Audio System Configurable Zones Beam Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speaker array systems require manual reconfiguration whenever changes occur in the listening environment, such as adding or moving speaker arrays, or changing audio sources, and are limited to playing a single piece of sound program content.
Innovation Solution
An audio system that automatically adjusts beam pattern attributes based on the positions of speaker arrays, audio sources, users, and zones within the listening area, allowing for dynamic generation and direction of audio beams to accurately represent multiple channels of sound program content in separate zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration is used for speaker arrays, then system setup is simple and direct, but the system requires continuous manual intervention when changes occur in the listening environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects changes in the listening environment (speaker array positions, audio source locations, user positions) and autonomously updates beam pattern attributes without requiring manual reconfiguration. The processor continuously monitors environment parameters and self-adjusts the audio beam formation based on detected changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by detecting environment parameters (speaker positions, audio sources, users) and using this information to dynamically adjust beam pattern attributes. The processor receives feedback about environmental changes and automatically reconfigures the audio beams accordingly.
2Device complexity
If a single set of speaker arrays is used, then the system is simpler to manage, but it is limited to playback of a single piece of sound program content
Solution Approach 1:
A single set of speaker arrays is configured to perform multiple functions by generating separate audio beams for different pieces of sound program content simultaneously. The system directs different audio content to different zones within the listening area, allowing one speaker array system to serve multiple audio sources and content types.
Solution Approach 2:
The listening area is divided into multiple zones, each associated with different audio content. The speaker arrays generate directed audio beams that segment the sound delivery to specific zones, allowing different pieces of sound program content to be played in different areas simultaneously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If beam pattern attributes are fixed, then the audio system is stable and predictable, but it cannot adapt to changes in the listening environment
Solution Approach 1:
The beam pattern attributes are made dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously monitors environment parameters (speaker positions, audio sources, user positions) and automatically updates beam pattern attributes in response to detected changes, allowing the audio system to adapt while maintaining stable performance during unchanged conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio system is described that includes one or more speaker arrays that emit sound corresponding to one or more pieces of sound program content into associated zones within a listening area. Using parameters of the audio system (e.g., locations of the speaker arrays and the audio sources), the zones, the users, the pieces of sound program content, and the listening area, one or more beam pattern attributes may be generated. The beam pattern attributes define a set of beams that are used to generate audio beams for channels of sound program content to be played in each zone. The beam pattern attributes may be updated as changes are detected within the listening environment. By adapting to these changing conditions, the audio system is capable of reproducing sound that accurately represents each piece of sound program content in various zones.