Sound field control device and sound field control method

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a sound field control device and method, belonging to the field of acoustics. The sound field control device includes: multiple loudspeaker units and multiple focusing arrays, each focusing array comprising multiple focusing units; the number of loudspeaker units and the number of focusing arrays are the same and correspond one-to-one, and the focusing arrays are located at the sound wave emission area of ​​the corresponding loudspeaker units, used to control the sound field generated by the multiple loudspeaker units. Using multiple loudspeaker units increases the degrees of freedom of the sound wave input signal, which is beneficial for improving the flexibility of sound field control, for example, flexibly changing the sound focusing point. In addition, using more loudspeaker units can effectively increase the sound radiation power, thereby increasing the sound pressure level at the sound focusing point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of acoustics, and in particular to sound field control devices and methods. Background Technology

[0002] Sound wave modulation refers to the regulation of the spatial sound field distribution within a specific area. Through sound wave modulation, directional transmission and sound focusing of sound can be achieved, thereby providing users with an area-independent sound field environment.

[0003] The relevant technology uses a loudspeaker array for sound wave modulation. This array includes multiple loudspeakers and multiple power amplifiers, which can change the amplitude and phase of the emitted sound signals from the loudspeakers. When modulating the spatial sound field, it is necessary to adjust the positional distribution of the multiple loudspeakers in the array, while simultaneously adjusting the control parameters of the power amplifiers.

[0004] However, the methods for controlling sound waves using related technologies are quite complex. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, this disclosure provides a sound field control device and a sound field control method.

[0006] Specifically, the following technical solutions are included:

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a sound field control device is provided, the sound field control device comprising: a plurality of loudspeaker units and a plurality of sound focusing arrays, each of the sound focusing arrays comprising a plurality of sound focusing units;

[0008] The number of loudspeaker units and the number of the sound-focusing array are the same and correspond one-to-one. The sound-focusing array is located at the sound wave emission area of ​​the corresponding loudspeaker unit and is used to control the sound field generated by the multiple loudspeaker units.

[0009] In some possible implementations, the sound-focusing unit has sound channels, and the path shape of the sound channels of each sound-focusing unit is different from each other, such that the modulation results of the amplitude and phase of the sound wave by each sound channel are different from each other.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the path lengths of the multiple sound-focusing units corresponding to the multiple sound-focusing array decrease sequentially from the center position to the surrounding positions of the array composed of the multiple loudspeaker units, so that the sound waves are focused on a designated area after passing through the multiple sound-focusing units.

[0011] In some possible implementations, sound waves from each of the loudspeaker units, after passing through the corresponding sound-focusing array, form part of the arc-shaped sound field;

[0012] When the components are combined, the sound wave is transmitted from the arc-shaped sound field toward the same region in the sound field.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the outlets of the multiple sound-focusing units corresponding to the multiple sound-focusing arrays are divided into a first outlet region and a second outlet region;

[0014] When the sound wave passes through the first exit region, it is focused on the first region.

[0015] The sound wave is focused in the second exit region when it passes through the second exit region.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the sound-focusing unit has a sound channel, and the sound channel is provided with multiple isolation switches, which can be used to control the multiple sound channels to be turned on or off respectively.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the sound-focusing array includes: a sound labyrinth having multiple bends in the sound channels;

[0018] The sound labyrinth is made of rigid rods, or the inner wall of the sound channel has a first reflective layer made of rigid rods.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the sound-focusing unit includes: a plurality of pipes, the pipes having a tortuous sound channel inside;

[0020] The pipe is made of a rigid rod, or the inner wall of the sound channel has a second reflective layer made of a rigid rod.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the multiple pipes have different lengths;

[0022] And / or the interiors of the plurality of pipes are filled with material;

[0023] And / or the interior of the pipe has a labyrinthine path for forming the meandering sound channel.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a sound field control method is also provided, the sound field control method being applied to any of the sound field control devices described above, the method comprising:

[0025] In response to the received acoustic wave modulation command, the acoustic wave amplitude and phase of the plurality of speaker units are adjusted;

[0026] The sound field generated by the plurality of loudspeaker units is modulated by propagating the sound waves of each loudspeaker unit through the focusing units of a corresponding focusing array.

[0027] In some possible implementations, modulating the sound field generated by the plurality of speaker units includes: focusing the sound waves or directional transmission of the sound waves.

[0028] In some possible implementations, focusing the sound waves includes:

[0029] The sound waves from the plurality of speaker units are focused onto a designated area or multiple different designated areas.

[0030] In some possible implementations, the different designated regions include a left ear region and a right ear region.

[0031] In some possible implementations, the method further includes:

[0032] Obtain the target location;

[0033] Based on the target location, a sound wave adjustment command is sent to the plurality of speaker units. The sound wave adjustment command is used to adjust the sound wave amplitude and phase of the plurality of speaker units, so that the sound waves of the plurality of speaker units are focused on the target location.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the method further includes:

[0035] The operating parameters of the sound field control device are adjusted so that the sound waves from each of the loudspeaker units form an arc-shaped sound field after passing through the corresponding sound-focusing unit of the sound-focusing array, and the multiple arc-shaped sound fields are combined and directed toward the same area in the sound field.

[0036] In some possible implementations, the operating parameters of the sound field control device include:

[0037] Adjust at least one of the position and sound wave amplitude and phase of the plurality of loudspeaker units, and / or adjust at least one of the position of the sound-focusing array and the structure of the sound-focusing unit.

