Array Speaker Beam Control Using Room Shape Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
General users face difficulties in setting the beam directions of audio signals for multi-channel audio reproduction using array speakers, as existing systems require complex settings that are not easily manageable for non-technical users, especially when the room shape deviates from ideal configurations.
Innovation Solution
An audio reproduction apparatus and method that includes an array speaker with multiple units, a signal processing unit for timing control, and an input system for room shape data, allowing users to easily set beam directions by inputting the room's outline shape and automatically determining the necessary timing control data for forming beams in desired directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If users manually set beam directions for multi-channel audio reproduction in non-ideal room shapes, then audio beam formation accuracy is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio reproduction apparatus automatically detects room shape characteristics and autonomously determines optimal beam directions for each audio channel, eliminating the need for manual user configuration. The system serves itself by using its own sensing capabilities to gather room information and process it into actionable beam formation parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary room shape detection and analysis before audio reproduction begins, pre-calculating the optimal beam directions based on detected room characteristics. This preliminary action prepares the system in advance, so when audio reproduction starts, the beams are already correctly oriented without requiring real-time manual adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex setting operations are required for beam direction control, then audio reproduction quality is improved, but user accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs self-configuration by automatically detecting room shape and determining beam directions, eliminating the need for users to perform complex setting operations. The system uses its own sensing and processing capabilities to achieve optimal audio reproduction quality without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts beam direction parameters based on detected room shape characteristics, automatically optimizing audio reproduction quality for different room configurations without requiring users to understand or configure complex parameters manually.
3Ease of operation
If automatic beam direction determination is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio reproduction apparatus integrates multiple functions including room shape detection, beam direction calculation, and audio signal processing into a single unified system. The sensing unit and control unit work together to perform both detection and control functions, reducing the need for separate external devices and minimizing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives raw detection data from the sensing unit, processes it to determine room shape characteristics, and automatically generates appropriate beam direction commands. This intermediary processing layer simplifies the interface between sensing and actuation, making the automatic determination process more manageable despite the increased functionality.
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
Enables users to reproduce multi-channel audio effectively without complex settings, as the system automatically adjusts beam directions based on the room's shape, ensuring optimal audio distribution without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
Implementation Method 1
one and the same audio signal is input into the respective speaker units simultaneously or with timing varied little by little, so that this audio signal can be output like beams based on the principle of superposition
Implementation Method 2
a front left channel FL and a front right channel FR are reflected once by side walls respectively and then arrive at the listener
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an audio reproduction apparatus in which a general user inputs simple and easy settings so that audio beams of respective channels can be set. When an array speaker is installed in a room, the user inputs the shape of the room into the audio reproduction apparatus. Based on the shape of the room, the audio reproduction apparatus determines a beam control pattern indicating which directions audio signals of the channels should be formed respectively. The audio reproduction apparatus reads beam control data including delay times for forming the beams in the directions from a pattern memory, and automatically sets the beam control data in a DSP. Thus, only when the user inputs the shape of the room, the beams are controlled with a beam control pattern suitable to the room so that multi-channel audio can be reproduced optimally.