Acoustic Simulation Using Evolutionary Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic simulation tools lack the ability to provide optimal speaker configurations in terms of location and parameter settings for achieving desired sound pressure distributions in complex 3D spaces, especially when considering the acoustic properties of objects within the space, making it difficult to manage sound levels and create silent zones effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented acoustic simulation method using a differential evolutionary algorithm to generate speaker set-ups that produce a desired sound pressure distribution by optimizing speaker locations, phase delays, and amplitudes within a virtual 3D space, allowing for intuitive modeling and configuration of acoustic systems in arbitrary venues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional simulation tools are used to visualize a particular speaker configuration, then the sound engineer can see the configuration, but the tool cannot provide optimal speaker configuration suggestions or shape the acoustic characteristics of the 3D venue space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical venue space including 3D models of walls, objects, and acoustic properties. This virtual replica allows the system to simulate and optimize acoustic configurations without requiring physical prototypes or complex real-world measurements, resolving the contradiction by providing full acoustic control through digital modeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of acoustic parameters such as sound absorption coefficients, reflection properties, and speaker positions within the virtual 3D space. By changing these parameters digitally, the system can shape acoustic characteristics and optimize sound distribution without physical modifications to the actual venue.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sound pressure distribution is precisely controlled in a 3D space populated with objects, then the desired acoustic effect is achieved, but precise knowledge of acoustic properties of objects and precise control of sound from each source is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system digitally replicates the venue space and all objects within it, assigning acoustic properties to each virtual object. This virtual copying allows precise control and measurement of sound pressure distribution without requiring complex physical measurements or modifications to the actual objects in the venue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical acoustic measurement and adjustment systems with computational acoustic simulation. Instead of physically measuring sound pressure at various points and manually adjusting speaker positions, the system uses computer algorithms to calculate and optimize the acoustic field in the virtual 3D space.
3Reliability
If multiple speakers are positioned and configured within constraints of a particular 3D space to achieve desired sound quality, then the acoustic performance is optimized, but the configuration process is complex and requires expert knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic optimization of speaker configurations through computational algorithms. The simulation software independently calculates optimal speaker positions, orientations, and acoustic parameters based on the virtual venue model, eliminating the need for expert sound engineers to manually configure each speaker while still achieving high acoustic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated adjustment of multiple acoustic parameters including speaker positions, orientations, and acoustic properties simultaneously. By digitally changing these parameters and evaluating their impact on sound pressure distribution, the system finds optimal configurations that would be difficult to achieve through manual adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The simulated speaker settings are generated such that said speakers produce a desired sound pressure distribution in an acoustical space of a venue. The method includes the steps of: providing an at least partially bounded virtual space on a graphical display, wherein at least part of said virtual space substantially matches the acoustic space of said venue; determining one or more sound spots by selecting one or more volumes in said virtual space and assigning said one or more sound pressure values to said volumes; determining at least part of said target speaker settings by executing an evolutionary algorithm, comprising: generating a population of speaker settings, preferably said speaker settings including at least one of: speaker location information, speaker phase delay information and/or speaker amplitude information; and, optimizing said population of speaker settings on the basis of said one or more sound pressure values associated with one or more sound spots.