Adaptive Loudspeaker Arrays with DSP Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sound systems for live concerts require labor-intensive setup and calibration of loudspeaker arrays, which can result in non-ideal coverage or incomplete audience coverage due to incorrect angle settings and trim heights, especially in varying venue configurations.

Innovation Solution

Adaptive loudspeakers with individually powered and controlled ultra-low frequency transducers, digital signal processing, and a control system that calculates and adjusts acoustic lobe formation parameters for precise directional control, along with proximity sensors and tilt sensors for automated configuration and self-testing, enable efficient and accurate sound distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual setup and calibration of loudspeaker arrays is performed, then coverage can be adjusted to venue configuration, but setup time and labor requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage adjustmentVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically measuring acoustic parameters and adjusting loudspeaker array configurations without requiring manual intervention. The control system autonomously optimizes coverage patterns based on venue characteristics, eliminating the need for manual setup while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures loudspeaker arrays with standardized mounting mechanisms and automated calibration routines before deployment. Venue-specific adjustments are made automatically upon installation, preparing the system for optimal performance before the actual event begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automated control system is implemented, then setup time is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup speedVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with automated electronic control systems that use sensors, processors, and actuators to adjust loudspeaker configurations. This substitution reduces setup time while the modular architecture manages complexity through standardized interfaces and protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise angle settings are made manually, then coverage accuracy improves, but calibration labor and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage accuracyVSAvoidcalibration effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses acoustic sensors and measurement microphones to capture real-time feedback on sound distribution and coverage patterns. The control processor analyzes this feedback and automatically adjusts loudspeaker angles and positions to optimize coverage accuracy, eliminating manual calibration while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual angle measurement and adjustment tools are replaced with electronic sensors and motorized positioning mechanisms. The system automatically measures and adjusts loudspeaker orientations with high precision, reducing calibration effort while maintaining accurate coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9661418B2Method and system for large scale audio system

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 EAW NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

Audio loudspeaker 300 can be arranged in various vertical arrays, such as 302. Each loudspeaker 300 is identical in construction and includes a housing 310 generally in the shape of a rectangular cuboid. A pair of ultra low-frequency transducers 300 are positioned in the housing 310. Each of the ultra low-frequency transducers is individually powered and controlled by a separate DSP channel, thereby to directionally steer the transducer output.