Decoder Box Loudspeaker Arrangement for Acoustic Spatialization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The random positioning of decoder boxes relative to users and their limited size hinder the acoustic performance and sound spatialization effects, as they are typically placed near televisions, limiting the effectiveness of sound reproduction, especially in low-frequency components.

Innovation Solution

The decoder box design positions the main circuit board and second speaker to reduce its height, allowing it to be placed in front of the television, with large first speakers facing outward and a dedicated second speaker for low frequencies, maintaining a substantial internal volume and optimal speaker spacing, and incorporating specific structural features for improved airflow and reduced interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the decoder box is positioned close to the television, then it can be easily installed, but the acoustic performance and sound spatialization effects are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidacoustic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the decoder box from a horizontal placement next to the television to a vertical placement in front of the television. This dimensional change allows the box to face the user directly, improving sound spatialization effects and acoustic performance while maintaining easy installation near the television.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the height of the decoder box is reduced for easy installation, then it can be positioned in front of the television, but the internal volume and acoustic performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidinternal volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent compensates for reduced height by optimizing the horizontal dimensions and internal space utilization. The main circuit board and second speaker are positioned to maximize the use of available horizontal space, ensuring sufficient internal volume for acoustic performance despite the reduced vertical dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimensional parameters of the decoder box, specifically reducing height while adjusting length and width to maintain adequate internal volume. The speaker dimensions and spacing are also optimized to achieve good acoustic performance within the constrained height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If large first speakers are used to improve low-frequency reproduction, then the frequency range for spatialization can be increased, but the device height increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow-frequency reproductionVSAvoidheight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the parameters of the first speakers, specifically their diameter and spacing, to achieve good low-frequency reproduction within a constrained height. The diameter of the first speakers is set to at least 27mm, and they are positioned with specific spacing to maximize low-frequency response without increasing overall height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the spacing between first speakers is increased to improve spatialization, then sound spatialization effects are enhanced, but the device width increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound spatializationVSAvoidwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the spacing between first speakers to achieve good spatialization effects within a compact width. The spacing is carefully controlled to maximize the spatialization effect while keeping the overall device dimensions suitable for placement in front of a television.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration enhances sound spatialization effects, improves low-frequency reproduction, and maintains acoustic performance despite reduced height, ensuring clear and immersive audio reproduction without degrading spatialization.

Implementation Method 1

un second loudspeaker (22), unconnected to the first loudspeakers, integrated into the acoustic box and dedicated to the reproduction of low-frequency sound components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

for each first loudspeaker, a ratio between a distance between centers of the membranes of the first loudspeakers, and a height of the acoustic box, being greater than 5

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP4451700B1Reduced height set top box
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS
  • EP4451700B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4451700B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4451700B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Decoder box (1), incorporating an enclosure comprising an acoustic box (10) in which are integrated at least two first loudspeakers (21b, 21c) and a second loudspeaker (22), the first two loudspeakers (21b, 21c) being positioned at the front and on each side of the acoustic box, a central axis (X2) of a diaphragm (24) of the second loudspeaker (22) being a vertical axis, the decoder box further comprising a main electronic board (8) including a decoding module and an audio module, the second loudspeaker (22) and the main electronic board (8) being positioned next to each other and extending successively along a length (L') of the decoder box (1) which is perpendicular to a front-rear axis of the acoustic box.