[0038] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0039] The sound field control device provided in this embodiment utilizes multiple focusing arrays in conjunction with loudspeaker units to control the sound field. Based on the flexibility and convenience of the focusing units in controlling sound waves, the control method for the spatial sound field is simple and flexible. By changing the structure of the focusing units, the propagation path of the sound waves can be changed accordingly, allowing the change in the transmission phase of the sound waves to cover a wider range.

[0040] Specifically, embodiments of this disclosure utilize multiple speaker units, with each speaker unit corresponding to multiple focusing units, enabling richer sound field control. This is because the structure of the focusing unit is fixed, making its control over sound waves also fixed; that is, in this sound field control device, the focusing unit's control over sound waves is fixed. When multiple speaker units are used, the degrees of freedom of the sound wave input signal are increased; that is, in this sound field control device, the speaker unit's input to sound waves is adjustable. Thus, the combination of multiple adjustable signal input sections and multiple fixed sound wave control sections allows for a greater variety and richer range of sound wave control options, improving the flexibility of sound field control, for example, flexibly changing the sound focal point or the directional transmission direction of sound. Compared to using a single speaker unit, using more speaker units can also effectively increase the sound radiation power, thereby effectively increasing the sound pressure level at the sound focal point. When the sound field control device provided in embodiments of this disclosure is applied to audio terminals with multiple speaker units, it makes the sound wave control of the audio terminal richer and more flexible, achieving a wider range of sound quality effects.

[0041] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary sound field control device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another exemplary sound field control device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the spacing relationship between an exemplary loudspeaker unit and a focused sound array provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of an exemplary loudspeaker unit and a focused array provided for embodiments of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of another exemplary loudspeaker unit and a focused sound array provided in this embodiment of the disclosure;

[0048] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the sound wave control state of an exemplary sound field control device provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the sound wave control state of another exemplary sound field control device provided in this embodiment of the disclosure;

[0050] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary focused sound array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another exemplary sound-focusing unit provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0052] Figure 10 The embodiments provided in this disclosure are for Figure 9 The diagram shows the internal layout of the sound-focusing unit.

[0053] Figure 11 A flowchart of an exemplary sound field control method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0054] The reference numerals in the attached figures represent:

[0055] 1-Speaker unit, 11-Speaker opening,

[0056] 2-Focused acoustic array,

[0057] 20 - Focused sound unit, 200 - Sound channels, 21 - Rigid rod,

[0058] 2a-Sound Maze

[0059] 2b - Pipeline

[0060] 201 - Pipe body, 202 - Air passage, 203 - First opening, 204 - Second opening

[0061] 211-Tube body, 212-First rigid rod, 213-Second rigid rod

[0062] 221 - First gap, 222 - Second gap, 223 - Third gap. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0064] Sound wave modulation refers to the regulation of the spatial sound field distribution within a specific area. Through sound wave modulation, directional transmission and sound focusing of sound can be achieved, thereby providing users with an area-independent sound field environment.

[0065] Related technologies employ loudspeaker arrays for spatial sound field control. These arrays consist of multiple loudspeakers and multiple power amplifiers, which can alter the amplitude and phase of the emitted sound signals from the loudspeakers. Spatial sound field control requires adjusting the positional distribution of the multiple loudspeakers within the array, while simultaneously adjusting the power amplifier parameters. However, the methods used in these technologies for spatial sound field control are quite complex.

[0066] This disclosure provides a sound field control device. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary sound field control device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure is attached. Figure 1 As shown, the sound field control device includes: multiple loudspeaker units 1 and multiple sound focusing arrays 2, wherein each sound focusing array 2 includes multiple sound focusing units 20, the number of loudspeaker units 1 and sound focusing arrays 2 are the same and correspond one-to-one, and the sound focusing array 2 is located at the sound wave emission area of ​​the corresponding loudspeaker unit 1, and is used to control the sound field generated by the multiple loudspeaker units 1.

[0067] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the sound focusing array 2 controls the sound field, including but not limited to: sound focusing, sound directional transmission, etc.

[0068] In some examples, the acoustic focusing unit 20 is an acoustic metamaterial (AMM), which refers to an artificially designed composite material that, through the artificial design of materials at characteristic physical scales to form microstructures, possesses acoustic properties that surpass those of conventional materials. Acoustic metamaterials can modulate sound waves by introducing different microstructures, which typically have rigid boundaries, such as materials like iron, aluminum, or 3D-printed materials, to reflect sound waves.

[0069] The sound-focusing unit 20 disclosed in this embodiment has a sound channel 200, exemplarily, as shown in the attached... Figure 1 As shown, a focusing unit 20 has one sound channel 200, or, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 2 As shown, a sound-focusing unit 20 has multiple sound channels 200.

[0070] In this embodiment, a sound-focusing unit 20 can have a sound channel 200. The structural dimensions of the sound channel 200 are much smaller than the wavelength of the sound wave, allowing for flexible control of the sound wave transmission process; that is, it is a sound control channel. By changing the structure of the sound channel 200, parameters such as amplitude and phase of the sound wave can be controlled within its wavelength range, thereby achieving sound wave control functions such as sound focusing and directional sound transmission.

[0071] Each speaker unit 1 involved in the embodiments of this disclosure is actually an independent speaker, and multiple sound-focusing arrays 2 are arranged for each speaker unit 1 to control its sound waves. Each sound-focusing array 2 includes multiple sound-focusing units 20 and is located at the sound wave emission area of ​​the corresponding speaker unit 1. The sound wave emission area of ​​the speaker unit 1 mentioned here refers to the area where the sound waves from the speaker unit 1 can propagate. In this sound wave emission area, the sound waves from the speaker unit 1 can be transmitted to the sound channel 200 in the sound-focusing array 2, so that the direction of the sound waves can be controlled by the sound channel 200.

