen panels and golden ears.

3. Enabling specification of quality levels that can be tested in production.

4. Robust detection of audible differences for error type classification.

5. Noise filter (ex. clicks in digital equipment).

6. Early warning in machines and processes by (slow) development in transient picture.

The technology is currently being introduced to the market and has proven efficient in a number of areas such as:

·        Mechanical (Danfoss, Linak , Saur-Danfoss)

·        Electronical (Philips, Nokia, Volvo, Siemens)

·        Mobile ( Sony Ericsson, Siemens, Nokia )          

·        Automotive  ( Volvo, Autoliv )

·        Household (Philips, Siemens  )    

Examples of areas of interest for the automotive industries are following, where the technology has proven its robust capability to detect even small differences in the sound.

Some of the advantages that can be achieved with this method:

• R&D Division:

• Analysing and describing differences in sound pictures based upon objective and robust measures using transient profiles.

• As objective quality criteria in the component selection  phase.

• Communication between R & D and production. Enables simple and objective definition of acceptable levels and enables objective feedback from production to R&D.

• In development phase – saving cost and time (listening panels).

• Production

• Describing subjective differences in sound in an objective way (i.e. in the development  phase in order to describe changes in objective terms):

• Preassembly test for component (ex. doors)  production (prior to final mount of part)  test

• As tool for automated error detection in production based upon sound analysis -  enabling objective feedback further up in the production line for correction of mistake and information to purchase dept. and R&D

• Early warning in machines and processes by slow development in transient picture.

• Enables automatic collection of data from all manufactured units

• Quality Assurance

• 100% End of Line QA possible

• Communication between you and the sub supplier – minimizes discussion of subjective criteria’s

• Easy to check objective control criteria towards sub suppliers and sub assemblers

• In selection of components / suppliers