BMR Loudspeaker Down-Fire Dispersion for Office Noise Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Open space noise, particularly speech noise, significantly disrupts productivity and privacy in office environments, with existing noise-reducing methods failing to effectively address speech intelligibility and spatial uniformity issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sound masking system utilizing balanced-mode radiator (BMR) loudspeakers in a down-fire configuration, which provides wider high-frequency dispersion and greater low-frequency sensitivity, ensuring better spatial uniformity and reducing the need for separate tweeters and woofers, thereby enhancing speech masking and acoustical comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional noise reduction measures (ceiling tiles, carpeting, screens) are used, then noise levels decrease, but speech intelligibility remains unaffected or increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies sound masking technology that introduces carefully designed acoustic noise to mask speech intelligibility. Rather than simply reducing all noise, the system converts the harmful effect of speech intelligibility into a beneficial masking effect by adding background sound that raises the threshold for detecting speech, thereby protecting privacy while maintaining natural acoustic conditions
2Loss of information
If distributed loudspeakers are used to improve speech masking, then speech privacy increases, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs balanced-mode radiator loudspeakers that serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide omnidirectional sound distribution for speech masking, deliver wide frequency response coverage, and create uniform spatial distribution. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate tweeters and woofers, as the BMR technology inherently provides both high-frequency dispersion and low-frequency sensitivity from a single device type
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional loudspeakers are used, then system cost is lower, but high-frequency spatial uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the loudspeaker system by adopting balanced-mode radiator technology. This parameter change enables omnidirectional radiation patterns and wide frequency response characteristics that conventional loudspeakers cannot achieve. The BMR loudspeakers operate at different frequency ranges and radiation patterns compared to conventional speakers, providing superior high-frequency spatial uniformity throughout the office space
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 BMR loudspeaker system achieves improved spatial uniformity and reduced system costs by providing wider high-frequency dispersion and higher mid-frequency sensitivity, effectively masking speech noise and enhancing subjective realism of nature sounds, while requiring fewer speakers to achieve the same sound pressure level.
Implementation Method 1
outputting a speaker sound in a down-fire direction from a plurality of balanced-mode radiator loudspeakers
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for addressing open space noise are disclosed. In one example, a system and method for masking open space noise includes outputting a noise masking sound from a plurality of balanced mode radiator loudspeakers distributed in a down-fire direction above an open space.