Distributed Audio Sub-Modules for Position-Based Sound Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio apparatuses often fall short in providing uniform sound coverage in complex spaces due to their single-device structure and require manual interface manipulation, which can be inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
An audio apparatus comprising multiple sub-modules with processors that determine user position and adjust sound output accordingly, allowing for optimized sound distribution and voice-controlled operation without direct manual interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single audio apparatus is used, then the structure is simple and ease of manufacture is improved, but the sound coverage in complex spaces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The audio apparatus is divided into multiple sub-modules that can be distributed throughout the space. Each sub-module contains a processor, loudspeaker, and communicator, allowing the system to cover larger and more complex areas while maintaining manageable individual component complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point audio source to a distributed spatial network of sub-modules. By adding the spatial dimension of multiple locations, the sound coverage area is dramatically expanded to accommodate complex room layouts with walls and structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If an audio apparatus has many functions, then the versatility is improved, but the interface requires physical manipulation which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button interfaces with voice recognition technology. The processor analyzes audio signals to recognize commands, allowing users to control multiple functions through speech rather than physical manipulation, thereby maintaining versatility while dramatically improving ease of operation
3Area of stationary object
If multiple sub-modules are used, then the sound coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sub-module is designed as a universal unit containing identical core components: processor, loudspeaker, and communicator. This standardized multi-functional design allows any sub-module to perform any function, reducing overall system complexity through interchangeability while maintaining extensive sound coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (audio processing, communication, position determination) into integrated sub-modules. By merging these functions into unified units rather than separate components, the system reduces complexity while achieving comprehensive sound coverage across the space
Data Source
AI summary
An audio apparatus adaptable to a user position is provided. The audio apparatus may include a plurality of sub-modules placed at separate locations from one another, each sub-module of the plurality of sub-modules including a loudspeaker configured to generate sound and a communicator configured to perform communication. The first sub-module among the plurality of sub-modules may include a processor that processes an audio signal to be output as sound through the loudspeaker of the first sub-module, determines a user's position with respect to each of the plurality of sub-modules, and changes a state of the sound being output from the loudspeaker of the first sub-module in accordance with the determined position of the user.