Acoustic Field Control via Transducer Array Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio devices face issues with acoustic signal transmission, leading to unwanted noise and echo in near-end acoustic environments, which can disrupt communication and limit device usability.
Innovation Solution
An array of audio transducers generates an acoustic interference pattern to constrain acoustic energy in specific regions, allowing targeted delivery of the acoustic signal to intended listeners while suppressing echo paths, with dynamic adjustments based on listener direction for enhanced listening quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acoustic waves are transmitted throughout the near-end acoustic environment, then the intended listener can receive the acoustic signal, but other people may also hear the signal and acoustic echo may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatially differentiated acoustic zones using an array of transducers. Each transducer element is controlled to produce specific acoustic fields in different spatial regions, allowing the system to deliver sound selectively to the intended listener while creating acoustic nulls or low-energy zones in other directions. This spatial selectivity resolves the contradiction by making the acoustic field's energy distribution non-uniform across space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the acoustic field into multiple independent controllable zones using an array of transducers. By dividing the acoustic environment into distinct spatial regions and independently controlling the acoustic energy in each region, the system can direct sound to the intended listener while suppressing echo paths and preventing unwanted hearing in other segments of the acoustic space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If signal modifications are applied to constrain acoustic energy in specific regions, then echo and unwanted noise are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical acoustic isolation structures with electronic signal processing. Instead of using physical barriers or mechanical systems to control acoustic energy distribution, the system uses digital signal modification techniques applied to each transducer element. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving the same acoustic control objectives of suppressing echo and constraining acoustic energy in specific regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the amplitude, phase, and frequency characteristics of signals sent to individual transducer elements. These parameter modifications enable real-time control of the acoustic field's spatial distribution, allowing the system to adapt to changing acoustic environments and listener positions while maintaining echo suppression and selective signal delivery.
3Reliability
If the acoustic field is dynamically adjusted in real-time, then the listening experience is enhanced, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal signal modification parameters for different acoustic scenarios and listener positions. When a listener's position is detected or a new acoustic scenario arises, the system retrieves pre-computed parameters rather than performing full real-time optimization. This approach maintains high listening quality through dynamic adaptation while significantly reducing the computational time and processing resources required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively limits unwanted acoustic energy in undesired regions, reduces echo, and enhances the listening experience for intended listeners by dynamically optimizing the acoustic field in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
an array of audio transducers which generate a plurality of acoustic waves forming an acoustic interference pattern
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology provides a sophisticated level of control of the spatial pattern of an acoustic field which can overcome or substantially alleviate problems associated with transmitting an acoustic signal within the near-end acoustic environment. The spatial pattern is produced by utilizing an array of audio transducers which generate a plurality of acoustic waves forming an acoustic interference pattern, such that the resultant acoustic energy is constrained (e.g. limited to an acoustic energy level at or below a predetermined threshold level) in one or more regions of the spatial pattern. In doing so, listeners in these region(s) may not receive sufficient acoustic energy to hear the associated acoustic signal, while listeners in other regions can. Similarly, these techniques can suppress echo paths within those region(s).