Audio Device Valve Doors for Dynamic Sound Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speakers are limited in their ability to direct audio output to specific locations, restricting the area in which a user can move before losing audio without repositioning the speaker or configuring multiple speakers for different locations.
Innovation Solution
An audio device with multiple speakers, microphones, and a depth camera assembly, along with valve doors between chambers, allows the controller to dynamically steer audio output by altering airflow between speakers and the subwoofer, directing sound to a specific location within a local area and optimizing bass performance based on content metadata.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If speakers are configured to output audio to a specific location, then audio quality at that location is improved, but the area in which a user can move before losing audio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the audio output direction changeable through valve door actuation. The system dynamically adjusts airflow paths between chambers based on detected user position, allowing the audio direction to adapt rather than remain fixed. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both precise directional control and adaptability to user movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters (airflow configuration) by opening or closing valve doors to alter chamber connectivity. This parameter change enables the audio output characteristics to be adjusted based on user position, maintaining audio quality while expanding the effective listening area through dynamic reconfiguration.
2Manufacturing precision
If valve doors are opened to allow airflow between chambers, then bass performance is improved, but the ability to direct audio to specific locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts valve door positions based on the type of audio content being played. For bass-heavy content, valve doors open to connect chambers and improve bass response. For directional audio content, valve doors close to maintain precise audio directionality. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing both modes of operation as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the airflow configuration parameter by actuating valve doors based on content metadata analysis. When low-frequency content is detected, the system opens valve doors to create connected chambers for enhanced bass. When directional precision is needed, it closes valve doors to isolate chambers. This parameter switching resolves the contradiction between bass performance and audio directionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple speakers are used to cover different locations, then user movement area is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the audio device into multiple independent chambers, each containing a speaker. This segmentation allows each speaker to be controlled independently while maintaining physical separation, enabling directional audio output without requiring multiple separate devices. The segmented chamber structure provides both coverage area and directional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single audio device with switchable chamber configurations. Instead of requiring multiple separate speakers for different locations, one device can dynamically reconfigure its airflow paths to direct audio to various locations. This universal design reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability to user movement.
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 audio output to be dynamically directed to a moving object within a local area, improving audio quality and bass performance by adjusting airflow configurations based on content characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
Opening a valve door of a boundary separating a chamber from an adjacent chamber creates an air pathway between adjacent chambers including speakers, while closing the valve door of the boundary removes air pathways between adjacent chambers including speakers.
Implementation Method 2
the controller performs beam steering on audio output by the speakers to direct the audio output to the identified object, while attenuating the audio output directed to other locations in the local area
Implementation Method 3
The subwoofer outputs audio having frequencies less than 200 Hertz, also referred to herein as 'low frequencies.'
Data Source
AI summary
An audio device includes a speaker array and a controller for beam-steering audio output by the speaker array to localize sound in different locations in a local area around the audio device. The audio device also includes a microphone array or a set of cameras configured to detect an object, such as a human, in the local area around the audio device. Additionally, the audio device includes a subwoofer for outputting low frequencies. Different speakers are included in different chambers, with the subwoofer also included in a chamber. The audio device opens or closes valve doors separating adjacent chambers to alter audio output. Opening the valve doors allows the audio device to better output low frequencies, while closing the valve door allows the audio device to direct audio output by the speakers to locations in the local area.