Noise measurement-decrease in sound intensity with distance

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of designing a noise level meter that accurately measures sound intensity, particularly considering how sound intensity decreases with distance. Participants explore the implications of this decrease on the functionality of the meter, especially in relation to triggering alarms for hazardous noise levels.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern that the noise level meter may perceive a low sound near the meter and a high sound far away as equal due to the decrease in sound intensity with distance.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of accounting for distant sounds, suggesting that the meter's purpose is to detect noise levels at its location.
  • A different participant clarifies that the meter is indeed sensitive enough to detect sounds from a distance, but notes the issue of low intensity sounds near the meter giving similar readings to distant high intensity sounds.
  • One participant proposes that the solution may involve placing the sensor closer to the sound source or using multiple devices to cover a wider area.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the decrease in sound intensity with distance is a significant problem for the meter's intended function. Some participants question the relevance of distant sounds, while others emphasize the need to address the issue.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the technical challenges related to sound intensity measurement and the implications for alarm triggering. Assumptions about the environment and the specific design of the meter are not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals involved in sound engineering, noise control, or the design of acoustic measurement devices.

Nau
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I am making a noise level meter, that would trigger an alarm, if the noise level has reached hazardous levels. However, one problem with noise is that it'd intensity decreases with distance, so that the meter would percieve a low sound near the meter and a high sound far away as equal. So does anyone have any innovative idea about how I can handle this problem?
 
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Why is this a problem?
You are presumably not trying to make a detector that can detect the level of noise far away from the sensor?
 
No my detector is sensitive enough to detect sounds at a distance. But ofcourse when the sound would have traveled a long distance, its intensity would have decreased, and the meter would also give a small reading. However, a low intensity sound near the meter might be giving the same reading. that is the problem.
 
I am still not followíng you...
Isn't the purpose of the meter to warn agains high noise levels at the location of the meter?
If so, why is it a problem that it is not triggered by low noise levels near the meter?
 
you need to either put the sensor closer to the source, or install multiple devices so that you can cover a wider area.
 

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