Digital Speaker Bus Architecture for Multi-Channel Audio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio systems with multiple speakers require complex wiring and central control systems to manage different spectral and spatial audio characteristics, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity, particularly in applications like automobiles where speaker size and placement are limited.
Innovation Solution
A digital audio system with embedded acoustic transducers and controllers that use a communication bus and power bus to simplify connections and control, allowing for efficient operation of multiple audio devices with unique identification codes and control signals, enabling flexible audio stream management and noise cancellation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple speakers are used to provide spectral and spatial audio characteristics, then audio quality is improved, but wiring complexity and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and data communication into a single USB connection between the audio source and each speaker unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate power wiring and control wiring, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining the ability to operate multiple speakers with different audio characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB connection serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power delivery to the speaker units, transmits digital audio data, and enables bidirectional communication for control signals. This multi-functionality reduces the number of connections needed while maintaining full control over multiple speakers.
2Reliability
If multiple speakers with different spectral characteristics are used, then audio performance is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments audio processing by allowing each speaker unit to independently receive and process digital audio data. Each speaker can be individually controlled through the USB connection, enabling different spectral and spatial characteristics without requiring a complex centralized control system. The segmentation of control functions reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB connection enables bidirectional communication, allowing speaker units to send status information and receive control signals. This feedback mechanism simplifies control by allowing the system to automatically manage speaker operations, reducing the need for complex manual control systems while maintaining audio performance.
3Reliability
If traditional speaker connections are used, then audio signal transmission is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and data transmission into a single USB connection, allowing efficient power management. The USB power delivery protocol enables optimized power distribution to each speaker unit based on actual needs, reducing overall power consumption compared to traditional systems that require separate power amplifiers and wiring for each speaker.
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 solution reduces wiring complexity, allows for precise control of audio characteristics, and provides a more efficient means of connecting and operating multiple audio devices, enhancing audio experiences in various environments while minimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the acoustic transducer includes a membrane and an acoustic modulator
Data Source
AI summary
An audio system includes at least one sound generation device having at least an acoustic transducer; and an electronic integrated circuit. A communication bus is connected to the at least one sound generation device and is configured to communicate a digital signal comprised of one or more audio streams and control signals. A power bus is connected to the at least one sound generation device. The acoustic transducer includes at least one of the following groups: a membrane and an acoustic modulator; or a membrane, acoustic resonator, and acoustic coupler. The electronic integrated circuit is constructed and arranged to receive the digital signal and generate an analog electric signal to operate the acoustic transducer to generate an audio signal in accordance with the control signal.