[0072] The sound field control device provided in this embodiment utilizes multiple sound-focusing units 20 in conjunction with each loudspeaker unit 1 to control sound waves. Based on the flexibility and convenience of sound wave control provided by the sound-focusing units 20, the method of controlling the direction of sound waves is simple and flexible. By changing the structure of the sound-focusing units 20, the propagation path of the sound waves can be changed accordingly, allowing the change in the transmission phase of the sound waves to cover a wider range.

[0073] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the spacing relationship between an exemplary loudspeaker unit 1 and a focused sound array 2 provided in this disclosure embodiment; in some examples, as shown in the attached diagram... Figure 3 As shown in Figure A, the sound-focusing array 2 can be placed close to the speaker port 11 of the corresponding speaker unit 1; in other examples, as shown in the attached figure... Figure 3 As shown in B, there is a certain distance between the sound-focusing array 2 and the speaker port 11 of the speaker unit 1. This distance can be determined according to the coupling efficiency between the speaker unit 1 and the sound-focusing array 2 and the air. Under the premise of satisfying the coupling efficiency, it is sufficient to ensure that the sound from the speaker unit 1 can completely enter the sound channel 200 of the corresponding sound-focusing array 2.

[0074] Each sound-focusing array 2 includes multiple sound-focusing units 20, which can be arranged in various ways to form sound-focusing arrays 2 with different structures. For example, the sound-focusing array 2 can be in the form of a circular structure, a rectangular structure, a hexagonal structure, etc.

[0075] In some examples, the focused array 2 completely covers the speaker port 11 of the corresponding speaker unit 1 to ensure that all sound waves from the speaker unit 1 can be modulated. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The above are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of the loudspeaker unit 1 and the sound-focusing array 2 according to embodiments of this disclosure. Further, as shown in the attached diagram... Figure 4 or Figure 5As shown, the contour of the end of the sound-focusing array 2 facing the speaker unit 1 is the same as the contour of the corresponding speaker unit 1's sound outlet 11. In this way, the sound-focusing array 2 can just cover the sound outlet 11 of the speaker unit 1, which not only ensures that all sound waves from the speaker unit 1 can be controlled, but also that the sound channels 200 can be fully utilized without any additional waste.

[0076] For example, as shown in the appendix Figure 4 As shown, the speaker unit 1 has a circular sound outlet 11. The sound focusing array 2 can include three sound focusing units 20. The ends of the sound focusing units 20 facing the speaker unit 1 have a fan-shaped structure. Thus, the three fan-shaped sound focusing units 20 can be combined to form a circular contour structure sound focusing array 2. Its circular contour is adapted to the circular sound outlet 11 of the speaker unit 1, so that the sound focusing array 2 exactly completely covers the sound outlet 11 of the speaker unit 1.

[0077] For example, as shown in the appendix Figure 5 As shown, the speaker unit 1 has a rectangular sound outlet 11. The sound focusing array 2 can include four sound focusing units 20. The ends of the sound focusing units 20 facing the speaker unit 1 have a rectangular structure. Thus, the four rectangular sound focusing units 20 can be combined to form a rectangular contour structure sound focusing array 2. Its rectangular contour is adapted to the rectangular structure of the speaker unit 1's sound outlet 11, so that the sound focusing array 2 exactly completely covers the speaker unit 1's sound outlet 11.

[0078] Of course, the area of ​​the contour of the end of the sound array 2 facing the speaker unit 1 can also be larger than the area of ​​the sound outlet 11 of the speaker unit 1.

[0079] The sound field control device provided in this embodiment utilizes a focused sound array 2 in conjunction with a loudspeaker unit 1 to control sound waves. Based on the flexibility and convenience of the focused sound unit 20 in controlling the sound field, the method of controlling the spatial sound field is simple and flexible. By changing the structure of the focused sound unit 20, the propagation path of the sound waves can be changed accordingly, allowing the change in the transmission phase of the sound waves to cover a wider range.

[0080] Specifically, embodiments of this disclosure use multiple loudspeaker units 1, and each loudspeaker unit 1 corresponds to multiple sound-focusing units 20, enabling a wider variety of sound field control. This is because, since the structure of the sound-focusing unit 20 is fixed, the sound-focusing array 2's control over the sound waves is also fixed; that is, in this sound field control device, the sound-focusing array 2's control over the sound waves is fixed. Therefore, when multiple loudspeaker units 1 are used, the degree of freedom of the sound wave input signal is increased; that is, in this sound field control device, the input of the loudspeaker unit 1 to the sound waves is adjustable. Thus, the combination of multiple adjustable signal input parts and multiple fixed sound wave control parts allows for a greater variety and richer range of sound field control options, improving the flexibility of sound field control, for example, flexibly changing the sound focal point or the directional transmission direction of the sound. Compared to using a single loudspeaker unit 1, using more loudspeaker units 1 can also effectively increase the sound radiation power, thereby effectively increasing the sound pressure level at the sound focal point. When the sound field control device provided in this embodiment is applied to an audio terminal with multiple speaker units 1, the sound wave control of the audio terminal becomes richer and more flexible, and more types of sound quality effects can be obtained.

[0081] For a type of sound focusing scheme provided by related technologies, multiple loudspeakers are used to provide multiple sources of amplitude and phase. Compared with this type of sound focusing scheme, the embodiments of this disclosure add a passive sound focusing array 2 for each loudspeaker unit 1, so as to reduce the number of loudspeaker units 1 used. For example, in order to achieve the same sound wave modulation effect, related technologies may need to use 9 loudspeakers, while in the embodiments of this disclosure, only 3 loudspeaker units 1 are needed.

