Close-Proximity Transducers for Dynamic Crosstalk Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reproducing 3D audio fail to provide a consistent and realistic experience due to crosstalk issues, limiting listener movement and requiring a single 'sweet spot' for optimal sound localization, especially in large environments like movie theaters.
Innovation Solution
The use of close-proximity-transducers (CPTs) worn by listeners, which generate synchronized crosstalk-canceled sound signals, allowing for multiple localized zones and enabling continuous position tracking to adjust sound waves accordingly, thereby allowing listeners to experience 3D audio from various locations without being stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional stereo transducers are used for 3D audio playback, then the system is simple and widely compatible, but crosstalk occurs and 3D sound localization is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces close-proximity transducers (CPTs) as intermediary devices worn by listeners to generate crosstalk-canceled sound signals. These CPTs act as mediators between the main transducers and the listener's ears, creating localized zones of accurate 3D sound reproduction without requiring complex modifications to the entire audio system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the audio reproduction system into main transducers for general sound output and individual close-proximity transducers for each listener. This segmentation allows the complex crosstalk cancellation function to be distributed to individual wearable devices rather than requiring a complex centralized system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If crosstalk cancellation is implemented for a single listener position, then 3D sound accuracy is improved at that position, but the listener cannot move freely and multiple positions are not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic position tracking of listeners and dynamically adjusts the crosstalk cancellation parameters accordingly. The system continuously monitors listener position and updates the CPT output signals in real-time, allowing accurate 3D sound reproduction across multiple positions rather than being fixed to a single sweet spot.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system monitors listener position and uses this information to adjust the crosstalk cancellation signals. This closed-loop control enables the system to maintain 3D sound accuracy as listeners move throughout the listening environment.
3Measurement precision
If room reflections are reduced to improve crosstalk cancellation, then 3D sound accuracy improves, but the room requires broadband absorbers or narrow dispersion speakers which are impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of room reflections into a manageable problem by using active crosstalk cancellation through CPTs. Rather than trying to eliminate reflections passively with absorbers, the system generates counteracting sound signals through the wearable transducers, effectively canceling out the harmful reflections and enabling accurate 3D sound reproduction in ordinary rooms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of crosstalk cancelled zone creation in audio playback comprising: main transducers emitting stereo soundwaves of an audio playback; a local system comprising at least two or more close-proximity-transducers (CPTs), each is arranged proximal to one of left and right-side ear canals of a listener. Each of the CPTs comprises: a position tracking device for tracking the relative positions of the main transducers to the CPT and the other CPTs; a control unit for receiving the relative position data from the position tracking device and generating control signal according to the relative position data for the generation of crosstalk cancellation (XTC) soundwaves. Each of the CPTs is configured to generate XTC soundwaves corresponding to the stereo soundwaves arriving at the corresponding ear of the listener. The generated XTC soundwaves are synchronized with the audio playback and with respect to the relative positions.