Directional Speaker Layout for Listener-Tracked Retail Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional directional audio systems are ineffective in large retail spaces as they fail to draw attention to specific products due to limited sound reach, making them less effective as advertisement media.
Innovation Solution
A sound reproducing apparatus comprising multiple directional speakers controlled by a processor that determines the position of a person using sensing information from human-detection sensors and image recognition, adjusting output levels to ensure clear sound delivery from the closest speaker to the listener, thereby effectively targeting individuals in large spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single directional speaker is used to provide sound in a limited area, then the sound can be directed to a specific person, but the sound reach is limited and cannot effectively cover large retail spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large retail space into multiple zones, each covered by a directional speaker. Instead of using one speaker to cover the entire area, multiple speakers are strategically positioned throughout the space, each responsible for a specific zone. This segmentation allows the sound to reach throughout the large space while maintaining directional control for targeted advertising.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point sound source to a distributed network of sound sources arranged in three-dimensional space. By positioning multiple directional speakers at different locations and heights, the system creates a spatial audio field that can cover large areas while maintaining precise directional control through coordinate-based positioning.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple directional speakers are deployed to cover large spaces, then the sound reach is improved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for position determination and output level control
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the listener's position using sensors and cameras, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust which speakers are active and at what output levels. The processor receives real-time position information and automatically controls the speaker output, creating a closed-loop system that simplifies operation despite the complexity of multiple speakers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines listener position and adjusts speaker output levels without requiring manual intervention. The sensors and processor work autonomously to identify the listener's location and calculate the appropriate output levels for each speaker, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration and control.
3Measurement precision
If the output levels of multiple directional speakers are adjusted based on listener position, then clear sound delivery is achieved, but the measurement precision requirements for position detection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple detection methods including human-detection sensors and image recognition cameras to determine listener position. By merging these different detection technologies, the system achieves accurate position detection through data fusion, where the strengths of each method compensate for the limitations of the others, reducing the difficulty of precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives raw detection data from multiple sensors and cameras, processes this information to determine listener position, and then uses this processed position information to control speaker output. This intermediary processing step simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complex measurement and calculation tasks.
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 system effectively draws attention to specific products in large retail environments by ensuring clear, directed sound delivery to individuals, adapting output levels based on listener position and movement, enhancing the effectiveness of sound advertising.
Implementation Method 1
The directional audio systems often use ultrasound waves to transmit audio in a directed beam of sound
Implementation Method 2
a processor that determines a position of the person from the acquired sensing information
Data Source
AI summary
A sound reproducing apparatus and a sound reproducing method are provided. The apparatus includes multiple directional speakers located at different places, an information acquisition unit configured to acquire sensing information of a person to be provided with a reproduced sound, and a processor that determines a position of the person from the acquired sensing information and controls output levels of the multiple directional speakers. The method includes the steps of acquiring sensing information of a person to be provided with a reproduced sound, determining a position of the person from the acquired sensing information, and controlling output levels of the directional speakers. The output levels of the speakers are determined based on the distance from the person.