[0082] Another type of sound focusing scheme provided by related technologies uses only one loudspeaker to correspond to multiple sound focusing units. Since the structure of the sound focusing unit is fixed, its control over sound waves is limited. Compared to this type of sound focusing scheme, the embodiments of this disclosure use multiple loudspeaker units 1, increasing the degrees of freedom of the sound wave input signal, thereby making the types of sound wave control more diverse and richer, which is beneficial to improving the flexibility of sound field control, for example, flexibly changing the sound focusing point. Furthermore, compared to using a single loudspeaker unit, using more loudspeaker units 1 can effectively increase the sound radiation power, thereby effectively increasing the sound pressure level at the sound focusing point.

[0083] In some examples, the number of loudspeaker units 1 in the sound field control device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure is at least 2, for example, more than 2, more than 5, more than 10, more than 15, or more than 20, etc.

[0084] Based on commonly used audio terminals such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and speakers, the number of speaker units 1 can be 2-10, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. Using multiple speaker units 1 simultaneously not only allows for richer sound wave control methods but also helps to increase the sound pressure level at the sound focal point.

[0085] Depending on the actual application scenario, multiple speaker units 1 can be arranged in various shapes, such as linear, triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, circular, elliptical, etc. By changing the arrangement of speaker units 1, the sound wave control method can also be changed, further enriching the sound wave control. In addition, the sound outlets 11 of multiple speaker units 1 are located in the same plane, that is, the sound outlets 11 of multiple speaker units 1 remain level.

[0086] The number of sound-focusing arrays 2 is the same as the number of loudspeaker units 1. Each sound-focusing array 2 includes multiple sound-focusing units 20. In some examples, each sound-focusing array 2 includes 2-10 sound-focusing units 20, for example, the number of sound-focusing units 20 is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.

[0087] For each sound-focusing array 2, multiple sound-focusing units 20 can be arranged in various shapes. Ideally, any two adjacent sound-focusing units 20 should fit tightly together, and the shape formed by the combination of multiple sound-focusing units 20 should match the shape of the speaker opening 11 of the speaker unit 1. That is, the outline of the sound-focusing array 2 is the same as the outline of the corresponding speaker opening 11 of the speaker unit 1. In this way, the sound-focusing array 2 can precisely cover the speaker opening 11 of the speaker unit 1, which not only ensures that all sound waves from the speaker unit 1 can be controlled, but also that the sound channels 200 of the sound-focusing units 20 can be fully utilized without any additional waste.

[0088] In some possible implementations, for each sound-focusing array 2, the path shapes of the sound channels 200 of the multiple sound-focusing units 20 included therein are different from each other (this includes different structures, different sizes, etc. of the sound channels 200), so that the modulation results of the amplitude and phase of the sound waves by each sound-focusing unit 20 are different from each other. In this way, one type of modulation effect can be obtained by using each sound-focusing unit 2. For example, when using three different sound-focusing units 20, three different modulation effects can be obtained, which is beneficial for obtaining more kinds of modulation effects using a single sound-focusing array 2.

[0089] For each sound-focusing array 2, the end faces of the sound-focusing units 20 facing the loudspeaker units 1 are kept flat to ensure uniform control conditions and simplify the difficulty of sound wave control.

[0090] The effect of the focused sound array 2 on the modulation of sound waves is described below with an example:

[0091] See also some possible implementations. Figure 6 The sound waves from each speaker unit 1 pass through the corresponding sound focusing array 2 and form the components of the arc-shaped sound field. After the components of multiple arc-shaped sound fields are combined, the sound waves are transmitted from the arc-shaped sound field toward the same region P in the sound field, thereby achieving a good sound focusing effect.

[0092] Furthermore, the direction from the center of the array composed of multiple speaker units 1 to the surrounding area of ​​the array (for example, if multiple speaker units 1 form a circular array, this refers to the direction from its center to its side edge). The path lengths of the sound channels 200 corresponding to the multiple sound-focusing units 20 of the multiple sound-focusing arrays 2 decrease sequentially, so that the sound waves are focused on a designated area after passing through the multiple sound-focusing units 20.

[0093] In this example, the path lengths of the corresponding sound channels 200 in the multiple sound-focusing units 20 are not exactly the same. The multiple sound channels 200 located at the center of the array composed of multiple speaker units 1 are longer, while the multiple sound channels 200 located around the array composed of multiple speaker units 1 are shorter. From the center to the surrounding positions, the path lengths of the multiple sound channels 200 decrease sequentially.

[0094] In this design, the longer sound channels 200 at the center can be bent and looped to consume excess length, thus adapting to the final length of the shorter sound channels 200 at the edges. The sound propagates a greater distance through the sound channels 200 at the periphery than through the sound channels 200 at the center. With this arrangement, the sound from the edges arrives at the focusing area first, and the sound from the center arrives later, allowing the sound emitted by the multiple speaker units 1 to be focused in the focusing area.

[0095] See also some possible implementations. Figure 7 The outlets of the multiple sound-focusing units 20 corresponding to the multiple sound-focusing arrays 2 are divided into a first outlet region and a second outlet region; when the sound wave passes through the first outlet region, it is focused on the first region P1; when the sound wave passes through the second outlet region, it is focused on the second region P2.

