Directional Sound Emission Using Speaker Array Position Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing directional sound technologies, such as sound focusing speakers and ultrasonic-based solutions, face limitations in sound isolation, cost, size, and usability, particularly for personal use and near-field applications, with sound concentrators being bulky and ultrasonic systems being costly and limited in range.

Innovation Solution

A directional sound emission method and device that uses a processor to obtain position information of a target object and configure sound emission parameters for a speaker array to directionally transmit sound, adjusting parameters based on the object's position, movement, and environmental conditions, achieving a more effective and cost-efficient directional sound effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sound focusing speakers use sound concentrators, then directional sound effect is improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional sound effectVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the sound emission task into multiple independent speaker units arranged in an array. Each speaker can be controlled independently to emit sound waves with specific phases and amplitudes, collectively achieving directional sound focusing without requiring a bulky physical sound concentrator structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical sound concentrator structure with an electronic control system that uses phase and amplitude modulation of sound waves from multiple speakers. This substitutes physical acoustic structures with electronic signal processing to achieve the same directional sound effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If ultrasonic-based directional sound solutions are used, then sound isolation is improved, but cost and range limitations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound isolationVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the frequency parameter from ultrasonic to audible frequency range, making the technology more accessible and cost-effective while maintaining directional sound capabilities through phase and amplitude control of multiple speakers in the array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses standard audible frequency speakers instead of expensive ultrasonic transducers. These conventional speakers are more widely available, cheaper to manufacture, and easier to integrate, making the directional sound system more cost-effective despite being in the audible frequency range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If fixed sound emission parameters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different positions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter configurationVSAvoidposition adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic sound emission parameters that automatically adjust based on the detected position of the target object. The processor continuously monitors object position and real-time adjusts the phase and amplitude of each speaker in the array, enabling the directional sound beam to track and follow the moving target.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses position detection feedback to continuously monitor the target object's location and adjusts sound emission parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the directional sound effect remains focused on the target even as it moves, maintaining adaptability without requiring manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach provides a cost-effective, compact, and suitable solution for individual users by dynamically adjusting sound emission parameters to achieve a directional sound effect that tracks the user's position, similar to a virtual headset, with improved low-frequency performance and broader application scenarios compared to existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

directionally transmit the target sound to the target object based on the sound emission parameters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS20240223986A1Directional sound emission method, device and apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.07.04 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD

AI summary

A directional sound emission method including: obtaining position information of a target object which is an object that receives a target sound output by a directional sound emission device; and configuring sound emission parameters of a sound emission component of the directional sound emission device based on the position information, to directionally transmit the target sound to the target object based on the sound emission parameters. The corresponding sound emission parameters when the target object is located in different positions relative to the directional sound emission device are different.