Audio Transducer Rows Above and Below a Display for Sound Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio reproduction systems struggle to accurately localize sounds in proximity to visual cues, requiring a fixed listener position for optimal performance and failing to recreate a true sense of realism.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with vertically disposed rows of audio transducers above and below a video display, using weight factors to position audio signals based on visual cues, allowing for column snapping and interpolation to enhance spatial resolution and localization of sound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional surround sound systems use multiple presentation channels with symmetrical loudspeaker arrangement, then audio coverage and immersion are improved, but sound localization accuracy and realism deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the audio presentation into multiple independent channels corresponding to different spatial locations. Each channel is associated with a specific visual cue location on the display, allowing precise localization of sound to match visual sources. This segmentation enables accurate sound placement while maintaining comprehensive audio coverage through multiple spatial channels.
2Measurement precision
If conventional audio systems require fixed listener position for optimal performance, then sound localization is improved, but adaptability to different listening positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts audio presentation based on the listener's position and the spatial relationship between audio sources and visual cues. By using multiple channels with independent spatial control, the system can maintain accurate sound localization regardless of whether the listener is positioned centrally or at peripheral locations, eliminating the need for a fixed 'sweet spot' while preserving localization precision.
3Measurement precision
If more presentation channels are used to improve sound localization, then spatial resolution is improved, but time and cost penalties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-channel audio presentation architecture where each channel serves multiple functions: it provides spatial localization, corresponds to a specific visual cue location, and can be independently controlled for panasonic effects. This universal design allows high spatial resolution without requiring proportionally more channels than traditional systems, as each channel performs multiple spatial and temporal functions simultaneously.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional systems reproduce sound from fixed speaker locations, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but realism and natural hearing experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual audio sources that copy the spatial characteristics of real sound sources. By mapping audio channels to specific visual cue locations on the display, the system reproduces the natural association between visual and auditory sources, making the sound appear to emanate from the correct location in the virtual sound field rather than from fixed physical speaker positions.
Data Source
AI summary
Audio perception in local proximity to visual cues is provided. A device includes a video display, first row of audio transducers, and second row of audio transducers. The first and second rows can be vertically disposed above and below the video display. An audio transducer of the first row and an audio transducer of the second row form a column to produce, in concert, an audible signal. The perceived emanation of the audible signal is from a plane of the video display (e.g., a location of a visual cue) by weighing outputs of the audio transducers of the column. In certain embodiments, the audio transducers are spaced farther apart at a periphery for increased fidelity in a center portion of the plane and less fidelity at the periphery.