[0096] For example, half of the multiple sound-focusing units 20 corresponding to all sound-focusing arrays 2 are oriented towards the first exit region, and the other half of the multiple sound-focusing units 20 corresponding to all sound-focusing arrays 2 are oriented towards the second exit region. The first exit region and the second exit region are arranged side by side. In this way, when the sound wave passes through the first exit region, it is focused on the first region, and when the sound wave passes through the second exit region, it is focused on the second region. For example, the first region corresponds to the user's left ear region, and the second region corresponds to the user's right ear region, achieving the sound focusing effect in different regions. This can ensure that the user can hear the same sound in both ears.

[0097] In some possible implementations, the sound field control device provided in this disclosure embodiment has a sound focusing unit 20 having a sound channel 200, wherein the sound channel 200 is provided with a plurality of isolation switches, which can be used to control the opening or closing of the plurality of sound channels 200 respectively.

[0098] The on / off state of each audio channel 200 can be controlled by an isolating switch. For example, some audio channels 200 can be turned on while others are turned off, allowing for adaptive adjustment of the on / off state of multiple audio channels 200 according to the actual application scenario. For the isolating switch control method, corresponding control keys can be provided on the outside of the audio terminal, allowing users to adjust the sound output position as needed.

[0099] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the sound-focusing unit 20 can be a coiled spatial structure. The coiled spatial structure sound-focusing unit 20 has multiple bent sound channels 200 to form a coiled path for sound wave transmission, so that the sound wave propagation path is longer, thereby generating a sound wave phase in the range of up to 2π.

[0100] The coiled spatial structure of the sound-focusing unit 20 has advantages such as deep subwavelength scale, high coupling efficiency, simple structure, and easy construction, which not only enables the sound-focusing unit 20 to meet more flexible sound wave control, but also makes the fabrication of the sound-focusing unit 20 easier and simpler.

[0101] For the coiled spatial structure sound-focusing unit 20, by adjusting the structural parameters of the coiled spatial unit, that is, the structural parameters of the sound channel 200, such as the length and width of the sound channel 200, sound wave manipulation effects such as sound focusing and directional sound transmission can be achieved. The following is an exemplary description of the implementation method of this type of sound-focusing unit 20:

[0102] Figure 8The present invention provides an exemplary acoustic array 2 structure diagram. In some possible implementations, the acoustic unit 20 includes an acoustic labyrinth 2a having a plurality of bent sound channels 200.

[0103] The sound maze 2a is made of a rigid rod 21, or the inner wall of the sound channel 200 has a first reflective layer made of a rigid rod 21.

[0104] The acoustic labyrinth 2a can be considered as an acoustic metamaterial (also known as an acoustic microstructure), which includes multiple sound-focusing units 2, each sound-focusing unit 2 including a sound channel 200, and the rigid rod 21 involved therein has excellent sound wave reflection effect.

[0105] The acoustic maze 2a contains multiple bends in the sound channels 200, enabling the control of the phase of the emitted sound waves. The bends in the sound channels 200 within the acoustic maze 2a are arranged in a winding path, and the lengths of the multiple sound channels 200 are different. The sound channels 200 at the center of the acoustic maze 2a are longer, while those at the periphery are shorter. The length of the multiple sound channels 200 decreases from the center of the acoustic maze 2a to the periphery. Furthermore, the openings of the multiple sound channels 200 face the center of the acoustic maze 2a to ensure that sound waves at the edges can converge with those in the center and propagate to the designated area. As a single sound-focusing unit 20, the acoustic maze 2a has a simple layout and is easy to assemble and implement.

[0106] The sound maze 2a is made of rigid rod 21, which helps to reduce the size of the sound maze 2a and save internal space of the audio terminal. The inner wall of the sound maze 2a is provided with a first reflective layer, which is made of rigid rod 21, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the sound maze 2a.

[0107] See also some possible implementations. Figure 9 The focusing unit 20 includes: multiple pipes 2b, each pipe having a bent sound channel 200 inside; wherein the pipes 2b are made of rigid rods 21, or the inner wall of the sound channel 200 has a second reflective layer made of rigid rods 21. Figure 9 A pipe 2b is shown.

[0108] For example, multiple pipes 2b can be arranged sequentially and closely, and the lengths of the multiple pipes 2b are not exactly the same. Each pipe 2b is independently arranged inside the audio terminal. The varying and independent lengths of each pipe 2b allow for layout based on the internal space distribution of the audio terminal. For example, the pipe 2b at the center of the audio terminal's sound outlet is longer, while the pipes 2b at the edges are shorter. The longer pipes 2b can be bent to avoid obstacles and reach the sound outlet of the audio terminal, while the shorter pipes 2b can be directly connected to the sound outlet of the audio terminal. In this way, the sound-focusing array 2 can be flexibly arranged, making full use of the limited internal space of the audio terminal.

[0109] For example, the audio terminal is a mobile phone, and the speaker unit 1 is the speaker inside the mobile phone. The routing of each pipe 2b is arranged by utilizing the gaps between the components inside the mobile phone, without taking up any extra space inside the mobile phone.

[0110] In some possible implementations, the lengths of the multiple pipes 2b are different, so that the sound waves take different times to travel;

[0111] And / or, the interiors of multiple pipes 2b are filled with material;

[0112] And / or, the interior of the pipe 2b has a maze path for forming a tortuous sound channel 200 to prolong the sound travel time. The aforementioned maze path can be referred to in the sound channel 200 involved in the sound maze 2a described above.

[0113] For multiple pipes 2b containing filling material, for example, multiple pipes are filled with filling material according to a set ratio, which satisfies the following condition: for each pipe 2b of equal length, the filling material is filled according to the curvature of the sound field, and the effective volume of the filled pipe 2b approximately constitutes the curvature of the sound field.

