Sensor hub apparatus and method for sensing ambient light and audio conditions

A sensor hub for sensing ambient conditions, comprising:

• a three-dimensional (3D) body that comprises a substantially conical shape including a base attachable to an external surface disposed in an environment, and a body surface extending from the base to a top of the conically-shaped 3D body, wherein the 3D body further includes a plurality of apertures of a first type, and a plurality of apertures of a second type disposed on the surface of the 3D body,
• wherein a first aperture of the first type and a first aperture of the second type are substantially aligned on the surface of the 3D body to face a first direction;
• a second aperture of the first type and a second aperture of the second type are substantially aligned on the surface of the 3D body,. to face a second direction;
• a third aperture of the first type and a third aperture of the second type are substantially aligned on the surface of the 3D body to face a third direction;
• and
• a fourth aperture of the first type and a fourth aperture of the second type are substantially aligned on the surface of the 3D body to face a fourth direction,
• wherein the first and second directions are mutually orthogonal, the second and third directions are mutually orthogonal, the third and fourth directions are mutually orthogonal, and the fourth and first directions are mutually orthogonal, wherein the apertures of the first type are different from the apertures of the second type;
• at least first, second, third, and fourth ambient light sensors disposed inside the 3D body on a first plane that is located perpendicular to a vertical axis of the 3D body, wherein the vertical axis extends from a center of the base to a center of the top of the 3D body, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth ambient light sensors are provided to interface with, and to sense ambient light conditions via, the respective first, second, third, and fourth apertures of the first type;
• at least first, second, third, and fourth ambient sound sensors disposed inside the 3D body on a second plane that is located perpendicular to the vertical axis of the 3D body, and is spaced apart from the first plane, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth ambient sound sensors are provided to interface with, and to sense ambient audio conditions via, the respective first, second, third, and fourth apertures of the second type,
• wherein the ambient light and sounds sensors are disposed inside the 3D body under an acute angle relative to the vertical axis of the 3D body, wherein the acute angle is selected to optimize respective spatial responses of the ambient light and ambient sound sensors to the ambient light and audio conditions;
• and
• one or more communication interfaces coupled to the ambient light and ambient sound sensors, and disposed inside the 3D body, to transmit ambient light sensor data and ambient sound sensor data or results of processing of the ambient light sensor data and the ambient sound sensor data to an external recipient.