Audio Device with Dual Transducers for Dynamic Sound Source Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable audio devices face challenges in optimizing sound performance to provide an enhanced experience for the wearer and individuals nearby, as existing technologies struggle to effectively control sound levels and locations of dominant sound sources in the near and far fields.
Innovation Solution
An audio device with two spaced acoustic transducers and a controller that adjusts the relative phases and amplitudes of the transducers to change the location of the dominant sound source, operating in different modes to optimize sound radiation patterns for both the wearer and individuals in the far field, utilizing an acoustic waveguide and resonant elements to achieve isotropic directivity and increased sound pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If acoustic transducers are used to provide near-field sound to the wearer, then the wearer experiences improved sound delivery, but sound spillage occurs and far-field listeners cannot effectively hear the audio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the audio device to switch between different operational modes (first mode for near-field wear, second mode for far-field communication) based on detected usage conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts transducer operation to provide appropriate sound delivery for each scenario, resolving the contradiction between private wear experience and far-field audibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes acoustic parameters (phase relationships, amplitude distributions) of the transducers to shift the dominant sound source location between near-field and far-field regions. By adjusting these parameters, the system can direct sound energy to the appropriate listener group, eliminating unwanted sound spillage while maintaining desired delivery characteristics
2Power
If the dominant sound source location is changed in the far field, then far-field sound pressure level increases by up to 12 dB, but the device complexity increases due to controller requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions using the same hardware resources: it processes audio signals for both near-field and far-field modes, detects usage conditions, adjusts transducer parameters, and switches operational modes. This multi-functionality achieves high far-field sound pressure levels without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from usage condition detection to automatically adjust transducer operation. The controller monitors the situation (wear mode vs. communication mode) and automatically optimizes acoustic parameters, reducing the need for complex manual controls while achieving high far-field sound pressure levels
3Ease of operation
If transducers operate in a first mode for near-field sound, then the wearer experiences optimal audio, but far-field sound pressure level is insufficient for effective communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between operational modes based on detected usage conditions. When far-field communication is needed, the controller transitions to the second mode that optimizes for far-field sound pressure level, providing effective communication while maintaining the ability to return to wear-optimized mode when needed
4Adaptability or versatility
If the audio device provides sound for both near-field and far-field listeners, then versatility is improved, but unwanted sound spillage to unintended listeners increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic mode switching to provide versatility while controlling sound spillage. By detecting the usage scenario and switching between near-field optimized and far-field optimized modes, the device can adapt to different listener configurations and minimize sound spillage to unintended listeners in each scenario
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
The solution enables improved sound performance by shifting the apparent sound source location and increasing sound pressure levels in the far field by up to 12 dB, providing better speech intelligibility and reducing unwanted sound spillage, while maintaining a private sound experience for the wearer.
Implementation Method 1
two spaced acoustic transducers carried by the structure
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic waveguide with first and second ends and a middle opening located approximately equidistantly from the ends
Implementation Method 3
a resonant element such as a passive radiator or a second waveguide coupled to the middle opening
Implementation Method 4
The controller may be adapted to change one or more of the amplitude and relative phases of the two transducers
Data Source
AI summary
An audio device with a structure such as an acoustic waveguide, and first and second spaced acoustic transducers that are carried by the structure. A controller is adapted to change the location of the dominant sound source produced by the transducers together in the far field. The device can also be used in a method of facilitating speech communication between two people who speak different languages.