[0114] The filler material can be sound-absorbing foam, zeolite powder, etc. After filling with the above sound-absorbing materials, according to Biot's equivalent theory of porous materials, the equivalent sound velocity is reduced. After filling the pipe 2b with filler material, the speed of sound propagation in the pipe 2b will change. By controlling the amount of filler material or whether to add filler material, the sound from multiple pipes 2b can arrive at a certain area simultaneously, ensuring the simultaneity of the sound. The filler material can change the speed of sound in the pipe 2b. By setting different proportions of filler material in the pipe 2b, the sound speed at the edge is faster and the speed at the center is slower, ensuring that when the sound reaches a certain point outside the audio terminal, the sound emitted from the edge and the sound emitted from the center can arrive at that point synchronously.

[0115] For the acoustic unit 20, which includes multiple pipes 2b, the following is combined with... Figure 9 The structure of pipe 2b is described exemplarily as follows:

[0116] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of an exemplary pipe 2b provided in an embodiment of this disclosure is attached. Figure 10 As shown, the pipe 2b includes: a pipe body 201, an air channel 202, a first opening 203, and a second opening 204; wherein, the air channel 202 is located inside the pipe body 201 and the air channel 202 has a coiled structure; the first opening 203 and the second opening 204 are respectively located on different walls of the pipe body 201, and the first opening 203 is connected to one end of the air channel 202, and the second opening 204 is connected to the other end of the air channel 202.

[0117] For example, the first opening 203 is located on the end face of the solid medium facing the speaker unit 1, and the second opening 204 is located on the end face of the pipe body 201 away from the speaker unit 1. In this implementation, sound waves from the speaker unit 1 enter the air channel 202 through the first opening 203, propagate along the coiled structure of the air channel 202, and finally exit through the second opening 204. Because the air channel 202 has a coiled structure, the sound wave propagation path is effectively extended, and this sound wave propagation path is described in [reference needed]. Figure 7 The dashed lines with arrows in the middle.

[0118] The air channel 202 is the aforementioned sound channel 200. The structure of the sound channel 200 is a coiled spatial structure, which includes, but is not limited to: Z-shaped, L-shaped, cross-shaped, spiral, ring-shaped, or angular.

[0119] The Z-shaped coiled structure of the sound channel 200 has the advantages of high flexibility in sound wave control, easy adjustment of control method, and simple preparation. In some examples, the sound channel 200 involved in the embodiments of this disclosure has a Z-shaped coiled structure of air channel 202.

[0120] Since the air passage 202 is located inside the pipe body 201, the following is an exemplary description of the structure of the pipe body 201 with the air passage 202 having a Z-shaped coiled structure:

[0121] For example, as shown in the appendix Figure 10 As shown, the pipe body 201 includes: a pipe body 211, a plurality of first rigid rods 212, and a plurality of second rigid rods 213;

[0122] Among them, the tube body 211 is a waveguide, the first ends of the plurality of first rigid rods 212 are respectively connected to the first side of the inner wall of the tube body 211, and the second ends of the plurality of first rigid rods 212 are respectively connected to the second side of the inner wall of the tube body 211.

[0123] The second ends of the plurality of second rigid rods 213 are respectively connected to the second side of the inner wall of the tube body 211, and the first ends of the plurality of first rigid rods 212 are respectively provided with a second gap 222 between them and the first side of the inner wall of the tube body 211;

[0124] The first rigid rod 212 and the second rigid rod 213 are arranged alternately, and there is a third gap 223 between any adjacent first rigid rod 212 and second rigid rod 213;

[0125] The first gap 221, the second gap 222, and the third gap 223 together form an air passage 202. This means that all the first gaps 221, all the second gaps 222, and all the third gaps 223 constitute this air passage 202. According to the above structural arrangement, the first gap 221, the third gap 223, and the second gap 222 are connected in sequence to form a Z-shaped structure.

[0126] The first and second sides of the inner wall of the tube 211 are opposite sides; correspondingly, the first and second ends of the rigid rod are also opposite ends. For example, see... Figure 10 If the first end of the rigid rod is the top, then the second end of the rigid rod is the bottom.

[0127] The cross-sectional shape of the tube 211 can be of various types. The cross-sectional shape of the tube 211 can be adaptively determined according to the shape and distribution of the speaker unit 1 and the sound wave control effect. For example, the tube 211 can be a rectangular tube, a circular tube, a triangular tube, etc.

[0128] Multiple first rigid rods 212 and second rigid rods 213 are distributed sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the tube body 211, and the first rigid rods 212 and second rigid rods 213 are arranged alternately, that is, a second rigid rod 213 is arranged between any two adjacent first rigid rods 212, or a first rigid rod 212 is arranged between any two adjacent second rigid rods 213.

[0129] The length L of the multiple first rigid rods 212 can be the same as the length L of the multiple second rigid rods 213, and the width W of the multiple first rigid rods 212 and the multiple second rigid rods 213 can be the same. The length direction of the rigid rod is the extension direction from the first end to the second end; the width direction of the rigid rod is the distribution direction of the multiple first rigid rods 212 and second rigid rods 213. Thus, when adjusting the structural parameters of the air channel 202, the length and / or width of the rigid rods can be adjusted, making the control method relatively simple, and the corresponding control algorithm also relatively simple.

[0130] The materials of the first rigid rod 212 and the second rigid rod 213 can be the same as or different from the material of the tube body 211. Both the first rigid rod 212 and the second rigid rod 213 can be made of hard materials, such as stainless steel, iron, aluminum, etc., as long as it can ensure that the sound waves are completely reflected.

[0131] Both the first rigid rod 212 and the second rigid rod 213 can be fixed inside the tube 211 by welding, plugging, or other methods. For example, plugging allows for the replacement of rigid rods of different lengths or widths, thereby enabling the adjustment of the structural parameters of the air channel 202 within the same tube 211. While maintaining the structure and dimensions of the tube 211, changing at least one of the number, length, or width of the first rigid rod 212 and the second rigid rod 213 can alter the sound wave propagation path, thus causing a corresponding change in the transmission phase of the sound wave through the sound channel 200.

[0132] For this type of acoustic wave control unit, the acoustic wave is incident into the air channel 202 through the first opening 203. The coiled structure of the air channel 202 causes the acoustic wave to propagate along the coiled path. In this way, the propagation path of the acoustic wave when passing through the tube 211 is increased, and the transmission phase of the acoustic wave is obtained over a larger range. It is possible to arbitrarily control the phase of the transmitted acoustic wave in the range of 0-2π.

[0133] For example, embodiments of this disclosure provide a sound field control device, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 1 As shown, the sound field control device includes: three loudspeaker units 1 and three sound-focusing arrays 2, wherein each sound-focusing array 2 includes three sound-focusing units 20, and each sound-focusing unit 20 has a sound channel 200; each sound-focusing array 2 is located at the sound wave emission area of ​​the corresponding loudspeaker unit 1, and is used to control the sound field generated by multiple loudspeaker units 1.

[0134] As attached Figure 10 As shown, the sound-focusing unit 20 is a coiled spatial structure, which includes: a pipe body 201, an air channel 202, a first opening 203 and a second opening 204. The air channel 202 is located inside the pipe body 201 and is the aforementioned sound channel 200. The first opening 203 is located on the wall of the pipe body 201 and is connected to one end of the air channel 202. The second opening 204 is connected to the other end of the air channel 202.

[0135] The pipe body 201 includes: a pipe body 211, a plurality of first rigid rods 212, and a plurality of second rigid rods 213; wherein, the first ends of the plurality of first rigid rods 212 are respectively connected to a first side of the inner wall of the pipe body 211, and the second ends of the plurality of first rigid rods 212 are respectively connected to a second side of the inner wall of the pipe body 211, and the first ends of the plurality of first rigid rods 212 are respectively connected to a second side of the inner wall of the pipe body 211, and the first ends of the plurality of first rigid rods 212 are respectively connected to a second side of the inner wall of the pipe body 211, and the first ends of the plurality of first rigid rods 212 are respectively connected to a second side of the inner wall of the pipe body 211, and the first rigid rods 212 and second rigid rods 213 are respectively connected to a third gap 223; the first gaps 221, second gaps 222, and third gaps 223 cooperate to form an air passage 202.

[0136] When a sound wave is incident into the tube 211 from left to right, the air channel 202, formed by the coiled structure of the first rigid rod 212 and the second rigid rod 213, forces the sound wave to propagate along the coiled path within it. Therefore, the effective propagation path of the sound wave through the tube 211 is increased, thereby changing the transmission phase of the sound wave. By changing at least one of the length, width, or number of the first rigid rod 212 and the second rigid rod 213, the effective propagation path of the sound wave can be changed accordingly, thereby achieving a change in the transmission phase between 0 and 2π.

[0137] Taking the combination of the three loudspeaker units 1 and the nine focusing units 20 as an example, each loudspeaker unit 1 uses a focusing array 2 composed of three focusing units 20 for focusing. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the sound wave control state of an exemplary sound field control device provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure is shown below. Figure 6 Each speaker unit 1, after being controlled by the sound-focusing array 2, forms part of the sound field arc. After the three speaker units 1 are controlled by the three sound-focusing arrays 2, the sound waves are finally focused on a region P.

[0138] This disclosure also provides a sound field control method, which is applied to any of the sound field control devices described above. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 11 The sound field control method includes:

[0139] Step 100: In response to the received sound wave control command, adjust the sound wave amplitude and phase of the multiple speaker units 1.

[0140] Step 200: The sound field generated by multiple speaker units 1 is controlled by propagating the sound waves of each speaker unit 1 through the corresponding sound focusing unit 20 of the sound focusing array 2.

[0141] The sound field control method provided in this disclosure modulates the sound field generated by multiple speaker units 1 by propagating sound waves of a specified intensity from each speaker unit 1 through the sound channel 200 of the corresponding focusing array 2. Since the input of sound waves to the speaker unit 1 is adjustable, the types of sound wave control are more diverse and richer, which helps to improve the flexibility of sound field control, for example, by flexibly changing the sound focusing point. Compared with using a single speaker unit 1, using more speaker units 1 can also effectively increase the sound radiation power, thereby effectively increasing the sound pressure level at the sound focusing point. When the sound field control device provided in this disclosure is applied to an audio terminal with multiple speaker units 1, it makes the sound field control of the audio terminal richer and more flexible, enabling the acquisition of more types of sound quality effects.

[0142] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the above-mentioned modulation of the sound field generated by the plurality of speaker units 1 includes, but is not limited to, the following: focusing the sound waves or directional transmission of the sound waves.

[0143] In some possible implementations, combining Figure 6 or Figure 7 Focusing sound waves includes:

[0144] Sound waves of a specified intensity from multiple speaker units 1 are focused onto one or more designated areas. This configuration facilitates sound focusing at one or more designated areas. For example, these designated areas may include the left ear area and the right ear area.

[0145] Furthermore, the sound field control method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure also includes: obtaining the target position.

[0146] Based on the target location, a sound wave adjustment command is sent to multiple speaker units 1. The sound wave adjustment command is used to adjust the amplitude and phase of the sound waves of the multiple speaker units 1, so that the sound waves of the multiple speaker units 1 are focused on the target location.

[0147] For example, the target position is the position of the user's face. When the user's face is facing the speaker unit 1, sound wave adjustment commands are sent to multiple speaker units 1 according to the position of the user's face to adjust the amplitude and phase of the sound waves of multiple speaker units 1 so that the sound waves of multiple speaker units 1 can be focused on the user's left ear area and right ear area.

[0148] Furthermore, the sound field control method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: adjusting the operating parameters of the sound field control device so that the sound waves from each loudspeaker unit 1 form an arc-shaped sound field after passing through the corresponding sound focusing unit 20 of the sound focusing array 2, and the multiple arc-shaped sound fields are combined and directed toward the same area in the sound field.

[0149] For example, adjusting the operating parameters of the sound field control device includes:

[0150] Adjusting at least one of the positions and sound wave amplitudes and phases of the plurality of loudspeaker units 1, and / or adjusting at least one of the positions of the sound-focusing array 2 and the structure of the sound-focusing unit 20. The structure of the sound-focusing unit 20 includes, but is not limited to, the structure of the sound channel 200.

[0151] By adjusting at least one of the positions of multiple loudspeaker units 1 and the amplitude and phase of the sound waves, and / or by adjusting at least one of the positions of the sound-focusing array 2 and the structure of the sound-focusing unit 20, it is possible to control the sound field through the sound-focusing array 2 and obtain more types of control results.

[0152] In embodiments of this disclosure, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0153] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0154] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sound field control device, characterized in that, The sound field control device includes: multiple loudspeaker units (1) and multiple sound focusing arrays (2), each of the sound focusing arrays (2) including multiple sound focusing units (20); The number of loudspeaker units (1) and the number of sound-focusing arrays (2) are the same and correspond one-to-one. The sound-focusing arrays (2) are located at the sound wave emission area of ​​the corresponding loudspeaker units (1) and are used to regulate the sound field generated by the multiple loudspeaker units (1). The sound-focusing unit (20) is an acoustic metamaterial that can modulate sound waves through different microstructures; From the center position to the surrounding position of the array composed of the multiple loudspeaker units (1), the path length of the multiple sound-focusing units (20) corresponding to the multiple sound-focusing arrays (2) decreases sequentially, so that the sound waves are focused on the specified area after passing through the multiple sound-focusing units (20).

2. The sound field control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sound-focusing unit (20) has a sound channel (200), and the path shape of the sound channel (200) of each sound-focusing unit (20) is different from each other, so that the modulation results of the amplitude and phase of the sound wave by each sound-focusing unit (20) are different from each other.

3. The sound field control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sound waves from each of the loudspeaker units (1) pass through the corresponding sound-focusing array (2) and form part of the arc-shaped sound field; When the components are combined, the sound wave is transmitted from the arc-shaped sound field toward the same region in the sound field.

4. The sound field control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlets of the multiple sound-focusing units (20) corresponding to the multiple sound-focusing arrays (2) are divided into a first outlet region and a second outlet region; When the sound wave passes through the first exit region, it is focused on the first region. The sound wave is focused in the second exit region when it passes through the second exit region.

5. The sound field control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sound-focusing unit (20) has a sound channel (200), and the sound channel (200) is provided with multiple isolation switches, which can be used to control the multiple sound channels (200) to open or close respectively.

6. The sound field control device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The sound array (2) includes: a sound maze (2a) having multiple bends in the sound channels (200); The inner wall of the sound channel (200) has a first reflective layer made of a rigid rod (21).

7. The sound field control device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The sound-focusing unit (20) includes: a plurality of pipes (2b), wherein the pipes (2b) have a bent sound channel (200) inside; The inner wall of the sound channel (200) has a second reflective layer made of a rigid rod (21).

8. The sound field control device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The multiple pipes (2b) have different lengths; And / or the interior of the plurality of pipes (2b) is filled with material.

9. A sound field control method, characterized in that, The sound field control method is applied to the sound field control device according to any one of claims 1-8, and the method includes: In response to the received acoustic wave modulation command, the acoustic wave amplitude and phase of the plurality of loudspeaker units (1) are adjusted; The sound field generated by the plurality of loudspeaker units (1) is modulated by propagating the sound waves of each loudspeaker unit (1) through the sound-focusing unit (20) of the corresponding sound-focusing array (2).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control of the sound field generated by the plurality of loudspeaker units (1) includes: focusing the sound waves or directional transmission of the sound waves.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The focusing of sound waves includes: The sound waves of the plurality of speaker units (1) are focused on a designated area or multiple different designated areas.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The different designated regions include the left ear region and the right ear region.

13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the target location; According to the target position, a sound wave adjustment command is sent to the plurality of speaker units (1). The sound wave adjustment command is used to adjust the sound wave amplitude and phase of the plurality of speaker units (1) so that the sound waves of the plurality of speaker units (1) are focused on the target position.

14. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Adjust the operating parameters of the sound field control device so that the sound waves from each loudspeaker unit (1) form an arc-shaped sound field after passing through the corresponding sound-focusing unit (20) of the sound-focusing array (2), and the multiple arc-shaped sound fields are combined and directed toward the same area in the sound field.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The operating parameters of the sound field control device include: Adjust at least one of the position and sound wave amplitude and phase of the plurality of loudspeaker units (1), and / or adjust at least one of the position of the sound-focusing array (2) and the structure of the sound-focusing unit (20).

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